Review: Catlin Gabel fan favorite dining spots battle for supremacy between the Eastside and the Westside
By Erin Chow ‘25
Photo by Eva Vu-Stern ‘24
Portland, Ore. is a hidden food gem in the United States, known for its diverse food culture, growing number of restaurants, and flexibility for those with dietary restrictions. The city is divided into two sides: the Eastside and the Westside, leading foodies to debate about which side hosts the most delicious restaurants.
Recently named “the food capital of America”, Portland soared past competing cities in terms of winning the most James Beard awards (which “recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts”) at the James Beard ceremony in Chicago this past June. Aside from this, Portland is constantly highly ranked amongst bigger cities in the United States for its food scene from its versatility in options from casual to formal restaurants, pricing, and best of all cuisines from all across the globe.
Oftentimes, determining what to eat for the day in a city like Portland can become one of the harder decisions to make. It's common to choose something convenient, perhaps close by, but why not explore past the street of restaurants that have become a family routine? Here are Catlin Gabel's student and faculty favorites that should be considered the next time choosing a restaurant is a stumped task.
Eastside
Breakfast
Image Courtesy of Broder Cafe
2508 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR
For a smaller, more cozy setting go down Clinton Street for a casual Scandinavian breakfast or lunch at Broder Cafe. Its minimal seating can often lead to a line on a busy weekend; however, the food will not disappoint.
Broder Cafe is known for having traditional Scandinavian dishes such as Danish pancakes, a Norwegian potato crepe, and Swedish hash. Each of the dishes are proportioned for easy sharing in a “family-styled” format. In case all the indoor seating gets snatched up or timely waits scare you off, make sure to stop in on a sunny day for the outdoor seating options which are perfect for enjoying the weather and the Scandinavian meal.
Image Courtesy of Little T American Baker
2600 SE Division St, Portland, OR
Guided by four elements: "flour, science, hands, and heart," Little T American Baker is a neighborhood favorite for its pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Their homemade bread is also a favorite amongst visitors.
Catlin Gabel School (CGS) English teacher, Ginia King, describes Little T American Baker as “one of the best bakeries in town.” Little T American Baker also allows indoor seating, although space is limited. King recommends going there for, “a bite to eat” or to “pick up bread for later on.”
Image Courtesy of Wallflower Coffee Company
3158 SE Division St, Portland, OR
A great workplace and coffee shop, Wallflower Coffee Company, is known for its variation in coffee and comforting atmosphere. It's a great place to try out new coffee types such as the lavender honey latte. An ideal place to study or work, Wallflower Coffee Company's cozy environment is created through a variety of aspects including the indoor fireplace.
Dinner/Lunch
Image Courtesy of Tight Tacos
3060 SE Division St Portland OR
2707 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
Consistently serving up tasty authentic Mexican food, Tight Tacos, makes for a great informal place to eat. Its speedy food service makes it popular among families. Tight Tacos also specializes in having a variety of protein options for those who are vegetarian or vegan such as impastor, which consists of cauliflower mixed with al pastor marinade, and soyrizo, a soy-based sausage alternative. Everything from tortillas to marinated meats is created homemade using family recipes from scratch.
Image Courtesy of Kati Portland
2932 SE Division St, Portland, OR
Kati, a vegetarian-vegan Thai restaurant, is known for its authentic food while also catering to dietary restrictions. Experimenting with new dishes can be easily done with Kati’s extensive menu, however, the classics always deliver. The panang curry, ba special, and sukho Thai bowl are some of King’s favorites, especially for a “cold winter’s day”.
“If you like spicy food, don’t get spicy, get medium,” King adds. The spice levels can be quite a shock for some, so King recommends choosing medium or even a level lower.
Image Courtesy of Cibo
3539 SE Division St, Portland, OR
Cibo, a restaurant that managed to survive in 2020, is located “in the heart of SE Portland.” Home to great Italian comfort food, Cibo’s is the perfect place when craving a delicious pizza, bowl of pasta, or classic Sicilian food such as arancini (rice balls that are stuffed and coated with breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried). While Cibo leans towards the pricier side, it makes for an occasional family outing and is a place worth coming back to.
Image Courtesy of Oregon Live
8737 N Lombard St, Portland, OR
With a constantly shifting menu, Pastificio d’Oro specializes in seasonal menus where they hand-make rotating antipasti, pasta, and desserts. Each pasta dish has one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian pasta option.
Although CGS Librarian Derek King has only been there once, he plans on making another trip back to try additional seasonal menu items. One specific aspect of Pastificio d’Oro that King appreciates is its simple menu that doesn’t have a lot of items.
“They are just focusing on doing something simple and they are doing that thing really well,” King highlights.
On his one stop in, King decided to indulge in the seasonal dessert panna cotta, and described it to be “amazing”.
“I’m afraid to get another panna cotta because I’m afraid it won’t be as good,” King said.
