Nob Hill Portland

The most European shopping experience in Portland is in Nob Hill in the northwest. It's beautiful in all seasons, but I find it especially lovely in fall.

Its main commercial area is along bustling NW 23rd Avenue. This lovely stretch has an abundance of character, with restaurants, cafes and boutiques along a tree-lined street.

I love wandering the entire neighborhood to admire the beautiful Victorian/Edwardian mansions and vintage 1920s apartment buildings on oversized lots. This area became known as Nob Hill, after its posh namesake in San Francisco.

Main shopping street in Nob Hill?

Nob Hill's shopping area stretches for seventeen blocks along NW 23rd Avenue, bookended by NW Thurman and W Burnside St. It's just a five minute walk from downtown, and also has easy access to Forest Park.

5 best things to do in Nob Hill Portland

1. NW 23rd restaurants.

I highly recommend taking a long walk along 23rd Avenue, to discover a broad array of restaurants ranging from upscale to casual.  Here are some of my recommendations:

• The Fireside gastropub serves northwestern cuisine in a chic space with amazing ambiance. I love the pan seared black cod and cilantro braised chicken.
• Serratto Restaurant and Bar also has an elegant interior. Indulge in a mediterranean-themed menu with delights like seared sea scallops and french seafood stew, otherwise known as bouillabaisse.
• St Jack in based on traditional cafes in Lyons, France, and is one of my personal favorite places for dinner.
• Papa Hadyn is a top brunch spot in Portland. I can't resist the delicious desserts like lemon chiffon cake and key lime cheesecake.
• The Matador is my go to place for a more casual meal, with yummy mexican food and delicious sangrias.

I enjoy sitting on the patio at The Fireside Gastropub along 23rd. It's also a cosy place for a meal in winter, with two large fireplaces.

Another favorite is Papa Hadyn along 23rd, serving brunch, lunch and dinner.

2. Hip cafes along NW 23rd.

I've spent many hours in the hip Barista Cafe along 23rd in Nob Hill Portland. There's so much to love here including the stylish decor and fabulous coffee. Slip into a leather tufted booth, or enjoy a morning latte at a french bistro table. I appreciate all the fine details like the gold rimmed mirrors, exquisite wallpaper, and parquet floors. This cafe oozes European chic!

I also adore Case Study Coffee Roasters inside a stunning, white Victorian home on 23rd.  The cafe has tables and chairs in the old living room, and a wrap-around window that looks out onto the street.

3. Portland's most famous icecream.

I've noticed that Portland has so many successful food start-ups. One such success story is Salt and Straw on 23rd. It all started right here in Portland in 2011 as an ice-cream cart, and they how have over forty stores in Oregon, Washington State, California, Florida, New York and Arizona.

Choose from fun flavors like chocolate gooey brownie and cinnamon snickerdoodle!

4. NW 23rd boutiques with no sales tax!

Here are my top picks for clothing stores in Nob Hill Portland:

• I absolutely love the reasonably priced, trendy clothing at Sloan boutique on 23rd. So many great deals here!!
• All your streetwear needs can be met at Urban Outfitters. This is the place to go for jeans, t-shirts and sweaters.
• As anyone living in the Pacific Northwest knows, you'll need some good fleece and outdoor clothing for the chilly winters. Best place to find some high quality stuff is at Arcteryx on 23rd.

How cute are these vintage craftsman homes along NW 23rd in Nob Hill Portland!!  Each home has now been converted to a shop or restaurant, and is full of ambiance.

If I'm looking for a high quality piece of clothing, I always stop by Margaret Oleary on 23rd. Everything here is made from natural fibers like marino, cashmere, linen and organic cotton. This hand loomed knitwear is so in demand, its worn by celebrities like Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Madonna.

5. Find unique and classy gifts along NW 23rd.

Here are the top places I shop at on 23rd:

• Nob Hill has all the big furniture retailers like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware.
• I also enjoy visiting the Paper Source on 23rd, for speciality paper, gift wrap, cards, candles and fragrances.
• The Portland owned Superette is a classy store with loads of gifts, ranging from jewelry to toiletries.
• I also adore the Japanese gifts at LYC Japanese Artisan Gifts, including teaware, kimonos and incense.
• The Meadow is the prettiest store, with artisanal chocolate, wine and bitters, and fresh cut flowers.
• Budd and Finn has some northwest themed gifts.