Craving amazing food but don’t feel like cooking? Portland’s vibrant takeout scene is ready to rescue your dinner plans. This city is a food lover’s dream, and that passion extends to the world of takeout, offering a diverse and exciting range of culinary options. From award-winning restaurants to hidden neighborhood gems, finding delicious eats on the go in Portland is easier than ever. The sheer variety can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve done the delicious research for you.
This guide highlights the very best takeout options Portland has to offer, catering to every taste, budget, and craving. Whether you’re in the mood for sizzling Thai noodles, comforting Italian pasta, or a juicy, handcrafted burger, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite right here. So, get ready to explore the city’s amazing takeout scene and discover your new go-to spot for a quick and unforgettable meal. Forget the cooking, embrace the flavor, and let’s dive in to the best takeout food Portland has to offer.
What Makes a Great Takeout Spot?
Before we jump into the recommendations, let’s talk about what separates the good from the truly exceptional when it comes to takeout. It’s not just about delicious food (although that’s obviously crucial!). A great takeout experience encompasses several key elements:
First and foremost, food quality is paramount. We’re looking for restaurants that use fresh, high-quality ingredients and prepare their dishes with care and attention to detail. Flavor profiles should be well-balanced and exciting, leaving you wanting more.
Variety is another important factor. A city as diverse as Portland deserves a takeout scene that reflects that. We’ve included restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, from Asian and Italian to American classics and innovative vegan options.
The actual takeout experience matters, too. Is it easy to order? Do they have a user-friendly online ordering system or a quick and efficient phone ordering process? Is the food packaged well, ensuring it arrives at your doorstep in perfect condition? Speed of service is also important – nobody wants to wait an hour for their takeout order. Excellent customer service is the cherry on top, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.
Value for money is also a key consideration. We’ve aimed to include restaurants that offer a good balance between quality and price, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Finally, we’ve given bonus points to restaurants that prioritize sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and sourcing ingredients responsibly. Portland values its environment, and so do we!
The Best Takeout Restaurants in Portland
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s a curated list of some of the very best takeout spots in Portland, organized by cuisine type:
Pizza Perfection
Portland boasts a vibrant pizza scene, and many of its top pizzerias offer fantastic takeout options.
Ken’s Artisan Pizza: Known for its wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts and creative toppings. What to Order: The Margherita is a classic for a reason, but don’t miss the seasonal specials. Why it’s Great for Takeout: The pizzas travel surprisingly well, and the online ordering system is easy to use. Price Range: $$
Apizza Scholls: This legendary Portland pizzeria is famous for its New Haven-style pies. What to Order: The plain cheese pie is a must-try to appreciate the quality of the ingredients and the perfectly charred crust. Why it’s Great for Takeout: Ordering is straightforward, and the pizzas are worth the wait. Price Range: $$
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty: Focusing on seasonal ingredients and wood-fired cooking, Lovely’s Fifty Fifty provides unique and flavorful pizza options. What to order: Try their inventive pizzas with seasonal vegetables and house-made cheeses. Why it’s Great for Takeout: Their curated takeout menu travels well, and you can easily order online. Price Range: $$
Asian Flavors to Savor
Portland’s Asian food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from authentic Thai cuisine to innovative fusion dishes.
Le Pigeon: While primarily a fine-dining restaurant, Le Pigeon often offers amazing takeout options, particularly their French-Asian fusion dishes. What to Order: Check their website for the current takeout menu – you won’t be disappointed. Why it’s Great for Takeout: It allows you to experience world-class cuisine in the comfort of your own home. Price Range: $$$
Pok Pok: Andy Ricker’s legendary Thai restaurant is a must-try for authentic Southeast Asian flavors. What to Order: The Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings are iconic, and the Khao Soi is a creamy, flavorful curry noodle soup. Why it’s Great for Takeout: Many of the dishes are designed to travel well, and the bold flavors shine through. Price Range: $$
Marukin Ramen: Satisfy your ramen cravings with authentic Hakata-style ramen. What to Order: The Tonkotsu ramen is a classic, with a rich and creamy pork broth. Why it’s Great for Takeout: The ramen is carefully packaged to ensure the noodles don’t get soggy. Price Range: $$
XLB: Dive into the world of soup dumplings with XLB, a restaurant specializing in these delicate morsels. What to Order: The classic pork soup dumplings are a must, and the crab and pork dumplings are also delicious. Why it’s Great for Takeout: These dumplings are perfectly packaged to keep the broth inside until you are ready to enjoy them. Price Range: $$
Burger Bliss
For those days when only a juicy burger will do, Portland has you covered.
