Ok people, here’s the deal, you need to go to Portland and you need to hit up these incredible eateries. Ptown is home to some of the best eats on the west coast…yep, I said it, even up against San Francisco. I have been lucky enough to try several cool spots over the years but these three are non-negotiable. The first two are classics I hit up every time I’m in the city of roses, the last is a new tapas restaurant in Northwest (my fave area in Portland) and a place I will most definitely be visiting again.

First up, Nuvrei. My girlfriend, Courtney gave me the tip on Nuvrei a few years ago while I was in town on a business trip. I went, I ate, I died and went to heaven and went back every day for the remainder of the trip. Now it is a favorite I hit up every time I’m there. The smoked cheddar pretzel with lox and veggies (get it toasted!) is out of control and I dare you to get out of there without getting an extra sweet treat to stow away for later. Also, beyond my recommendation Nuvrei is actually legit, check out this review!

Nuvrei
404 NW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.972.1700

Next up, Saint Honore Boulangerie, or as my girlfriend Caitlin and her fam like to refer to it, the office, because they are there so much it might as well be. Dude, I get it…it would be mine too. St Honore is a totally classic french bakery. Everything is mouth watering but I must say the salads, and more specifically the salad dressing (which I swear is laced with something addictive), the brie & bartlett baguette and the coffee are my go-tos whenever I get to visit. Can I also just say there happens to be some serious eye candy working there right now, so single ladies it may not hurt to just go hang out and leisurely sip your coffee for awhile. Just saying.

Saint Honore
2335 NW Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97210
503.445.4342

Last but certainly not least a new spot in the hood with authentic Spanish tapas, Ataula. There is no question my favorite thing in the world is sharing a meal with people I love, and I love it even more when the restaurant is set up to actually share your meal small plates style. Ataula is just that, lots of savory bites with a super warm and friendly staff and hip rustic meets modern atmosphere to bring the whole experience together. Our party of four shared several dishes paired with a beautifully dry and crisp bottle of Albarin Blanco from northwest Spain. The standout dish for me was the Pepito de Ternera, a veal breast slider on brioche with havarti, roasted green pepper and horseradish. It was so good I couldn’t be bothered to remember to take a picture until it was almost gone. You will just have to go and order it yourself.

Ataula
1818 NW 23rd Place
Portland, OR 97210
503.894.8904