Best Upscale Caribbean Restaurants in Portland | Upscale Caribbean Food

9 restaurants in Best Upscale Caribbean Restaurants in Portland | Upscale Caribbean Food

• Salvador Molly's — Caribbean · rated 4/5: Step into a kaleidoscopic world of global flavors where the air is thick with the scent of island spices and the sizzle of adventurous street food. The kitchen crafts a bold tapestry of tastes, ranging from the legendary, fiery challenge of habanero-laced fritters to the comforting warmth of Caribbean-inspired soul food and inventive Asian-fusion rolls. This high-energy destination transforms every meal into a sun-drenched journey across continents, perfect for those seeking a vibrant, communal feast that dances across the palate.
• Spot 79 — Caribbean · rated 4/5: Spot 79 pulses with an infectious energy, where the rhythmic clink of cocktails and the enticing aroma of charred specialties draw a lively crowd into its stylishly modern embrace. Under a canopy of warm, ambient lighting, diners indulge in a fusion of bold textures and vibrant spices that transform a simple night out into a spirited celebration of urban culinary artistry.
• Rum Club — Mexican · rated 4/5: Bathed in the warm, amber glow of a tropical hideaway, this intimate haunt invites guests to lose track of time amidst lush greenery and the rhythmic shake of craft cocktails. The bar honors the soul of the Caribbean with expertly balanced rum concoctions and vibrant, spice-forward plates that transport the palate to sun-drenched shores. It is a spirited sanctuary where the clink of ice and the hum of soulful conversation create an effortless energy perfect for escaping the everyday.
• Kann — Haitian: Kann is a vibrant celebration of Haitian heritage where the air is thick with the scent of wood-fired embers and the soulful warmth of Caribbean hospitality. Diners are treated to a masterclass in texture and spice, from the pillowy sweetness of warm plantain brioche to the deep, smoky complexity of twice-cooked griyo pork and charred seasonal vegetables. Each plate tells a story of tradition reimagined, blending refined technique with bold, sun-drenched flavors that linger long after the final bite.
• Frontera Sur — Mexican: Vibrant aromas of toasted masa and simmering chilies fill this lively escape, where the rhythmic sound of hand-pressed gorditas hitting the griddle sets the stage for a soulful Latin feast. Guests gather over shared plates of citrus-bright ceviche and golden fried plantains, moving seamlessly from the crunch of potato taquitos to the comforting warmth of steam-filled chuchitos and rich, cheese-laden chile rellenos. It is a space where every bite—from the zesty trio of street tacos to the velvety scoop of fresh guacamole—captures the sun-drenched spirit and deep culinary traditions of the south.
• Jamaica House — Caribbean: Stepping into Jamaica House feels like a sun-drenched escape, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of pimento wood smoke and slow-simmered scotch bonnet peppers. Plates overflow with tender, spice-rubbed meats and vibrant tropical sides that capture the soulful heart of Caribbean cooking, inviting guests to linger over bold, rhythmic flavors in a space alive with island warmth.
• El Cubo de Cuba — Mexican: This lively Cuban retreat pulses with tropical energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted meats and the rhythmic clinking of glasses during a spirited happy hour. Golden-crusted empanadas and perfectly pressed sandwiches find their match in sweet, caramelized plantains and refreshing rum cocktails, creating a soulful dining experience that captures the sun-soaked spirit of the islands.
• Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine — Caribbean: The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of pimento wood smoke and slow-simmered spices, drawing guests into a vibrant space that feels more like a welcoming family kitchen than a traditional eatery. Succulent jerk chicken charred to perfection meets velvety curries and golden, flaky patties, delivering a soulful explosion of Caribbean heat that captures the rhythmic pulse of the island in every bite.
• Cha Cha Cha — Spanish: This vibrant, high-energy haunt pulses with a bohemian spirit, where eclectic decor and bold murals create a kaleidoscopic backdrop for a festive communal feast. The air swirls with the intoxicating scent of sizzling garlic shrimp and spicy jerk chicken, inviting guests to dive into shared plates of Caribbean-inspired flavors paired with overflowing pitchers of fruit-laden sangria. It is a sensory celebration that captures a soulful, tropical energy, turning every meal into a lively escape from the everyday bustle.