Earlier this week, Eater released its national list of the 14 best new restaurants of 2024. And Portland, as we have come to expect, had a winner: Mémoire Cà Phê.
But that spot isn’t the only excellent new dining option around town.
Brooke Jackson-Glidden, now editor of Portland Monthly, returned to the City Cast Portland podcast with her picks for the five best — in order from most casual to fanciest:
It’s a Vietnamese-American breakfast spot. Jackson-Glidden recommends their savory-sweet waffle, the breakfast burrito, and the breakfast bowl. (Tip: the salsa is unique — and very tasty.)
It’s like an Indian buffet but for Thai food. There are lots of different curries, noodles, and other dishes to try. (Bonus: They’ll let you have a sample if you can’t decide.)
Previously known for its cider, Bauman’s has a casual atmosphere but an exceedingly carefully curated food selection. One example: The bread is made with water from just one natural spring — in Corbett.
🍺 Bar Loon
In Portland dining, it might just be the year of the bar snack. Bar Loon, from the owners of Bellwether, is serving fine food to prove that right.
It’s a restaurant that stays away from soy, dairy, and nuts but manages to be “just straight-up delicious.”
Honorable mentions:
- Bark City BBQ reopened if you’re looking for “knockout Texas-style brisket.”
- And Bar Nina opened in the Les Caves space. (Tip: you can still get the nook.)
Yum’s pizza popup. (Brooke Jackson-Glidden)
Very recently opened or coming soon:
- Fancy Baby: It’s a “French wine bar with a lot of champagne and food from the people at Langbaan.”
- Yum's: A New York pizza chef will open a brick-and-mortar restaurant next year.
- Ollini: A partner spot to Café Olli, it’ll be a place to get pastries and sandwiches or drink wine while waiting for a table at Café Olli.
