Sur Lie — Restaurant in Portland

One of the most enjoyable dining experiences I've ever had! Fantasy of a perfect vacation treat dinner with DH fulfilled! We received a friendly welcome as soon as we walked in; the ambience is relaxed and comfortable, and we enjoyed a window seat. Ex Lion Tamer and Tony's Shim cocktails were complex and complimented each other (we shared everything!). Dinner was soppressata, mixta, that carrot dish, and brussels sprouts, which was plenty for the two of us after an afternoon of hiking. Portions were just right for sharing. Each dish was a masterpiece of flavor, texture, and presentation. Main ingredients were wonderfully balanced with accompaniments, and there seemed to be so many connections with the locale. The colors and shapes of the amazing carrot dish with contrasting duck egg yolk, carrot caramel, and blue spruce oil was stunning and reminded me of the gorgeous lichen growing on the rocks by the shore. Every dish had a special flourish, like candied orange (mixta) and paper-thin toasted bread (soppressata). Our servers' enthusiasm and cheerfulness added to the experience. Luckily we had room for a lemon curd dessert - also phenomenal. It was such a treat to enjoy world-class dining in such a laid-back, unpretentious setting, with reasonable prices, too! Already looking forward to our next visit when we're back...

I think it’s a good restaurant overall, but the experience left a lot to be desired. Our tomato salad was served with a produce sticker still on it, and while our server apologized, no manager came by to acknowledge the mistake. The salad was simply remade, but nothing was comped or offered as a gesture, which is usually standard when something like this happens.

Later, after some back-and-forth about drinks, our server (who was kind overall) brought me a cocktail I hadn’t ordered. Even my dinner companion confirmed I had asked for the other one. The server then attempted to argue, but quickly stopped herself. Having served tables in college, we were always told to repeat the order back to guests, especially when a guest is undecided between options, as it tends to really reduce mistakes. We also asked a different server for a spoon to share our soup (maybe it was bisque) when he brought our dishes and it never happened.

As for the food, it was hit-or-miss. A couple of dishes were excellent, while others were just plain underwhelming. Overall, it didn’t feel like a $200+ experience. I might consider coming back, but I’m definitely...

So so so so good!! We went with friends and it was our first time here and it's now all of our favorite restaurant. The menu is incredible! Everything is so savory and decadent. Between the 4 of us we enjoyed the short ribs, lobster popover, shrimp, crab dip, local catch, fromage and smoked butternut squash. This is tapas dining so getting 2-3 items per person is the way to go! The food comes out as it is ready. We were there for about an hour and a half. If our stomachs weren't so full and satisfied we would have had a hard time leaving. Keep a menu with you at the table and you can easily take your time here and indulge for a lengthy dining experience.

The cocktails are artistic and delicious, the venue is cool and not loud or chaotic. The service is smooth, steadily paced, and friendly.

The booth seating by the streetside windows is such a pleasantry. We can't wait to go back with more friends so we can share these specialties and have incredible dining memories together.

(My photos don't do it justice. A few times we started eating before I thought to...