8 Mom & Pop Restaurants In Portland That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For

Eating at a family-run restaurant is a charming experience not to be missed. Portland has plenty of mom and pop-run (or just chef-run) restaurants that serve up some incredible food, making chain restaurants a thing of the past. Next time you are heading out for a meal, try one of these local favorites instead:

1. Karam Lebanese and Syrian Cuisine

Chef and owner of Karam's, Magdalene, prepares some amazing Lebanese food in this lovely restaurant on SW 4th Avenue.

2. Bernie's Southern Bistro

Enjoy some classic soul comfort food at this family-run Alberta Street mainstay.

3. Iorio Restaurant

This family-run Italian restaurant has been serving up classics since 2005. Located in the heart of the Hawthorne district, Iorio is worth a stop.

4. Nicholas Restaurant

In business for over 30 years, this family business has flourished. Grown from a pizza and calzone shop, the restaurant slowly introduced Lebanese food, which is now its mainstay, and currently runs three Portland locations.

5. Arleta Library Bakery Cafe

This family-owned restaurant has provided nourishing and healthy food to the community for over a decade. Biscuits and gravy are a big draw at this SE restaurant and bakery.

6. La Panza Cafe

Husband and wife Andy and Jessica Razatos own this small New Mexican eatery. Located in SE Portland, the food here is traditionally made with red and green chilies, blue corn and posole, and is amazingly delicious.

7. Mother's Bar and Bistro

Find homestyle favorites here just like your mom used to make. This downtown mainstay serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but breakfast is the biggest draw.

8. Swiss Hibiscus

Swiss and European food is on the menu at this lovely and bright family-run restaurant on 14th Avenue in the Alberta Arts District.

What is your favorite mom and pop restaurant in Portland? Let us know in the comments below.