Portland is known as a city for foodies—from nationally renowned bartenders and James Beard Award-winning bakers to mom and pop restaurants, we've got it all. Of course, this coastal town has more to offer than just lobster rolls and oysters. If you read this issue's Lifestyle Letter, you'll know PCL publisher Emily Harradon's favorite dish is the Choo Chee Salmon from Dok Mali, while writer and editor Becca Abramson is partial to the smashburger at Paper Tiger. But where do Portland's chefs, restaurateurs, and bartenders eat when they're not working? Read on to find out.
Evan Richardson
Owner and chef, Cafe Louis and Costa Media
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
Schulte & Herr. They serve humble food, cooked traditionally, and it's the type of restaurant that flies by the wayside of the hype of Portland. You simply feel better when you leave than when you arrived.
What's your favorite dish in all of Portland?
My favorite bite is the mochi bacon from Izakaya Minato, and it's not even close. For a meal, I would have to say the twice fried pork with green chiles from Sichuan Kitchen.
Where’s your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
Izakaya Minato, Schulte & Herr, Sichuan Kitchen, Long Grain, Sammy's Deluxe, Mami, Highroller—it's too hard to pick just one!
Mimi Weissenborn
Chef, Sur Lie and Gather
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
I personally love Sichuan Kitchen on Congress. I'm obsessed with Sichuan cuisine's bold and spicy flavors. There is no other ingredient that can mimic that tingling sensation the Sichuan peppercorn delivers.
What's your favorite dish in all of Portland?
The pork belly steam buns from Pai Men Miyake, which come with thick-cut pieces of juicy pork belly, a tangy gochujang mayo, and a healthy dollop of pepper relish on a soft steamed house-made bun.
Where’s your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
I love eating at Isa in Bayside—the space is cozy, and the food is local and fresh. Plus, the people there are just awesome.
Josh Miranda
Owner, Miranda Group (Henry’s Old Port Pub, Via Vecchia, Blyth & Burrows, Papi, Off Track Pizza)
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
Little Pig. It’s takeout only, so it’s often overlooked, but the food is so good.
What's your favorite dish in all of Portland?
The Tokyo Abura ramen from Pai Men Miyake.
Where’s your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
Right now, I’m working my way through the entire menu at Lucky Cheetah, followed by a Goldie’s Gimlet at Room for Improvement.
Ilma Lopez
Owner and baker, Chaval and Ugly Duckling
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
Schulte & Herr—the food is amazing, and so is the service. For a bar, I'd say Chaval. I know I'm biased, but everyone needs to experience Asher's drinks and the work that goes into them. He doesn't get enough credit.
What's your favorite dish in all of Portland?
The onion tart at Schulte & Herr, the pear and ricotta crostini at Tipo, fried sunchokes at Wayside, and the vodka sauce with prosciutto at Bruno's.
Where’s your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
I love Damian's cooking at home, but for a treat we go to A&C Soda Shop for those buzzy milkshakes. It's relaxing, and the kids love it.
Jordan Rubin
Chef and owner, Mr. Tuna a d Bar Futo, co-owner, Crispy Gai
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
Olive Cafe. I think they're under the radar in a town full of modern, hip restaurants. The shawarma and salads are great healthy options, and they also have a tasty version of a pizza that's basically a pita covered with cheese and toppings.
What's your favorite dish in all of Portland?
The maccheroncelli carbonara di mare at Solo Italiano. All their pastas are amazing, but this one in particular is made with guanciale, tons of seafood, and a sauce thickened with sea urchin.
Where’s your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
My house—but a close second is Tres Leches Cakes Flor in South Portland. The cemitas milanesa de pollo is maybe my favorite sandwich in town.
Nancy Klosteridis & Emily Otero
Owners, Magissa
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
Taj. It's run by a wonderful family that makes incredible food. Every year, they put together community events and give away food on holidays. They deserve all their success and more! —Nancy
Where’s your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
Dutch's. I love eating everything and anything made by those kind, talented, and amazing people. —Emily
Wills Dowd
Co-owner, Bird & Co. and Lucky Cheetah
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
The Local Press is a great neighborhood sandwich spot, but not enough people know about it when I bring it up. Get the Goodlife sandwich—it has Prosciutto, ham, fig jam, amish blue cheese, balsamic, and provolone.
What's your favorite dish in all of Portland?
Red curry with tofu and brown rice at Saeng Thai House on Congress Street, or cheeseburger at Harmon's Lunch in Falmouth.
Where's your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
Bruno's is my favorite spot in town to have a pizza and catch up with buddies.
Jared Dinsmore
Co-owner, Bird & Co. and Lucky Cheetah
What's the most underrated restaurant in Portland?
Mami. What it lacks in decor, it more than makes up for with soul and consistency. The menu is small and concise but well-curated. It’s a mystery to me how it continues to be easily accessible and a great value.
What's your favorite dish in all of Portland?
“Cheeseburgers Loaded” (not loaded cheeseburgers) and a Moxie from Harmon’s Lunch.
Where's your favorite place to eat when you’re not working?
Mr. Tuna’s new brick-and-mortar is my current kick. The Mr. Tuna roll and the sashimi/crudo flight are top-tier highlights. Don’t forget to get a raspberry jam toastie!