With the New Year just around the corner, you might wonder how to spend the holiday weekend with your family and friends. You may even be considering new things to try out in the New Year and get to know your local area better than ever. With that in mind, one fun way to spend an evening out is by trying out new restaurants and cuisines that perhaps you’ve never tried before.
If you are a Portland resident and are wondering what are the best places near you to check out, here is your list of restaurants to visit and celebrate the New Year. Whether you are looking for family-friendly dining, a romantic evening, or perhaps want to try something unique, our list has you covered.
Family-friendly Restaurants
#1 Yalla
#2 Paiku
#3 Holler
Romantic Restaurants
#5 Gino’s
#6 Janken
#7 Terrane
#8 Andina
Unique Restaurants
#9 Hat Yai
#10 Kann
#11 Dough Zone
#12 OX Restaurant
Best Family-friendly Restaurants
#1 Yalla
Yalla is the newest addition from the Sesame Collective restaurant group bringing you a taste of Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy smoked meats, vegetables, and a variety of comfort dishes, with the choice of delivery, takeout, and full service on their outdoor patio. There is food here for the whole family can enjoy!
Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 4 – 9 pm, and 4 – 10 pm on Friday – Saturday
Location: 7850 Southwest Capitol Highway
Recommended Dish: House Smoked Prime Rib
Website: Yalla
#2 Paiku
A brunch can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones if going out at night is not your preference. Paiku’s specialty is a brunch menu featuring a selection of omelets, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and much more. If you are looking for the perfect place to dine out for breakfast or early lunch with your family, you must check out Paiku.
Hours: Thursday – Sunday from 9 am – 2 pm
Location: 7425 North Leavitt Avenue
Recommended Dish: Paiku Omelette
Website: Paiku
#3 Holler
Holler is a local favorite that offers a variety of menu items, from fried chicken and wings to grilled trout, meatloaf, and burgers. With a dedicated space for games and a brunch menu, this is the perfect spot for a family get-together. If you are looking for comfort food that everyone in the family can enjoy, consider trying out Holler to kick off the New Year.
Hours: Mon. – Thu. from 12 – 10 pm, Fri. from 11 am – 11 pm, Sat. from 10 am – 11 pm, and Sunday from 10 am – 10 pm.
Location: 7119 Southeast Milwaukee Avenue
Recommended Dish: Holler Burger
Website: Holler
#4 Tamale Boy Dekum
Founded by Jaime Soltero Jr., Tamale Boy began as a catering company that has since evolved into a food truck business along with brick-and-mortar locations. It is a fun dining option where you can enjoy a seasonal menu (which highlights the cuisine of Mexico) that changes throughout the year. If you have a passion for Mexican food and love the idea of an ever-changing menu throughout the year, consider stopping by Tamale Boy Dekum.
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm, and 11 am – 8 pm on Sunday
Location: 1764 Northeast Dekum Street
Recommended Dish: Norteno Tamale Frito
Website: Tamale Boy Dekum
Best Romantic Restaurants
#5 Gino’s
For a romantic dining experience with your partner, Gino’s offers quality food and wine in a welcoming and warm environment where you can relax and feel at home. You can enjoy classic Italian pasta dishes like Spaghetti, Bolognese, and Lasagna, but also dishes like Seared Salmon and Roast Chicken. All ingredients are freshly sourced from local farms, providing you with the ultimate dining experience.
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 4 – 9 pm
Location: 8051 Southeast 13th Avenue
Recommended Dish: Grandma Jean’s
Website: Gino’s
#6 Janken
If you fancy an evening of Asian cuisine, Janken offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Korean dishes that will delight you and your partner. Janken provides hand-crafted cocktails and a focus on sharing plates, making it the perfect place to bring a date to celebrate the New Year.
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday from 4 – 11 pm, and 4 – 11 pm on Friday – Saturday
Location: 250 Northwest 13th Avenue
Recommended Dish: Smoked Wagyu
Website: Janken
#7 Le Pigeon
If you enjoy excellent food in a creative French-inspired atmosphere, Le Pigeon should be right up your alley. The menu changes every season to bring you a variety of delicacies throughout the year. The subtle brick interior paired with highly curated French recipes and wine is what makes this place an absolute catch for a date night. You can grab a corner table for a romantic night out with your significant other and enjoy foods like Ox Heart, Roasted Swordfish, Iberico pork, and more. Their wine selection is quite lucrative too which compliments the food in every regard.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 5 pm – 10 pm
Location: 738 E Burnside St
Recommended Dish: Foie Gras “Bacon” geoduck chowder, sunchoke, sourdough
Website: Le Pigeon
#8 Andina
Andina has been a part of the Portland community for over 19 years, serving Peruvian cuisine. All ingredients are sourced either locally from Oregon or directly from Chincha, Peru, to celebrate the cuisine’s rich cultural and natural history. For a unique dining experience in a romantic setting, consider bringing your date here next time!
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 5 – 9 pm
Location: 1314 Northwest Glisan Street
Recommended Dish: Gnocchi Escabechado
Website: Andina
Best Unique Restaurants
#9 Hat Yai
Hat Yai takes its name after the southern Thai City of the same name near the Malaysian border, with a menu taking inspiration from the street fried chicken vendors and small curry shops throughout Thailand. If you are a Thai food lover or are eager to try something new, consider visiting this Thai eatery to celebrate the New Year.
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30 am – 9 pm, and open until 10 pm on Friday – Saturday
Location: 605 Southeast Belmont Street
Recommended Dish: Southern Pad Thai
Website: Hat Yai
#10 Kann
At Kann, you will find delightful Haitian cuisine featuring Caribbean and tropical ingredients like Scotch bonnet chili, plantains, and coconut to provide you with unique Haitian dishes and spices. If you are looking for a quaint dining experience with no frills and quality food, Kann is the perfect spot to bring a date or your family.
Hours: Sun., Wed. And Thu. from 4 – 10 pm, and Fri. – Sat. from 4 – 11 pm
Location: 548 SE Ash St, Portland
Recommended Dish: Smoked Beef Ribs
Website: Kann
#11 Dough Zone
Dough Zone is a Dumpling House established in 2014, serving traditional Chinese comfort food with the ability to personalize your meal from over 50 different dishes by mixing and matching. If the idea of enjoying authentic flavors from Chinese comfort food recipes in a modern setting appeals to you, Dough Zone is the place for you.
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 11 am – 10 pm
Location: 1910 S River Dr Portland
Recommended Dish: Xiao Long Bao
Website: Dough Zone
#12 OX Restaurant
Last but not least, the OX Restaurant finds its inspiration from the wood-fired grilling traditions of Argentina and mixes it with the culinary heritage of Spain, France, and Italy. If you are looking for a friendly and comfortable restaurant with a fun and unique vibe, OX restaurant’s offerings are the perfect match for you.
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5 – 10 pm
Location: 2225 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Recommended Dish: Aside Argentino For Two
Website: OX Restaurant
These are some of the best places around Portland to try out new dishes and enjoy fun dining experiences. If you are looking for ways to celebrate the New Year with your family and friends, consider visiting any of these locations for a fun time out!
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