Top 2 Portland Restaurants Named Best in the U.S. by The New York Times in 2024!
The New York Times has just unveiled its annual list of the top 50 restaurants in the United States, and two Portland gems have made the prestigious cut.
Portland’s culinary scene continues to shine, with Southeast Portland’s L’Orange and Yaowarat both earning a spot on the coveted list.
Over the past year, The New York Times team of food reporters visited various restaurants across the country, gathering inspiration from a wide range of locations and dishes.
They aimed to highlight the best dining experiences, whether from a roadside food trailer or an upscale tasting menu.
“We experienced hyperlocal dishes from a trailer in a rural Virginia field, tasted seasonal menus in San Francisco’s finest rooms, and dined on Creole dishes near NASA in Texas,” they shared.
Among the 50 chosen, L’Orange, a French-inspired restaurant located in Southeast Portland, stands out for its inviting atmosphere and seasonal menu. L’Orange opened in June 2023 and is housed in a charming Victorian building with over 100 years of history.
Once home to a telegram office and butcher shop, the space now features a warm, homely dining room that exudes sophistication.
According to The New York Times, “L’Orange is a real charmer. Tucked into the second floor of this Victorian house, the dining room offers a cozy elegance. Guests can settle at the six-seat chef’s counter and enjoy a glass of wine selected by Jeff Vejr, co-owner and winemaker.”
The article highlighted some standout dishes, including an artistic ruffle of shaved tête de moine cheese, chicken liver mousse served in tartlet form with a strawberry and red wine gelée, and a buckwheat crepe stuffed with bay shrimp and Gruyère, enhanced by the tangy kick of candied jalapeño.
Chef Joel Stocks and Owner/Winemaker Jeff Vejr expressed their gratitude to KOIN 6 News, stating, “Portland remains one of the top food cities in the United States, known for its affordability and accessibility.
Being recognized in The New York Times 50 Best Restaurants in America for 2024 is both an honor and humbling. These accolades help shine a light on our city’s unique food culture.”
Stocks and Vejr also expressed their joy at being named alongside their friends at Yaowarat: “We are thrilled to share the spotlight with our colleagues at Yaowarat.
None of this would be possible without our amazing team, loyal customers, and dedicated suppliers. This recognition belongs to them and the broader Portland food community,” they added.
Yaowarat, a Thai Chinese restaurant, is also on the list. Opened in October 2023, Yaowarat brings the flavors of Bangkok’s Chinatown to Portland. The restaurant is known for its vibrant, night-market ambiance, with dim paper lanterns and candlelit tables setting the mood.
The menu is just as enticing, featuring dishes like double-fried chive cakes, cooked to a perfect crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and Yaowarat Road Squid, which is seasoned with fish sauce and Thai chiles for a flavorful kick.
The New York Times praised the restaurant’s offerings, noting that “the depth of flavor in these dishes is comparable to the best street food.” They also gave a special mention to the map tofu, describing it as “delightfully silky” and cautioning that any other version may pale in comparison.
In response to the recognition, Yaowarat posted on Instagram, congratulating L’Orange and sharing their excitement with their followers.
The restaurant later told KOIN 6 News, “We are incredibly proud to be named one of America’s best restaurants by The New York Times in 2024. It is an honor to represent Portland and showcase our Thai-Chinese cuisine. We are truly grateful for the local community’s support and the hard work of our team.”
This double win for Portland restaurants reinforces the city’s status as one of the nation’s top dining destinations, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences.
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Both L’Orange and Yaowarat have successfully carved out their own distinct spaces, delighting diners with their unique offerings and adding another feather to Portland’s already illustrious food scene.