Portland, TN’s dining scene is a collection of worthy contenders, but when you combine Southern hospitality with culinary ambition, you get something truly remarkable. Think of it like biscuits and gravy—fine separately, but together they create a comfort-food masterpiece. These restaurants don’t just serve meals; they craft experiences worth savoring. From smoky barbecue joints to innovative farm-to-table spots, here are the establishments that define Portland’s flavor.
Mr Wok
$ | (615) 325-2688 | WEBSITE
We believe curry chicken is delicious. Therefore a Chinese buffet coupled with fresh appetizers and a big portion of curry chicken is also delicious. Enter Mr. Wok’s perfect curry chicken buffet, which is here to fulfill all your Chinese restaurant/carry-out dreams.
Sumner Crest Winery
$$ | (615) 325-4086 | WEBSITE
There are lots of charming wineries in Portland just begging to comfort you during this week’s bitter cold. For example, Sumner Crest Winery. This place’s wine sampler consists of unusual sweet flavors, a selection of snacks, and a bunch of live music that’s guaranteed to add some much-needed brightness to your week. Everything is topped with excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff, and a beautiful winery-inspired decoration.
Señor Fajita’s Portland
$ | (615) 325-1996 | WEBSITE
The Mexican food Portland needs, no: deserves. Señor Fajita’s has been around for years and makes delicious, satisfying, Mexican fare. It has a welcoming atmosphere with recent renovations, reasonable prices, and that signature South American twist. They also have fantastic sweet tea that you should know about.
Pupuseria Josellin Food Truck
$ | (615) 972-8546 | WEBSITE
Pupuseria Josellin is a very simple food truck in Portland. Their specialty is Salvadoran and Tex-Mex street food, so you can expect dishes like carne asada tacos, traditional steak tacos, and pupusas. But during a week like this, we’re ordering the Torta Hula Hula. This excellent sandwich has fresh, tasty fillings, is served with kid-friendly sides, and is exactly what you want when you need a simple, affordable meal.
The owner is very kind, treating customers like family at the picnic tables, and the whole experience feels like exactly what you’d hope for from a food truck—fresh, delicious, and welcoming.
Tacos Mi Jalisco
$ | (270) 303-8923 | WEBSITE
The Surf N Turf Burrito from Tacos Mi Jalisco definitely falls on the generous side of things. It’s a perfectly balanced blend of tender steak and succulent shrimp, packed with rice, beans, and fresh pico de gallo, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, and served with a side of their signature guacamole. It’s perfect for hungry nights when you just want to be satisfied with authentic flavors and a welcoming vibe.
5 Chefs
$ | (615) 325-9508 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something sweet, we recommend the cake pops from 5 Chefs. After all, desserts are known in the culinary community as the highlight of any meal. OK, we made that up. Either way, the cake pops really elevate the experience and add a delightful sweetness. This is an exceptionally delicious, and satisfying treat.
Music City Gyros
$ | (615) 471-7253 | WEBSITE
Speaking of generous, satisfying meals – the Mixed Plate from Music City Gyros is loaded with fresh gyro meat, crisp vegetables, and warm pita bread, which makes for a wonderfully hearty and flavorful platter. Piled on that delicious plate you’ll find tender slices of lamb, juicy chicken, seasoned beef, gyro fries, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Osaka Sushi Steak House
$ | (615) 388-7750 | WEBSITE
The sushi at Osaka Sushi Steak House is fresh, beautiful, balanced, and perfect for those seeking an elegant dining experience. It’s a generous presentation of artful creations featuring warm, fluffy rice paired with impeccably fresh fish, creating a magical harmony of texture and flavor. The atmosphere is clean and sophisticated, with soft lighting and minimalist decor that lets the food shine. Plus, the service is attentive and thoughtful, making every visit feel special.
Arby’s
$ | (615) 323-7200 | WEBSITE
These mozzarella sticks are some of the creamiest, most satisfying options on this list, and that’s without being overly greasy at all. Instead, Arby’s has a perfectly fried golden exterior, along with stretchy melted cheese and marinara served on the side. The jalapeño poppers follow suit with their crisp breading and just-right spicy kick. During late hours, the night crew consistently delivers fresh, complete orders that make the midnight closing time feel like a gift.
While off-peak service can sometimes miss the mark with stale items or missing components, the overall politeness and helpfulness—especially with mobile orders—keep this spot a reliable choice. With ample parking and family-friendly convenience, it’s solid value for couples or groups looking for straightforward satisfaction.
