Mexican food stands are in abundance in Portland with every major street food hot spot having at least one respectable option. But the city has some clear favorites when it comes to repeat value. The brightly colored food truck that sits on Southeast 102nd is decorated in a beach theme and is hard to miss. Choose from a varied choice of Mexican favorites, from the perpetually ordered tacos to the carnitas. Tortillas are made fresh when you order, and it's this commitment that has made them so popular. Burritos are another specialty which regular just can't seem to have enough of. Try the chicken burrito. The cart offers little covered seating area right out in the front or you can simply grab your food on the go.

Established in Portland at a time when Japanese eateries were few and far between, Biwa introduced the concept of casual Japanese food to the city. Since then, it has only seen a rise in its regulars and counts among the top Japanese restaurants in the city.  The kitchen not only embraces culinary traditions from Japan, but also adds its own takes from other Asian palates. Choose from a diverse menu of such delights as ramen, gyoza and udon. The Yakimono selection is the highlight of the menu and features choices in meats and seafood. There's also a little selection of sushi for those who can't imagine a Japanese meal without it. The wine selection is excellent and features great choice in whites and reds along with a small selection of rose wines. Sake and shochu is a specialty and the restaurant has one of the best selections in town. Head out to the intimate bar for the delightful flights on offer.

Starting off as a humble food cart, Best Burger has consistently delighted Portland's street food lovers and burger aficionados alike, and today has its own brick and mortar location offering a slightly more relaxed experience. Everything else remains the same though, from the in-house beef grinding to the freshly prepared toppings. Most of what you see on the menu is house made and it shows in the flavorful buns that people just can't seem to get enough of. Choose from the diverse burger list ranging from the perennial favorite Bacon Cheeseburger to the flavorful Hawaiian Burger. The menu has expanded to include a selection of breakfast favorites ranging from the usual suspects like Eggs Benedict (called the Best Benedict) to the classic Biscuits & Gravy. A selection of omelets and pancakes adds a good variety to the menu. The catering service is a popular affair.

The intriguing name might prod you to have a look at the restaurant, but once inside, the aroma of freshly prepared food takes over, and has such a hold that you'll find it difficult to leave without eating. Old Wives' Tales has been a Portland fixture for more than three decades now, and delights with a menu of honest and hearty house-made food. The menu follows no specific cooking styles and is a blend of influences from Europe, Asia, America and pretty much every region that's known for it's food. Start off your meal with one of the fresh salads or soups from the soup bar. The entree selection is diverse and offers such delights as the East Indian Burrito and Teriyaki Salmon. Apart from this, there's a huge choice in freshly prepared sandwiches with a variety of meats. The children's menu is high on health and has very little greasy stuff; a delight for mothers. Dietary deficiencies are exceptionally well-catered to with most of the menu suitable for a gluten-free palate. Apart from this, there's lots of vegan and vegetarian choices. The atmosphere inside is cozy and well-suited to individual diners and families alike. Children get their own playroom so parents can eat in peace. One of the best family restaurants in the city.

Simply romantic, 3 Doors Down Cafe offers classic Italian dishes, some laced with superb seafood, on the trendy Hawthorne Boulevard. Mediterranean seafood is the specialty here. If you love scallops, be sure to try these when they are in season; plates are filled to the rim. The service, which can often be lacking in these parts, is impeccable. Reservations are not accepted, but just off the strip, there are plenty of storefronts in the neighborhood to keep you busy while you wait for your table.

Tucked into an Eastside neighborhood where you can find a plethora of produce this local haunt, Produce Row, attracts many different types of people. Known for great live music throughout the week and an endless selection of brews, the bar has been thriving for two decades. Choose from fresh cider, nearly 200 bottled beers or 29 beers on tap-mostly microbrews-to quench your thirst. Stop by during happy hour. Soups, salads and sandwiches are also available. The restaurant offers a take away menu too, though dining in is the best option.

Good things come in small packages and that holds true for the food served at cajun/ creole food serving restaurant Tapalaya. The dishes like Crawfish Fritters, Fall Ratatouille and Mississippi Caviar are served in small plates, with plenty of other choices in vegetarian food. Louisiana's traditional creole submarine sandwich named Po'Boy are also a fad amongst the regulars here, with options like Slow Roasted Pulled Pork and fried Oyster and Shrimp sandwiches. Be prepared for the onslaught of Tapalaya's specialty desserts like Creme Brulée Flambée, Homemade Ice Cream with banana pudding, buttermilk, cafe au lait, and Waialua that comes with maple flavor. For beverages you can order from one of their New Orleans cocktails like Gris Gris Margarita, Fi-Yi-Yi Tea and Sazerac. Accompanied with live music, you are in for a great time at Tapalaya.

Although its name is derived from the traditional Indian musical instrument, this food served here is from the refined Italian cuisine. Chef Anthony Cafiero and his team dish out an appetizing treat which you can devour by ordering the three-course meal or by ordering from the pastas and entree from its a la carte menu. The pastas like their signature Tabla Ravioli, Semolina Spaghetti and Tajarin are handmade with methods used in Italy. Just like any good Italian restaurant, the food is complemented by an excellent wine list as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The restaurant is open daily from 5p onwards.

Sizzle Pie is a great little place with a strange little culture. Then again, it's Portland, so "strange" is relative and appreciated. The pizza is astounding: thin crust New York Style with plenty of heat, fresh cheese, and even vegan pizzas that taste like real pizza. The staff and the decor are energetic and eccentric. The beer available is quite diverse as well: strong lagers for the hearty drinkers and fruity sweet ales that will still get the job done. If hanging with a group of people, stop by this pizza shack to feed many on a few dollars.

The local arts publication voted Le Bistro Montage, the Southern-style French bistro "Best Restaurant of the Year." Tucked under the Morrison Bridge, the restaurant caters to Portland's underground scene. Although it is nice, it is not the sort of place you would want to bring Grandma. Try one of the eight macaroni and cheese dishes or any of the other vegan favorites. For the more adventurous diner, there is the frog leg appetizer, spicy Hoppers served with dipping sauces and black bread. The establishment offers more than 100 imported wines from around the world. Cash and checks accepted.