Chef Naoko Bento Cafe
Chef Naoko Tamura has been serving customers since 1976, when she opened her first restaurant in Tokyo. In 2008, she moved to Portland and opened her first U.S. establishment, a self-titled cafe in downtown Portland that serves authentic Japanese bentos. The cuisine contains mostly natural and organic ingredients and includes such dishes as organic miso soup, umi fish mushroom bento, teriyaki tofu bowl, atsushi chicken bowl and Willapa Bay oyster bento. The Chef Naoko Bento Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Chef Naoko Bento Cafe
1237 SW Jefferson St.
Portland, OR 97201
503-227-4136
chefnaoko.com
Bamboo Sushi
Bamboo Sushi earned a major accolade in 2010 when an article in GQ magazine named its Alaska black cod with smoked soy and roasted garlic glaze as one of the five best dishes in the country. The cuisine, which includes vegan and vegetarian options, is enhanced by Bamboo Sushi being a certified sustainable restaurant. Bamboo only serves fish that are ethically caught and beef that comes from animals that are local, free range and hormone-free. The restaurant uses 100 percent recycled paper products.
Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503-232-5255
bamboosushipdx.com
Tanuki
Tanuki serves Japanese and Korean food designed to be eaten with sake and beer. Among the menu items in the "Kushiyaki" category--also referred to as "stuff on sticks!"--are sweet and spicy dried squid, seasoned duck hearts, green shell mussels, and salt and pepper shrimp. Because Tanuki aims to provide a place for adults to socialize and enjoy alcohol, the restaurant does not allow children. Tanuki is in a historic building that is not wheelchair-accessible.
Tanuki
413 NW 21st Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503-241-7667
tanukipdx.com
Masu Sushi
Masu Sushi has a late-afternoon and a late-night happy hour six days a week, featuring specials on appetizers and sushi. The restaurant's menu features selections such as grilled tenderloin with wasabi butter, sauteed calamari, miso baked eggplant and a Japanese pickled vegetable plate. Masu also has an impressive drink list, including creations such as Asterix gimlet and Jessie's girl. Masu has free wireless internet.
Masu Sushi
406 SW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-221-6278
masusushi.com
