Redwood — Restaurant in Portland

This past Wednesday my husband & I (both lifers, in the food & hospitality industry) attended an Italian night pop up at Redwood. What started off as a San Marzano infused dry vermouth & basil oil, caprese martini, transformed into one of the best date nights we've ever had! It was a warmly well lit & cozy atmosphere, that may as well have had an Italian herb diffuser outside the entrance. We were greeted by Chantel and seated immediately at the bar with Heather, because the place was packed & already bustling at 5:30pm.

We began with the lemony white bean arugula salad, & grilled carrots over fresh pesto with toasted almonds & lemon zest, both of which I could eat at least once a day indefinitely! So fresh & so well balanced in acidity & flavor, "Utah gimme 2." For our mains we shared family style portions of the chicken parm & pasta pomodoro. The chicken, (breaded & fried) was perfectly cooked through, juicy & delicious. The spiral pasta, although not traditional cavatelli held the light & fresh red sauce that both dishes had, complete with 4 Italian herb meatballs that we added. Everything was prepared and served by course & the timing was perfect.

As for service, we don't usually get our hopes too high, because the food in this city usually makes up for it where it lacks. That said I don't know how long Heather & Chantel have been working together but they seem to have created a partnership where enthusiasm, efficiency, professionalism, fun & warmth come across in every cocktail & plate served. I come from a family that is half born and bread Jersey, where Italian food is a staple, & folks have had a few plates of cavatelli & broccoli in our days. It felt close to home during our experience at Redwood & we look forward to more themed pop up dinners with them. Thank you to the Redwood team & their dedicated leads, it was a wonderful...

I had the worst dining experience I've had in Montavilla in over 20 years at Redwood. I took a friend there to celebrate my promotion since they had bouillabaisse, my favorite, on special. He ordered his dinner and I ordered the bouillabaisse. but only his meal arrived. when I asked the server where my dinner was she replied I hadn't ordered anything, which on its face is ridiculous. I clearly ordered it and said at the time how excited I was to get it. I asked for some bread or something quick since his meal was sitting on the table. But she never gave me anything throughout the entire time my friend ate their meal. It was such a sour experience and feel the customer service was utterly lacking on its face and then no follow up when I explained their mistake. of course I was charged full everything and paid it and left never to return. I never have good things to say about this place anymore (i loved it before) and always give side eye as I walk past their doors. I'm still feeling rather grumpy about it. And, yes, it was Redwood regardless of the owner's denial. I know where I was and what I ordered - again, it was a dinner special - so back when you had dinner service (D'uh). And may explain why they had to drop dinner service. Sad & disappointing they continue to not take ownership of this experience, tho par for the course from how I've experienced Redwood. At least we know this lack of service comes directly from the owner at the top and works it's way through to the service. You...

I've been here twice now, once for dinner and once for late night HH. When we came for dinner, the food and drink were good, but our waitress was too cool to care/do her job so I wasn't impressed.

But oh lawdy, the late night happy hour makes me glad I gave this place a second try. The brussel sprouts we're some of the best I've had in my entire life. And let me tell you, I've eaten a fair deal of sprouts in my life. We also got the wings (fuhhh yeah they were good) and the fritters (p. tasty too).

Drinks wise, I ordered my go-to well drink, a Dirty Shirley. I liked that they used a fancy cherry and natural-er tasting grenadine, it made me feel bougie af. There draft beer selection was a little limited but they had really solid options that were different than the handful of typical craft beers I see on tap at every Portland restaurant.

So overall, good job Redwood. We'll definitely be back for the late night HH next time...