Portland’s food scene has long punched above its weight, earning accolades from coast to coast. But beyond the craft cocktails and new American bistros is a deeper story told through simmering broths, fire-kissed flatbreads, and spice blends passed down through generations. The city is home to chefs and families who bring their culinary traditions from across the world, offering locals a way to travel by taste.
This isn’t your typical passport tour: it’s a celebration of both heritage and reinvention. From a Nigerian barbeque pop-up to a lively Puerto Rican restaurant where every detail celebrates island culture, Portland is rich with stories of diaspora, migration, and the flavors that tether us to home.
If you’re feeling stuck in your dining routine, take this as your invitation to explore. Here are eight international restaurants that will transport you far beyond the peninsula, no flights required.
Jing Yan
90 Congress St.
Named after the swallow native to Beijing, this stylish neighborhood spot in the East End draws on Chinese, Korean, and other pan-Asian influences to create a rotating, seasonal menu full of surprises. One night might bring seaweed pesto burrata and Chinese numbing wings while another might bring creamy chili noodles and duck ramen. Don’t skip the hand-crafted cocktails, including the Eastern Promenade and the Sichuan peppercorn-infused Hot Pot.
jingyanrestaurant.com | @jingyan_portland
Oga Suya
41 Fox St.
A hidden gem serving the bold, smoky flavors of Nigeria. Their namesake suya—thinly sliced meat grilled over fire with a peanut spice rub—is a must. Pair it with fragrant jollof rice and a fried plantain for a feast as flavorful as it is comforting. Catch their pop-ups at the Portland Zoo Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday.
ogasuya.square.site | @ogasuyamaine
Asmara
51 Oak St.
For nearly 20 years, Asmara has introduced Portlanders to the rich flavors of Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. Meals are served on a spongy, fermented flatbread called injera that’s meant to be shared. The vegetarian sampler is great for small groups and offers a taste of all Asmara’s vegetarian dishes, from spicy potatoes to stewed lentils.
asmaramaine.com | @asmaramaine
Oun Lido’s
30 Market St.
From the team that brought you Cong Tu Bot, this Khmer American cafe in Bayside offers a menu that’s as heartfelt as it is inventive. Try their hot lemon chicken, bao breakfast sandwich, or the griddle-fried dry noodles with sweet soy curry or braised beef. Recently named to Esquire magazine’s list of the Best New Restaurants of 2024, Oun Lido’s is a delicious homage to Cambodian comfort food and family legacy.
ounlidos.com | @oun.lidos
Yardie Ting
28 Monument Square
Located in the Public Market House, Yardie Ting is a no-frills spot dishing up big Caribbean flavors. The jerk chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender with just the right amount of heat. Curry goat, oxtails, and Jamaican patties round out the offerings, all served with a smile. Grab a Ting soda and soak up the good vibes.
yardieting.com | @yardieting
Papi
18 Exchange St.
An ode to Puerto Rico in the heart of the Old Port, Papi is where vibrant hospitality meets island-inspired cuisine. Think crispy empanadas, slow roasted pork shoulder, and guava-spiked cocktails. The space feels like a party with glowing lights, Latin beats, and joyful energy. Come hungry, stay late.
papiportland.com | @papiportland
Quanto Basta
249 Congress St.
This food truck turned Italian kitchen specializes in pizza Napoletana: wood-fired, thin-crust pies with a perfectly blistered edge and tender center. Toppings highlight quality ingredients from local farms, from garlicky bitter greens and arugula to house-made fennel sausage. The vibe is cozy and unfussy, making it an ideal stop for a slice of Naples right here in Portland.
quantobasta.me | @quanto_basta_me
Magissa
91 Anderson St.
Offering Greek comfort food with flair, Magissa brings the warmth of the Mediterranean to southern Maine. Think lemony avgolemono soup, kalamari, and souvlaki-style gyros. The space is modern yet inviting, with a curated mezze menu perfect for sharing. Pro tip: order the sticky-sweet baklava for dessert.
magissaportland.com | @magissaportland