Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 — Restaurant in Portland

I was genuinely captivated by the sheer beauty of this place, complemented by its exceptionally friendly staff. The sprawling venue offers both indoor seating within the Pioneer Square building and spacious outdoor areas. The entrance exudes a welcoming vibe, while the restroom's gothic aesthetic adds a unique touch. Here are some of the highlights of my experience:

The Cuisine: The food was impeccably prepared and promptly served. Although dessert arrived slightly later, it hardly bothered me, and my companions didn't mind either. Personally, I found the Wonton Spicy Sauce, a perfect companion for my Fried Rice, to be a delightful surprise. Trying the ribs for the first time was a revelation; they were incredibly delicious. While a few menu items didn't quite meet my expectations, they certainly didn't disappoint. Overall, the dining experience was outstanding.

The Service: Our waiter was not only exceptionally courteous but also infused a dose of humor into our meal. The servers were quick, professional, and made no mistakes during delivery. Whenever we requested utensils, other staff members promptly accommodated us. When it was time to settle the bill, our server was right on schedule. It was truly splendid service all around.

The Ambiance: The building, as mentioned earlier, is an architectural gem. It boasts captivating vases and intriguing paintings that add to the overall aesthetics. The music, though lively, struck the right balance, allowing for enjoyable conversations and even some impromptu jamming. Tables were thoughtfully spaced, eliminating the need to shuffle around to access restrooms or exit the premises. The lighting inside the building created a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that made the dining experience truly enjoyable.

In summary, this restaurant is a gem and an absolute delight. I am certain I will return for another visit in the future

**Note this place is in the middle of Downtown Portland so Parking can be a...

Din Tai Fung is a globally renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain that has earned a stellar reputation for its exquisite dumplings and impeccable service. I can confidently say it’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates refined Asian cuisine.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the long bao—delicate soup dumplings that are a masterclass in precision. Each dumpling is hand-crafted with exactly 18 folds, a thin yet sturdy wrapper, and a burst of flavorful broth inside, paired with tender pork or other inventive fillings like crab or truffle. The balance of textures and flavors is near perfection, though you’ll want to eat them quickly while they’re steaming hot to get the full experience.

Beyond the dumplings, the menu offers a variety of dishes that showcase Taiwanese and Chinese culinary traditions. Standouts include the cucumber salad, lightly pickled with a hint of garlic and chili, and the noodle dishes, like the beef noodle soup with its rich, aromatic broth. The fried rice is another crowd-pleaser—simple yet elevated with high-quality ingredients. Portions are modest, encouraging you to sample a range of items, though this can make the bill add up if you’re dining with a group.

Service is consistently attentive and efficient, with staff often explaining how to eat the dumplings (soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger are your friends) if you’re a first-timer. The atmosphere is sleek and modern, though it can get bustling—expect a wait during peak hours, as reservations aren’t always available depending on the location.

Overall, Din Tai Fung delivers a polished, flavorful experience that’s hard to fault if you’re in it for the dumplings. It’s not cheap, but it’s a worthy splurge for a special meal. I’d give it a solid 4.5 out of 5—near perfection, with just a pinch of room for...

If you're looking for a dining experience that comes with a side of blatant discrimination, look no further than the new Ding Tai Fung restaurant. Our experience was as sour as a lemon dipped in vinegar, thanks largely to a host who seemed to have missed the memo on how to treat customers with respect.

Our reservation was for 7:30 PM, but we arrived early at 7:15 PM to check in. My elderly parents were seated on a nearby bench due to lack of space inside. They were plainly visible from the restaurant, but apparently being in sight wasn't enough for the host in question.

This gentleman, who could be identified by his tan suit and a disposition that seemed to mirror the gloominess of a rainy day, looked me up and down and announced that he wouldn't seat us unless my parents were there. When we assured him we could get them right away, he made a swift exit without uttering a word.

Once my parents returned, the host seemed to have perfected the art of ignoring us, walking past several times without so much as a glance in our direction. Meanwhile, other parties were seated ahead of us.

The most irksome part of the evening was noticing how differently he treated a large group of white customers, who were ushered in without even the standard check if their party was complete. This was also noticed with other Asian customers.

Eventually, we approached a hostess and asked about our table. She was immediately apologetic and led us in. The waitstaff who served us, people of color, were a breath of fresh air, proving to be the only saving grace in this otherwise distasteful experience. However, the behavior of the host left a bad taste that even the best of meals...