Portland chefs don’t sit still, and neither do their menus—even the food carts and fast-casual joints like to change things up.

A passion for experimentation, an emphasis on local food, and a non-stop creative spirit are what put our easy-going, mid-size city on the culinary map in the first place. It’s what lured me here 15 years ago, and it’s what makes me blissfully happy to stay. I’m the kind of person who gets my kicks through my taste buds, and Portland is happy to oblige.

But eating around town isn’t just my pastime, it’s my job. And when people find out I’m a food writer, they inevitably ask me the most dreaded question: What’s your favorite restaurant? We have such a wealth of talent here that it’s impossible to pick just one. Even a list of 10 is no easy feat. It doesn’t help that the food scene here is incredibly dynamic, with great new restaurants opening nearly every month. But I’ve given it my best shot below, with a collection of newer restaurants and cafés that may not be on every traveler’s radar just yet. These aren’t just places I love—they’re always full of surprises and, collectively, they do a great job representing the breadth of the Portland scene.

From expertly roasted coffee and line-worthy brunch options to casual carts and intimate supper clubs, there’s a lot to explore here. If you bring nothing else on a visit to the Rose City, you must at least bring your appetite.