NoPo's Best Restaurants

After reading JGW's review of "Best Cheap Food in Portland", which might include SE to be more accurate, I felt obliged to include my own opinions. And since a shockingly high proportion of peoples in Portland and the world in general lack much knowledge of the great neighborhoods in North Portland, I see it as my duty to fill them in. Without further adieu, here are my picks for NoPo's best (note: cheap is irrellevent to my ranks).


Di Prima Dolci: Located on the corner of N Denver and Killingsworth this Italian bakery kicks some serious ass. Combine good coffee with a good selection of Italian baked goods, and throw in a nice selection of meals in a pleasant atmosphere, and, well, you have a nice place to eat.

My recommendation: A cup of the Di Prima Dolci house coffee, a Maritozzi, and a rum rasin Biscotti.


Thai Ginger: Also just off N Denver, but on N Portland/Rosa Parks, this Thai restaurant wins my vote for best Thai place in Portland in it's price bracket. It is a small place, set in a building with a Papa Murphy's and a Tax man, it doesn't look like much. But the food is consistently good, and the service is perhaps too attentive.

My recommendation: The Pad Kee Mao. Who doesn't love wide rice noodles? Or whatever the special is for the day.


King Burrito: In a divey building on busy N Lombard, the mural on the window depicting a man in a sombrero drooling as he runs to get some food tells you everything you need to know. Cheap prices, large portions, and quick service. Oh, and of course there menudo on the menu.

My recommendation: The veggie chimichanga. Deap fried burrito filled with rice and beans, smothered in guac, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatos? Count me in.


Encanto: So maybe you're looking for a little fancier Mexican fare? Then Encanto is the place for you. Also on N Lombard (although much further west) this place serves exellent and healthy Mexican inspired food (although to be honest, they are a little light on the vegetarian food for my taste). Through in a pleasent atmosphere and a very nice drink menu and you're all set for a nice evening.

My recommendation: The enchiladas. Drowning in either red or green sauce, and served with rice and beans. Yum yum.


The Red Bicycle: Another cafe makes the list? Yep. Also on N Lombard, this little coffee shop serves some mean egg sandwiches and a tasty cup of joe. Their pastries will also do the job. Oh, did I mention their super cute hipster wait staff? Roll it all up, and you'll have yourself a nice little breakfast.

My recommendation: A cup of coffee and their Pain au Chocolat Bread Pudding (breading pudding made out of croissants. Nope, I'm not kidding). Quite possibly one of the best things known to man. Though be warned, they only serve it on weekends.


The Fish Wife: I saved the best for last. My personal favorite restaurant in Portland is also located on N Lombard (in fact the last three restaurants are located within walking distance of each other, and also my house). Judging from the outside you'd think this little sea food place was a dive. You'd be wrong. Their menu has choices for just about any type of sea food lover. They definitely do the traditional deep fried with a side of fries route. But they also take the high road, and their specials are most certainly something to write home about.

My recommendation: Anything on their specials menu (which often includes fancy steak thingies for those of you who are into that kind of thing). If I'm not feeling adventurous, or I'm feeling cheap (the specials can cost a pretty penny) there's always the blackened cod served with garlic mashers, bread, salad, and a side of cooked veggies. Always hits the spot.



So there you have it, one man's take on the restaurants of North Portland (so far at least). Sorry to JGW for stealing any of his thunder, but then they do say that mimicry is the highest form of flattery.