Where Pacific Northwest abundance meets Middle Eastern soul, Tusk Portland illuminates East Burnside with a revolutionary approach to Levantine cuisine that has redefined Portland fine dining since 2016. This luminous sanctuary, designed by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, channels the sun-soaked spirit of Fleetwood Mac's iconic album through plant-filled interiors and marble accents that create an unexpected vitamin D shot in Portland's often moody dining landscape.

The culinary vision springs from the partnership between Submarine Hospitality's Joshua McFadden and executive chef Sam Smith, whose background at Philadelphia's acclaimed Zahav brings authentic Middle Eastern expertise to Oregon's seasonal bounty. Their philosophy centers on aggressive seasonality, transforming daily market finds into vibrant mezze that earned them Portland Monthly's Chefs of the Year recognition in 2017. This farm-to-table approach through a Mediterranean lens has positioned Tusk among the best restaurants Portland offers, attracting national attention from The New York Times and establishing it as a cornerstone of the city's evolving culinary identity.

Tusk's ever-changing menu celebrates vegetables as protagonists rather than supporting players. The signature house-made flatbread arrives warm from the oven, accompanied by a rotating trio of seasonal dips that showcase Oregon's agricultural calendar. The ethereally light hummus, whipped to cloud-like consistency, exemplifies the kitchen's technical precision applied to traditional preparations. Standout dishes include the mandolined celery salad with almonds, apricots, and caraway-scented feta, and the Arabian-inspired fruit and vegetable platters that blur the lines between sweet and savory. When meat appears, it's in thoughtful portions—perhaps tiny hibachi pork skewers or delicate lamb preparations that complement rather than dominate the vegetable-forward philosophy.

The dining experience embraces the Israeli tradition of communal, unstructured eating where guests build their own flavor combinations without formal course progression. The bright, 46-seat space encourages this playful approach, welcoming diners in hiking attire while maintaining an elevated sensibility. The marble bar anchors the front dining room, while a quieter back space and covered patio extend the restaurant's reach year-round. The cocktail program mirrors the kitchen's seasonal commitment, incorporating Middle Eastern spices and vibrant colors that complement the produce-driven cuisine.

For discerning diners seeking Portland's most innovative Middle Eastern cuisine, Tusk reservations offer access to a constantly evolving menu that captures the essence of both place and tradition. The restaurant's commitment to daily menu changes based on market availability means each visit promises discovery, making advance booking essential for experiencing this bright beacon of Levantine-inspired gastronomy.