The Northwest is an amazing place with myriad restaurants and wonderful sources for locally grown and harvested ingredients. So if you are looking to enjoy a great meal out, or to procure fresh fruits, vegetables, meat or fish for cooking your own, you’re in luck. And just the other day a friend and I were set for the latter…seeking fresh fish for a late summer barbecue. Where did we go to find some great protein? Flying Fish Co.…the true “go to” spot in PDX for, well, fresh fish that can be enjoyed either on-site (great little restaurant) or by taking it home to prepare yourself. And our choice? Steelhead…the ocean-going trout that is a true blend of salt and fresh, making for a uniquely tender and delectable meal (as long as you don’t overcook it).

Portland is lucky to have the Flying Fish Co. gracing its streets. Look no further for excellent, sustainably-procured fish, oysters, meats and more. Eat on-site, or takeaway fresh for cooking. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

The Flying Fish Company, which has its local store and restaurant on East Burnside (3004 E. Burnside to be exact), is a retail fish market, oyster bar, meat market and full-service eatery here in Portland, Oregon. Their menu ranges from fish and chips to ceviche and celebrates fresh ingredients procured from sustainable farms and fisheries all around the region. Thoughtfully-prepared, healthy dishes are served up in an COVID-responsible, outdoor seating area. Heat lamps and cover from the rain (coming soon!) makes it a destination year around. Almost always busy, yet still somehow accessible, you’ll just feel like you’re somewhere great…and the food only backs it up. A sense of history pervades with the story of how the Flying Fish Co. got its start in Sandpoint, Idaho in the late 1970’s. Second generation owner Lyf Gildersleeve has taken the early “fly-in” procurement of fresh fish and meats that his mother and father started to the next level with this great installment here in Portland.

The sustainable practices of the Flying Fish Co. are to be honored and celebrated. Image Courtesy: Flying Fish Co.

One of the several fresh seafood display cases at the Flying Fish Co. So darn good. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Cooked on a pellet grill at 350°, we prepared the steelhead pictured here with a brushing of olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh dill. We cooked the fish to the recommended 145° core temperature and removed it for immediate consumption. Garnished with… — Cooked on a pellet grill at 350°, we prepared the steelhead pictured here with a brushing of olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh dill. We cooked the fish to the recommended 145° core temperature and removed it for immediate consumption. Garnished with lemon juice, this tender fish is a stunner. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

From wild, alaskan Coho to Washington-state mussels, this iced bar is ever-surprising. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

So if you’re looking for your next, wonderful meal out (rain or shine), or seeking some excellent, sustainably-procured fish, oysters or meat for your own culinary adventure, consider the Flying Fish Co. as a great source. So far, we’ve been very far from disappointed.