Nom Cafe — Restaurant in Portland

Portland was in dire need of more brunch spots and Nom really delivered. The space is cute, modern and clean with lots of light with a few sweet decor nods to its Bulgarian roots and a beautiful mural done by a local artist. Staff is friendly and attentive and even the owners are always around checking in on how people are enjoying their time and their food. The worst thing about the menu is that it’s so hard to choose. My personal favorite meal there (after trying almost everything) is the eggs panagura and the mekitsi. The panagura is herby and flavorful with perfectly cooked eggs. Eating the whole plate is just enough food to make you feel full but not sick like I do at other brunch places- No one wants leftover eggs! The mekitsi is like breakfast dessert. Sweet crumpets with fresh fruit, honey and cheese that I’ve never had before and I haven’t stopped thinking about since. Did I mention the cocktails? Yes, there’s a mimosa flight but the Tinkerbell cocktail is where it’s at. All this to say, RUN, don’t walk, to Nom....

This quaint cafe is pheNOMenal. Their Balkan style dishes are absolutely delicious and such a refreshing perspective to rival the more abundant American breakfast options in Portland. Try the Bulgarian Shakshuka for a mouth watering red pepper and tomato brunch stew with poached eggs and toast, or the Kyufte for a hearty well seasoned brunch meatball with eggs and salad. I always start the meal with some Mekitsi, a trio of perfectly balanced fried honey bread filled with feta and topped with fresh fruit. If you have someone in your group who prefers the classics, they also have tasty Belgian waffles and breakfast Sammies. However, I implore new customers to try the more cultural meals, which do a fantastic job of capturing Eastern European brunch flavors. The owners are also a wonderful couple. Will be a loyally returning patron anytime I am...

Nom is an absolute gem!! Beautiful, relaxed setting, lovely hospitable service, and importantly, the food is BOMB. They have a couple standard fare American breakfast items, but where they shine is with some of the lesser-known Balkan dishes. (Which, the server taking care of us noted, people have been a little slower to try.) Y’ALL. Get in there!

Mekitsi - little fries crumpets stuffed with a yogurty cheese and drizzled with honey and topped with strawberries. I will never not order these when I go. Hot damn. Mandatory.

Shakshouka - eggs poached in a yummy base of tomato and spices w home baked bread slices for dipping. drool

Down to the little side salads, the flavors are nuanced and delish. Can’t wait to try more of what’s on offer. Support this darling neighborhood resto, people! So...