Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Waterfront

21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of King Tide Fish & Shell restaurant

1. King Tide Fish & Shell

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

King Tide Fish & Shell in downtown Portland offers an exceptional seafood experience that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Executive Chef Alexander Diestra crafts fresh and inventive dishes using local ingredients, ensuring each plate is both authentic and flavorful. Diners rave about the "amazing seafood tower" and the "delicious lobster rolls," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality. The venue pairs its delectable seafood with "sparkling waterfront views of the Willamette," creating a dining atmosphere that is as beautiful as the cuisine it serves. For a truly memorable seafood experience in Portland, King Tide Fish & Shell is a must-visit.

2. Le Pigeon

4.9

Exceptional(1641)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Southeast Portland

Booked 13 times today

Le Pigeon, nestled in the heart of Portland's vibrant East Burnside Street, offers an unparalleled French American dining experience. Known for its “phenomenal” cuisine, Le Pigeon delights with adventurous, French-inspired dishes that captivate the palate. The restaurant’s dedication to culinary artistry and authentic flavors is evident in every meticulously prepared course, from the foie gras profiterole to the popcorn ice cream. Guests rave about the “flawless service” and “fantastic” wine pairings that elevate each meal. With its intimate setting and innovative menu, Le Pigeon has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, promising an unforgettable dining adventure.

3. Canard - Burnside

4.8

Exceptional(124)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Northeast Portland

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Northeast Portland, Canard - Burnside is a remarkable testament to the art of French American cuisine. This charming eatery, brought to you by the creators of Le Pigeon, masterfully blends the elegance of French culinary techniques with the comforting flavors of American classics. Diners rave about the "absolutely exquisite" foie gras dumplings and the "best seared albacore" they've ever had. The atmosphere is lively, complemented by an impeccable wine selection and service that is "beyond good." With every dish thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavor, Canard promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests "coming back again and again."

A photo of Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton Portland restaurant

4. Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton Portland

4.6

Exceptional(405)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Northwest Portland

Booked 26 times today

Nestled on the 20th floor of The Ritz-Carlton in Portland, Bellpine redefines Contemporary American cuisine with a unique blend of local flavors and culinary artistry. Led by Michelin-acclaimed Executive Chef Pedro Almeida, the menu is a true homage to the rich bounty of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, featuring ingredients sourced from local farms, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean. Diners are treated to an exceptional culinary journey, accentuated by world-class wine selections and spirits crafted by regional distillers. Enthusiasts rave about Bellpine's offerings, noting that "the food was inventive, with fresh ingredients," and praising the "scrumptious chef’s creations" alongside stunning city views.

5. Arden

4.8

Exceptional(1005)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Northwest Portland

Booked 16 times today

Arden, located in Portland's charming Pearl District, is a beacon of authentic Farm-to-table cuisine, celebrated for its "exquisite, seasonal Pacific Northwest dishes" that truly honor nature's bounty. This culinary gem invites guests to indulge in a chef's prix fixe menu, expertly crafted to showcase the freshest regional ingredients. Diners rave about the "superb, flavor-exploding dishes" and the "thoughtful blend of flavors and textures," making each visit a sensory delight. With an award-winning wine program featuring over 250 bottles, Arden is a destination for both food and wine lovers alike, offering a dining experience that's "absolutely not to be missed."

6. OK Omens

4.7

Exceptional(467)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Southeast Portland

Booked 18 times today

OK Omens in Southeast Portland offers a quintessential Northwest dining experience that stands out for its authenticity and quality. Celebrated as a James Beard-nominated gem, this wine-focused restaurant delights with its innovative and eclectic menu, perfectly complementing Portland's vibrant culinary scene. Guests rave about the "phenomenal wine list and menu" and the "creative and inventive" dishes that showcase local flavors. The iconic Oyster Happy Hour, featuring fresh and clean oysters, is a crowd favorite. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and a commitment to showcasing the best of the Northwest, OK Omens promises an unforgettable dining experience.

