BEST OPENINGS OF 2022

Afuri Ramen + Dumpling Like List
This much-buzzed-about Tokyo ramen chain with locations in Beaverton Like List , Buckman Like List , and Old Town-Chinatown Like List opened an outpost in Slabtown in May. The location serves the chain's specialty, a bright, delicate yuzu shio ramen, in addition to hazelnut vegan and pork-style tantanmen, tsukemen, small plates, gohan, winged gyoza, and more, and offers customers a clear view of the ramen-making process.
Slabtown
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Akadi Like List and House of Flavor Like List
Portland's acclaimed West African restaurant Akadi, which was on hiatus for over a year, reopened with an expanded menu in a new, bigger space at 1001 SE Division St. in May. Better yet, chef and owner Fatou Ouattara also launched a new grocery store called House of Flavor, with locally grown African fruits and vegetables, house spice blends, house-made sauces, and other ingredients, plus African beer and wine. The shop plays its own original videos educating visitors on how to use the ingredients.
Hosford-Abernethy, Boise
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Bee's Custom Cakes Like List
Chef and owner Rebecca "Bee" Powazek launched this brick-and-mortar bakery last spring. Cakes range from funfetti rainbow chip to orange poppyseed to carrot with coconut and pineapple. 
Roseway
Pickup, delivery

Bing Mi Dumpling and Noodle Bar Like List
The popular jianbing cart Bing Mi Like List started the year off strong back in January with a new Northern Chinese-focused dumpling and noodle bar. The menu features zha jiang mian ("fried sauce noodles," a dish with wheat noodles tossed in a thick soybean sauce) with both vegan and pork belly variations, as well as pork and Napa cabbage dumplings, beef and celery dumplings, plant-based Impossible meat dumplings, Chinese sausage fried rice, roasted duck fried rice, and mushroom tofu fried rice.
Nob Hill
Pickup

Bluto's Like List
Early this year, Rick Gencarelli, the chef behind Lardo and Grassa, opened this playful wood-fired Greek restaurant, named for the rowdy Animal House character played by Jim Belushi. The menu centers around souvlaki (grilled skewers) and is supplemented by ouzo mojitos, hummus, flatbread, salads, vegetable sides, chicken lemon orzo soup, Greek potatoes, and soft serve with toppings like halva, honey, and tahini magic shell.
Sunnyside
Pickup, dine-in

Canard Like List
Gabriel Rucker and Andy Fortgang's smash-hit cafe and wine restaurant Canard Like List debuted a new Oregon City location last summer. In addition to established favorites like steam burgers, oeufs en mayonnaise, and foie gras dumplings, the outpost also serves dishes like ricotta gnocchi with corn, tomatoes, and basil and smoked pork chops with scallion pancakes and nectarine XO sauce.
Oregon City
Dine-in

Dough Zone Like List
Washington's rapidly expanding dumpling destination Dough Zone opened its highly anticipated Portland location in the former River Space event venue in April. The restaurant is known for its juicy xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and signature "q-bao" (pan-fried steamed buns).
South Waterfront
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Fools and Horses Like List   
Pink Rabbit Like List owner and manager Collin Nicholas debuted this throwback steakhouse-inspired bar with rare whiskeys, a raw bar, and retro cocktails in the former Vault Cocktail Lounge Like List in October.
Pearl District
Pickup, dine-in

Gabbiano's Like List
David Sigal and Blake Foster, the duo behind the cocktail pop-up Zoo Bar, opened this red sauce Italian-American restaurant in Concordia in January, with a menu that includes chicken parmesan, mozzarella sticks, meatballs, duck marsala, sourdough ricotta gnocchi, lamb shank osso bucco, and other comforting dishes.
Concordia
Pickup, dine-in

Ice Queen Like List
The plant-based paleta business Ice Queen, which has received praise in the past from Mercury arts and culture editor Suzette Smith, opened its new brick-and-mortar retail shop in Hosford-Abernethy in October, offering hand-dipped paletas, “Thiccflurries,” floats, and more.
Hosford-Abernethy
Pickup, dine-in