Restaurante Los Potrillos
$ | (615) 475-3380 | WEBSITE
This carne asada is another Mexican staple but on the budget-friendly tip, even though Los Potrillos now closes at 10 p.m. instead of midnight. Their grilled carne asada is tender, flavorful, and served with rice, beans, and tortillas. So this weekend, next time you find yourself with a craving for authentic Mexican food or (let’s be honest) a craving for amazing portions without breaking the bank, head here.
Hardee’s
$ | (615) 325-6585 | WEBSITE
Sometimes breakfast isn’t enough, and you just want a solid burger to crash the party. That’s when you order the classic burger from Hardee’s. The staff is friendly, the service is fast, and the burger and fries combo is a wonderfully satisfying mouthful. You can even specify whether you want cheese, bacon, or extra toppings – and either regular or large. Plus, the portions are generous, so plan on either sharing or saving some for later.
Barbeque Pit
$ | (615) 323-7878 | WEBSITE
This particular plate of barbecue is tucked away among the 17 best restaurants in Portland, TN. That’s because (as the name suggests) this barbecue spot offers a clean seating area and friendly service with a smile. But one that happens to be serving up some damn good BBQ nachos, always fresh and hot, and exceptional Sweet Tea.
Bento
$ | (615) 325-8988 | WEBSITE
This hidden gem is a must-visit when you’re craving Japanese food in Portland. The sushi rolls are impressively full and beautifully displayed, with the Virginia roll being a particular standout. Combine that with the hibachi chicken—described as the best you can put in your mouth—and the friendly, family-oriented service from the owners and their children, and it will make you look forward to every meal.
The in-house yumyum and oyster sauces add an extra layer of flavor to dishes like the Chicken Katsu and Yakisoba, while the recent interior renovation maintains a welcoming atmosphere without raising prices.
Brewster’s Bar & Grille
$ | (615) 325-8873 | WEBSITE
Brewster’s Bar & Grille is a local favorite that serves excellent food and provides great service. The cozy atmosphere feels like a small town, even when the place is packed, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. The delicious options definitely make an appearance in dishes like the breakfast burger, quesadilla, and fried Cajun catfish. It also features appetizers like chili cheese fries and fried okra that complement the cold beer well.
The attentive staff treats everyone like locals, even if they are just visiting. Overall, Brewster’s is a must-visit for anyone within 50 miles.
Milo Coffee House
$ | (615) 992-7036 | WEBSITE
Milo Coffee House is our favorite spot in Portland for a cup of fantastic coffee and a delicious breakfast burger. The food is consistently excellent, and there’s a dedication to quality ingredients, like the handmade honey lavender syrup in the latte. They offer options ranging from sweet to savory, and just in case you’re looking for something more substantial, the chilaquiles are described as more than delicious.
If you happen to be one of those ‘I don’t like breakfast’ people they also have plantains and hashes too. But also, why are you reading this guide?
Portland Pizza & Pub
$ | (615) 745-5253 | WEBSITE
Portland residents and pizza lovers far and wide rejoice – Portland Pizza & Pub has arrived in your neighborhood. While the original is a local favorite, the current location means you have easy access to their fantastic fajita pizza. The unbelievable flavors are paired with the best-ever cheesy bread and huge traditional wings. The fast and polite carryout service is available alongside a packed dining area featuring live music on certain nights.
The basic pub feel with a bar area and plenty of seating creates a welcoming atmosphere, while the arcade room adds extra fun with skee ball, air hockey, and car racing games. The authentic Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots game is perfect for kids and the bigger kids of the family to enjoy. Customers highly recommend this spot for delicious pizza and cheesy bread, and it’s been a great choice for special occasions, accommodating groups with specific dietary needs.
The buffet pizza night and large Uno cards provided add to the experience. Overall, Portland Pizza & Pub continues to impress with excellent food, accommodating service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Top of the Ridge Restaurant
$ | (615) 745-4288 | WEBSITE
Top of the Ridge Restaurant is known for its Friday fish fry, which you can order with their standout cole slaw. And luckily for the home-style craving, they’ve always got their fantastic catfish. The hamburger steak is our favorite and comes with potatoes and gravy along with a cozy small-town atmosphere and a welcoming, attentive staff. Which is also perfect for enjoying their holy cow cake, so you should probably save room for that, too.