Washington Square is the Portland area's busiest shopping destination, and it quietly doubles as one of the metro's more dependable places to eat. A quick geography note first: the mall sits just off Highway 217 in Tigard, but everyone in the region calls it Portland's Washington Square, and it draws roughly 12 million visitors a year. Between a famous dumpling house, a sprawling sit-down chain, and a second-floor food court, you can eat very well here without leaving the building.
Here are the stops worth your appetite, from a sit-down splurge to a quick grab-and-go lunch.
1. Din Tai Fung: the headliner
If one restaurant puts Washington Square on the foodie map, it's Din Tai Fung. This was Oregon's first location of the Taiwanese dumpling chain, and it remains the mall's biggest draw. Portland Monthly picked it as an Editor's Pick, praising its consistency and friendly service rather than any culinary fireworks.
What to order: The xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are the reason to come. Each one is hand-pleated and arrives in a bamboo steamer. Let them cool for a minute, dip in the black garlic vinegar, bite a small hole in the wrapper to release the steam, and eat them right away, because the broth soaks into the dough if they sit. The Portland Mercury's advice back when it opened still holds: the crab upgrade is worth the extra money, while the truffle version is skippable. Round out the table with the pork shao mai, chile wontons, and the seaweed and bean curd salad.
Pro tip: Go earlier than you think you need to. Lines are the norm, so put your name in and wander the mall while you wait. Check the restaurant's website for the current reservation or waitlist policy before you go.
Best for: a date, a family celebration, or anyone who wants the single best meal in the mall.
2. The Cheesecake Factory: the crowd-pleaser
The Cheesecake Factory is the other major sit-down anchor, and it consistently ranks near the top of Tigard restaurant lists alongside Din Tai Fung. It's the answer when your group can't agree on anything: the menu is enormous, the portions are huge, and there's a dessert case that makes skipping cheesecake feel like a missed opportunity.
What to order: Share a few appetizers, split an entree if you have any restraint at all, and save room for a slice.
Best for: big groups, picky eaters, and anyone who wants a long, comfortable sit-down after a shopping marathon.
3. The food court: fast, varied, and getting a facelift
The food court is on the mall's second level, and it's in the middle of a multi-phase renovation. The refresh brings new flooring, lighting, paint, and furniture, plus a more welcoming path into the space. According to local news coverage, the upper-level lineup includes fast-casual favorites such as Charleys Cheesesteaks, IJ Sushi Burrito, Bombay Wala of India, and Panda Express.
- Bombay Wala of India is the pick if you want something with real flavor. Curries and rice plates beat most food-court fare for depth and spice.
- IJ Sushi Burrito is a good portable option: a sushi roll in burrito form that's easy to eat while walking.
- Charley's Cheesesteaks is the dependable, hearty choice for a quick, filling lunch.
- Panda Express is the familiar, fast, no-surprises option, especially with kids in tow.
Tenants come and go, particularly during a renovation, so check the mall's directory for the current lineup before building a plan around one specific counter.
4. Snacks and sweet stops
Between meals, the mall has plenty of grab-and-go options. Wetzel's Pretzels is a classic for a warm pretzel while you shop, and there are coffee and dessert stops scattered throughout the concourse. Mango Thai also appeared in recent mall opening and closing listings, so it's worth a look if you're craving Thai.
Ocemiam is the mall's French pastry stop. The Oregon bakery's kiosk, between Bath & Body Works and Aritzia, sells French Baby Cakes, its take on the classic French financier: a buttery almond-based cake with no frosting that looks like a muffin and tastes like a French pastry. Choose from Chocolate, Raspberry, Almond, Hazelnut or Pistachio (made with 40% pure pistachio), or grab a French Banana Bread made with caramelized bananas, French flour and French butter. Chocolate and French Banana Bread are the kiosk's best sellers, and free samples are offered every day. The founders have lived and baked five minutes from Washington Square for ten years. Open Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
5. Just outside the mall
If you're willing to step out, the area around the mall has more sit-down choices. Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill sits on Washington Square Road, and the wider Tigard area is full of sushi, pizza, and Mexican spots that regularly show up on local best-of lists.
How to plan your meal
- Dumpling dinner: Din Tai Fung, with a walk around the mall while you wait for a table.
- Group outing: The Cheesecake Factory.
- Quick lunch: Bombay Wala of India or IJ Sushi Burrito upstairs.
- Snack break: Wetzel's Pretzels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Washington Square mall?
It's at 9585 SW Washington Square Road, along Highway 217 in Tigard, in the Portland metro area. Despite the Tigard city limits, it's commonly described as a Portland mall.
Where is the food court?
The food court is on the mall's second level.
What are the best restaurants at Washington Square?
Din Tai Fung and The Cheesecake Factory are the two main sit-down restaurants. Din Tai Fung is the standout for quality and novelty, while The Cheesecake Factory wins on variety and group-friendliness.
Do I need a reservation at Din Tai Fung?
Policies change over time. When it first opened, the restaurant was reservations only, and later it moved to walk-in seating with a waitlist. Check its website for the current policy, and arrive early if you're walking in.
What should I order at Din Tai Fung?
Start with the xiao long bao, and consider the crab version. Add the pork shao mai and chile wontons for a well-rounded meal.
What fast food and quick-service options are in the food court?
Recent coverage lists Charleys Cheesesteaks, IJ Sushi Burrito, Bombay Wala of India, and Panda Express, among others.
Is the food court being renovated?
Yes. Washington Square announced a refresh with new flooring, lighting, paint finishes, and furniture, along with improved access to the food court, as part of a larger multi-phase update to the property.
Is there vegetarian-friendly food at the mall?
Yes, though options vary by restaurant. Indian food at Bombay Wala typically offers vegetarian dishes, and the larger sit-down menus include meatless choices. Ask each restaurant about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
How do I get to the mall without driving?
TriMet runs a Washington Square Transit Center on the property, served by several bus lines.
What are the mall's hours?
Hours vary by day and season, and restaurants often keep different hours than retail stores. Check the mall's official website or each restaurant directly before you go.
Restaurant lineups and policies change, especially during a renovation. Confirm current details with the mall and individual restaurants before your visit.