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1. Malka
4546 SE Division St., malkapdx.com.
An extension of Jessie Aron's fanciful Carte Blanche cart, situated in a converted house, Malka faced a long series of delays, but it has finally arrived—well, sort of. It's still in "soft opening" mode, which means no walk-ins and a pared-down menu. Once it gets rolling, though, expect Thai-spiced ribs, crispy rice salads and a Southeast Asian take on matzo ball soup.
2. Campana at Grand Army Tavern
901 NE Oneonta St., 503-841-6195, campanapdx.com.
A meal at the 5-month-old "trattoria within a tavern" feels like falling through a wormhole and landing in a classic New York red-sauce joint. Campana makes the ordering easy by offering a three-course road map—salad, pasta and a dessert—for $37. And while it may sound too ambitious for your stomach, you really should spring for at least one of the sides. If nothing else, the rugged, spongy campagnolo bread will help you wipe your dish clean of any remaining sauce.
Read the full review: Could Campana Be Portland's Next Pop-Up-To-Permanence Success Story? Sure Tastes Like It.
3. Mama Bird
2145 NW Raleigh St., 503-384-2064, mamabirdpdx.com.
"Comfort food" means different things to different people, but few are likely to disagree on Mama Bird. At this new Etsy-chic Slabtown counter-service spot, a crackling fire provides ambience and heat, with one side devoted to pineapple-brined birds, and fresh vegetables and potatoes on the other. The brine gives the birds all the flavor they need to stand up on their own, but each of the six sauces on offer transforms the chicken from above average to downright addictive.
Read the full review: Mama Bird's Chicken Splits the Difference Between Comfort Food and Health Food.
4. Tasty N Daughters
4537 SE Division St., 503-621-1400, tastyndaughters.com.
Tasty n Daughters is a pretty different experience from the now-departed Tasty n Sons, especially at dinner. Whereas Sons felt like an ambitious diner, Daughters, in the old Woodsman Tavern space, is more clubby, with an elevated menu that nods to all of chef John Gorham's most beloved culinary regions, including Italy, Morocco and the American South.
Related: Before the Year Ends, We Revisited Five Restaurants That Switched Things up in 2019.
5. Baes Fried Chicken
225 SW Ash St., baeschicken.com.
Four years after he pulled the plug on his previous attempt at a fried chicken joint, fast-casual kingpin Micah Camden's newest project doles out fresh, juicy birds with ruthless efficiency and alarming consistency. The hot chicken, in particular, is destined to be the subject of citywide hype. The heat level is tolerable for most, preserving the smoky, peppery flavor without scorching tastebuds.
Read the full review: Baes Chicken Redeems One of Portland Restaurateur Micah Camden's Biggest Failures.