Top Portland Dining Experiences

Whether you want to relax after a long day of sightseeing or need to unwind at the end of your workweek, a sunset dinner cruise along the Willamette River is sure to do the trick. The journey offers spectacular views of the Portland skyline and city’s main landmarks. Listen to live music while you enjoy a freshly cooked Pacific Northwest meal.

Start your day off right with a 2-hour brunch cruise along the Willamette River. Board the boat in the late morning and soak in the scenery of northern Oregon as your boat glides away from Portland. When you’re ready, help yourself to a buffet brunch accompanied by sparkling wine or apple cider. You can walk around the deck or sit near the cabin windows to view the stunning landscape.

Portland has long been known for its donuts, and with this tour, you'll get to visit some of the city's best donut shops. Your tour guide will take you not only to the most famous of them all, Voodoo Donuts, but also to lesser-known, but no less delicious spots that locals love.

If folding dumplings while surrounded by good food and good vibes sounds like your kind of evening, this cooking class with Chef Jimmy belongs on your Portland bucket list. Hosted at a trendy local venue, this interactive dim sum experience teaches you how to make authentic dumplings from scratch without the stress or intimidation. You’ll start by preparing fresh hot water dough before learning how to shape delicate dumpling wrappers by hand. Then, Chef Jimmy will walk you through two flavorful fillings: a hearty pork and chicken mixture with green onions and a savory vegetarian option featuring cabbage, shiitake mushrooms and parsley. Once your dumplings are folded and ready, you’ll make a simple but addictive dipping sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil and chili crunch for the perfect finishing touch. This beginner-friendly class includes all ingredients and cooking tools, plus step-by-step guidance that makes every part of the process approachable, fun and surprisingly therapeutic.

If you've ever wondered what makes fresh gnocchi so irresistible, this cooking class has the answer. You'll learn how to make homemade potato gnocchi from scratch using approachable techniques that are easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Start by preparing a smooth potato dough, then practice rolling, cutting and shaping each gnocchi into soft, bite-sized pillows. As they cook, you'll discover how to recognize the perfect texture before finishing them with a delicious homemade sauce. You'll sharpen practical kitchen skills, from dough preparation and shaping to cooking and plating, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The atmosphere is relaxed, the process is satisfying and every bite is warm, tender and comforting. By the end, you'll have a fresh Italian classic on your plate and the confidence to skip the packaged version for good.

Forget wrestling with a sushi menu when you can roll your own. In a welcoming local venue, you’ll get hands-on with the basics of sushi-making and discover that creating restaurant-style rolls is much less intimidating than it looks. Start by preparing sticky sushi rice, learning how the right texture helps every roll hold together. Then grab a sheet of nori and build a California roll with crab, avocado and cucumber. Next, make a tuna and cucumber roll packed with fresh tuna, avocado and cucumber. Along the way, you’ll practice spreading rice, arranging fillings, rolling tightly and slicing your finished rolls into neat, bite-sized pieces. It’s relaxed, practical and easy to follow, whether you’re completely new to sushi or simply ready to sharpen your skills. One thing is certain: your next sushi craving may come with a rolling mat.