Jacob & Sons Like List
This Jewish deli and catering business, which opened in November, serves specialties such as pastrami, corned beef, knishes, babkas, challah, Reuben sandwiches, deli salads, matzo ball soup, and pickles.
Pearl District
Pickup, delivery

Janken Like List
Chef Rodrigo Ochoa has assembled a dream team of chefs, including Gabby Martinez of the pop-up Sweet Creature and Luna Contreras of the pop-up Chelo Like List , at this elegant new Japanese-Korean restaurant, which debuted last month. The menu features dishes like Peking duck, miso black cod, mushroom tempura, Korean short ribs, strawberry cheesecake bingsu, and matcha mille-feuille, as well as a selection of craft cocktails.
Pearl District
Dine-in

Jojo Like List
The fried chicken cart known for its crispy poultry and cheeky social media presence opened its brick-and-mortar restaurant in the former space of Daily Cafe Like List last fall. Owner Justin Hintze brought his popular menu of over-the-top comfort food like double-fried jojos, smash burgers, and smothered fried chicken sandwiches to the glam '70s-inspired digs, along with new specials like the "Mr. Onion" (an allium-packed smash burger with chipotle mayo, caramelized onions, American cheese, white onions, fried shallots, chives, and pickles on a butter roll) and new vegan versions of every sandwich on the menu. Eem Like List bartender Ashelee Wells has created a "smashable" drink menu with milkshakes, slushies, and cocktails, while pastry chef Christina Hoover serves cheesecakes, cookies, and rotating desserts like pavlovas and sundaes. 
Pearl District
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Kann Like List
Top Chef star Gregory Gourdet unveiled his highly anticipated wood-fired Haitian restaurant Kann, which has been in the works for over three years, in August, serving dishes like akra (crispy taro root fritters), coffee-rubbed and smoked beef ribs, and twice-cooked griyo (Haitian fried pork). The restaurant also features downstairs pan-Caribbean bar called Sousòl Like List (Haitian Creole for "basement"). Gourdet has been vocal about his sobriety, and both the bar and restaurant offer plentiful zero-proof options in addition to cocktails, beer, and Oregon wine.
Buckman
Dine-in

Masala Lab + Market Like List
The team behind DesiPDX opened this restaurant specializing in Indian-inspired brunch and pastries at the end of July, with comforting dishes like pakora waffles and a reimagined BLT (ghee-toasted New Cascadia sourdough, tomato chutney, house spiced bacon, ghee fried egg, and arugula).
Sunderland
Pickup, dine-in

Mis Tacones Like List
The queer Chicanx-owned vegan taqueria pop-up Mis Tacones, known for its tacos, tortas, papas nachos, and Cali burritos, launched a brick-and-mortar in the former Tiffin Asha space on Killingsworth in February.
Vernon
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Old Pal Like List
Partners Emily Bixler and Jeremy Larter opened this cozy, seasonally driven neighborhood spot at the end of June. The restaurant serves snacks like housemade pickles and gougères, jarred and tinned fish, plates like grilled asparagus and heirloom tomato gazpacho, larger dishes like risotto and ricotta gnocchi, housemade ice cream and sorbetto, and a selection of cheeses from Cowbell.
Sunnyside
Pickup, dine-in

Pacific Standard Like List   
Star bartenders Jeffrey Morgenthaler and Benjamin Amberg, best known for their tenures at the influential Clyde Common Like List , opened this hotel bar inside KEX Portland Like List last spring. The roster of classic cocktails is inspired by "the world's great hotel bars," while others, like the Lobby Irish Coffee and Draft Michelada, pay tribute to Morgenthaler's California upbringing. There's also a selection of beer and wine from the small, local producers Morgenthaler and Amberg have developed relationships with over the course of their career, primarily served on draft. The food menu features bar snacks like deviled eggs, Walla Walla onion dip with Ruffles chips, and Morgenthaler's famed chocolate chip cookie. The duo also plans to open a Pacific Standard Like List location in Salem in February.
Kerns
Dine-in

