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How Many Restaurants Are There in Portland?

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Restaurants in Portland: Key Takeaways

  • Portland has approximately 2,125 restaurants distributed across multiple key neighborhoods.
  • Full-service restaurants make up the majority with about 1,200 venues in the city.
  • Mexican and American cuisines dominate the food scene, with 400 and 500 restaurants respectively.

Portland features a vibrant dining community with 2,125 restaurants. This article provides a detailed breakdown by area, type, and cuisine, exploring why exact figures can fluctuate.

Explore how Portland’s restaurants are spread across neighborhoods and categories such as full-service, fast food, and sample diverse cuisines from Mexican to Mediterranean.

For restaurant owners looking to navigate Portland's dynamic food scene, exploring the restaurant industry's career potential can provide helpful insights.

Breakdown of Restaurants in Portland by Area

Here is a detailed distribution of restaurants across Portland’s major areas.

AreaNumber of Restaurants
Downtown500
Pearl District300
Northeast400
Southeast400
North300
Southwest225

Downtown stands out with the largest concentration, hosting about 500 restaurants. The Northeast and Southeast neighborhoods each feature 400 restaurants, contributing heavily to Portland’s lively food culture.

For operators curious about maximizing staff performance across neighborhoods, see this resource on managing restaurant servers.

Pearl District and North offer robust dining options with 300 venues each, while Southwest hosts around 225 establishments, rounding out the city's diverse culinary regions.

Breakdown of Restaurants in Portland by Category

This table showcases the types of restaurants dominating the Portland scene.

CategoryApproximate Count
Full-Service Restaurants1200
Fast Food and Quick-Service Restaurants500
Cafes and Coffee Shops250
Bars and Pubs100
Food Carts75

Full-service restaurants dominate with around 1,200 establishments, providing diverse sit-down dining experiences. Fast food and quick-service outlets number approximately 500 locations, catering to on-the-go customers.

Learn more about optimizing restaurant manager responsibilities for full-service venues.

Cafes, bars, and food carts add to Portland’s dynamic culinary landscape, supporting both traditional and innovative dining styles.

Breakdown of Restaurants in Portland by Cuisine

Below is a breakdown of restaurants in Portland by cuisine type.

CuisineApproximate Number
Mexican400
Italian300
American500
Asian300
Mediterranean200
Other425

American cuisine leads with about 500 restaurants, closely followed by Mexican with 400 venues. Italian and Asian cuisines each have strong representation with 300 restaurants respectively.

Operators considering new hires to support different cuisines should review key cook job requirements and how they relate to menu diversity.

Mediterranean cuisine rounds out the major categories with approximately 200 eateries, while a diverse mix is grouped under “Other” reflecting Portland’s culinary variety.

Official Portland Records and Registered Restaurant Businesses

The City of Portland maintains official records through health inspections and business licensing, tracking legally registered food establishments. These databases ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.

For advice on hiring skilled employees who adhere to these standards, check out how to find the best staff for your restaurant.

Official listings form the authoritative count of operational and licensed restaurants across the city, offering an important snapshot of Portland’s formal dining infrastructure.

Restaurants in Portland Listed on Google and Other Online Platforms

Online platforms like Google Maps compile data on publicly listed, actively operating restaurants. These platforms reflect real-time business activity and user-generated information.

However, such listings may differ slightly from official records, as they often exclude temporarily closed, new, or informal eateries without an online presence.

To attract more candidates and stand out online, review these tips for writing hospitality job ads.

Why Restaurant Counts in Portland Vary and Conclusion

Variations in how restaurants are counted stem from differing data sources, definitions, and inclusion criteria. Official licenses might exclude informal eateries, while online data may capture a broader scope.

If you want to stay ahead in Portland's competitive dining landscape, consider expert restaurant consultant advice to grow your business.

Ultimately, Portland’s restaurant scene is a dynamic, evolving ecosystem with over 2,100 restaurants, reflecting its rich diversity and continual gastronomic growth.