8 Most Expensive Restaurants in Portland

Portland, Oregon, a haven for food enthusiasts, boasts a diverse culinary landscape that caters to various tastes and budgets. Amidst this thriving scene, a select few restaurants stand out not only for their exquisite menus but also for the luxurious experience they offer.

The cost of dining at the most expensive restaurants in Portland transcends the realm of mere sustenance; it’s an investment in a gastronomic adventure. From the impeccable service that caters to discerning palates to the immersive ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal, every aspect is designed to evoke a sense of culinary marvel.

8. Farm Spirit

Image source: Portland Monthly

Farm Spirit, located at 1403 SE Belmont St in Portland, Oregon, is a unique dining experience that embodies the essence of Pacific Northwest Cuisine. The restaurant has gained attention not only for its culinary offerings but also for its innovative approach to reservations and ticketing.

Farm Spirit operates on a distinctive model where dinner tickets must be purchased in advance, mirroring the ticketing system of concerts or sporting events. This approach ensures a more controlled and personalized dining experience, allowing the chefs to prepare a set menu with precision and creativity. The dinner service is available from Wednesday to Saturday, exclusively by reservation.

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Lunch options are available for walk-ins or reservations, providing flexibility for those looking to enjoy the restaurant’s Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine without the need for pre-purchased tickets.

7. Beast

Image source: Wikipedia

Beast, located at 5425 NE 30th Ave in Portland, Oregon, stands as a testament to culinary excellence with a focus on French-inspired cuisine. Owned by Naomi Pomeroy, the restaurant opened its doors in 2007 in collaboration with business partner Micah Camden and sous chef Mika Paredes.

Pomeroy’s vision for the Beast is reflected in its distinctive approach to dining. The restaurant offers a six-course prix-fixe dinner five nights a week, showcasing the bounty of the Northwest with a French culinary influence. The communal setting enhances the dining experience, fostering a sense of connection and shared appreciation for the carefully crafted dishes.

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Despite the restaurant’s temporary closure in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its legacy lives on as the space was repurposed into a market named Ripe Cooperative.

6. Paley’s Place

Image source: Trev’s Bistro

Paley’s Place, a renowned restaurant offering Pacific Northwest cuisine, once graced the Northwest District of Portland, Oregon, at 1204 N.W. 21st Ave. Established in 1995 by chef Vitaly Paley and Kimberly Paley, the restaurant operated within a charming Victorian home, adding to its intimate and bistro-style ambiance.

Chef Vitaly Paley brought years of French culinary training to Paley’s Place, applying it skillfully to locally sourced produce and meat. His commitment to building relationships with local farmers contributed to the restaurant’s acclaim.

Despite its illustrious history and culinary achievements, Paley’s Place bid farewell to diners after their Thanksgiving service in 2021. The

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In 2005, Paley’s Place earned the prestigious James Beard Award, showcasing the chef’s dedication to excellence. Chef Paley’s culinary prowess even earned him a spot on Iron Chef America, where he emerged victorious.

5. Le Pigeon

Image source: Bon Appetit

Le Pigeon, a distinguished French bistro situated at 738 E Burnside St in Portland, Oregon’s Buckman neighborhood, stands as a testament to the culinary prowess of Chef Gabriel Rucker. Remarkably, Rucker embarked on the venture at the young age of 25, opening the restaurant’s doors in 2006.

Despite its modest size, seating only 35 in the intimate dining room, Le Pigeon has earned its place among Portland’s top culinary establishments. Chef Rucker, now a recipient of two James Beard Awards, has curated a menu that blends French and Contemporary American influences, offering a unique and sophisticated dining experience.

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The restaurant’s signature dish, the grilled pigeon, also known as squab, exemplifies Rucker’s culinary ingenuity. Served with “dirty couscous” that includes pigeon hearts, the dish reflects a creative approach to traditional flavors.

4. Nomad

Image source: Portland Monthly

Nomad provides a unique dining experience with two distinct options. Guests can choose the main dining room, which seats 25 and offers a more casual prix fixe dinner comprising 10 courses.

Nomad PDX stands out for its creative and ever-evolving tasting menu, catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The intimate setting with a limited number of seats creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making Nomad PDX an ideal choice for special occasions or romantic evenings.

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The restaurant’s commitment to a modern-naturalist odyssey reflects a dedication to culinary exploration, pushing boundaries, and offering a dynamic and evolving menu.

3. Fukami Sushiya

Image source: Yelp

Fukami Sushiya, nestled at 4246 SE Belmont St. in Portland, Oregon, has swiftly ascended to the upper echelons of the city’s sushi scene since its inception one year ago. Owned by Cody Auger, the restaurant has become a preferred choice for aficionados of raw fish delicacies, building on its reputation even during its previous incarnation as Hokusei.

Despite its relatively brief existence, Fukami Sushiya has emerged as one of the finest dedicated sushi establishments in Portland. The restaurant has garnered rapid popularity, drawing in patrons seeking an unparalleled sushi experience. The evolution from Hokusei to Fukami Sushiya signals not just a change in name but a commitment to refining and elevating its culinary offerings under Auger’s ownership.

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While rooted in Japanese cuisine, the restaurant falls under the broader category of Asian cuisine, showcasing the diverse and rich flavors associated with this culinary tradition.

2. Yama

Image source: Open Table

Yama Sushi & Izakaya, located at 2038 SE Clinton St in Portland, Oregon, stands as a testament to culinary excellence and a deep appreciation for Japanese tradition. Established in 2015, the restaurant is a family-owned gem, owned by Jay S., where a pure passion for cooking and a commitment to harmony shine through.

The establishment prides itself on being one of the finest sushi bars in Oregon, blending a dedication to people, flavors, and the relationship with nature. The chefs at Yama Sushi & Izakaya craft each dish on their innovative menu with high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Delicacies sourced from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the Sea of Japan, are flown in daily to ensure unparalleled freshness.

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Yama Sushi & Izakaya’s commitment to Japanese cuisine is evident in its diverse menu, offering not only sushi but also ramen, all creatively and lovingly prepared.

1. Roe

Image source: Portland Monthly

For $125 a meal, Roe holds the distinction of being the most expensive restaurant in the city. Helmed by Trent Pierce, a three-time James Beard nominee for Best Chef Northwest, and long-time sous chef Patrick Shultz, Roe stands out as an epitome of culinary sophistication and innovation.

The restaurant, which originally operated from an intimate space on Southeast Division since 2012, relocated to its current location in December 2017. Roe is strategically positioned above the Morgan’s Alley shopping corridor, nestled on a partially open mezzanine within the historic Morgan Building dating back to 1913.

What sets Roe apart, contributing to its status as the most expensive restaurant in Portland is the culinary expertise of Trent Pierce and the immersive dining experience it offers. The restaurant provides two menu options through its website, with the “Theater Menu” offering pared-down selections for early seatings at 5:30 and 5:45 p.m., lasting around one-and-a-half hours.

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Roe’s elevated dining experience includes caviar flights, featuring three caviars accompanied by delicacies such as blini, creme fraiche, and chopped hard-boiled egg yolk.