Planning a trip to Portland, Oregon? Here are seven top cake, ice cream, and pastry recommendations from my friends Michelle and Peter to sweeten your visit.
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#1 – Salt & Straw Ice Cream
Photo credit
Salt & Straw is a Portland favorite, frequently drawing long but fast-moving lines. Classics like salted caramel are crowd-pleasers, while rotating and inventive flavors — olive oil, coava coffee, cocanú craque, and strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper — make each visit unique. Expect seasonal specials and collaborations, so there’s often something new to try.
Locations:
- 3345 SE Division St, Portland, OR – 11AM–11PM daily – (503) 208-2054
- 2035 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR – 11AM–11PM daily – (503) 208-3867
- 838 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR – 10AM–11PM daily – (971) 271-8168
#2 – Jade Bistro & Patisserie
In Sellwood, Jade Bistro & Patisserie is known for its Vietnamese wedding cake — a layered, pistachio-tinted confection with varied textures and flavors. The cake can be seasonal or made in limited batches, so calling ahead is a good idea if you’re hoping to get a slice. Beyond that signature dessert, the bistro offers a range of well-crafted savory dishes and pastries.
#3 – Piece of Cake Bakery
Another Sellwood favorite, Piece of Cake Bakery is celebrated for its Chantilly cake and a strong selection of gluten-free options. Their menu includes classic slices, whole cakes, and specialty orders for celebrations.
Piece of Cake Bakery
(503) 234-9445
8306 SE 17th Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
Hours
Mon–Thu: 9am–8pm
Fri: 9am–10:30pm
Sat: 10am–10:30pm
Sun: Noon–5pm
#4 – La Provence / Petit Provence
Photo credit: La Provence / Petit Provence
La Provence / Petit Provence combines a lovely brunch menu with a refined bakery case stocked with French pastries, breads, elegant desserts, and boutique chocolates. Their artisan approach and classic technique make it a go-to for anyone craving European-style baked goods in Portland.
Locations include SE Division, NE Alberta, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and the PDX airport.
#5 – Donuts: Voodoo, Pip’s, or Blue Star
Photo credit: Voodoo, Pip’s & Blue Star
Donuts are a big deal in Portland. Voodoo Doughnut is the most famous and a popular stop for visitors. Locals often favor Pip’s or Blue Star for their house-made doughs and inventive glazes. Each shop offers a distinct personality and menu, from quirky toppings to elevated, pastry-style donuts.
Voodoo locations include Downtown and East Side, plus a food cart; many of their locations accept cash only. Pip’s has a brick-and-mortar and a mobile cart presence. Blue Star has multiple locations around the city and at the airport.
#6 – Papa Haydn
Photo credit: Papa Haydn
Papa Haydn is a long-standing Portland dessert institution, famous for its elegant cakes and extensive dessert display. The West location on NW 23rd is especially popular and tends to be busy in the evenings. The restaurants offer full menus in addition to their pastry and cake selections.
Papa Haydn West
701 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
503.228.7317
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–midnight, Sun 10am–10pm
Papa Haydn East
5829 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202
503.232.9440
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–midnight, Sun 10am–10pm
#7 – Bipartisan Cafe
Bipartisan Cafe channels an “Old Portland” vibe with a strong sense of community and a soundtrack of punk rock. Its pie selection is the main attraction, with multiple rotating flavors available at any given time. The cafe’s relaxed, inclusive atmosphere makes it a great stop for comfort-style desserts and a local experience.
Bonus – Dessert Food Carts
Portland’s food cart scene includes many dessert-focused vendors, from waffles to ice cream sandwiches and pastries. Food carts are spread across neighborhoods and are a fun way to sample creative, small-batch desserts—perfect for exploring while sightseeing.
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