If there’s one thing Portlanders love, it’s sushi. Like many other west coast cities, the fish is almost always fresh and appetizing. There are over 50 places to get sushi in the immediate area, each with a distinctive take on this centuries-old tradition. Already known for some of the best salmon on Earth, you can find great sushi to fit every taste and budget in Portland.
SABURRO’S SUSHI HOUSE 1667 SE Bybee Blvd. Portland, OR 97202 (503)-236-4237 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 5:00pm-9:30pm (Fri) 5:00pm-10:30pm (Sat) 4:30pm-10:00pm (Sun) 4:30pm-9:00pm
If you’ve ever wanted sashimi bigger than your fist, this is the place for you. Renown for giant portions, this almost claustrophobic location tucked in the historic Sellwood neighborhood always has a line out the door. Reservations are not accepted and groups may wait up to an hour, but it’s a testament to the gluttonous portions and quality that most in line are repeat customers. Not a place that stands on pretension, yours may result in the definition of poor service. Customers who behave themselves will be repaid with one of the best sushi deals on the West Coast and very friendly service. The house special Sabu-roll is a meal unto itself.
Estimated cost: $15 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open
MIO SUSHI 2271 NW Johnson St. Portland, OR 97210 (503)-221-1469 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30am-9:30pm, (Fri) 11:30am-10:00pm, (Sat) 12:00pm-10:00pm
Consistently among the highest rated, Mio’s reputation is based upon fish that seems to melt in your mouth. Now spanning 5 locations across the metro-area, the original, located just off the uber-trendy NW 23rd Avenue, remains the best. Reservations are not taken, but the line moves quickly, and there’s plenty to see nearby while you wait. Once inside, service is prompt and friendly. Everything from the tea to the fish is of the finest quality and prepared right in front of you. Of particular note is the raw salmon and unagi (fresh-water eel). Many items are also offered for those who prefer cooked food. The new Portland Streetcar stops closer than you’re likely to be able to park.
Estimated cost: $20 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open
TAKAHASHI 10324 SE Holgate Blvd. Portland, OR 97266 (503)-760-8135 Hours: (Wed-Sun) 5:00pm-9pm
Perhaps the most improbable great sushi restaurant in Portland, Takahashi is located in a seedy-looking storefront, about two miles past where you thought Portland ended. The tiny entrance opens into room after room stuffed with fascinating mid-century Japanese memorabilia. Bang the gong once for each member of your party upon entering. A great place to take a date or a large group, the sushi menu is complimented by an extensive tempura menu. Write your order on the slips provided. Requests are usually granted, and the service is attentive. A very large menu of cooked entrées is also available. Be sure to check the daily specials for unusual nigiri and rolls. Go on Wednesday and receive 30% off your order.
Estimated cost: $20 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed
MASU 406 SW 13th Ave. Portland, OR 94205 (503)-221-6278 Hours: (Sun-Thu) 4:00pm-12:00am, (Fri-Sat) 4:00pm-2:00am; lunch (Mon-Fri) 11:30am-2:00pm
Located just outside the Pearl District in a second story loft, the original Masu is an ultra-hip space with a uniquely Northwestern approach to Japanese food. Relax and enjoy a signature cocktail from the full bar. Specialty rolls such as the Lotus Roll (spicy crab and cucumber with tuna and avocado) are inspired. Exciting cooked entrées such as the oven roasted wild sesame salmon are offered in season. Presentations are made on varnished rounds of wood. Open later than any other sushi restaurant in town, you can expect a D.J. on most nights.
Estimated cost: $25 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open
YOKO'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT 2878 SE Gladstone St Portland, OR 97202 (503)-736-9228 Hours: (everyday) 5:00pm-9:30pm
You know this place is all about the fish when you walk in to find a mesmerizing salt-water aquarium. The competition is stiff, but Yoko’s consistently has the freshest fish in town. Each menu item has a corresponding wooden tile that’s displayed behind the bar when available. Reservations are not taken, but you can enjoy a sake martini at C-bar next door and they’ll call you when it’s your turn. With one of the best rainbow rolls in town, be sure to save room for tempura. Check the specials board for the wasabi infused tobiko. Service can be a bit slow, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time.
