# Where to Eat A great web site to visit is Travel Portland: [http://www.travelportland.com/](http://www.travelportland.com). Here you'll find things to do, places to visit, and dining suggestions by neighborhood. During the main conference, breakfast and lunch are included, so all you have to worry about is dinner. The *real* problem is choosing where to go. Portland is a town for "foodies" so the possibilities really are endless. Many restaurants are easily accessible via light rail and streetcar. Here's a map showing the area around the Oregon Convention Center and some restaurants you can choose from. Please note that these restaurants are a suggestion based on recommendations our staff has received from third parties. We have not (yet) had a chance to eat at all of these establishments to personally advise. The Oregon Convention Center is shown on the map with a red marker. The restaurants listed on this page are shown on the map with green markers. Two downtown food truck pods are shown with blue markers. ####A quick note for those interested in shopping The Lloyd Center Mall is shown with a yellow marker. This is the closest shopping area to the convention center. If you take the light rail (MAX) to downtown, there are many other shopping locations. Travel Portland has created a great guide to shopping in Portland [here](http://www.travelportland.com/article/shopping-districts-and-destinations/). Note that Portland is tax free shopping! ## Immediate vicinity The Lloyd District contains the convention center, Oregon's largest mall, and the Moda Center. It offers a full menu of dining options. Here are two recommended restaurants: * **McMenamins on Broadway**, 1504 N.E. Broadway. - A more mainstream menu with burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads and rice bowls. Whatever you order, start with a bowl of their Cajun tots, the perfect pair for any of the local chain’s own spirits, craft brews or wines. * **Altabira City Tavern**, 1021 N.E. Grand Ave. - Atop the roof of the Hotel Eastlund, you'll find beer-centric fare and breathtaking views of the east side, Willamette River and downtown skyline. Dishes range from a Citizen Baker pretzel with beer mustard and smoked salmon schmear to hearty braised rabbit pot pie or smoked beef brisket — all designed to pair with beer from one of 16 local taps. ## Pearl District Features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries. Locals recommend: * **Park Kitchen**, 422 N.W. Eighth Ave. - Nestled in a historic building along the peaceful green swath of the North Park Blocks, James Beard Award-nominated chef Scott Dolich specializes in creating new dishes using local ingredients. * **Deschutes Brewery & Public House**, 210 N.W. 11th Ave. - The pub’s distinct Northwest style brings a taste of Central Oregon to the heart of Portland, and its 18 taps feature Deschutes Brewery staples and seasonal favorites, as well as a selection of experimental beers developed and brewed on-site. ## Old Town Chinatown Home to the famous Portland Saturday Market, Voodoo Doughnut and Lan Su Chinese Garden. Locals recommend: * **Chen’s Good Taste Restaurant**, 18 N.W. Fourth Ave. - A small Cantonese eatery renowned for noodles and barbecued pork. They roast and barbecue all their meats in-house, and offer large portions of traditional fare at low prices. * **Dan & Louis Oyster Bar**, 208 S.W. Ankeny St. - An Old Town landmark well-known locally and around the world, has spent more than 100 years serving the public its signature seafood dishes. Since Louis C. Wachsmuth opened the doors in 1907, five generations have been involved in carrying on the family tradition. ## Portland Food Trucks Portland has a wonderful food cart culture that you shouldn't miss out on. Major spots to find them are between 9th and 10th Ave, and SW Washington and SW Alder streets, as well as on 5th Ave between SW Oak and SW Stark streets. A full list of food trucks can be found here: [http://www.foodcartsportland.com/](http://www.foodcartsportland.com). ## Division / Clinton Southeast Division Street is at the epicenter of Portland's thriving food scene. * **Pok Pok**, 3226 S.E. Division St. - A Portland classic that began as a food cart and went on to international renown. Andy Ricker has emerged as a James Beard Award-winning chef, but his heart and mind remain happily embedded in some nondescript Northern Thai pub — thus the inspiration for the varied hot-sour-salty-sweet shared plates, grilled delights and from-scratch curries and noodle soups that constitute the novelty-filled menu. * **Xico**, 3715 S.E. Division St. - This upscale casual Mexican eatery takes a fresh and seasonal approach to Mexican fare. Xico is committed to quality and sustainability, offering small plates and entrees that cater to both carnivores and vegetarians. ## Belmont Visit this Southeast Portland street for great local flavor and some surprising history. * **Nostrana** 1408 S.E. Morrison - Rustic Italian restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza, wood-grilled amd rotisserie meats, fresh pasta, soups, salads, antipasta, and a large selection of Italian wine. * **Hokusei** 4246 S.E. Belmont - Provides Southeast Portland the ultimate experience in traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. Chefs create traditional Japanese dishes using only the highest quality ingredients for premium freshness and taste. ## Downtown Portland You’ll find everything from budget lunch options at dozens of food carts to fine dining at acclaimed restaurants — nearly all emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients. * **Mother's Bistro & Bar** 212 S.W. Stark St. - Comfort food classics made from scratch, perfected in the hands of four-star-restaurant-trained chef Lisa Schroeder. With melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, pot roast, chicken and dumplings and a different decadent macaroni and cheese daily, home cooking is elevated to a high art for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Mother’s. * **Departure** 525 S.W. Morrison St. - offers a modern take on Asian cuisine in a sleek, cosmopolitan setting with two outdoor decks and stunning views of the city, mountains and river. Chef de Cuisine Gregory Gourdet creates dishes with a modern twist using traditional Asian preparations and Northwest ingredients. ## Hawthorne Colorful residents work hard to keep the area reflecting their indie spirit. As a result, you won’t find many chain restaurants here, so plan on eating adventurously. * **Harlow** 3632 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. - Sister restaurant to the Pearl District’s popular Prasad, Harlow offers mostly vegan, all gluten-free cuisine, including breakfast. * **Apizza Scholls** 4741 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. - This gourmet pizzeria has acquired a loyal local following as well as national media attention. Check out their delectable house pies or build you own, and enjoy an Its-It ice cream sandwich for dessert! ## Northwest Portland / Nob Hill Explore the roots of Portland’s acclaimed dining scene as well as newer favorites along bustling Northwest 23rd and 21st avenues. * **Boke Bowl - Westside** 1200 N.W. 18th St. - Serves ramen with handmade noodles, unique slow simmered dashis, and seasonally changing accoutrements aimed to satisfy carnivores, pescatarians, vegans, and children alike. * **Ataula** 1818 N.W. 23rd St. - Where old and new come together as owners Cristina Baez and Jose Chesa put a modern interpretation on the traditional Spanish ‘tapeo’ culture with dishes rooted in Catalunya and other Spanish regions, updating and advancing their flavors using the Northwest’s bounty of fresh ingredients.