Portland’s vibrant culinary landscape is poised to welcome a new establishment, **Dream Deli Portland**, which is slated to open its doors in Southeast Portland in Fall 2025. Situated on the bustling **SE Division Street**, this anticipated eatery promises a unique fusion of culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from Jewish Italian fusion while firmly rooting itself in the **Pacific Northwest deli**’s abundant larder. This exciting addition to the **Portland food scene** is truly a culinary dream realized.
A Culinary Dream Realized at Dream Deli Portland
**Dream Deli Portland** is the realization of a long-held vision for owners Jessie Levine and John Bissell. The name itself reflects a decade-long aspiration to create a restaurant together, a “dream” that is now coming to fruition. Levine and Bissell aim to craft a “Pacific Northwest deli,” a concept that champions the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients. While nodding to classic deli styles, their approach is distinct, focusing on selecting the “dreamiest aspects” of various delis to create something familiar yet refreshingly new. The essence of **Dream Deli Portland** lies in this thoughtful curation.
Blending Traditions: From New York to Italy at Dream Deli Portland
The culinary philosophy behind **Dream Deli Portland** is a thoughtful amalgamation of distinct heritage. For the Jewish deli side, patrons can anticipate reimagined classics like chopped liver on toast, tuna melts, and corned beef sandwiches on rye, reflecting a tradition largely cultivated in America. On the Italian front, Bissell, who has professional experience cooking Italian food, draws inspiration not solely from American-Italian delis but from the sandwiches found directly in Italy. This includes influences from dishes like porchetta from Lazio and the concept of a “5 and 5” chickpea sandwich from Livorno. The owners have also found inspiration in renowned delis such as Langer’s Deli in Los Angeles, Bay Cities Italian Deli in Venice Beach, and historic New York establishments like S&P (formerly Eisenberg’s) and Anthony & Son. The **Jewish Italian fusion** at **Dream Deli Portland** promises a unique taste experience.
Pacific Northwest Bounty at the Forefront of Dream Deli Portland
A significant element of **Dream Deli Portland**’s identity is its commitment to the Pacific Northwest. Bissell has highlighted the incredible bounty of products available in the region, noting Portland as a place with year-round farmer’s market access and proximity to local farms, emphasizing **local sourcing**. This dedication to **seasonal ingredients** will likely translate into innovative vegetable-forward dishes, salads, and soups that highlight the freshest regional offerings, setting **Dream Deli Portland** apart from more traditional delis.
SE Division Street: A Hub for Portland’s Food Scene and Dream Deli Portland
**Dream Deli Portland**’s chosen location on **SE Division Street** places it within one of Portland’s most dynamic and trending neighborhoods for restaurants and bars. This street is a well-established culinary corridor, known for hosting a diverse array of eateries and attracting food enthusiasts, making it an ideal spot for one of the **new Portland restaurants**. The space itself is described as small and cherished, adding to the intimate neighborhood feel the owners aim to cultivate. While no specific prior tenant is detailed in current reports, the address at 3542 SE Division Street is set to become the new home for this ambitious venture, a true beacon for **new Portland restaurants**.
An Evolving Culinary Narrative for Dream Deli Portland
**Dream Deli Portland** is set to join the ever-evolving tapestry of restaurants in Oregon, offering a unique take on a beloved American culinary institution. The establishment plans to feature a bread program that includes both in-house baked goods and creations from a local baking partner, though they will not be serving bagels. As Portland continues to be a focal point for innovative dining, **Dream Deli Portland** is poised to contribute a distinct flavor profile and a deeply personal story to the city’s food scene, blending **culinary traditions** with hyper-**local sourcing**.
