Portland Restaurant Guide 🧭

🌟 Must-Visit: Skip These, and You Might as Well Skip Portland 1. Akizawa Vibe: Sushi so fresh it glows, unbeatable value The chef behind the bar knows their stuff—nigiri rice is perfectly seasoned (not too vinegary), and the fish? Thick-cut salmon with marbled fat that melts on your tongue; tuna belly so creamy it’s like “sea butter.” Best part? It’s cheap. $30+ per person gets you a mountain of sushi, way less than similar spots downtown. Sushi lovers, this is your new home. 2. Murata Vibe: Sushi that’s consistent as clockwork, but skip the tonkatsu The sushi chef is a pro—vinegared rice balances the fish (never overpowers it), and the uni? Piled high, jiggly and sweet, like “ocean ice cream” when mixed with rice. Zero fishiness, 10/10. But avoid the tonkatsu! The crust is rock-hard, the pork dry and stringy, with batter thick enough to be a snack on its own. Solo diners: walk in within an hour of opening (fish is freshest). Groups: book ahead, or wait till dawn. 3. Jake’s famous crawfish Vibe: Century-old seafood, fresh enough to taste the ocean This near-century-old spot smells like briny goodness the second you walk in. Must-try crawfish: small but plump, with sweet, springy meat—dip in lemon butter, and you’ll lick your fingers. The crab cake? Solid crab meat, barely any filler—just pure, bouncy goodness. The drink list hides gems: local “Portland IPA” with citrusy notes pairs perfectly with seafood. Sit by the window, and it’s old-school American charm in a bite. 4. Somtum Vibe: Thai food lovers, rejoice—but don’t overdo the spice The somtum (green papaya salad) is everything. Shredded papaya, shrimp paste, cherry tomatoes, peanuts—tangy, spicy, bright, and fresh. Pair with sticky rice, and it’s a flavor explosion that wakes up your taste buds. Word of warning: When they ask “how spicy?” pick “mild.” Local “medium” is already fire—skip “extra hot unless you want tears with your meal🌶️ 5. Wa Kitchen Kuu Vibe: Udon so good, you’ll wait forever (and it’s worth it) The mentaiko udon is non-negotiable. Chewy noodles coated in salty, slightly briny mentaiko sauce—each bite has that perfect mix of roe crunch and noodle slurp. Even the plain udon shines: dashi broth (made with bonito and kelp) is rich with depth. Only downside? It’s slow. Like, “watch a full episode of a show” slow. Order early, or scroll your phone—trust me, it’s worth the wait. 6. Nong's Khao Man Gai Vibe: Pork leg rice is a star, Hainanese chicken is a dud Don’t be fooled by the “Hainanese chicken” sign—the pork leg rice is where it’s at. Pork leg stewed till the skin’s jiggly and the meat falls apart, smothered in sweet-savory sauce over rice. Spoon it all together, and it’s comfort in a bowl. The winter melon chicken soup is a winner too—light, fresh, with subtle chicken and melon sweetness. But the Hainanese chicken? Dry as cardboard. Skip it. 7. Khao Moo Dang Vibe: Pork bone noodle is a surprise hit, others look promising Stopped in for a quick bite and left obsessed with the pork bone noodle. Milky broth, rich with pork flavor (but not greasy), chewy alkaline noodles, and thick, tender char siu. One slurp, and you’ll get why it’s popular. The dry noodles at the next table looked great too—glistening with sauce, sprinkled with green onions and peanuts. Next time, I’m trying those. 🤔 Worth It If You’re Near: Don’t Wait in Line #portlandfood #PortlandGuide #RestaurantReviews #FoodieTips