Wild-caught Pacific Northwest king or sockeye salmon roasted on a soaked cedar plank that perfumes the fish with smoke as it cooks, served with herb butter and seasonal Oregon vegetables.

Cedar-plank salmon is an ancient cooking technique of the Pacific Northwest Coast Salish nations, who would skewer salmon on cedar stakes around an open fire so the smoke would permeate the fish as it cooked. European settlers adapted the format in the late 19th century, and Portland fine-dining rooms standardised the modern oven-plank version through the late 20th century. Wild Pacific salmon from the Columbia and Willamette runs is the structural ingredient; the dish is on virtually every Portland fine-dining menu, including Le Pigeon, Departure and Andina.

4 editor picks for Cedar-Plank Pacific Northwest Salmon in Portland, ranked by editorial score. All Portland signature dishes · Cedar-Plank Pacific Northwest Salmon across every city.

Le Pigeon ★ 4.8

$$$French BistroEast Burnside Kerns

James Beard winner Gabriel Rucker's communal-table bistro on East Burnside, Portland's most decorated French room since 2006 with chef's counter walk-ins.

OrderFoie gras profiteroles with caramel ice cream

TipThree communal tables take reservations. The chef's counter is walk-in only and turns over from 17:00.

Tusk ★ 4.4

$$$Middle EasternEast Burnside Kerns

The bright, plant-forward Middle Eastern room on East Burnside in Portland, open since 2016 with Pacific Northwest produce on every plate. Priced at $$$.

OrderThe slow-roasted lamb shoulder with sumac and pomegranate

TipOpen for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The covered patio is the best seat in summer.

Olympia Provisions Southeast ★ 4.4

$$EuropeanHawthorne Belmont

Portland's first salumeria, now a refined European bistro in the Central Eastside with house-cured charcuterie and a long pastry bar at the front.

OrderThe chef's charcuterie board with house-baked rye

TipChoucroute royale is on the menu year-round but tastes right in winter. Brunch on weekends from 10:00.

Departure ★ 4.3

$$$Pan-asianDowntown

The 15th-floor pan-Asian rooftop at The Nines in downtown Portland, with two outdoor decks and the city's largest sake list. Modern Asian cooking.

OrderThe kushiyaki tasting flight from the grill

TipTwo outdoor decks with views of Mount Hood. Sunset is the seat to book.

Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide

Cedar-Plank Pacific Northwest Salmon makes more sense with someone from Portland explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

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