Best Authentic Restaurants in South Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianFrenchIndianMexicanJapanese

Regions

ClackamasPortlandVancouver, WAWestside

Neighborhoods

AlohaBeavertonDowntownHillsboroLake OswegoNortheast Portland

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Proof•Reader

4.2

Awesome(22)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 2 times today

Our name reflects our devotion to local whiskeys and elevated cocktails while offering you an authentic taste of the Pacific Northwest through our selection of local, high-quality ingredients, 200+ whiskeys, inspired cuisine, and genuine Oregon hospitality.Proof Reader is a culinary gem that artfully blends modern comfort with refined elegance. Nestled in the heart of the city, this eatery boasts a menu inspired by both classic and contemporary cuisine, crafted with locally-sourced ingredients. The intimate, stylish atmosphere complements an innovative dining experience, featuring seasonal dishes and a curated selection of whiskeys, wines, and cocktails. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Proof Reader offers exceptional service and a memorable ambiance. Ideal for food enthusiasts seeking both quality and creativity.

2. Nostrana

4.7

Exceptional(5730)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Southeast Portland

Booked 75 times today

Nostrana—literally ours—invokes local. Simple food from honest ingredients. Pure, regional, Italian. Opened in 2005, Nostrana is Chef/Owner Cathy Whims’ love letter to Italy. This is a restaurant built on relationships: with our amazing farmers and purveyors, our dedicated staff, and of course with you, our guest.We hope to offer something timeless and authentic in a beautiful space, the regional specialties of Italy deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest. We strive to be better every day. We're currently reserving indoor tables and bar seating. When available, outdoor patio reservations may be subject to weather disruptions.A Service Charge of 22% is applied to all checks at Nostrana, providing a professional and equitable wage for all team members.

A photo of Taylor Street Tavern restaurant

3. Taylor Street Tavern

4.1

Excellent(150)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Located across from Director’s Park in the Paramount Hotel, this dual concept engages all the regions of the palate. Taylor Street Tavern polishes the ruggedly natural aspects of the Pacific Northwest into precisely crafted plates for daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. Locally sourced ingredients also make an appearance in the house crafted cocktails and west coast wine selections.Just across the lobby, Swine Moonshine and Whiskey Bar explores the history of the American whiskey tradition, complete with a reclaimed authentic still and extensive whiskey list. Early and late happy hours keep people sipping all night long.

4. Serratto

4.8

Exceptional(2500)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pearl District

Booked 22 times today

Serratto is widely praised for its authentic Italian cuisine. Customers highlight the consistently great food, excellent service, and warm ambiance. One reviewer even compared it to places they've been in Italy, confirming its authenticity. Another customer mentioned the restaurant's commitment to using natural meats and the freshest seafood, which is a key characteristic of authentic Italian cooking. Overall, the rave reviews and the restaurant's dedication to quality ingredients and authentic Italian cooking make Serratto a true Italian eatery.

5. Gado Gado

4.8

Exceptional(180)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Indonesian / Malaysian • Northeast Portland

Booked 25 times today

Nominated for Best New Restaurant and Best Chef in the James Beard Awards, Gado Gado is an Indonesian-focused restaurant in Portland’s Hollywood neighborhood serving an eclectic menu that derives flavors from owners Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly’s cultural heritage, travels, and culinary backgrounds.In addition to an extensive à la carte food and drink menu, groups are invited to indulge in a bountiful family-style, chef’s choice Rice Table dinner — Gado Gado’s interpretation of the Dutch-Indonesian “Rijsttafel” feast.

