Just to be clear I ate way more than 8 great meals this year, but every year a I do a “Best of” list and this is the list. Every year the list will be different, because this is a list of my favorites of all the new places I tried in 2014. So yes places like Cocotte still have my heart as an all time Favorite restaurant, but it won’t be on this list. If you want to see my all time favorites check out My Favorites page. I am always adding to it as I stumble upon new places.
Here is my list of my favorite meals I ate in Portland this year:
Favorite Breakfast – Interurban
They had some of the best Eggs Benedict I have had and a huge added bonus is they are also some of the cheapest in town. Also the poppy seed pancakes with lemon curd were outrageous. We didn’t have a wait when we went, but it was also warm enough that they sat us outside by the fire pits. I should also add that we have been here just for drinks and their bourbon list is crazy long!!
Favorite Dinner – Life of Pie
This is some of our favorite pizza in Portland. We just can’t get enough of it. Even our daughter who had been gone for 4 months asked for Life of Pie as soon as she returned to Portland. We always get the Kale salad too. It’s the best and every other Kale salad gets compared to this one and many don’t even come close. I also have to mention that they have a great happy hour too where you can get the Margherita Pizza for just $5.
Favorite Lunch – Bollywood Theater
I was definitely a late comer on this one. I know people have loved this place and ranted and raved about it for quite some time, but I put it off because it was Indian food. Turns out I love Indian food and now I crave this all the time. If you don’t know what to order just check out my post. I asked all of you, my trusty readers, and the suggestions I got were fantastic. I literally went to the counter with my phone in hand and just said once we’ve ordered enough stop me, and I started down the suggestions from all my readers. Best decision ever!
Favorite Food Cart – Tiffin Asha
Like I said, I love Indian food. I actually tried this food cart and loved it so much I then ventured to Bollywood. They are definitely different in that Tiffin Asha is South Indian street food. Again, don’t be overwhelmed by the menu, just ask them to help you order. They want you to love it, so they are good at helping you order just the right things.
Favorite Burger – American Local
I enjoyed everything I ate here, but their burger is fantastic. It’s a blend of ground beef, short rib and brisket all on a local bun. We both agreed one of the best burgers in Portland.
Favorite Happy Hour – Jamison
This restaurant is just beautiful, so dining here is always enjoyable. I won’t lie, this place is expensive, so Happy hour is the perfect solution to their amazing food at a fraction of the price.
Favorite Discovery – Ya Hala
This place is not new and after I posted that I had been there I got a pretty good response from people that already knew about this place. How had I missed out? All that matters is that I now know about this place and plan to return. If they have the butternut squash hummus order it.
Favorite Suburb Restaurant – Dar Essalam
This gem is located in Wilsonville. Now Wilsonville doesn’t have a lot of good options, but this place is great. I know there are a couple of people that follow me that want me to keep this place on the down low because it does get really busy on the weekends, but I had to say something. This is great Moroccan food with service that is stupendous and you will see this right away. They are really good about helping you order because it is a bit overwhelming.
Favorite Out of Town Discovery – We spent a weekend in Astoria and Bend. Both of which are great places for food lovers and those that also like to take in the great outdoors. Not sure which was my favorite of the two, but both need a revisit because we couldn’t eat at every place we wanted to.
I ate at so many great places this year. Teote was another favorite as well as Oso Market, Navarre ( I love how you order here) and Ataula. Narrowing it down was not easy, but there you go. There are some of my favorites of the year.
What was your favorite place that you ate at this year?
Such a great list! I really need to get over to Ya Hala and American Local! I do love Bollywood. I would also add Ava Gene’s, Maurice, Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery (their salads are so great!) and Oso Market.
Which reminds me, I need to get to Maurice.
thanks for the list. I need a little culinary help right now and it’s nice to have a list of new spots to try. American Local and Cocette are on my 2015 list. Happy new year!