2 Portland spots make Bon Appetit's 'Best New Restaurants of 2024' list

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Portland's reputation as a foodie city continues after Bon Appetit named not one but two local spots on its "20 Best New Restaurants of 2024" list this week.

Making this year's list was Alpenrausch on Southeast Division and Pasar on Northeast Alberta.

Pasar, an Indonesian restaurant, was highlighted by Bon Appetit for having the best dessert menu on the list.

Alpenrausch is like a cozy Alpine escape right in Portland. The re-imagined Olympia Provisions Public House boasts things like rich stews, crispy schnitzels and cheesy fondue.

Owner Elias Cairo said that escape is by design.

"We always said it's kind of like our dream when you step into a restaurant or go out to eat that you're able to escape from your normal life coming in and just be transported to a whole new world," he said.

Cairo said his own personal time in the Alps deeply influenced his vision for Alpenrausch, which -- roughly translated -- means Alpine euphoria.

He credited others for the success.

"How am I so lucky to get these amazing people that just keep pushing it and keep trying to make it better, and they do it out of love and passion," he said. "And it shows."

Philadelphia was the only other city on Bon Appetit's 2024 list to have two spots.

Portland's Haitian restaurant Kann had previously been named a Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit months after being named the best restaurant in the U.S. at the James Beard Awards - and then Chef Gregory Gourdet won "Best Chef" in the Pacific Northwest from the James Beard Awards less than a year later.

"I think that there's a lot of excitement," Cairo said on Monday. "We always love to support each other."

He just hopes Portland shows up -- as it always does.

"Portland's been really, really supportive of what we've done in years past and I think there's a lot of excitement for what's happening in Portland," he said. "It's been kind of a hard time in the restaurant industry here so just to get national recognition and we always love to support each other."