Best Authentic Restaurants in South Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ClackamasPortlandVancouver, WAWestside

Neighborhoods

AlohaBeavertonCedar MillDowntownHappy ValleyHillsboro

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

65 restaurants available nearby

1. Proof•Reader

4.2

Awesome(22)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Our name reflects our devotion to local whiskeys and elevated cocktails while offering you an authentic taste of the Pacific Northwest through our selection of local, high-quality ingredients, 200+ whiskeys, inspired cuisine, and genuine Oregon hospitality.Proof Reader is a culinary gem that artfully blends modern comfort with refined elegance. Nestled in the heart of the city, this eatery boasts a menu inspired by both classic and contemporary cuisine, crafted with locally-sourced ingredients. The intimate, stylish atmosphere complements an innovative dining experience, featuring seasonal dishes and a curated selection of whiskeys, wines, and cocktails. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Proof Reader offers exceptional service and a memorable ambiance. Ideal for food enthusiasts seeking both quality and creativity.

2. Il Terrazzo

4.4

Awesome(782)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Southwest Portland

Booked 11 times today

Incredible Italian Fare & An Amazing Wine Selection Il Terrazzo honors simplicity and history. With a beautiful view of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River diners enjoy an experience unlike any in Portland.

3. Nostrana

4.7

Exceptional(5732)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Southeast Portland

Booked 75 times today

Nostrana—literally ours—invokes local. Simple food from honest ingredients. Pure, regional, Italian. Opened in 2005, Nostrana is Chef/Owner Cathy Whims’ love letter to Italy. This is a restaurant built on relationships: with our amazing farmers and purveyors, our dedicated staff, and of course with you, our guest.We hope to offer something timeless and authentic in a beautiful space, the regional specialties of Italy deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest. We strive to be better every day. We're currently reserving indoor tables and bar seating. When available, outdoor patio reservations may be subject to weather disruptions.A Service Charge of 22% is applied to all checks at Nostrana, providing a professional and equitable wage for all team members.

4. LeChon

4.8

Exceptional(3625)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• South American • Southwest Portland

Booked 47 times today

Lechon is a South American dining experience that seamlessly combines the fiery cooking of Argentina, Chile and Patagonia, along with creative inspiration of the chef. Enjoy perfectly charred 28-day dry-aged ribeye, grilled octopus with chorizo, housemade piquillo pepper and pork empanadas, slow roasted lechon, refreshing ceviches and smoked bone marrow.Executive Chef Jaco Smith consistently pushes the boundaries on traditional Latin fare by incorporating wood-fired flavors into his cuisine while boasting a view of the Willamette River that few Portland restaurants can offer. Smith comes from a large family of cattle, sheep and grain farmers. He started cooking at a young age in his mother’s kitchen. His favorite childhood memories include the tastes of dulce de leche, flan and grilled breads, reminiscent of South American flavors and commonly found on South African kitchen tables.

5. Kachka

4.8

Exceptional(2319)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Eastern European • Southeast Portland

Booked 95 times today

Kachka features an award-winning menu of post-soviet inspired dishes including famous dishes such as the Herring under a fur coat, Rabbit in a clay pot, dumplings and much more. The restaurant is an homage to the dishes our chef/owner grew up eating. Kachka is open for indoor onsite dining. Walk-in lounge and bar seating are also available. Our Lavka grocery is open from 11am-9pm daily with counter service ordering from our Lavka cafe and deli available from 11-3. Seating is first come first serve on our upper patio or indoor lounge tables. We have proudly replaced tipping with a 22% service fee in order to provide a base wage of $25 per hour and free healthcare for all employees. More information is available at kachkapdx.com/wage-equityFor more info about Kachka, and our deli Lavka please visit our website: https://www.kachkapdx.com/about-us

6. Shalom Y'all

4.9

Exceptional(160)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Southeast Portland

Booked 42 times today

Shalom Y'all is an exploration and celebration of the Levant. We combines flavors and dishes from the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East with the produce and proteins of the Pacific Northwest to produce a phenomenal menu. Some standout items include the grilled lamb chops in Greek vinaigrette, the Baharat spiced chicken kebab served over mejadara, and our silky hummus served with fresh baked pita.Shalom Y'all is located in the heart of Eastside Portland, Oregon and boasts a charming, industrial atmosphere featuring exposed cement walls flanked by warm wooden accents. You'll experience innovative yet approachable cuisine, an inspired menu of cocktails and beverages, all in a lively atmosphere.We are currently reserving seating in our Dining Room, our Bar (21+), and our Chef's Counter.

A photo of Taylor Street Tavern restaurant

7. Taylor Street Tavern

4.0

Excellent(150)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

Located across from Director’s Park in the Paramount Hotel, this dual concept engages all the regions of the palate. Taylor Street Tavern polishes the ruggedly natural aspects of the Pacific Northwest into precisely crafted plates for daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. Locally sourced ingredients also make an appearance in the house crafted cocktails and west coast wine selections.Just across the lobby, Swine Moonshine and Whiskey Bar explores the history of the American whiskey tradition, complete with a reclaimed authentic still and extensive whiskey list. Early and late happy hours keep people sipping all night long.

A photo of Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - Pearl District restaurant

8. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - Pearl District

4.7

Exceptional(190)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Thai • Pearl District

Booked 15 times today

Not your typical Thai! We are a Thai New Generation restaurant focusing on bringing you adventurous, bold flavors of traditional and non-traditional dishes using the freshest ingredients. Look out for our nightly specials from regional home cooked dishes to market fried grasshoppers. We are consistently voted the "Best Thai Restaurant" in San Francisco by Michelin Bib Gourmand 2016 - 2019.

9. Le Pigeon

4.8

Exceptional(1662)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Southeast Portland

Booked 22 times today

Le Pigeon serves adventurous French-inspired food, along with a varied selection of wines in an intimate dining room on Portland’s East Burnside Street.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Portland restaurant

10. Fogo de Chao - Portland

4.0

Excellent(4404)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Southwest Portland

Booked 211 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

MA
MaryAnnH
Portland / Oregon •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellence, as expected. Food is always top shelf. Our server made the experience enjoyable!
More info
NostranaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southeast Portland
•
4.7
I
Ivan
Portland / Oregon •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great attitude, excellent service and fabulous dishes. Overall, it was great time at Lechon! Just one thing to consider, the Rib Eye Steak is overpriced. However, is very tasty!
More info
LeChonPrice: Moderate• South American• Southwest Portland
•
4.8
R
Ruth
Portland / Oregon •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Always a wonderful meal. Love this place a lot! It's a must do before the theater.
More info
Il TerrazzoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Southwest Portland
•
4.4
R
Robert
Portland / Oregon •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Kachka always is a treasure to visit! The food is beyond compare, the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is fun!!
More info
KachkaPrice: Expensive• Eastern European• Southeast Portland
•
4.8
B
Becky
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
rank and Shay were absolutely incredible! We stopped in for dinner before a show at the Keller, and the entire experience blew us away. The staff was outstanding — so warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Their recommendations were spot-on, and the food was nothing short of amazing. Every dish was prepared to perfection, and our whole group left happy and excited for the musical. This place is truly a hidden gem, and we can’t wait to come back!
More info
Proof•ReaderPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.2

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