With the aim of addressing the stark absence of quality restaurants offering home-style food in the area, chef and owner Lisa Schroeder has taken the experience gained at the likes of Le Cirque to create wonderfully fresh, bistro-style cuisine in the light and airy ambiance of this old Irish bank building. Breakfast and lunch menus at Mother's Bistro & Bar offer an excellent array of Northwestern specialties prepared to the highest standards. There is more variation in the dinner menu, with everything from salads to pot roast and vegetable couscous. The excellent wine list offers choices by the bottle or glass. The restaurant interiors sport an excellent play of natural light with huge windows and soft white curtains creating an airy and cozy atmosphere. Ornate chandeliers add to the charm. The bar has a refined atmosphere with exposed-brick walls and vivid decor creating an elegant vibe. With the food consistently garnering critical acclaim, it's no wonder that Mother's has become one of the city's favorites.

Step into the 1940s when you enter this landmark restaurant in Portland's booming Pearl District. The red vinyl swiveling stools stand poised and ready for the next customer, while the servers greet everyone with a smile and a pot of coffee. Fuller's Coffee Shop serves breakfast and lunch to loyal patrons who stop in for a quick bite. Lawyers, students, beauticians and construction workers share the counter space and conversations. Try the fish and chips for lunch while the French toast is a favorite for breakfast.

It is easy to recognize Pine State Biscuits from the street because of the long queue that often forms outside the restaurant. While the wait may be exasperating, the large crowd is a testimony to the popularity of the unusual biscuits and sandwiches at this joint. Try the signature Creamtop Buttermilk Biscuits with rich textures and flavors. Guests can also order biscuits spread with Pimento cheese, locally-sourced honey, marionberry jam or apple butter. Certain dishes like Biscuits and Gravy blend sweet and savory tastes, while sandwiches such as Steak Club and The Wedgie have classic Southern flavors. If you can't bag a seat within the restaurant, takeaway is your best bet.

Broder is a small Swedish eatery which is one of the most popular places in the city for Scandinavian food. Swedish meatballs, lamb burger and Stockholm hotdog are some prominent options on the menu. A choice of side dishes like sauteed greens and country ham accompany the mains. The decor is simple, and the ambiance refreshing and welcoming. With only 12 tables in this cozy space a wait time is to be expected, but the cuisine and overall experience is well worth it.

Sweedeedee is a highly popular breakfast place in North Portland. The charming space, with its eclectic decor, tall menu board with artistic scribbles, potted plants and overall homey atmosphere, is the perfect place to come to for breakfast with the family. The place is also known for its pies, which are made from scratch from completely locally-sourced products, and are a great option for a light lunch.

If you love home-cooked breakfasts, this Portland icon is the place to visit. Since the early 1950s, the friendly staff at the The Original Pancake House has been serving some of the best breakfasts in town. The family-owned company now boasts award-winning franchises nationwide. Choose from nearly two dozen different types of pancakes. Enjoy any of the fresh, tasty syrups and gourmet-style sausages. Linger over a cup of coffee in the cozy restaurant, resplendent with antiques and old world charm.