Pah! Like List  
This food stand serving classic pub grub opened within The ZED Like List brewery and food hall (formerly Zoiglhaus Brewing) last summer. The business is Latinx-owned, queer-owned, and deaf-owned—the word "pah!" is slang in American Sign Language for "finally," "it's about time," "at last," or "eureka" and carries positive connotations in deaf culture.
Lents
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Paladin Pie Like List  
Leo Brill, an alum of Scottie's Pizza Like List and Nostrana Like List and former chef de cuisine at Oven & Shaker, opened this Dungeons and Dragons-inspired wood-fired pizza cart at the NE 23rd and Alberta pod in March, slinging sourdough-fermented pies in varieties like cheese, pepperoni, Hawaiian, and buffalo chicken, with vegan options, house-made ranch, grilled vegetables, and salads.
Alberta
Pickup, dine-in

Milk Money Like List
Pastry chef Jess da Silva recently unveiled this new small-batch bakery in the former Cafe Reina space, serving baked goods like macarons, ham and Gruyere croissants, and wildflower honey sea salt pie (with honey she harvests herself from her own beehives!).
King
Pickup, dine-in

Mister Goose Like List
Last summer, William Steuernagel, the founder and co-owner of the dairy palace Cheese and Crack Like List , launched this old-school shop specializing in steamed sandwiches in tribute to a bar his grandparents ran in Kansas City in the '70s. A Midwestern delicacy, steamed sandwiches are a style of meat and cheese sandwich, steamed and served piping hot. All sandwiches at Mister Goose come with a Franz hoagie roll, creamy havarti cheese, house-made herb spread, and the filling of your choice (ham, turkey, roast beef, pepperoni, or mushrooms). Besides that, the pared-down menu features mac salad, cucumber salad, tomato soup, Miller High Life, and cocktails.
St. Helens
Pickup, dine-in

Nico's Ice Cream Like List , Nico's Cantina Like List , and Nico's Coffee Like List
Nico's Ice Cream owner Nico Vergara has certainly been busy this year. Following the late 2021 opening of his Cully brick-and-mortar ice cream shop, he opened a Mexican bar and restaurant in Cully in September. Vergara was inspired by the lively cantina scene of Guadalajara, where he lived for a year; consequently, the bar serves free botanas (snacks) like peanuts and chicharrones alongside tacos, ice cream, and mezcal- and tequila-based drinks. Next, he debuted a new cafe called Nico's Coffee, serving empanadas, chicha cold brew, and cafecito, in October. And most recently, he opened a second ice cream shop in Humboldt in early November.
Cully, Vernon, Humboldt
Pickup, dine-in

Norah Like List
The team behind Mestizo Like List opened this new sister restaurant serving plant-based pan-Asian fare with Pacific Northwest ingredients on Belmont earlier this month. The spot's name comes from a traditional dance performed at celebrations and community gatherings in Southern Thailand, where co-owners Nan Chaison and Prae Nobnorb grew up. Dishes include tom yum tofu "wings," lotus root salad, crispy curry rice salad, mushroom wonton soup, volcano tempura noodles, and coconut caramel bananas.
Sunnyside
Dine-in

No Saint Like List and Mattino's Like List
Husband-and-wife team Anthony Siccardi and Gabriella Casabianca's pizza pop-up No Saint recently took over the former Handsome Pizza Like List /Seastar Bakery Like List space and is now slinging salads, antipasti, pizza, and pasta (currently available for takeout only until January). Not only that, but the couple has also launched a natural wine bottle shop and luncheonette called Mattino's in Southeast Portland.
Vernon, Southeast
Pickup