Killer Burger: Known for its over-the-top burger creations with unique toppings. What to Order: The Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon burger is a local favorite (trust us!). Why it’s Great for Takeout: The burgers are packed with flavor and hold up well during transport. Price Range: $$
Little Big Burger: Offering a simple but perfectly executed burger, fries, and shake combo. What to Order: The classic Little Big Burger with truffle fries. Why it’s Great for Takeout: It’s quick, easy, and consistently delicious. Price Range: $
Mexican Fiesta
Spice up your life with authentic Mexican flavors.
¿Por Qué No?: This popular taqueria offers fresh and flavorful tacos, burritos, and more. What to Order: The carnitas tacos are a must-try, and the margaritas are perfect for takeout (if allowed in your area). Why it’s Great for Takeout: The food is consistently delicious and travels well. Price Range: $
Taqueria Los Gorditos: Known for its generously sized burritos and authentic Mexican dishes. What to Order: The Al Pastor burrito is a classic, and the sopes are also highly recommended. Why it’s Great for Takeout: The portions are huge, making it perfect for sharing or for a satisfying solo meal. Price Range: $
Sandwich Sensations
Portland’s sandwich scene is booming, with creative and delicious options abound.
Lardo: Specializing in over-the-top sandwiches with indulgent ingredients. What to Order: The Pork Belly sandwich is legendary, and the Korean Pork Shoulder sandwich is also a must-try. Why it’s Great for Takeout: The sandwiches are packed with flavor and hold up well during transport. Price Range: $$
Bunk Sandwiches: Known for its creative and delicious sandwiches with a focus on local ingredients. What to Order: The Cubano is a classic, and the Meatball Parmesan sandwich is also a favorite. Why it’s Great for Takeout: The sandwiches are hearty and satisfying. Price Range: $$
Meat Cheese Bread: This spot offers delicious and simple sandwiches with high-quality ingredients. What to Order: The Turkey sandwich with avocado and bacon is a classic. Why it’s Great for Takeout: It is quick, easy, and consistently delicious. Price Range: $
Vegan and Vegetarian Delights
Portland is a haven for vegans and vegetarians, with a wide range of delicious plant-based options.
Virtuous Pie: Offering delicious vegan pizza and ice cream. What to Order: The Stranger Wings pizza is a popular choice, and the ice cream is a must-try. Why it’s Great for Takeout: The pizza and ice cream travel well, and the online ordering system is easy to use. Price Range: $$
Blossoming Lotus: This vegan restaurant offers a wide range of globally inspired dishes. What to Order: The mac and cheese and the raw nachos. Why it’s Great for Takeout: The food is flavorful and comforting. Price Range: $$
Aviv: Specializing in Middle Eastern-inspired vegan cuisine. What to Order: The shawarma plate with seitan. Why it’s Great for Takeout: It is flavorful and packaged nicely for takeout. Price Range: $$
Sweet Endings
No takeout meal is complete without dessert!
Salt & Straw: This Portland-based ice cream shop is known for its unique and creative flavors. What to Order: Try the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons or the Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper. Why it’s Great for Takeout: Ice cream is always a good idea. Price Range: $
Voodoo Doughnut: An iconic Portland destination known for its over-the-top and quirky doughnuts. What to Order: The Bacon Maple Bar is a classic. Why it’s Great for Takeout: Doughnuts are the perfect treat for any occasion. Price Range: $
Tips for the Ultimate Portland Takeout Experience
To make the most of your Portland takeout adventure, keep these tips in mind:
Plan ahead and order online whenever possible to avoid long wait times. Calling ahead can also be a good option, especially for smaller restaurants. If you opt for delivery apps, be aware of the potential fees and consider ordering directly from the restaurant to support them more directly.
When transporting your takeout, use insulated bags or containers to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Store food properly in the refrigerator as soon as you get home to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. By choosing to order takeout from Portland restaurants, you’re helping to keep these businesses afloat and supporting the local economy.
Consider the environment and choose restaurants that use sustainable packaging whenever possible. Bring your own reusable bags and containers to further reduce waste.
Don’t be afraid to explore different neighborhoods and discover hidden takeout gems. Portland is full of culinary surprises just waiting to be discovered!
In Conclusion: A Takeout Treasure Hunt in Portland
Portland’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with flavors from around the world, and its thriving takeout scene makes experiencing this diversity easier than ever. From comforting classics to innovative creations, the city offers an abundance of options to satisfy any craving. We encourage you to explore the restaurants mentioned above and discover your own favorite takeout treasures. Remember to support local businesses, consider the environment, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious journey! Share your own favorite Portland takeout spots in the comments below – we’re always looking for new recommendations. So, ditch the dishes, embrace the flavor, and embark on your own ultimate Portland takeout adventure. Your next amazing meal is just a phone call or click away.
