Nara Teriyaki — Restaurant in Newberg

Looks can be deceiving, so don't judge this book by it's cover! Nara is in a small building just off the main street on the west end of town. The interior looks like it hasn't been updated for decades, and only a few tables and chairs are available for patrons. But you'll not find better food at a better price anywhere in the Willamette Valley.

Nara was a favorite for my son and his friends while they were in school at George Fox University. Even though he graduated several years ago, it's still a "must-stop" location whenever my wife and I are in Newberg.

The menu is pretty simply, but the easiest option is to simply get the lunch special. You'll receive more teriyaki chicken than you need on a bed of rice, with a side of salad. The salad and dressing are surprisingly tasty. If you can, get some dumplings. The portions are large enough for two adults with smaller appetites to share.

Don't be discouraged if the line is long. That's a sign of good food, and they generally have your food ready without too much delay. If you can't find a place to sit, it's easy to carry your meal out and find a park or bench somewhere...

UPDATE: 2/25/23 New Owners very greedy. Phone ordered special that includes a drink. Arrived to pick up and told soda machine is broken, so no drink. Ask for some credit toward the cost of a bottled soda they have told, No. Ask for discount as the special includes a drink, told No. The owners rather than offering a simple credit towards a bottled drink, were I pay the difference still said No. SO I paid for something not delivered.

The owners don't care about the customer only $. This is unfortunate, this next week I have an all staff meeting for my team of 14. I was planning on ordering 14 lunches from them for it. I will order from the Newberg Momiji from now on for my Chicken Teriyaki.

I even stuck with this establishment after the County Health inspector shut them down 4+yrs ago for massive health code violations. Yet now over a $2 soda I am done.

Original review: Always a favorite of my staff for lunches. We will do team lunches with 6 to 8 of the lunch specials to go. They have them ready to go quickly for us and the food is always...

Wasn't expecting such good food, and so much. Meat was stacked so high, with plentiful sauce (extra little tub came with it, too), that there was sauce and a few meat chunks stuck to the inside of the lid (see picture) when I opened the to-go container. Heavy container when I took it out of the bag- I knew immediately there was value inside.

Ordered the Chicken-Beef Combo. $12.95. Actually wanted Chicken-Pork, but it wasn't on the menu. Asked for it, but they wouldn't make it. I was upset at first, but just until I received my order.

Chicken had a nice char from the fire, but still juicy and tender- not dry. Excellent. As good as Du's in Portland on Sandy Blvd... Maybe better, actually, and they're the best in Portland.

Teriyaki sauce was unique, seemed very homemade, had some character to it, besides sweet.

Salad on the side was decent, iceberg with some purple cabbage, with the dressing the real star.

Can't go wrong here. Wish I lived in Newburg, instead of just passing through. I'd...