Welcome to La Cocina Restaurant
At La Cocina Restaurant, we cherish the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a vibrant culinary experience in Portland. Nestled on N Williams Ave, our family-owned establishment embraces a warm atmosphere filled with colorful decor. Each dish is crafted with care, from our zesty ceviche served on a frozen molcajete to the savory asada plate smothered in caramelized onions. Customers rave about the generous portions and delightful flavors that highlight the freshness of ingredients. With an inclusive menu offering gluten-free and vegan options, La Cocina is more than a restaurant; it's a celebration of culture and community, inviting everyone to savor the homestyle dishes we love.
- 3901 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227, United States Hotline: +1 503-278-5414
Welcome to La Cocina Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Located at 3901 N Williams Ave, this family-owned establishment prides itself on delivering authentic Mexican cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, La Cocina captures the essence of home-cooked dishes that remind diners of traditional Mexican kitchens.
At La Cocina, you’ll discover a menu that celebrates the rich flavors of Mexico, showcasing specialties like Enchiladas Mineras simmered in signature guajillo sauce and decadent Enchiladas De Mole with your choice of fillings. Each dish is crafted with care, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, culminating in an unforgettable dining experience.
- La Costa Burrito: A delight for seafood lovers, this burrito features your choice of fish or shrimp, enveloped in a savory white wine sauce, further enhanced by Mexican rice and black beans, all wrapped snugly in a flour tortilla.
- Asada Plate: Perfectly grilled thin-cut steak adorned with caramelized onions, served with pinto beans, rice, and freshly made guacamole; a must-try for meat enthusiasts.
- Mextlapique: An intriguing pre-Hispanic dish prepared in a corn husk, combining seasonal fish and shrimp with delightfully cooked vegetables, showcasing the inventive spirit of the restaurant.
Diners rave about the vibrant ambiance, where colorful decorations and friendly staff enhance the overall experience. Customers have expressed satisfaction with the restaurant's cleanliness and attention to detail—from the intimate indoor seating to the breezy outdoor patio. Judith, a satisfied patron, praised the “excellent” food and the lively atmosphere, while Matthew Rosario highlighted the unique Portland twist on traditional recipes. With options for gluten-free and vegan diners, there is something for everyone at La Cocina.
Their Pozole Rojo—a comforting traditional hominy soup—is a favorite starter, perfect for sharing, while the Brussels Sprouts, sautéed in hoja herb and vinaigrette, offers a creative and tangy kick to your meal. Don’t forget to wash it all down with one of their robust margaritas, a regular hit among returning guests.
La Cocina Restaurant seamlessly marries authenticity with a touch of local flair, making it a must-visit destination for anyone craving authentic Mexican food in Portland. Whether you're visiting for a casual meal with family or looking for a cozy spot for date night, La Cocina welcomes you with open arms and delicious plates. Your taste buds are in for an adventure, and with every bite, you’ll understand why locals keep coming back to this culinary haven.

This was our first time here, and we're already making plans to come back. The service was both friendly and good, and the place, including the washroom, was clean. We had guacamole and chips, an order of tacos and taquitos. There was plenty of food, and it was excellent. The ambiance is great, and the decorations are superb. We loved it.

This is a great family owned restaurant. La Cocina has authentic Mexican cuisine, and the atmosphere of the restaurant makes it feel authentic. The food was great, not a huge menu, which it allows them to focus on their main items, everything we had tasted great, even the Horchata. Not bad prices, lots of places to sit, both indoor and patio seating.

Truly a favorite. My partner and I found it early on when we moved to Portland and it’s some of the best Mexican style food we’ve found. It’s definitely got that Portland influence as I see some fun ingredients the times we’ve gone. The food is delicious and you can’t go wrong with anything from their menu. My all time favorite is the alambre and it can easily be shared by two people. Definitely order more than you will eat to take home and eat later.

This restaurant is a must visit for those interested in authentic and flavorful food in a clean and vibrant restaurant.

I got the asada plate and margarita. My husband got a burrito and horchata. We both were very satisfied. This place has kind service, isn’t too busy and has fun decor saturating it from head to toe. It’s also got plenty of gluten or dairy free options along with vegan.

The food was awesome had The Alambra and carne asada. Would highly recommend The food drinks were good as well.

This was my second time dining here and the food was excellent. I had the Empanadas Poblanas. The red sauce was quite spicy but so flavorful and delicious. I wasn’t sure if the 2 empanadas would be filling enough but they were. My husband had the Mextlapique and also really enjoyed it. It was a nice day so we sat outside although the atmosphere inside is also great so if you don’t get a spot outside you won’t be disappointed. We arrived about 6:30 on a Monday and didn’t have to wait. It was much busier when we left around 7:45 but I still don’t think there was a wait. The only downside to eating outside is that cars park right next to you so if you’re not comfortable with people coming and going right by you then I recommend sitting inside.

This was my first time at La Cocina Restaurant, and I will definitely be back! The service was friendly, the drinks were great (and strong, lol), and the food was delicious! The portions were big, and I was full before I was even halfway done. I'm not mad having to take leftovers home because it was that good! Great prices for big portions! I'm very happy with this place.