The Salmonberry — Restaurant in Wheeler

I was really hoping I would like the Salmonberry. The new set up is confusing and does not work.

The good - the views over the river and deck are great, most of the staff. The bad - confusing set up and poorly organized.

Upon entering you need to line up and order your entire meal, drinks, entree, everything. You then take a number and go and find yourself a table. Everything is then brought to you, or so we thought. We were just two dining and the only table we could fine was a table for 6. We soon found a table for 4 and moved there so a larger party would have room to sit.

After 20 mins we enquired where our drinks were. We had a whisky smash and a pint of IPA. After we enquired about our drinks they were quickly brought over although the IPA was in a can. 20 minutes to open a can.

Soon after my wife’s rockfish was delivered. We waited a few minutes for my pizza and I asked her to start as I was sure it wouldn’t be long. I did have to get her some silverware as there was none on the table. The rockfish was served with risotto and peas. We like butter but there was so much this dish was inedible. Also the risotto was very bland with no seasoning.

When I enquired about the pizza I was told I was third In line and it would be another 20 mins. This would have made it about 50 mins after I ordered. No warning or update that this would have been the case. I asked why my wife’s meal was brought out if there was going to be such a delay with mine. We were out to dine together not 30 minutes apart.

I cancelled the pizza and they offered to refund me. I then said I don’t want to pay for the rockfish as we were out to dine together and the meal was of poor quality. The man who was dealing with me slapped the cash in front of me and sarcastically said “there you go dad”.

The rest of the people that work here seem really nice. They were busy and this could be just a stressful situation as they did seem short staffed but the whole set up needs some work.

The pizza that was served to the other tables did look good though.

Hope this is an...

In a tourist community, if you want a good restaurant, you eat where the locals and suppliers eat. On the north Oregon coast that place would be The Salmonberry. The food is amazing-- homemade pasta cooked to perfection and sauced with locally sourced seafood, meat, and vegetables (even seaweed!), house made sausage, the best oysters on the coast, local cider, and homemade desserts to die for. (Where else does the pastry chef forage for her ingredients?) And oh my gosh the pizzas alone would be worthy of a visit. Prices are in line with other nice restaurants, but at Salmonberry the portions match the prices. Last week, I ate there with a friend and we shared one app, one salad, one pasta, and one dessert, and we still had leftovers to take home. The menu changes frequently depending on local harvest and I have yet to order anything I wouldn't order again. Favorites: I had a black and blue ribeye that was THE BEST steak I've ever eaten. (I’m afraid to order steak anywhere else now.) Try any salad but when local tomatoes come in, order two. The dulse seaweed laced bucatini with clams is a local favorite you have to try. Unless lamb is on the menu, then get both. Vegetarian options are available too. Kudos to the Chef and staff for the variety and quality of the menu! All that great food wouldn't need a fantastic sunset, water view, or a great staff and a casual fun atmosphere. But Salmonberry has that going on too. BTW, like many Portland and local restaurants, you order at the counter and grab your own silverware. Please don’t complain about this while you are standing in line. If it bothers you, go eat someplace else. Really your biggest challenge with Salmonberry is you will want to order everything. Not a bad...

We ordered a lot of food here. And all of it was very, very good. Short version: This is Oregon coast Michelin.

Long version: We do have some notes.

• Oyster shooters: First round was tight. Small, sweet oysters with a tangy sauce. Chef kiss. The oysters in the second round were milkier.

• Tomato Burrata Salad: Extremely well-sourced tomatoes and burrata, and well-plated. Nothing mind-blowing, but competent as hell.

• Sourdough with Pepper Jelly and Chevre: Extraordinary bread, very well prepared. Excellent vehicle for the provided accompaniments but also to mop up the burrata and tomato. No notes here.

• Hazelnut Pesto Radiatore: The absolute standout of the night. For me, the best pasta I've ever had. Wife felt it was close but a little oilier than she would've liked. I disagree but she is the pasta expert.

• Shishito Pepper Pizza: A very tasty pizza with two big flaws. One: No crust integrity. This is a two-hand slice. Or you could roll it up. But otherwise it will flow down like Multnomah Falls. Two: Mediocre crust-cheese cohesion. On one or two bites, the cheese pulled right off the crust, leaving me with a nude slice of pie. Don't get me wrong: this was a great pizza. I'm critiquing only because it could've been perfect.

• Drinks: Negroni was classically good. House Red was good but unremarkable. Just as a house red should be.

Overall, five stars. Nowhere gets away with no notes. But Salmonberry came way closer than...