A photo of Olympia Provisions Southeast restaurant

7. Olympia Provisions Southeast

4.6

Exceptional(1368)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Southeast Portland

Booked 27 times today

Nestled in Southeast Portland, Olympia Provisions Southeast is a culinary gem that brings the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to the Pacific Northwest. Chef Matthew Jarrell masterfully blends rustic Spanish and Mediterranean traditions with locally-sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are both innovative and authentic. Guests rave about the "delightful charcuterie and cheese boards," and the "unique octopus carpaccio," which showcases the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The ambiance, set in a beautifully restored industrial building, adds to the dining experience, making it a "must-visit" for both locals and visitors. With consistently excellent service, Olympia Provisions Southeast stands out as a true Portland treasure.

8. CRAFTpdx

4.3

Awesome(194)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

CRAFTpdx is a Northwest inspired restaurant in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. We specialize in locally sourced, seasonal food & beverage. Our menu inspiration pulls from our teams diverse culinary background, which allows us to offer our guests an ever changing menu selection. We work intimately with local producers and growers, which is reflected not only in our dishes, but also in our curated beverages as well. We invite you to wander in and excite your taste buds with our thoughtfully crafted cocktails & cuisine.

9. Davenport

4.8

Exceptional(746)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Northeast Portland

Booked 3 times today

Davenport shines as a beacon of authentic American cuisine in Northeast Portland, offering a culinary experience that is both simple and sophisticated. Known for its use of premier Northwest ingredients, Davenport has garnered rave reviews for its consistently excellent dishes. Diners praise the restaurant for its "soulful food" and "stellar service," with one reviewer claiming it's "one of Portland's best for over 10 years." Chef Kevin Gibson masterfully crafts dishes that are a testament to American culinary traditions, delivering flavors that are fresh, satisfying, and expertly prepared. Davenport is truly a "Portland gem" that never disappoints.

10. Lilia Comedor

4.8

Exceptional(359)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Southwest Portland

Booked 17 times today

Lilia Comedor stands out as a beacon of American cuisine in Southwest Portland, blending Chef Juan Gomez's Mexican-American roots with Pacific Northwest flavors to create a truly unique dining experience. The restaurant has been recognized by the New York Times as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the Country, a testament to its exceptional quality. Diners rave about the “visually gorgeous, thoughtful, local, seasonal, delicious, creative food” that consistently exceed expectations. The ever-changing menu, driven by hyper-seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ensures a fresh and exciting culinary journey that embodies the authenticity and innovation of American cuisine.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
Viktor
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
If you would think either visit this restaurant or not - definitely yes. Do it, everything about this place is just perfect. Trust me Order whatever you want you would enjoy it like you are first time eating after a month of starving.
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Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton PortlandPrice: Very Expensive• American• Northwest Portland
•
4.6
G
GaynorVIP
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We dined late and the staff person was so gracious and gave us incredible attention even though we were the only diners left in the restaurant. We tried to finish pretty quickly but were not hurried by staff.
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King Tide Fish & ShellPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.4
D
David W.
Portland / Oregon •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I was one if the first people through their front door when they opened a few years ago, and Canard still remains one of the jewels in PDX. Wonderful atmosphere coupled with stellar, genuine service and innovative food to boot! A+++
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Canard - BurnsidePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Northeast Portland
•
4.8
H
Heather
Portland / Oregon •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We started with drinks next store at Canard and then sat at the Counter in Le Pigeon. We enjoyed watching the food prep. We tried everything: the vegetarian menu, the omnivore menu, the reserve wine pairings and the non-alcoholic pairings. We're always impressed with the wine pairings but were really surprised by how good the non-alcoholic pairings were. The menus come with an additional supplemental dish--definitely get the extra dish. This is our favorite restaurant for celebrations and we had a great dinner!
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Le PigeonPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Southeast Portland
•
4.9
S
StewartVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
this is our favorite Portland restaurant. The very best. Food is always amazing and the staff is wonderful. Friendly, while being completely professional , knowledgeable, about the food and wine and very helpful. Couldn’t recommend it more.
More info
ArdenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Northwest Portland
•
4.8

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Waterfront

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. King Tide Fish & Shell

2. Le Pigeon

3. Canard - Burnside

4. Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton Portland

5. Arden

6. OK Omens

7. Olympia Provisions Southeast

8. CRAFTpdx

9. Davenport

10. Lilia Comedor

See what locals rave about

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