In a city obsessed with food trucks and endless pop-ups, Otto & Anita’s Schnitzelhaus is the old-school Bavarian refuge locals whisper about and Portland food nerds plot detours to visit.
Tucked into Multnomah Village, this tiny, family-run spot has become a comfort-food pilgrimage site thanks to a legendary soup, house-baked desserts, and the kind of warm service that makes you feel like adopted family.
From Quiet Village Secret To Portland’s Most Addictive German Comfort Spot
Long before TikTok food tours started mapping out Portland’s neighborhoods, Chef Otto and pastry chef Anita were quietly building a devoted following from their snug dining room on SW Canby Street, leaning on more than 55 years of experience to serve Bavarian classics and from-scratch sweets.
The owners describe their cooking and baking as “from the heart,” preparing everything themselves in the kitchen, a detail that loyal regulars constantly echo in glowing reviews. 🍽️
Their rise from neighborhood secret to “you have to try this place” status really kicked into gear thanks to the famous dill pickle soup, proudly billed on the home page as the house specialty and called “out of this world” and “could eat it by the bucket.”
More than one reviewer mentions that they even hand out the recipe, turning a simple starter into a full-on calling card. 🥣💚
Word spread as German food lovers and homesick expats discovered that this small family business, highlighted as “home of the famous Dill Pickle Soup” on the official website and praised for authentic flavors on review sites, delivered the kind of stick-to-your-ribs comfort that feels straight out of a European family kitchen.
These days, guides like PlaceJoys describe the place as cozy and quietly inviting, while sites such as Wanderlog and local blogs note the “family owned” feel, warm service, and steady flow of regulars.
It is the classic Portland success story: a modest, slightly out-of-the-way restaurant that became a beloved Bavarian comfort hub by doing one thing relentlessly well—making people feel cared for over plates of schnitzel, soup, and cake. ✨
Food Highlights
- Dill Pickle Soup: The undisputed star of the menu, proudly featured on the Otto & Anita’s homepage as their signature, this creamy, tangy, soup inspires the kind of devotion most restaurants dream about and is called “out of this world” by fans.
- Apple Strudel & House Pastries: With Anita as in-house pastry chef, desserts are a major reason people come back, and one reviewer says the apple strudel is as good as their German mother’s, calling that a “huge compliment.” Other mentions of tiramisu, chocolate rum cake, strudel, peanut brittle, and poppy seed streusel underscore how dessert here is not an afterthought but a central part of the experience. 🍎🍰
- Jägerschnitzel: Among the wide variety of schnitzels mentioned across reviews and guides, the Jägerschnitzel draws praise for its rich hunter’s-style mushroom sauce and satisfying, old-world character that perfectly captures a classic German plate. 🍄
- Swiss Chicken With Spaetzle: This special pairs Swiss chicken with spaetzle, sweet braised carrots, and spinach for a plate that feels like a hug in food form and makes it a standout choice for anyone craving hearty, balanced comfort food. 🍗
- Black Forest Cake & German Chocolate Cake: Diners frequently highlight these classics in reviews and photos online, praising the cakes for their rich flavor and clear “made from scratch” care, made even better when paired with a good cup of coffee.
Atmosphere
Step through the door at Otto & Anita’s Schnitzelhaus and you enter a cozy, slightly retro dining room that reviewers describe as “quaint” and “like a German family home.”
Inside, you’ll find hand-painted murals, trays of baked goods greeting you, and the feeling of being welcomed as a guest rather than just another table.
Guides such as PlaceJoys characterize the vibe as casual, quiet, and family friendly, ideal for relaxed dinners and celebrations.
It is the sort of room where people linger over schnitzel and cake, trading stories while the staff moves between tables like hosts at a neighborhood gathering. 🎉
Bottom Line
This cozy Portland Bavarian hideaway delivers addictive dill pickle soup, hearty schnitzels, and house-made pastries in a warm, family-run setting.
Expect friendly service, old-world comfort, and a neighborhood feel praised across reviews and guides. Perfect for German food fans, comfort seekers, and anyone craving a low-key “trip” to Bavaria.
Address:
3025 SW Canby Street, Portland, Oregon 97219
📞 (503) 452-1411
🕔 Tue–Fri 11 AM–2 PM, Tue–Sat 5 PM–8 PM