In a surprising twist for Oregon's culinary scene, two local restaurants outside the Portland area have snagged spots on Yelp's esteemed "Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024" list. According to a report by the Portland Business Journal, The Riv in The Dalles, and Lucky Cat Ramen in Tigard have been chosen among the nation's best, a notable distinction considering no Portland city proper establishments made the cut this year.
The Riv, comfortably seated at No. 60 on the list, has become a revered spot for brunch lovers, serving home-style favorites in a repurposed century-old stone church—a setting that adds a unique charm to the dining experience. As Axios Portland highlights, if visitors aren't there for the fried chicken and waffles or French toast, they’re likely playing the bathroom piano, an eccentric feature that has become part of its allure.
Meanwhile, Lucky Cat Ramen earned the 62nd position, with Yelp reviews praising its authentic Japanese ramen. Located inside an H Mart supermarket, this hidden gem boasts only 15 stools at its dining counter, but that hasn't stopped the noodle shop from also being recognized by Yelp as one of the 25 best ramen restaurants in the U.S., according to a KOIN report. The small venue manages to deliver big flavors, "The ramen tastes exactly how I had it in Japan," one Yelper emphatically noted.
The inclusion of these two eateries on such a prestigious list speaks not only to their individual excellence but also to the evolving landscape of Oregon's dining culture. Yelp's methodology includes a mix of ratings, review volume, and submissions analyzed by their own community managers to celebrate the top-performing eateries across the United States. While this year's list is topped by a vegetarian Mexican restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, the recognition of The Riv and Lucky Cat Ramen adds a dash of Pacific Northwest pride to Yelp's national palate.
