Epif — Restaurant in Portland

I was sorely disappointed with my Epif experience and do not intend to go back.

My best friend is a vegan so I wanted to try this place out with her for her birthday. I had heard this place had good food and 'cheese'cake. I made a reservation, which they subsequently lost, but were able to seat us at a great inconvenience to them it seemed. We were in the middle of the restaurant right by the door that would bring an extremely cold draft anytime the door was opened. The waitress who first served our table was rude and standoffish. Perhaps the snobby server works for other people but it does not with me. Having been in the service industry I treat people with the respect I would like. This place did not seem to care about that.

I can not tolerate wheat or gluten so that limited my choices of dinner items. I know I ordered off the menu but the description was definitely not what I was expecting. I ordered the Causa, described as Chilled mashed potato rolls filled with vegan cream cheese, red bell pepper, asparagus, and chives and served with a Kalamata olive sauce. (gf, nf). for $13. I thought mashed potatoes and cream cheese, how can that be wrong and I like all the other things in there. They served me something that was so terrible that I took one bite and could not stomach another. It was a disgusting plate of cold flavorless mashed potatoes rolled up with some other mushy things lacking flavor. I could not help my reaction, it almost made me throw up right there at the table so I sent it back. I really tried to be kind but the server was so rude when I said I was not happy with the meal that I didn't even try ordering something else. I am glad I didn't because I would have ended up paying for two meals. It bothers me that they charged me for that. I would have been considerate and taken if off the bill as an attempt at customer satisfaction.

I honestly hope this place goes out of business. We do not need any more pretentious establishments...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Epif in Portland, Oregon, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening.

The menu is a refreshing change from the usual fare, offering an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by the flavors of the Andes. Every dish we tried was bursting with unique and vibrant flavors, showcasing the creativity and skill of the kitchen.

The Chacarero was a standout dish with its hearty combination of ingredients, perfectly balanced to create a satisfying and delicious sandwich. The Cheddar and roasted cherry tomato Empanada was another highlight, with a crispy, golden exterior and a rich, flavorful filling that left me wanting more. The empanada was perfectly complemented by their Aji amarillo sauce, which added a delightful, tangy kick that enhanced every bite. This sauce is a must-try—its unique flavor profile is simply addictive.

What truly sets Epif apart, however, is the exceptional service. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food and drinks they were serving. Their enthusiasm was infectious and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

The ambiance at Epif is cozy and intimate, with tasteful decor that reflects the Andean inspiration behind the menu. It's a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or even a solo meal if you're looking to treat yourself to something special.

In a city known for its vibrant food scene, Epif stands out as a shining example of innovative, high-quality vegetarian and vegan cuisine. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delightful offerings. Highly...

For the price, the portion sizes were too small, and the flavors lacking. Got the Charquican, a "grande" plate for 18 dollars.. It came with about a cup of mashed potatoes, corns and peas, with 3 slivers of mushroom and soy curls..and a small bunch of greens tossed in a light dressing. Not nearly enough to fill you up for a so called "large" plate.. Only the plate was big, not the portion sizes. The ceviche was pretty good and had more food than my entree despite being a "medium" dish... The causa rolls, though pretty just tasted like mashed potatoes. There were no contrasting flavors or textures - just disappointing... I enjoyed the mashed potatoes on my entree plate more than this appetizer.. For a 50 dollar meal, I was expecting more complex flavors, more decent portion sizes. It's not a good feeling when you take someone out to a birthday dinner with your hard earned money and they say, "You could've made this better at home." Sadly, I agree with him. Right after dinner we had to go get second dinner because we left hungry.. And I was also sad they did not do anything special for those celebrating birthdays.. Many restaurants I've been to at least give you a small cake or complimentary drink if it's your birthday.. Nothing like that here. They just provide candles if you spend another ten dollars...