Portland is a unique city that famously feels like a small town. A relatively small part of its downtown is occupied by skyscrapers, and our city blocks pale in comparison to those in other major cities. What seem like normal neighborhood spots to us, like Powell’s Books and the International Rose Test Garden, are actually revered around the world. As someone who has lived my whole life in the Portland metropolitan area, it is easy to become almost too accustomed to all that this city has to offer.
Something else that Portland is known for is its incredible food scene. Some of the best meals in the world are found in this small city that was carved through a forest. For anyone wondering, I’ve been all over the US, from New Orleans to Manhattan, and have dined in many other countries, from France to China. I’ve had a great deal of extraordinary and memorable meals abroad. At the same time, the quality and variety offered here in Portland rival the best of them.
After a six-year hiatus, Portland Dining Month is back for the entire month of March. With more than 100 restaurants participating, there are more than enough options for everyone’s taste buds. Each of these restaurants will be offering three-course meals for either $35 or $55. Honestly, this is a perfect time to take the kids or teens along.
While my wife and I are mindful of where we take our baby and toddler, we still want to expose them to good food and social atmospheres. Because of this, they’re quite accustomed to going out to eat at restaurants. I encourage you to take the leap and bring your little ones out for a meal, too.
For those with teens, this is also a perfect way to spend quality time together in an environment that may not be familiar to either of you. With so many restaurants participating in Portland Dining Month, you can check out other parts of the city and try a meal that may be new to all of you. For my family and me, food is a perfect opportunity to spend time together and try new things. For $35 or $55 per person, the price is more than worth it.
One of the many local spots taking part in Portland Dining Month is Andina, a Peruvian restaurant. If you’ve been before, you’re already aware of just how delicious the food is. If you haven’t, this month is the best time to go. Some of the offerings from their three-course meal include Peking Duck Wings with Crystallized Ginger, as well as Peruvian Fritters for dessert.
Bamboo Sushi, one of my favorite spots in the city for this Japanese delicacy, is serving items such as their Four Piece Island Hopper Roll and their Pan-Seared King Salmon.
Brix Tavern is also offering a great deal by including most of its menu in the three-course selections. I personally love its trendy Pearl District location, as it’s the perfect atmosphere for a night out in the city.
The most difficult part of Portland Dining Month is deciding which restaurants to try. Normandie, a sophisticated restaurant that blends the traditional with the innovative, is including items such as Coffee Chile Spiced Albacore.
Fireside on 23rd is also offering some tasty options, such as their Farro Salad with Caramelized Walnuts and a Warm Chocolate Brownie with Almond Brittle Ice Cream for dessert.
I could go on and on about the other restaurants taking part, like Deschutes Brewery, Oven and Shaker, and Cafe Nell, but it’s probably best to see the full list for yourself on their website. Delicious, creative food is central to Portland’s culture, and this month is the perfect time to celebrate it.
Portland Dining Month’s triumphant return isn’t just a reminder that this city has amazing restaurants. Its long-awaited rearrival is a celebration. The city has changed quite a bit since 2020, tell me a city that hasn’t, but the restaurant scene is just as vibrant as ever. Going out to eat is an experience unlike any other. Enjoying some of your favorite foods while spending time in good company is a beautiful part of being human.
Whether you decide to use Portland Dining Month for a date night or a fun occasion to take the kids, it’s something worth experiencing. It’s also the perfect excuse to try out a new spot or return to one of your favorite places for a solid meal. Food is a defining characteristic of Portland, so take advantage of the month of March to celebrate it in all its gastronomic glory.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.
