The Pearl District is one of Portland’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and world-class restaurants. With its rich history and cultural diversity, the Pearl is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, the Pearl has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in the Pearl, from casual breakfast spots to upscale dinner destinations.
Breakfast and Brunch
Starting your day off right is essential, and the Pearl has plenty of options for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Original Pancake House
This beloved breakfast chain has been a Portland staple for over 50 years, and its Pearl location is a must-visit. With a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, and omelets, you’ll find something to satisfy your morning cravings. Be sure to try their signature apple pancake, topped with a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping.
Coquine
This charming French-inspired bakery and café serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and quiches. Their breakfast menu changes seasonally, but you can always count on finding something delicious like their famous croissants or a savory quiche Lorraine.
Slappy Cakes
This popular breakfast spot is a fun and lively place to start your day. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative menu items, you’ll find everything from fluffy pancakes to savory breakfast burritos. Don’t forget to try their signature “slap” – a pour-your-own batter pancake that’s a blast for kids and adults alike.
Lunch and Snacks
When you need a break from shopping or exploring, the Pearl has plenty of options for a quick and delicious lunch or snack. Here are a few of our favorites:
Andina
This Peruvian restaurant is a Pearl institution, serving up fresh and flavorful dishes like ceviche, grilled anticuchos, and empanadas. Their lunch menu is a great value, with options like their famous lomo saltado sandwich and a variety of soups and salads. (See Also: Where to Eat in Yaletown? Foodie Delights Await)
Porta
This casual Italian eatery is a great spot for a quick and delicious lunch. With a focus on house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas, you’ll find everything from classic spaghetti and meatballs to more adventurous options like their famous “notorious P.I.G.” sandwich.
Food Carts
The Pearl is home to a variety of food carts, offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Egyptian koshari. Some of our favorites include:
- Grilled Cheese Grill: This popular cart serves up creative grilled cheese sandwiches, like their famous “Thanksgiving” sandwich with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Kaya: This Egyptian cart offers a variety of traditional dishes like koshari, falafel, and shawarma, all made with fresh and flavorful ingredients.
- Waffle Love: This sweet cart serves up delicious waffles with a variety of toppings, from classic butter and syrup to more adventurous options like strawberries and cream cheese.
Dinner
When it’s time for a night out, the Pearl has plenty of options for a delicious and memorable dinner. Here are a few of our favorites:
Le Pigeon
This critically acclaimed restaurant is a must-visit for any food lover. With a focus on creative, farm-to-table cuisine, you’ll find dishes like roasted bone marrow, foie gras, and wild king salmon. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance, as this restaurant is always busy.
Andina
This Peruvian restaurant is also a great spot for dinner, with a wide variety of options like grilled anticuchos, roasted chicken, and seafood paella. Be sure to try their famous pisco sours and explore their extensive wine list.
Renata
This cozy Italian restaurant is a hidden gem in the Pearl, serving up delicious pasta dishes, risottos, and wood-fired pizzas. With a focus on house-made pastas and fresh ingredients, you’ll find everything from classic spaghetti and meatballs to more adventurous options like their famous “pappardelle with wild boar ragu.”
Special Treats
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a unique dining experience, the Pearl has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Here are a few of our favorites: (See Also: Where to Eat in Pigeon Forge Tennessee? Best Local Favorites)
Voodoo Doughnut
This iconic Portland doughnut shop is a must-visit for any sweet tooth. With creative flavors like maple bacon and strawberry jelly-filled, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Be sure to try their famous “Voodoo Doll” doughnut, topped with a pretzel stake.
Cooper’s Hall
This unique dining experience is a must-visit for any food lover. With a focus on creative, farm-to-table cuisine, you’ll find dishes like roasted bone marrow, foie gras, and wild king salmon. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance, as this restaurant is always busy.
Wine Bar
This cozy wine bar is a great spot to relax and unwind, with a wide variety of wines and small plates like cheese and charcuterie. Be sure to try their famous wine flights and explore their extensive wine list.
Recap
The Pearl District is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a romantic dinner, the Pearl has plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to check out our favorite spots, from The Original Pancake House to Le Pigeon, and explore the many unique dining experiences the Pearl has to offer.
FAQs
What are the best breakfast spots in the Pearl?
The Pearl has plenty of great breakfast spots, including The Original Pancake House, Coquine, and Slappy Cakes. Be sure to try their signature dishes, like apple pancakes and slap-your-own batter pancakes.
What are the best food carts in the Pearl?
The Pearl is home to a variety of food carts, offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Egyptian koshari. Some of our favorites include Grilled Cheese Grill, Kaya, and Waffle Love. (See Also: Where to Eat in Baltimore? Foodie Favorites)
What are the best dinner spots in the Pearl?
The Pearl has plenty of great dinner spots, including Le Pigeon, Andina, and Renata. Be sure to try their signature dishes, like roasted bone marrow and wild king salmon.
What are the best sweet treats in the Pearl?
The Pearl has plenty of great sweet treats, including Voodoo Doughnut and Cooper’s Hall. Be sure to try their signature doughnuts and creative desserts.
What are the best wine bars in the Pearl?
The Pearl has plenty of great wine bars, including Wine Bar and Cooper’s Hall. Be sure to try their wine flights and explore their extensive wine lists.