Once again, readers loved stories about Portland’s restaurant scene. Major closures, awards, and new places to eat grabbed attention in 2025. Here are the highlights from the year.
Jinju’s Big Win
Jinju Patisserie surprised everyone by winning America’s “most outstanding” bakery at the 2025 James Beard Awards. This recognition made it one of our most talked-about stories. Sadly, the bakery closed in December, with owners Jin Caldwell and Kyurim Lee looking for a new space.
Caffe Mingo’s Goodbye
Remember the fire at Caffe Mingo last year? It was a sad chapter for fans of this beloved restaurant. Unfortunately, it officially closed in 2025, leaving its loyal customers heartbroken.
A Historic Struggle
The 118-year-old Dan & Louis Oyster Bar faced closure fears in November. It’s heartwarming to see the community’s response, as crowds flocked to enjoy the oysters and keep the place alive through the winter.
Higgins Calls for Support
Higgins, another longtime favorite, faced tough times too. In July, they announced they were “on the brink” and needed help. The community rallied, filling the restaurant and ensuring its survival into 2026.
Portland’s Restaurant Guide
Unsurprisingly, readers craved recommendations. Our revised guide to the 40 best restaurants in Portland ranked as the most-read food story this year. It’s comforting to know folks still love dining out.
Beyond these stories, we also covered closures at Fair Weather, a fire at Ringside Steakhouse, and the tragic passing of chef Justin Woodward. The buzz around a Michelin-starred Texas barbecue restaurant coming to Portland added excitement, along with chef reviews and guides highlighting the city’s best burgers.
User reactions on social media show how passionate Portlanders are about their food scene. People shared their favorite dishes and experiences, creating a supportive online community around local dining.
As Portland’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that community engagement is more crucial than ever. Restaurants aren’t just places to eat; they’re part of our shared experience.
Here are Portland’s five most read restaurant reviews of 2025:
- Coquine opened an oyster bar. It’s fantastic!
- Lone Star Burger Bar serves one of Portland’s best burgers seven days a week.
- Portland’s best ramen shop opened last year. Where are the crowds?
- Portland’s Kau Kau brings a taste of Hawaii to the mainland.
- Tastebud closed its dining room five years ago, and we’re happy it’s back.
Thanks for following along with us. We’re excited to share more delicious stories in 2026!
For more on food trends and restaurant insights, check out the James Beard Foundation website.
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