Gresham, Oregon’s fourth-largest city, has a food scene that often lives in the shadow of nearby Portland.
However, locals know that Gresham harbors some incredible dining establishments that deserve recognition.
Here are five hidden gem restaurants in Gresham that offer exceptional dining experiences without the crowds or pretense.
1. Nuevo Dorado Mexican Restaurant
Tucked away in a modest shopping center, Nuevo Dorado Mexican Restaurant has established itself as one of Gresham’s best-kept culinary secrets.
This family-owned establishment serves authentic Mexican cuisine that goes far beyond the typical Tex-Mex offerings found at chain restaurants.
What makes Nuevo Dorado special is their commitment to traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
Their mole poblano—a complex sauce featuring chocolate, chilies, and numerous spices—is prepared according to a generations-old family recipe and served over tender chicken.
The handmade tortillas and house-prepared salsas elevate every dish to something memorable.
2. Ristorante Di Pompello
Hidden in plain sight in downtown Gresham, Ristorante Di Pompello offers an authentic Italian dining experience that rivals establishments in much larger cities.
Chef-owner Marco Pompello brings his Sicilian heritage to every dish, creating a menu that balances traditional recipes with Pacific Northwest ingredients.
The restaurant’s intimate setting, with just twelve tables in a converted historic building, creates an atmosphere that feels both special and comfortable.
Their house-made pasta, particularly the pappardelle with wild mushroom ragu, showcases local ingredients prepared with Italian techniques.
The seafood dishes, featuring catches from the Oregon coast, demonstrate the chef’s skill in highlighting fresh flavors.
3. Boon Boom Thai
Boon Boom Thai might be easy to miss in its location within a small strip mall, but those who discover this gem find themselves returning regularly for some of the most authentic Thai cuisine in the Portland metro area.
Owned and operated by Bangkok natives, this restaurant focuses on traditional preparations rather than Americanized versions of Thai classics.
The menu features regional specialties from throughout Thailand, including less common northern Thai dishes like khao soi (curry noodle soup) and nam prik ong (chile dip with vegetables).
Their pad thai strikes the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes that define authentic Thai cooking, while their curries offer complex layers of flavor built from house-made curry pastes.
4. The Local Cow
The Local Cow has transformed the burger experience in Gresham, elevating this American classic through careful sourcing and creative combinations.
This locally owned restaurant focuses on sustainably raised beef from Pacific Northwest farms, ground fresh daily and hand-formed into patties that showcase the quality of the meat.
Beyond the exceptional beef, what makes The Local Cow special is their attention to every component of the burger.
Brioche buns from a local bakery, house-made condiments, and locally sourced produce create a complete package that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Their signature “Gresham Bleu” burger with Oregon blue cheese, caramelized onions, and house bacon jam demonstrates their skill at balancing flavors.
The restaurant’s rustic-modern interior with reclaimed wood and vintage photographs of Gresham creates a comfortable atmosphere that appeals to everyone from families to food enthusiasts.
Their selection of local craft beers and hand-spun milkshakes rounds out the experience, making this hidden gem a complete package.
5. Spice of Life International Market & Deli
Perhaps the most truly “hidden” gem on this list, Spice of Life International Market & Deli combines a grocery store specializing in Eastern European and Mediterranean products with a small deli counter serving some of the most authentic international cuisine in Gresham.
The deli menu changes daily based on what the owners are inspired to cook, but always features homestyle dishes from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and nearby regions.
Their cabbage rolls, filled with seasoned meat and rice and simmered in tomato sauce, transport diners straight to Eastern Europe.
The pelmeni (Russian dumplings) and freshly baked piroshki have developed a devoted following among those who have discovered this unassuming spot.
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