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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Waterfront

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of King Tide Fish & Shell restaurant
1. King Tide Fish & Shell
4.2
Awesome(728)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
King Tide Fish & Shell in downtown Portland offers an exceptional seafood experience that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Executive Chef Alexander Diestra crafts fresh and inventive dishes using local ingredients, ensuring each plate is both authentic and flavorful. Diners rave about the "amazing seafood tower" and the "delicious lobster rolls," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality. The venue pairs its delectable seafood with "sparkling waterfront views of the Willamette," creating a dining atmosphere that is as beautiful as the cuisine it serves. For a truly memorable seafood experience in Portland, King Tide Fish & Shell is a must-visit.
A photo of Le Pigeon restaurant
2. Le Pigeon
4.8
Exceptional(1652)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Southeast Portland
Booked 16 times today
Le Pigeon, nestled in the heart of Portland's vibrant East Burnside Street, offers an unparalleled French American dining experience. Known for its “phenomenal” cuisine, Le Pigeon delights with adventurous, French-inspired dishes that captivate the palate. The restaurant’s dedication to culinary artistry and authentic flavors is evident in every meticulously prepared course, from the foie gras profiterole to the popcorn ice cream. Guests rave about the “flawless service” and “fantastic” wine pairings that elevate each meal. With its intimate setting and innovative menu, Le Pigeon has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, promising an unforgettable dining adventure.
A photo of Canard - Burnside restaurant
3. Canard - Burnside
4.9
Exceptional(139)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Northeast Portland
Booked 25 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Northeast Portland, Canard - Burnside is a remarkable testament to the art of French American cuisine. This charming eatery, brought to you by the creators of Le Pigeon, masterfully blends the elegance of French culinary techniques with the comforting flavors of American classics. Diners rave about the "absolutely exquisite" foie gras dumplings and the "best seared albacore" they've ever had. The atmosphere is lively, complemented by an impeccable wine selection and service that is "beyond good." With every dish thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavor, Canard promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests "coming back again and again."
A photo of Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton Portland restaurant
4. Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton Portland
4.6
Exceptional(438)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Northwest Portland
Booked 26 times today
Nestled on the 20th floor of The Ritz-Carlton in Portland, Bellpine redefines Contemporary American cuisine with a unique blend of local flavors and culinary artistry. Led by Michelin-acclaimed Executive Chef Pedro Almeida, the menu is a true homage to the rich bounty of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, featuring ingredients sourced from local farms, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean. Diners are treated to an exceptional culinary journey, accentuated by world-class wine selections and spirits crafted by regional distillers. Enthusiasts rave about Bellpine's offerings, noting that "the food was inventive, with fresh ingredients," and praising the "scrumptious chef’s creations" alongside stunning city views.
A photo of Arden restaurant
5. Arden
4.9
Exceptional(1025)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Northwest Portland
Booked 31 times today
Arden, located in Portland's charming Pearl District, is a beacon of authentic Farm-to-table cuisine, celebrated for its "exquisite, seasonal Pacific Northwest dishes" that truly honor nature's bounty. This culinary gem invites guests to indulge in a chef's prix fixe menu, expertly crafted to showcase the freshest regional ingredients. Diners rave about the "superb, flavor-exploding dishes" and the "thoughtful blend of flavors and textures," making each visit a sensory delight. With an award-winning wine program featuring over 250 bottles, Arden is a destination for both food and wine lovers alike, offering a dining experience that's "absolutely not to be missed."
A photo of OK Omens restaurant
6. OK Omens
4.7
Exceptional(473)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Southeast Portland
Booked 11 times today
OK Omens in Southeast Portland offers a quintessential Northwest dining experience that stands out for its authenticity and quality. Celebrated as a James Beard-nominated gem, this wine-focused restaurant delights with its innovative and eclectic menu, perfectly complementing Portland's vibrant culinary scene. Guests rave about the "phenomenal wine list and menu" and the "creative and inventive" dishes that showcase local flavors. The iconic Oyster Happy Hour, featuring fresh and clean oysters, is a crowd favorite. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and a commitment to showcasing the best of the Northwest, OK Omens promises an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Olympia Provisions Southeast restaurant
7. Olympia Provisions Southeast
4.6
Exceptional(1378)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Southeast Portland
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in Southeast Portland, Olympia Provisions Southeast is a culinary gem that brings the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to the Pacific Northwest. Chef Matthew Jarrell masterfully blends rustic Spanish and Mediterranean traditions with locally-sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are both innovative and authentic. Guests rave about the "delightful charcuterie and cheese boards," and the "unique octopus carpaccio," which showcases the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The ambiance, set in a beautifully restored industrial building, adds to the dining experience, making it a "must-visit" for both locals and visitors. With consistently excellent service, Olympia Provisions Southeast stands out as a true Portland treasure.
