How to eat, explore, and experience the best of Portland, Oregon every March, on a foodie’s budget.
Portland Dining Month is one of the best food events in the Pacific Northwest. Every March, more than 100 of Portland’s top restaurants offer specially curated three-course prix-fixe menus at just $35 or $55 per person. That’s an appetizer, an entree, and dessert — thoughtfully crafted by some of the best chefs in Oregon.
The event returned in March 2026 after a five-year hiatus, and the response has been incredible. Whether you’re a Portland local looking to try somewhere new or a visitor planning a food-focused trip, Dining Month is the single best time to experience Portland’s nationally recognized restaurant scene at an affordable price.
We set out to eat our way through Portland in just 24 hours during Dining Month. Here’s exactly how we did it, and how you can too.
We checked into the Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland and settled into the Bridgetown Parlor Suite — a gorgeous 550-square-foot, two-room suite inspired by one of Portland’s iconic bridges. The bedroom had a heavenly pillowtop king bed, and the separate living room came with a cozy sitting area, wet bar, and a sofa bed. The jetted tub was the perfect end to a long day of eating (yes, eating is exhausting when you do it right).
The hotel staff was genuinely friendly and helpful — from the front desk to the concierge, everyone made us feel welcome. As a suite guest, we had exclusive access to The Room at the End of the Hall, a private lounge with complimentary beverages and premium snacks throughout the day. It was a lovely perk that made the upgrade feel worth every penny.
Honest Note: There were several events happening on-site during our stay, and there’s a nightclub directly across from the lobby. If you’re a light sleeper, request a room on a higher floor or one facing away from the street. That said, once we were inside our suite, the soundproofing did its job and we slept just fine. |
One of the best things about Portland Dining Month is that it gives you an excuse to try restaurants that might normally be outside your budget — or to discover a new favorite you never would have found otherwise. We managed to fit three Dining Month restaurants into our first 24 hours in the city. Here’s where we ate
Lunch: Papa Haydn’s — Portland’s Legendary Dessert Destination
Our Portland Dining Month adventure started at Papa Haydn’s, a beloved Portland institution known for its European-inspired cuisine and legendary dessert case. The Dining Month tasting menu did not disappoint — each course was beautifully plated and full of flavor.
But let’s be honest: everyone knows you come to Papa Haydn’s for the desserts. We took ours to go (smart move) and savored them later that evening back at the hotel. If you’re visiting Portland in March, Papa Haydn’s should absolutely be on your Dining Month list
Dinner: Screen Door — Southern Comfort Food at Its Finest
For dinner, we headed to Screen Door, one of Portland’s most popular spots for Southern-inspired comfort food. Known for its brunch lines that stretch down the block, Screen Door at dinner is a completely different experience — no wait, a relaxed atmosphere, and a Dining Month menu that showcased their creativity beyond the famous chicken and waffles.
The three-course tasting menu was hearty, satisfying, and packed with the kind of bold flavors that make you want to lick the plate (we resisted, barely). If you only have time for one Dining Month dinner in Portland, Screen Door is a fantastic pick.
Pro tip: Skip the brunch crowds and come for dinner instead. Same incredible kitchen, zero wait time.
Brunch: Jake’s Grill — Portland Dining Month Without Leaving the Hotel
The next morning, we didn’t even have to leave the hotel. Jake’s Grill is located right inside the Sentinel, and they were participating in Portland Dining Month too. Their brunch tasting menu was the perfect way to fuel up before a day of exploring. Classic Portland brunch done right, with the convenience of being steps from our room.
Pro tip: If you’re staying at the Sentinel, starting your morning at Jake’s is a no-brainer during Dining Month. Three courses before you even step outside.
I know “it reconnected me with my soul” sounds dramatic. I don’t care. Powell’s City of Books is the kind of place that earns dramatic language.
The world’s largest independent bookstore takes up an entire city block in Portland’s Pearl District, and walking through its color-coded rooms feels less like shopping and more like a pilgrimage. I wandered from room to room, running my fingers along spines, thinking about how many different perspectives, ideas, and worldviews existed in this one space. Every aisle held someone’s life’s work. Every shelf was a universe.
I also went on a personal mission to hunt down books by one of my favorite local authors, Jessixa Bagley. She’s a Portland-based author and illustrator whose picture books are full of heart and quiet beauty. Finding her books on the shelves at Powell’s — her hometown bookstore — felt like a full-circle moment.
Whether you’re a lifelong reader or someone who hasn’t picked up a book in years, Powell’s is a must-visit in Portland. Budget at least an hour. You’ll probably stay for two.
We’re ghost tour people. In almost every city we visit, we book a ghost tour — it’s one of our favorite ways to learn a city’s history through its most dramatic stories. So of course we signed up for one in Portland.
Full transparency: this one wasn’t our favorite. The ghost stories themselves lacked the intrigue and spine-tingling wonder we’ve experienced on tours in cities like Savannah or New Orleans. That said, the guide was friendly, fully committed to character, and clearly loved what they were doing — which counts for a lot.
The real highlight turned out to be the walking tour aspect itself. We got to see some of Portland’s oldest and most beautiful buildings downtown, learning about the architecture and history along the way. Sometimes the city itself is the best ghost story.
Our Take: If you’re a ghost tour enthusiast with high standards, temper your expectations for the spooky factor. But if you want a fun, guided evening walk through historic downtown Portland with a charismatic guide, it’s still a worthwhile experience — especially on a warm spring night. |
Portland Dining Month alone is reason enough to visit in March. Three-course tasting menus at $35–$55 from more than 100 of the city’s best restaurants? That’s an unbeatable deal for any food lover.
But the timing has other perks too. March brings the first cherry blossoms at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where 100 cherry trees begin their annual bloom — typically peaking in the last week of March and first week of April. The cozy rainy-day energy makes Portland’s coffee shops and bookstores feel extra magical. And because it’s still shoulder season, you’ll find fewer crowds and better hotel rates than you would in summer.
Portland Dining Month 2026 ran March 1–31, with over 100 participating restaurants. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for March 2027 — and start planning early. The most popular restaurants fill up fast.
Whether you want to recreate our 24-hour itinerary or build something completely custom, Sunshine Escapes Travel can help you plan the perfect Portland getaway — from hotel bookings and restaurant reservations to curated activities and day trips.
My travel planning services are always free. I’d love to help you experience Portland the way it deserves to be experienced.
The Sentinel Hotel — 614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR | sentinelhotel.com
Papa Haydn’s — 701 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR | papahaydn.com
Screen Door — 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR | screendoorrestaurant.com
Jake’s Grill — Inside the Sentinel Hotel | jakesgrill.com
Powell’s City of Books — 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR | powells.com
Portland Dining Month — Every March | pdxdiningmonth.com
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