Portland, Oregon, is a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, and if you’re a duck enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. From crispy Cantonese roast duck to succulent Peking duck and rich duck confit, Portland’s restaurants offer a diverse range of duck preparations to satisfy any craving. If you’re searching for “Restaurants That Serve Duck Near Me,” look no further. This guide, inspired by local experts, will lead you to some of the best duck dishes in Portland.
Fortune BBQ Noodle House: Cantonese Roast Duck Perfection
For those in the know about Cantonese barbecue, Fortune BBQ Noodle House is a name that frequently arises. Situated in a strip mall on 82nd Avenue, this unassuming restaurant is celebrated for its roast pork and char siu. However, their roast duck is a hidden gem that truly shines. Opt for the duck served on its own with a side of house plum sauce to fully appreciate its quality. The duck at Fortune BBQ is incredibly juicy, with fat that is rendered to a silken texture rather than being overly chewy. The skin boasts a delightful crispness, and the subtle hint of five-spice powder enhances the natural sweetness of the duck without overpowering it. Best of all, this exceptional culinary experience is remarkably affordable, making it the best value duck dish on this list.
Janken: Upscale Peking Duck in a Single Course
If you’re seeking a more refined and upscale duck experience, Janken is the place to be. This sophisticated restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and celebrity sightings, offers a Peking duck that justifies its higher price point. For $69, you’ll be presented with expertly prepared duck, where the fat is rendered to perfection, resulting in incredibly crispy skin reminiscent of potato chips and juicy, flavorful meat. Janken delivers the classic East Coast Chinese restaurant Peking duck experience, complete with thin, almost translucent chun bing pancakes, savory-sweet hoisin sauce, and traditional accompaniments like cucumbers and scallions. While it’s a single-course affair, focusing solely on the Peking duck, the quality and flavor are undeniably worth the indulgence.
Happy Dragon: Multi-Course Peking Duck Feast
Another 82nd Avenue favorite, Happy Dragon is a family-run, banquet-style Chinese restaurant offering a Peking duck experience that extends beyond a single course. Originally operating as a smaller establishment in Independence, Oregon, Happy Dragon has brought its signature dish to Portland. Their Peking duck is notable for its beautifully glazed, penny-toned skin, a testament to its freshness and careful preparation. Unique to Happy Dragon is the serving of Peking duck with steamed bao buns, a delightful alternative to traditional chun bing pancakes. Diners can assemble their own buns with hoisin sauce and scallions. Following the initial course, the remaining duck is transformed into a flavorful stir-fry, often served in lettuce cups. While the second course may vary, requesting the stir-fry is highly recommended. For those who simply crave duck, Happy Dragon also offers whole and half orders of Cantonese roast duck.
Canard: Seared Duck Breast with a French Twist
Canard is often associated with its iconic Duck Stack, a decadent creation of duck fat pancakes, duck sausage gravy, and a fried duck egg. However, for a simpler yet equally satisfying duck dish, Canard’s seared duck frites is a must-try. This dish features a perfectly seared Pekin duck breast, salted and dried overnight to enhance its flavor. The skin is scored and rendered to a beautiful redwood color, resting atop sherry creamed mushrooms and drizzled with a classic béarnaise sauce. While the Duck Stack is undeniably tempting, especially as comfort food, the seared duck breast at Canard is a testament to the restaurant’s culinary finesse and a dish you’ll want to order again and again. You can find Canard in two locations: East Burnside Street and Oregon City.
Bergerac: Rustic Duck Confit in Woodstock
Bergerac, nestled in the Woodstock neighborhood, offers a comforting and unpretentious duck confit that is well worth seeking out. Though not always on the menu, if available, Bergerac’s duck confit is a treat. You’ll be served a fall-apart tender duck leg, salt-cured for maximum flavor and boasting a wonderfully crisp exterior. The confit is simply paired with green beans, potatoes, and a sweet onion jam, allowing the rich duck flavor to take center stage. Bergerac’s duck confit is a testament to simple, well-executed dishes that prioritize quality ingredients and satisfying flavors.
Kann: Celebratory Duck with Haitian Flavors
For a truly special and celebratory duck experience, securing a reservation at Kann is essential. Chef Gregory Gourdet’s duck at Kann is a standout dish that reflects his culinary journey and Haitian heritage. The dish features both the breast and leg of the duck, each cooked to perfection. The breast is cooked to a precise medium-rare, while the leg showcases the smoky char from the hearth flames. The duck is glazed with a unique blend of cane syrup, tamarind, and pineapple, creating a balance of sweetness, acidity, and depth. Be sure to save a piece of plantain brioche bun to savor every last bit of the flavorful glaze. Kann offers a duck dish that is both sophisticated and deeply flavorful, perfect for a memorable dining occasion.
Honorary Mentions: Paadee and Higgins
While this guide focuses on restaurants where duck is the star, a couple of other Portland establishments deserve honorary mentions for their noteworthy duck dishes. Paadee’s gang ped features a crispy-skinned duck leg paired with a subtly spiced red curry, accompanied by delicata squash and bell pepper. For those craving cassoulet, Higgins uses traditional Tarbais beans combined with duck confit, pork, and Toulouse sausage, creating a rich and comforting winter dish.
Portland’s duck scene is rich and diverse, offering something for every palate and occasion. Whether you’re searching for “restaurants that serve duck near me” for a casual weeknight dinner or a special celebration, these Portland restaurants are sure to satisfy your duck cravings. Explore these recommendations and discover your own favorite duck dish in the city.
