Portland, Oregon is not only a haven for outdoor lovers—it’s also a mecca for fun and tasty food options. In fact, the sheer abundance of healthy, fun and funky restaurants was one of the reasons I fell in love with Portland over a decade ago and it’s still one of the reasons why Portland remains near and dear to my heart. Below are just a few of the amazing restaurants that make the Rose City such a great place to eat!

Boke Bowl, located at 1028 SE Water Avenue, is renowned for their ramen soups. But if you’re not in the mood for soup, no fear, there are plenty of other menu options guaranteed to excite your taste buds. My favorite dish, the tofu rice bowl, is bursting with flavors and textures--zesty, tangy, sweet, crunchy and soft--that will keep your palate begging for more.

Paradox Café, located at 3439 SE Belmont Street, is an adorable, veg-friendly diner that offers a laid-back, Portland-style setting with a vast array of healthy food options. My favorite breakfast dishes include the vegan and gluten-free corn cakes and the veggie scramble.

There are multiple Laughing Planet locations around Portland. Each has a fun, festive atmosphere and all offer healthy and tasty meals ranging from burritos to yummy bowls, like the Eat Your Veggies bowl, that ensure you’re getting a good meal at a good price.

Cha Ba Thai has two locations in Northeast Portland. No matter which location you choose, you’re in for a treat. The staff is super friendly and the Thai food offered is out of this world delicious. My favorite dishes include the egg rolls, the #34 Veggie Combo, and the #66 Rad Nah.

If Ethiopian food is on your mind, there is no shortage of Ethiopian restaurants to choose from in Portland. Dalo’s Kitchen, located at 4134 N Vancouver Avenue, not only offers a pleasant dining venue, it also serves up one of the best vegan platters on the planet.

Harlow, located at 3632 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, is one of my new favorite eateries. This styling restaurant has a 100 percent gluten-free menu and serves up healthy, unique options. My favorite menu item is the Oatmeal Banana Walnut Pancakes. However, they also offer delicious smoothies, salads, scrambles and bowls.

Los Gorditos Taqueria, located at 1212 SE Division Street, is a cute little dive that serves the best Mexican food I’ve had so far in Portland at budget-friendly prices. The restaurant also features a huge vegan menu. You can’t go wrong with a Bean and Rice burrito or the Beans, Rice and Avocado dish.

Rockin Robyn’s Sassy Burger food cart, located in the Rose City Food Park at 5221 NE Sandy Boulevard, has the tastiest vegan Portobello Mushroom burger I’ve ever had. Couple that with some vegan, gluten-free fries on a gluten-free bun, and you’ve got yourself one scrumptious meal.