PORTLAND, OR – The vibrant culinary landscape of Portland, Oregon, is set to experience significant shifts in the coming weeks, with several notable restaurants announcing impending closures or having recently ceased operations. According to a detailed report from Eater Portland, these changes underscore the dynamic and sometimes challenging environment faced by eateries in the metropolitan area.
Among the establishments impacted are Lilia Comedor, Next Level Burger, and Pastificio d’Oro, each representing different facets of the city’s diverse food offerings. While some closures are temporary with plans for relocation, others mark a definitive end to operations at specific sites.
Lilia Comedor Plans Relocation Amid South Waterfront Closure
Lilia Comedor, known for its distinctive culinary approach, has concluded service at its South Waterfront location. The restaurant officially closed its doors at this site on Sunday, June 8. However, this closure is not intended to be permanent. The owners have stated plans to relocate Lilia Comedor to a new space. The intended future home for the restaurant is the former De Noche space, situated at 422 NW Eighth Avenue.
This strategic move suggests a desire to continue the Lilia Comedor concept within a different part of the city, potentially aiming for a refreshed identity or a location better suited to its evolving business model. Further details regarding the timeline for the relocation and the opening of the new Northwest Eighth Avenue site are anticipated.
Next Level Burger Cites Security Concerns for W Burnside Closure
The vegan restaurant chain Next Level Burger has permanently closed its location at 1972 W Burnside Street. The company cited specific challenges as the reason for this closure. In a public statement, Next Level Burger referenced “ongoing security concerns in the surrounding area” as a primary factor. They also mentioned a “significant incident during service” contributing to the decision to shutter the W Burnside Street location.
This closure highlights the operational difficulties that can arise from security issues in certain urban areas, impacting even established chains. The company has not indicated plans to open a new location in the immediate vicinity of the closed W Burnside Street site, focusing instead on its remaining outlets.
Pastificio d’Oro to Close as Owners Decline Lease Renewal
In the St. Johns neighborhood, Pastificio d’Oro is preparing for its final service. This establishment, which has become a fixture in its community, is scheduled to close on Sunday, July 20. The decision stems from the owners’ choice not to extend their current lease agreement.
Owners Chase Dopson and Maggie Irwin reportedly opted not to renew the lease for the St. Johns space, leading directly to the restaurant’s upcoming closure. Pastificio d’Oro’s departure will affect the local dining scene in St. Johns, marking the end of its tenure at that location under its current ownership structure.
Broader Context and Ongoing Operations
These closures occur within a complex economic and operational environment for the restaurant industry in Portland. Factors such as rising costs, labor shortages, changing consumer habits, and specific local challenges, including security issues as noted by Next Level Burger, collectively contribute to the decisions faced by restaurant owners.
It is important to note that despite these specific closures, many other dining establishments across the city continue to operate and thrive. The report from Eater Portland specifically highlights that several establishments managed by the Sesame Collective group will remain open. These include popular spots such as Shalom Y’All, Dolly Olive, Bar Dolly, Yalla, Mediterranean Exploration Company, and Bless Your Heart Burgers.
The continued operation of these diverse Sesame Collective venues indicates the resilience and ongoing vitality present within certain segments of Portland’s restaurant sector, even as other businesses face challenging decisions regarding their future.
Looking Ahead for Portland’s Dining Scene
The announced departures and relocations, particularly the closures slated for June and July 2025, represent significant shifts in the Portland restaurant landscape. The move of Lilia Comedor offers a note of potential continuity, while the closures of Next Level Burger’s W Burnside location and Pastificio d’Oro in St. Johns underscore the pressures that can lead businesses to cease operations.
As the city moves through the summer months of 2025, observers will continue to monitor the health and evolution of its renowned food scene, adapting to these changes and anticipating potential new ventures that may emerge.
