Merrow — Restaurant in Portland

My mind is blown by how good the food is at Merrow, which just opened at their current residency spot last week. How is this not a year-round full-time spot? We got the summer melon, tuna carpaccio, Caesar salad (one of the best I've ever had in my life), petite beans, and grilled mackerel. The petite beans dish sounds simple on paper but it was an explosion of savory flavors that stole the show. The mackerel was perfectly grilled and creatively accompanied with green tomatoes and a smoky baba ganoush-adjacent eggplant spread. Oh yeah, and we also got both desserts which were savored and devoured. My only thought at the end of the meal was when I could come back to try the rest of the menu. Another incredible addition to the outstanding Portland food scene and one of the best meals I've had in...

Without exaggeration, this is the best dining experience I can remember in my life! I have been twice, and tried everything on the menu except the caesar salad (which I am definitely coming back for). It has all been phenomenal. I love the freshness, thoughfulness, and uniqueness of the ingredients and flavor combinations. They feel simple yet surprising and intriguing. The beverage selection is well-curated and delicious also. And everyone I've interacted with who works there has been so kind, genuine, and delightful. The fresh flower arrangements, candles and art are beautiful. And, last but definitely not least, there is breathtaking crustacean dirge poem on their menu!!!

If you're excited to eat wonderful and inspired food this is the place. Truly a celebration of fish, seasonal vegetables, fire and technique. You can tell these chefs put their hearts into the food AND the atmosphere. The flavors were bright and refreshing and held all the integrity of the ingredients. Oh and the WINE! talk to your servers about recommendations or go with your gut cause everything is delicious that I've had so far. Definitely my favorite meal I've had in Portland. I'll be back frequently too as I know the chefs are rotating the menu! I'll be thinking of the plum...