6. OK Omens

4.7

Exceptional(477)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Southeast Portland

Booked 11 times today

Ok Omens is a James Beard nominated wine focused restaurant in Portland, Oregon. From aged wines to natural wines to small producer classics, it’s all here, presented with tasting notes and stories meant to excite. The dinner menu is deeply seasonal with a focus on purity of ingredient and a fanatical devotion to quality sourcing. The iconic Oyster Happy Hour is the perfect compliment to Portland’s most exciting wine drinking experience.We are currently offering reservations for our dining room. Our bar seats are available for walk ins every night. Check Instagram for updates :)

A photo of Zaiqa - South Waterfront restaurant

7. Zaiqa - South Waterfront

4.3

Awesome(13)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Southwest Portland

Booked 4 times today

Zaiqa (pronounced zay-kah) means “flavorful, tasty, and savory” in the Urdu language. This is exactly what Portland’s newest Indian-Pakistani restaurant brings to the South Waterfront area. Zaiqa is a family-owned business serving its customers the true taste of India and Pakistan. Zaiqa offers indoor and outdoor seating, take-out and online orders, and catering services. The menu is designed to offer a variety of authentic and traditional dishes with customization options available; including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. Zaiqa is proud to serve fresh, high quality ingredients prepared by experienced chefs. All meats are certified halal. Sauces and chutneys are prepared in-house with fine spices and fresh herbs, and all dishes are made-to-order according to spice level preference.

8. Toro

4.0

Excellent(81)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Pearl District

A lively, modern Mexican Kitchen + BarInfluenced by the bold flavors of Mexico.Featuring seasoned steaks and authentic Mexican dishes Toro offers private dining. Treat your guests to a fun evening out in one of our two private dining areas. Our team will help you plan the perfect event tailored to your needs and budget.Open 7 days a weekSunday-Thursday 3pm-10pmFriday-Saturday 3pm-11pmWe look forward to serving you!

9. CRAFTpdx

4.2

Awesome(197)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

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.

10. Colibri

new

5.0

Exceptional(0)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Pearl District

Booked 1 time today

Colibri, the latest creation from Tamale Boy founder Jaime Soltero Jr., brings the vibrant flavors of North Mexico to Portland's Pearl District. Inspired by rich culinary traditions and agave spirits, Colibri offers a unique dining experience that embodies the spirit of the hummingbird. Step into a welcoming space adorned with colorful murals and greenery. The menu features family recipes like aguachile, chilorio, and vegan ceviche, along with the "tamale of tamales," zacahuil. Brunch includes North American breakfast favorites with a Mexican twist, such as birria cheese grits. The cocktail program is a standout, highlighting a curated selection of spirits made from North Mexican agaves like bacanora and sotol. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a lively atmosphere with friendly service. Whether for a casual lunch, celebratory dinner, or vibrant weekend brunch, Colibri offers an authentic and innovative taste of North Mexico. Experience the magic of Colibri, where flavors are as vibrant as a hummingbird's wings.

‘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

A
AlisonVIP
Portland / Oregon •46 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Interesting Nostrana salad. Fettucini was a little dry but had a nice flavor. Excellent service.
More info
NostranaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southeast Portland
•
4.7
T
TimVIP
Portland / Oregon •43 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always to notch. Consistently in our Top 5 in PDX. Incredible consistency at a high level.
More info
SerrattoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Pearl District
•
4.8
A
Andrew
Seattle / Eastern Washington •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I wish I could remember the name of our server because she was absolutely amazing. We were a six top with some complicated dietary restrictions and she really took a lot of time to make sure we knew what each of us could order and she made us feel like we were her top priority. She was the best!!!
More info
Gado GadoPrice: Expensive• Indonesian / Malaysian• Northeast Portland
•
4.8
B
Bill
Portland / Oregon •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Good food served in a timely fashion. Good value we felt for the veggie scramble.
More info
Taylor Street TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.1
B
Becky
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
rank and Shay were absolutely incredible! We stopped in for dinner before a show at the Keller, and the entire experience blew us away. The staff was outstanding — so warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Their recommendations were spot-on, and the food was nothing short of amazing. Every dish was prepared to perfection, and our whole group left happy and excited for the musical. This place is truly a hidden gem, and we can’t wait to come back!
More info
Proof•ReaderPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.2

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