Bhuna Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Portland

I dont like to give a resturant a low rating like this but the quality of food warrants it. First I want to say the staff were excellent, really really nice people and I wish them all the best but now I have to talk about the lack of quality in the food and I'm sorry, especially in this new world enviornemnt we find ourselvess in which is particularly hard on the service industry. I'm going to be honest and not sugar coat anything however because I feel its important to do so.

First let me say that I do know what Indian food should taste like as my wife and her family are from India and have exceptional cooks in thier family, my wife included.

The food at this place was a rough experience. It was also overpriced in relation to both quality and quantity (an 14 plus dollar dish before tip needs to either be of exceptional quality or decent in size or both.) The dishes we had where neither unfortunately and generally not good, with the best of the some 6 different dishes we had drawing a half hearted "meh," the worst of them not being eaten.

Salt... salt... SALT! The lamb dish was so salty as to be inedible, seriously I had to throw it out. I spent my younger years IN a kitchen as a prep cook responsible for making and creating soups - you TASTE a dish and adjust seasoning and if you wreck it you take you lumps and fix it, take it off theenu for the night or start over. That lamb dish was a wreck, I can't express enough how salty it was. Other dishes where undersalted, which is much more preferable to oversalted, but again TASTE the thing and adjust.

Spices also were also all over the place, I wouldn't call this Indian food but more as Indian-influenced food. On spices in relation to some stewed Indian dishes, I know it is acceptable to use whole spices such as cinnamon and star anise in traditional Indian cuisine but this is NOT that so use a spice bag...biting into a whole star anise or a slab of cinnamon bark is just gross and I gurantee I'm not the only one who feels that way.

I dunno, I really don't like to slam a place but I have to in this case. Every dish was either under or over seasoned and just not right. The pork vindaloo was the only passable experience to speak of and when I say passable I mean it... passable, not exceptional and not worth the price for quality or portion.

This just seems like another situation in which Portland diners don't know what good, or traditional food is, and talk up a place when it isnt deserved. Maybe the blame belongs in part to those who choose to give these resturants stellar ratings when they shouldn't. For resturantuers who read their reviews, and I know this place does, it could help them effecr some changes and better what they produce. I wanted to enjoy the meal I got from you folks and I'm sorry that didn't happen.

The bottom line is there are any number of better Indian and Indian fusion experiences to be had in this town and anyone who says there isn't doesn't know what they are...

First off, I put 3 stars for atmosphere because it is casual and kind of plain. At night, when the bar is in action, it's more cool and modern, plus there are nice decorations from the owner's home country around. Both times I was there I loved the chill playlist. But... the real deal about here is the food. GO NOW! My partner and I stumbled on this place just reading the menu in the window. We are vegetarian and wondered if the small menu would be expansive enough. I think they have a smallish menu so they can do the dishes they do perfectly. Each thing we had was spiced perfectly and individually and nothing tasted like anything else. What was supposed to be crispy was crispy, the vegetables were not broken down and soupy, the sauces weren't gloppy gravies... the cooking was top-tier. We got "special" sides and I wish they were all constant menu items. The green beans were roasted and slightly charred, tossed with ginger slivers and toasted garlic and chili flakes and garnished with cilantro and radish. That's a lot of effort for one dish! The palak paneer was in a light refreshing sauce and the spinach was firm, and the cheese was fried perfectly. The rice that came with it was lemony, and the raita tasted cool and fresh. The dressing for the salad was a standout, with mustard and tiny red onion dice and citrus... I would go back for the salad alone.... I thought it would be "fine, a salad" and it was an exciting dish. The best thing we had was collards with kohlrabi (kind of like turnip) in a deep-tasting smoky spicy sauce that was light, not stewy. The greens were tender and not cooked to death. And guess what? It is CHEAP for what it is. Really reasonable for such elevated dishes. They also have a good cocktail list. Don't be afraid of the unfamiliarity of the menu. I swear to you this will become a place you return again and again and will rave to your friends about. I wish it would move to NYC where I live. I will dream...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bhuna, an exceptional Indian restaurant nestled in the heart of Portland. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance. We went on a beautiful sunny day and the large widows were open to create a wonderful vibe.

The menu at Bhuna offers a wide array of traditional Indian dishes, each prepared with utmost care and attention to detail. The flavors are vibrant, the spices perfectly balanced, and the presentation is very inviting. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat lover, there are plentiful options to cater to every palate.

To start off, I indulged in their spicy Margarita (I can't remember the exact name), which was delicious. They have a creative list of cocktails to choose from.

I've been to Bhuna twice. Each time I have ordered the Thali for 2. It is a great way to try many of the different flavors that Bhuna has to offer. Every dish is so well prepared and each dish is uniquely flavored and stands on its own.

Deepak, the owner of Bhuna contributed to the overall wonderful experience. The service was prompt, and Deepak's passion for their cuisine was evident in every interaction.

The restaurant itself is tastefully decorated, creating an inviting atmospher. The seating is comfortable, and the overall ambiance is cozy and modern, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends and family.

Bhuna stands out as a top-notch Indian restaurant in Portland, Oregon. The exceptional quality of the food, the warm and attentive service, and the inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable Indian culinary experience. Whether you're a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or someone looking to explore new flavors, Bhuna will undoubtedly leave you satisfied and craving for more. It truly is...