Estimated cost: $20 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Open
BUSH GARDENS 900 SW Morrison St. Portland, OR 97205 (503)-226-7181 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 5:00pm-10:00pm, (Sat) 4:00pm-11:00pm; lunch (Mon-Fri) 11:30am-2:00pm Portland’s oldest sushi restaurant, Bush Garden has been serving Japanese food to the downtown lunch crowd and traveling Japanese businesspeople since 1960. The preparations here are artful and quick. You will very often find Japanese students from PSU enjoying sizzling teriyaki or one of the uniquely Asian appetizers such as the mountain yams. If you can save room, be sure to try the house ramen, also among the best in town. You may sit in the dining room, in one of 19 private tatami rooms or in the slightly frayed but spacious bar where the rudest KJ in Portland hosts karaoke in English and Japanese ‘til 2:30am every weekend night.
Estimated cost: $20 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Open
One of several sushi restaurants in town with a conveyor belt, Sushiville serves the best quality fish, by far. Walk in and sit right down. Servers are ready to take your order for anything you can’t find going around, drinks and special requests. The bar is enormous, though the seats are not. The cafeteria atmosphere is punctuated by endless pop-hits of the 1980s. However, you won’t care when you get the bill. Each color-coded plate ranges from $1.25 for edamame or tomago to $3.75 for the spicy dragon or caterpillar rolls. Help yourself to all the ginger and wasabi you want, and don’t forget to have your frequent diner card stamped. Available for take out.
Estimated cost: $10-12 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
Sin Ju 1022 NW Johnson St Portland, OR 97209 (503) 223-6535 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 5:00pm-9:30pm, (Fri) 5:00pm-10:30pm, (Sat) 5:00pm-10:30pm; lunch (Mon-Fri) 11:30am-2:30pm
In the heart of the artsy Pearl District, you’ll find Sin Ju. With an elegantly appointed dining room, private tatami rooms for parties of 5 or more and sparkling details, you can tell no expense was spared. Innovative menu items like the ahi tuna tower are impressive and tasty, while signature rolls like the Orange Blossom (Unagi with alternating avocado and salmon on top) are a treat for the eyes and palate. A bit spendy, those who’ve enjoyed sushi in Japan will appreciate the attention to detail. Parking is next to impossible, but the handy streetcar runs regularly, which is good since the cocktails are generous.
Estimated cost: $25 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
RESTAURANT MURATA 200 SW Market St., Suite 105 Portland, OR 97201 (503)-227-0080 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 5:30pm-10:00pm, (Sat) 5:50pm-10:00pm; lunch (Mon-Fri) 11:30am-2:00pm
Probably the most expensive sushi restaurant in town, Murata specializes in creating authentic Japanese food of the highest quality. This small and sparsely decorated space in downtown also offers private tatami rooms that can be reserved. This is the only place in town to reliably get fresh toro (fatty tuna belly). Be sure to ask your server for some recommendations, as you’re sure to encounter things on the menu that gaijin have never heard of – they’ll be happy to help you expand your culinary horizons. The usually large Japanese crowd found here on any given night attests to the authenticity.
Estimated cost: $30 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open
Ichidai proves there’s more to sushi than an attractive location or a carefully appointed interior. The food is the star here – choose from a dizzying array of fish and seafood. Unusual items, a wide range of tempura treats and teriyaki delights are all on the menu here. Should the overpowered lighting blind you, just remember to order pearl sake while you wait for your order to be prepared by the owner and chef. Add a few of the friendliest servers in town, and you’ve discovered a diamond in the rough. Don’t miss the spicy lobster roll or the dinner specials. Available for take out.
Estimated cost: $15-20 per person
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed
The Top List of Sushi Restaurants - Portland, OR