A photo of CRAFTpdx restaurant
8. CRAFTpdx
4.1
Excellent(197)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
CRAFTpdx is a Northwest inspired restaurant in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. We specialize in locally sourced, seasonal food & beverage. Our menu inspiration pulls from our teams diverse culinary background, which allows us to offer our guests an ever changing menu selection. We work intimately with local producers and growers, which is reflected not only in our dishes, but also in our curated beverages as well. We invite you to wander in and excite your taste buds with our thoughtfully crafted cocktails & cuisine.
A photo of Davenport restaurant
9. Davenport
4.8
Exceptional(753)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Northeast Portland
Booked 2 times today
Davenport shines as a beacon of authentic American cuisine in Northeast Portland, offering a culinary experience that is both simple and sophisticated. Known for its use of premier Northwest ingredients, Davenport has garnered rave reviews for its consistently excellent dishes. Diners praise the restaurant for its "soulful food" and "stellar service," with one reviewer claiming it's "one of Portland's best for over 10 years." Chef Kevin Gibson masterfully crafts dishes that are a testament to American culinary traditions, delivering flavors that are fresh, satisfying, and expertly prepared. Davenport is truly a "Portland gem" that never disappoints.
A photo of Lilia Comedor restaurant
10. Lilia Comedor
4.8
Exceptional(384)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Southwest Portland
Booked 13 times today
Lilia Comedor stands out as a beacon of American cuisine in Southwest Portland, blending Chef Juan Gomez's Mexican-American roots with Pacific Northwest flavors to create a truly unique dining experience. The restaurant has been recognized by the New York Times as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the Country, a testament to its exceptional quality. Diners rave about the “visually gorgeous, thoughtful, local, seasonal, delicious, creative food” that consistently exceed expectations. The ever-changing menu, driven by hyper-seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ensures a fresh and exciting culinary journey that embodies the authenticity and innovation of American cuisine.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • CesarVIP
    Portland / Oregon •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great restaurant. From the bar waitress to the dining area server, they make you feel welcome and pleased. Chef Pedro made a fabulous job to include our several food allergy and restrictions to enjoy the exquisite dining experience . Strongly recommended this restaurant as the best to celebrate any special occasion since they will make it memorable to everyone in your party. And the skyline view is unbeatable.
    More info
    Bellpine at The Ritz-Carlton PortlandPrice: Very Expensive• American• Northwest Portland
    •
    4.6
  • Eric
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I love the servers here. They absolutely love to make you feel welcomed and happy. Came here for a date night, even though they were a little delayed/held back for our reservation, the wait wasn’t extremely long. And they made sure to make it up to us by providing free appetizer and dessert. 5/5 would recommend for a nice date night.
    More info
    Canard - BurnsidePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Northeast Portland
    •
    4.9
  • JeffreyVIP
    Portland / Oregon •64 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I have been to King Tide several time, I had some uneven dinners, but it was particularly good Saturday. Two of us had the King salmon and one of us had the scallops and we were all impressed. Salmon and scallops are easily overcooked and all were perfect. The wine by glass is good, and our servers was excellent and got us out in plenty of time to make our show at the Keller auditorium. The space in the Riverplace Hotel with views of the Willamette is lovely, and parking is convenient.
    More info
    King Tide Fish & ShellPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.2
  • PatrickVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Arden consistently delivers amazing dishes, top notch service with a family feel. They do take chances, and occasionally a dish may not be exemplary but when they do they NAIL it!
    More info
    ArdenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Northwest Portland
    •
    4.9
  • Carl
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Food was a symphony of delicious taste. If I had to choose I’d say the vegetarian menu was more of a medley of flavors, the winner, but everything was fantastic, the wine was a hit, the staff was informative fun and friendly! Wish I had anything similar in my area. Highly recommend if you have $600 sitting around and love balanced unique seasons.
    More info
    Le PigeonPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Southeast Portland
    •
    4.8

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