Phuket Cafe Like List
Chef and restaurateur Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom, the man behind Eem Like List , Hat Yai, and Langbaan Like List , and his business partner Eric Nelson opened this restaurant inside the former Ataula Like List space in March. The menu is just as innovative and fun as you'd expect, with steaks, pork chops, oysters, paella, ceviche, smoked trout, peanut brittle, cheese-stuffed roti, carrot coladas, cucumber relish Collins, Thai tea Irish coffees, ume plum old fashioneds, and more. 
Nob Hill
Pickup, dine-in

Rangoon Bistro Like List
The farmers market fixture Rangoon Bistro, known for its locally sourced Burmese dishes, opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant inside the Breathe Building Like List  in Southeast Portland in March. The menu features comforting dishes like si chet khao swe (Umi Organic wheat noodles, black pepper, soy sauce, crispy garlic, and yu choy, with roasted pork shoulder or soy-roasted mushrooms) khao pyan sane (large flat rice noodle dumplings with sweet chili sauce and scallions), and chicken danbauk (chicken with aromatic rice, cashews, raisins, and peas), plus a selection of thokes (salads). To drink, there's Burmese tea and sweet coconut milk with toasted salt.
Richmond
Pickup, dine-in

Scholar Like List  
In addition to traditional Italian fare and craft cocktails, this spot on NE Broadway, which opened in early September, serves some dishes that are decidedly not your nonna's cooking, such as buffalo chicken livers and fried Brussels sprouts with popcorn.
Sullivan's Gulch
Pickup, dine-in

The Sports Bra Like List
In April, chef-owner Jenny Nguyen opened this women-focused sports bar and restaurant with a name inspired by a long-standing joke between her and her friends. The establishment shows women's sports, including Portland Thorns games and ATA Football matches, on the TVs and highlights offerings from women-owned businesses on its menu, such as booze from Freeland Spirits Like List , beef from Carman Ranch, and produce from Vibrant Valley Farm. Nguyen's menu of classic pub grub features family recipes like "Mom's baby back ribs" and "Aunt Tina's Vietna-wings."
Sullivan's Gulch
Dine-in

Tanaka Like List
The team behind Afuri opened this Japanese bakery in the former Blue Star Donuts Like List space in downtown Portland last June. The Osaka-inspired spot specializes in milk bread and serves katsu sandos and cream-filled sandos studded with jewel-like fruit, as well as macarons, malasadas, miso croissants, yuzu meringue tarts, and other baked goods.
Downtown
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Trap Kitchen PDX
The Portland branch of the wildly popular Oakland-based restaurant and catering company Trap Kitchen, which counts stars like SZA and Kendrick Lamar among its fans, opened a new restaurant inside the Roseland Theater Like List in May.
Old Town-Chinatown
Pickup, dine-in

UPCOMING OPENINGS FOR 2023

High Noon Like List
After closing five years ago, the erstwhile Southwestern restaurant High Noon is preparing to reopen in a swanky new location in the Sawbuck apartment complex in Goose Hollow this winter.
Goose Hollow

Le Tacos Like List
Jewan Manuel of Plant Based Papi Like List  has something new up his sleeve: After learning about the phenomenon of "French tacos" (a popular French fast food dish consisting of a flour tortilla grilled and folded around French fries, cheese, meat, and other fillings) in a viral New Yorker article, the chef set out to create a vegan take and plans to open a shop serving them in a TBD location in Northwest Portland. Fillings will include fries or cauliflower, vegan cheese, house-made vegan meats, and sauces.
Northwest

Shop Halo Halo Like List
The Filipino pop-up Shop Halo Halo plans to open a community-centered cafe and bakery serving treats like ube cheese pandesal and blueberry calamansi cheesecake on SE Woodstock this winter. The business is currently raising funds to help cover costs for the space.
Woodstock

Gracie's Apizza Like List and Starter Bread Like List
After it opens in January, the new Gracie's Apizza location will also have an exciting new neighbor: The critically acclaimed Starter Bread plans to open a brick-and-mortar production bakery in the former St. Johns Coffee Roasters space next door in early 2023.
St. Johns