Best of Portland

As many are aware, I moved from the beloved utopia city of PORTLAND to Baltimore, Maryland. I'm sure I'll never forget all of my favorite eat/drink spots, but I thought I'd share, while my living there is still only recent history. *sigh*


First off, Portland is an amazing food destination. Even on a nanny budget, I was able to go out lots! I especially love the food-carts that are in clusters all over town. Now, let's get started with my top picks!


Kitchen Dances

They're awesome.

Roots Wrap

Rawvioli

Tempeh Reuben

You'll notice at first glance that this is a popular eatery for Portlanders. The owners pride themselves for using all organic ingredients and WINNING Vegan Iron Chef!! The food is incredible and filling. Dessert prices are steep, but most are raw and they're made fresh daily, so indulge if you can. It's worth it.


Laughing Planet Cafe

Che Guevara

Laughing Planet is also all organic and offers some amazing vegan bowl/burrito options as well as tasty salads at a fair price (Fu Manchu is the best). The daily specials are almost always a win. All desserts provided are vegan and are AWESOME (hemp cookie is my fav). The theme of the place is...weird? Dinosaurs, aliens, etc. are all over the place, but it makes for an interesting atmosphere. 


Sonny Bowl

#2 - Sauteed Veggies, Garbanzo Beans, Brown Rice & Curry Sauce, Topped with Raisins, Almonds & Cinnamon

Another food stand of amazingness. Healthy vegan bowls that my non-vegan fam devoured upon visit.


Prasad

Feisty Tostada Salad with Chili and a Matcha Latte

Chili Bowl

Love Pasta (raw)

This may be the healthiest restaurant ever. It's shared with Yoga Pearl and for a good reason! The food is light, fresh and offers many things gluten-free -- perfect for post-yoga. R and I LOVE the salads. They Are The Best.


Blossoming Lotus

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake (raw)

Pomegranate Cheesecake (raw)

Happy Hour Tacos (raw)

Live Falafel Wrap

BBQ Tempeh Platter

This is probably my absolute favorite place to eat in Portland. They have the most interesting specials. Honestly, everything they create is interesting and it's a super nice set-up, too. They have a lovely bar and the servers are nothing but the best. The menu has many raw and gluten-free options. If you go, you HAVE to get the Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. It's made with avocado and will blow your mind to the heavens. 


Portobello Vegan Trattoria

Raw Chocolate Cannoli and Cheesecake

Beet Tartare and Cashew Cheese Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

They're Famous Gnocchi

If you're vegan, you've probably heard of this place. It's romantic, hip, organic, local, DELICIOUS and buzzing every single night. They make the best kombucha mocktails and are known for their home-made gnocchi and ravioli. If you plan to eat here, make reservations or you'll be waiting a lonnng time.


Back to Eden Bakery

Cupcakes, of course!

Strawberry Shortcake Whoopie Pie

Portland boasts a few vegan bakeries, but this one takes the gold. This bakery boutique has stellar soft-serve (chai, harvest peach, vanilla and chocolate) and has a plethora of vegan toppings so you can personalize your very own vegan sundae. I'm obsessed with their vanilla soft serve topped with peanut butter cookie crumbles. It is the bomb. Can you feel my enthusiasm on this place?? Known for their whoopie pies and numerous ice cream options, they are worth your visit. 


Tea Chai Te

Balcony Overlooking 23rd

Cozy, eh?

Mad Tea Selection

Do you live near a tea shop? If so, you are lucky and I am jealllousss. Tea Chai Te is the most adorable tea shop. It's so cozy and warm and provides balcony seating (great for people watching or engaging in deep conversation over a steaming pot of Chocolate Chipotle Chai or Coconut Oolong...). You can purchase loose-leaf, grab a cub to go or hang out for hours playing games, talking or studying. They also serve a couple of vegan soups and chilis as well as bubble tea if you're into that (sugar buzz to the max imho).


Albina Press

This is, without a doubt, our most favorite coffee house in Portland (and the WORLD). The coffee is perfection. Obviously, they have soy milk for us vegans. The best part is the foam and latte art that this barista crowd is capable of. Award-winning? Hells to the yes. Go get jittery on the best cup o' joe you'll ever have. P.S. if you don't own a mac, you may feel out of place. So stop by the Apple store beforehand. Jussst kiddding...


Tin Shed Garden Cafe

Vegan Breakfast

Vegan Fungus Among Us

Vegan Quesadillas

A recent discovery, this place is golden. Wonderful outdoor seating, real friendly servers and kickin' vegan options. Please do yourself a favor and order the Baby Beluga. Roasted yams, onion, zucchini, mushroom, garlic and black lentils in a yellow curry sauce, served over fresh spinach and jasmine rice, topped with raisins, peanuts and avocado. Drooling yet?


Andina

Horchata -- naturally vegan!

Quinoa Salad

Veggie Ceviche

Are your parents paying? Good. Take them to this fine Peruvian restaurant. Order horchatas while you wait for your table and then try the vegan ceviche and quinoa risotto. OH.MY.LORD. Haven't run up the bill enough? Try the chocolate sorbet. You're welcome :)