Portland is renowned for its eclectic food scene, but the Hillside neighborhood — nestled just northwest of downtown and embraced by winding streets and lush greenery — offers a uniquely delicious pocket worth discovering. While it’s quieter and more residential than its boisterous neighbors, Hillside is home to standout eateries, nurturing a community of food enthusiasts who value both quality and charm. Whether you’re craving a cozy café breakfast, freshly baked goods, a quirky food truck lunch, or an unforgettable dinner, Hillside has a table (or picnic blanket) ready for you.
The Heart of the Neighborhood: NW 23rd Place & Surrounds
Though strictly speaking, Hillside’s boundaries blend into the buzzier Alphabet District, the food culture here is all about neighborhood intimacy. Stroll along NW 23rd Place or the leafy stretches near Macleay Park, and you’ll encounter the perfect blend of hidden gems and well-loved haunts.
Upscale Comfort: Besaw’s
*Cuisine*: Pacific Northwest / American
*Price*: $$–$$$
*Where*: 1545 NW 21st Ave (an easy walk down from Hillside proper)
Besaw’s is one of Portland’s longest-running restaurants, a classic staple for hearty brunches and seasonal dinners. Weekends see a line out the door for fluffy buttermilk pancakes, chicken & waffles, and perhaps the best bloody mary north of Burnside. The locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made pastries make this spot a cozy celebration of Hillside’s foodie spirit.
Hillside Café Charm: Dragonfly Coffee House
*Cuisine*: Café / Bakery
*Price*: $
*Where*: 2387 NW Thurman St
Tucked among Victorian homes, Dragonfly Coffee House feels like the living room everyone wishes they had. Locals rave about the rosemary breakfast sandwiches, gluten-free treats, and artisanal coffee. Snag a window seat or lounge on the patio with your book — it’s the ultimate spot for a leisurely morning before a hike in Forest Park.
Bakeries Worth the Bite: Ken’s Artisan Bakery (Nearby)
*Cuisine*: Bakery / French-inspired
*Price*: $
*Where*: 338 NW 21st Ave
Technically just across the neighborhood boundary, Ken’s Artisan Bakery needs a mention for its mouthwatering bread, exquisite croissants, and legendary morning buns. Arrive early for the freshest choice, or grab a pain au chocolat and watch the sunrise from Wallace Park.
Food Trucks and Unexpected Finds
Hillside’s winding streets aren’t traditional territory for food cart pods, but a few mobile culinary stars park near community centers and local events. Watch for pop-ups around NW Westover Rd and school lots on sunny days.
Picnic Perfection: Hillside Park Pop-Ups
*Cuisine*: Rotating (BBQ, tacos, Mediterranean)
*Price*: $–$$
Keep an eye out for BBQ carts and seasonal Mediterranean vendors near Hillside Park, especially during summer concerts and neighborhood gatherings. There’s a special joy in unwrapping a brisket sandwich or street taco while lounging beneath a towering maple tree.
Hidden Sushi Gem: Saburos Hillside
*Cuisine*: Japanese / Sushi
*Price*: $$
*Where*: 2020 NW 29th Ave
A best-kept secret for sushi lovers, Saburos serves beautifully fresh nigiri, inventive house rolls, and comforting bowls of udon. The owners’ meticulous attention to detail and the compact, inviting space make this spot feel like a special discovery every time.
Dinner Destinations & Neighborhood Favorites
It’s not uncommon for Hillside residents to claim that some of Portland’s best dinners are found within a stroll from their doorsteps.
Rustic Italian at St. Jack
*Cuisine*: French with Italian touches
*Price*: $$$
*Where*: 1610 NW 23rd Ave
Though technically in the Alphabet District, St. Jack is an easy walk and remains a Hillside favorite for celebratory nights and indulgent meals. Their rotating menu showcases classic French and Italian fare — duck confit, steak frites, house-made pasta — accompanied by a robust wine list. Don’t miss the warm, bustling ambiance and impeccable desserts.
The Impossible-to-Replace Jo Bar & Rotisserie
*Cuisine*: American / Rotisserie
*Price*: $$
*Where*: 701 NW 23rd Ave
For those who love casual yet elevated dining, Jo Bar’s rotisserie chicken, wood-fired pizzas, and craft cocktails are late-night legends. The eclectic decor and laid-back vibe welcome families and friends for both weekday dinners and celebratory toasts.
Coffee and Sweet Stops
Coffee culture pulses through Hillside, with options for caffeine fixes and sweet tooth satisfaction.
Lovejoy Bakers
*Cuisine*: Bakery / Café
*Price*: $
*Where*: 939 NW 10th Ave (within walking distance from southern Hillside)
Famed for their chewy bagels, generously filled sandwiches, and decadent cookies, Lovejoy Bakers has a loyal local following. Try their raspberry brioche or espresso-fueled breakfast menu for a true taste of Portland’s bakery prowess.
Papa Haydn
*Cuisine*: Desserts / European
*Price*: $$
*Where*: 701 NW 23rd Ave
A Portland institution for desserts, Papa Haydn is where you go when you want to treat yourself (or a friend) to something spectacular. The triple chocolate cake and French-style fruit tarts are legendary, and their afternoon tea makes for a memorable Hillside tradition.
Local Traditions and Hidden Gems
The best part of Hillside’s food scene is its neighborly warmth and sense of discovery. Food-centered community events — like the annual summer picnic at Hillside Community Center — bring together potluck classics and specialty dishes from local home cooks, reflecting the area’s broad mix of culinary influences.
For adventurous eaters, following social media groups or Hillside’s Nextdoor page is the best way to learn about pop-up gnocchi nights, secret bread sales, or new food ventures from enterprising locals.
Why the Hillside Food Scene Stands Out
Hillside’s food establishments prioritize locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, intimate settings, and a balance of trendy and time-honored. Here, even a quick coffee run feels like joining a Portland ritual — friendly service, flaky pastries, lush greenery in every direction, and the promise of a new favorite bite just around the corner.
Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before a forest stroll, meeting friends for dinner, or indulging in an irresistible slice of cake, Hillside is proof that some of Portland’s best dining isn’t always shouting for attention — it’s just waiting to be discovered.