I hate choosing a restaurant. It’s too much pressure, almost as bad as choosing which movie to stream. Spending a hundred dollars on food I didn’t like — or worse, food my kids wouldn’t even eat! — can haunt me for days. But one of my goals for 2025 is to dive into Portland’s incredible food scene more often, and luckily I found an easy way to do it.
I’m not spending hours watching foodie influencer reels. I’m not even reading Google reviews of restaurants near me. I’m simply working my way through the (just updated!) New York Times’ list of the 25 Best Restaurants in Portland.
And before you roll your eyes: no, it’s not all fancy prix-fixe spots with white tablecloths. The list includes plenty of casual, kid-friendly options — otherwise, trust me, I’d have moved on. If a tie is required, my teenage son (who lives in joggers and sneakers) is out, so those places didn’t make my cut.
And price? Sure, there are some splurges, but there’s also a taco cart on the list. So it really does run the spectrum. To keep it budget-friendly, I’m limiting us to one restaurant a month. Quality > quantity.
I’ve whittled the NYT list down to the most family-friendly options, which gives us enough restaurants to take us through the school year and beyond. Some are kid-welcoming and some “allow” kids, but all serve incredible food. Here’s the list, if you want to join in on the fun!
Cafe Olli
Seeing Cafe Olli on the NYT article sealed the deal for me. Their food is amazing, and if they made the cut, I knew this list wasn’t going to be too fancy for kids. Not only do they have options like “kids French toast” on their rotating seasonal menu, they also have high chairs and one of the nicest changing tables I’ve seen in a restaurant. They’re famous for their chocolate cake, but everything on the menu is amazing. NE Martin Luther King Blvd.
Matt’s BBQ Tacos
I’m originally from Texas and my dad owned a BBQ restaurant, so when I say that Matt’s BBQ tacos are the best I’ve ever eaten, I really hope you don’t tell my relatives back home. There’s covered seating and a great kids menu, too. Three locations: SE Milwaukie, SE 50th, and NE Alberta.
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Portland has no shortage of great pizza or great ice cream, but my favorite spot for both is Lovely’s. One slice might have fresh summer peaches, the next foraged mushrooms—I could eat it every day. Their ice cream is just as seasonal and creative as their pies, and the only real downside is the wait. At dinner, expect up to 90 minutes. My advice? Plan ahead (Rose City Comics is just steps away) or grab your pizza and ice cream to go. N Mississippi Ave.
MÅURICE
This French-Norwegian fusion luncheonette feels fancy but in the sweetest, most welcoming way. Adventurous kids will love trying something new, and even cautious eaters can happily stick with a baguette and butter or something from the pastry case. I like to pair a visit here with a stop at Powell’s, just around the corner. SW Oak St.
Ki’ikibáa
Here’s one I haven’t tried yet: Ki’ikibáa, a casual spot serving Yucatecan cuisine. It’s at the top of my list because I know my whole family will feel comfortable there—and the food looks every bit as good as the name suggests. And for parents of picky eaters: good news, quesadillas are usually on the menu. They close at 8 pm most days (5 pm on Sunday), so if your family eats late like mine, maybe go for lunch instead. NE 82nd.
Luce
Luce didn’t make the 2025 NYT list, but since it was on the 2024 version when I filled my calendar, it’s still on mine—and it should be on yours, too. The vibe alone is worth a visit, and with housemade pasta on the menu, both parents and toddlers will be happy. E Burnside St.
Magna Kusina
Heading to Magna Kusina for incredible Filipino dishes? Make sure to add babies to your reservation and let them know if you’ll need a booster or high chair. Furry family members are welcome, too — their patio is dog-friendly. I love that one of their FAQ questions is “Is it loud?” with the simple answer yes. So if you’ve ever worried about your kid being the only noisy one in the room, rest easy. While there isn’t a kids’ menu, rice and chicken or pork skewers are kid-approved standbys. SE Clinton St.
Pasar
I’m excited for my kids to experience Indonesia’s snack culture—without jet lag. Sharing plates, playful sweets, cozy market visuals, and food that balances novelty with comfort—it’s exactly the kind of family outing that feels worth the investment to me, and I can’t wait to visit Pasar. NE Alberta St.
Rose VL and and Hà VL
Restaurants so good they don’t even need an Instagram account? Sign me up! Perfect for cold, rainy Portland days when nothing but soup will do. SE Powell; SE 82nd Ave.
Akadi PDX
Okay, I did read the Google reviews for Akadi PDX, just to make sure it was kid friendly (I saw “West African Fine Dining” in a headline and wanted to make sure it wasn’t too fine for toddlers) and the reviews are full of happy parents delighted with how welcoming the space is for families. You can make a reservation on their website, which means no waiting with kids in tow, so a win all around. I can’t wait to try their famous sauces. SE Division St.
Gado Gado
This Indonesian-focused spot has been lauded by Forbes, Bon Appétit, Portland Monthly, Eater PDX, and—of course—the New York Times, so I’m rolling in with high expectations. We’re probably going to splurge on the family-style rice table, but ordering a la carte would also be delicious for a little less. NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd.
Yaowarat
I couldn’t find confirmation of the kid-friendliness of Yaowarat, but they offer takeout so I kept them on this list. I’ll definitely go with my teens and report back, but in the meantime, order their famous mapo tofu to go. SE Stark St.