Westside
Breakfast
Image Courtesy of Biscuits Cafe
Biscuits Cafe on Barnes & Miller
460 SW Miller Road Suite #A Portland, OR
A popular breakfast spot in a convenient location (near QFC grocery store), Biscuits Cafe is recognized as being a “homey place” with plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, Biscuits Cafe also makes thirst-quenching drinks. For CGS Junior, Henry Beckerman his favorite is the mango lemonade, which he pairs with the chicken tenders and fries.
Image Courtesy of HunnyMilk
1981 W Burnside St, Portland, OR
With a good mix of savory and sweet options to choose from, HunnyMilk makes for a lovely brunch spot. It is recognized by an assortment of food critics from The Oregonian to The Portland Mercury which have reviewed HunnyMilk quite highly. CGS junior Ryan Turner is drawn to HunnyMilk primarily for its “unique dishes.” His favorite is the Monte Cristo-Nut, “a corn flake french toast fritter with manchego fondue, green pepper marmalade, smoky ham, and thyme.”
Image Courtesy of Stepping Stone Cafe
2390 NW Quimby St, Portland, OR
Famous for their plate-sized pancakes, known as “mancakes” Stepping Stone Cafe also serves American comfort food with a diner-like atmosphere. The space is cozy and overall a fun setting to eat in especially when being served by amazing thoughtful staff. It's important to note, however, that Stepping Stone Cafe can build a line quite quickly on busy days such as the weekends but the food tends to make up for it.
Dinner/Lunch
Image Courtesy of Dough Zone
1910 S River Dr, Portland, OR
2645 SW Cedar Hills BLVD, Suite#105 Beaverton, OR
Dough Zone, a popular Chinese cuisine restaurant, has two locations on the Westside. It makes for a great dining experience with its affordability and variation in dishes from baozi (Chinese steamed buns) to noodle dishes.
“It's one of my favorite restaurants. I go there all the time. I love it,” Beckerman said. When it comes to favorite foods, the soup dumplings at Dough Zone are among Beckerman’s top picks, and they never fail to impress.
Image Courtesy of Eater Portland
678 SW 12th Ave Portland Oregon
7237 Bridgeport Rd Tigard Oregon
Fast, casual, and simple, Tanaka makes traditional Japanese comfort food. Tanaka is especially known for their katsu sandwiches which can be ordered in two versions: classic and spicy. Other than their katsu sandwiches, Tanaka has crunchy French fries that elevate the meal further. Its popularity has grown, leading the restaurant to become busy at times but worth the wait.
Image Courtesy of Pho Van Restaurant
11651 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton, OR
With great customer service and traditional Vietnamese food, Pho Van is known for their pho noodle soups with beef to their smaller appetizer dishes such as the salad rolls with shrimp. Pho Van also elicits a homey feel from its inviting warmth to its comfortable and cozy booths.
For CGS ninth-grader Deniz Avci, her love for the restaurant was influenced by her mother as it was one of her mom’s favorite restaurants. She recalls her mother taking her and her brother to the restaurant for the first time which has now led to a developed fondness for the restaurant.
“We don’t go out all the time, but if we were to go to a pho or soup place, we would definitely go to Pho Van,” Avci emphasizes.
Image Courtesy of Dolly Olive
527 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR
A well-known Sicilian restaurant, Dolly Olive is often praised for its food being a showstopper. Everything made is from scratch including the ciabatta which CGS Spanish teacher Melissa Bertrán deems “absolutely delicious.” The food’s flavor is undeniably rich which is why Bertrán finds Dolly Olive ideal for occasional visits.
Westside & Eastside Locations
Image Courtesy of Plate and Compass
1131 NW Couch Portland, OR
2337 E Burnside Portland, OR
Owners of Screen Door who grew up in South Louisiana, aimed to create a restaurant where the food cycle of local material sources, history, and passion for food could be wrapped together to be appreciated. With locations on both the Eastside and Westside, it makes for a convenient and delightful spot whenever guests come to visit or for a family meal. Although Screen Door is primarily walk-in it does allow for limited reservations.
Image Courtesy of Scottie's Pizza Parlor
2128 SE Division St, Portland, OR
685 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR
For a single slice or whole pizza, Scottie’s Pizza Parlor makes handmade pizzas using Pacific Northwest ingredients from the dough to the tomatoes. Scottie’s is also continuously named as one of the places to find “exceptional pizzas” as Portland continues to grow as a “pizza city.” Originating as his idea, Scottie, himself started up his restaurant with the help of his mother.
“It's a family theme. It’s Scottie making the food,” said Bertran. Her personal favorites include pizza bianca (fresh and aged mozzarella, ricotta, basil, garlic oil, and crushed red chile) or a classic white pizza.
Each of these restaurants is unique and help create the food city Portland is today. From the Eastside’s diverse restaurant layout of vegetarian-vegan Thai and homemade authentic Mexican tacos to the Westside’s traditional Sicilian dishes and Vietnamese beef pho, the scene of variety in cuisine is endless. So which side of Portland boasts the tastiest food? Try out these restaurants and find out for yourself.