Portland’s Culinary Landscape Heats Up with New Openings and Chef Moves
Portland's food scene is experiencing a surge of new openings and chef transitions. Notably, Chef Jack Strong has taken over as executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton Portland, overseeing Bellpine and Meadowrue. Marée, a new restaurant inspired by Basque, French, and…
Portland, OR, August 20, 2026 —
Portland’s vibrant culinary scene is buzzing with activity as several new establishments open their doors and experienced chefs take on new roles. This wave of activity signals a dynamic period for dining in the city.
Among the significant appointments, Chef Jack Strong has been named the new executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton Portland. In this capacity, he will be responsible for the culinary direction of the hotel’s dining venues, Bellpine and Meadowrue.
The city has also welcomed Marée, a new restaurant located at NE 30th and Killingsworth. The eatery draws inspiration from the cuisines of Basque, France, and Spain, promising a unique blend of European flavors.
Further diversifying the dining landscape, Chef Brian Malarkey has opened The Malarkey, a substantial steakhouse situated in the Pearl District. Complementing the upscale offerings, Bar Scorpio, described as a late-night “sexy dive bar,” has commenced operations on SE Hawthorne.
Looking ahead, Portland is anticipating several more noteworthy openings. Bar Sprezzatura, a new bistro from Chef Michael Mina, is set to debut at the Heathman Hotel. Additionally, Pamana will be launching its second location, and Feli, a restaurant specializing in Southern Spanish cuisine, is slated to open in the Slabtown neighborhood.
Story summarized from the original created by Alex Frane on www.portlandmercury.com, see more information here.
