2 Vegan Spots in Portland That Let Us Down (And 5 That Blew Us Away)

Portland’s vegan food scene keeps growing, with new plant-based spots popping up all over the city. My partner and I spent a month exploring these eateries, tasting everything from fancy dishes to comfort food. While most places impressed us with creative flavors and friendly service, not every spot lived up to the hype. Here’s our honest take on the places that disappointed us and the ones that made our taste buds dance.

1. Disappointing: Dirty Lettuce

The buzz around Dirty Lettuce’s vegan Southern cuisine had us excited for soul food magic. Unfortunately, what arrived at our table was a shadow of what Southern cooking should be.

The mac and cheese lacked that creamy, indulgent quality you expect, while the fried ‘chicken’ was dry and under-seasoned. We wanted to love their famous cornbread, but it crumbled apart and tasted oddly artificial.

Service dragged with long waits between courses, and when we mentioned our concerns, the staff seemed indifferent. For the premium prices, we expected dishes that captured the heart of Southern cooking, not just vegan approximations.

2. Disappointing: Top Burmese Burma Joy

Walking into Top Burmese Burma Joy, the beautiful décor and aromatic spices promised an authentic Burmese experience. Sadly, the vegan options felt like afterthoughts rather than carefully crafted dishes.

Their tea leaf salad, typically a Burmese highlight, lacked the complex flavors that make this dish special. The tofu curry arrived lukewarm with bland sauce and mushy vegetables that had clearly been overcooked.

Most frustrating was the confusion among staff about which items were truly vegan – we received contradictory information from different servers. At these prices ($15-20 per dish), we expected much better execution and clarity about plant-based options.

3. Norah Belmont

Tucked away in a renovated Victorian house, Norah Belmont offers the kind of intimate dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret. Chef Amara’s seasonal menu changes monthly, highlighting local produce in ways that surprise even seasoned vegans.

My partner couldn’t stop talking about the smoked carrot lox – paper-thin slices of carrot transformed to perfectly mimic the texture and flavor of traditional salmon. The cashew cheese board features house-fermented varieties that would impress any dairy lover.

What truly sets Norah apart is their zero-waste commitment – vegetable scraps become broths, and leftover bread transforms into amazing bread pudding. Reservations are tough to get, but absolutely worth planning ahead.

4. CoKiea’s Kitchen

Family-owned CoKiea’s Kitchen brings Southern hospitality to Portland’s vegan scene. The moment you walk in, the aroma of smoky jackfruit and fresh-baked cornbread makes your mouth water.

Their jackfruit pulled ‘pork’ sandwich comes piled high with tangy slaw and the most incredible barbecue sauce I’ve ever tasted – sweet, spicy, and deeply complex. Don’t miss the mac and ‘cheese’ made with a secret cashew sauce that somehow captures that nostalgic, creamy texture perfectly.

Owner Kiea often comes out from the kitchen to check on guests, sharing stories about how she veganized her grandmother’s recipes. With generous portions at reasonable prices ($8-15), this welcoming spot has become our weekly tradition.

5. Blossoming Lotus

Blossoming Lotus stands out by creating innovative vegan dishes that celebrate vegetables rather than imitating meat. Their roasted beet poke bowl reimagines Hawaiian cuisine with marinated ruby-red beets that provide a perfect tender bite.

The live nachos – featuring jicama ‘chips’ topped with walnut chorizo, cashew queso, and fresh guacamole – changed how I think about raw food. Every ingredient tastes incredibly fresh, with many vegetables harvested from their own garden plot.

Even my carnivore friends rave about their Sunday brunch, especially the chickpea flour omelets stuffed with seasonal vegetables. With thoughtful service and a peaceful atmosphere, this place offers a truly mindful dining experience that leaves you feeling nourished on multiple levels.

6. The Groovy Floret

Walking into The Groovy Floret feels like stepping back into the 1970s – with vintage concert posters, record players, and servers in tie-dye shirts. But don’t let the playful atmosphere fool you – the food here is seriously good.

Their mushroom ‘calamari’ features king oyster mushrooms sliced into rings, lightly battered and fried to perfection. The accompanying black garlic aioli adds an umami punch that’s downright addictive. For main courses, the jackfruit ‘crab’ cakes taste remarkably like the Maryland classic.

What makes this place special is their house-made vegan butter – a cultured cashew spread that’s better than any plant butter I’ve bought in stores. With fun cocktails named after classic rock songs, dinner here feels like a party every time.

7. Mirisata

Mirisata started as a pop-up before finding its permanent home, and Portland vegans couldn’t be happier. This worker-owned collective serves Sri Lankan cuisine that doesn’t hold back on spice or flavor.

The jackfruit curry slow-simmers for hours, absorbing complex spices until it reaches melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Their string hopper kottu – a street food dish of chopped rice noodle pancakes stir-fried with vegetables and curry – provides textural contrasts that keep every bite interesting.

Beyond the food, Mirisata’s community focus shines through their sliding scale meal program and monthly fundraising events for local causes. When you eat here, you’re not just enjoying incredible food – you’re supporting a business model that puts people before profits.