We had an outstanding experience. As self-proclaimed foodies, our table of four enjoyed some of the finest spins on Mexican cuisine we have ever had the chance to enjoy. We ordered everything on the menu and shared it between us. The play with spices, produce and protein was an exquisite symphony that in its entirety left us immensely satisfied. We paired our meal with fine Mexican wine and ended the evening with the Churro with four kinds of strawberries. You will have a new and heightened opinion of this delicacy after you visit them yourselves. As with every other meal that evening, it was surprise and a lesson in the very best of what is crafted at Lelia Comedor.
We ate at the chefs counter and had the tasting menu (6 courses) with wine pairings. The food was creative and tasty - especially the 1st 3 courses. The wine pairings were great - some unexpected wines from Mexico that worked very well with the food. We felt overall that there was too much food in each course, and fewer courses (definitely just 1 dessert course instead of two) with a little more focus would have been preferable for us. We were also disappointed that we didn't have much interaction with the Chef. Based on the counter setup, he was really only able to engage with one couple who was sitting directly in front of his prep station. We did have a good experience with wine steward who was very attentive. If I were to visit again, I would opt for table seating and a la carte menu vs the chefs counter.
Food was excellent. I felt like the “chefs experience” could be a little more involved with more interaction with the chef. Chef was very busy so it wasn't too interactive in my opinion. But don't get me wrong they are super friendly and willing to answer whatever questions you have. Servers were also very friendly but I felt like they could have been a bit more on top of things like making sure water was refilled etc. Atmosphere was also a bit noisy but likely due to the size of the place. Overall, a great experience and with average value
Cybizwife
This was my first time in Portland, and I looked forward to a night out at a wonderful restaurant. I had reservations, and they moved my table 3 times with different excuses to the point that the other patrons noticed and said they moved those people three times. My friend and I were the only Black people in the restaurant so it confirmed some of the rumors about Portland and racism. No one else was asked to move, only us. As subtle as it was, it put a bad taste in my mouth. The food was absolutely delicious but I won't be back again
pickyvicky
Everything was excellent -- food, cocktails, wine, service, atmosphere. The staff was so good! Come for the cocktails alone but the food is also unique and tasty. The only downside is we sat at the counter, where the stools are extremely unfortable. The stool seat is too small for a large person and the foot racks are off just enought to be bother. We spoke to the staff about the stools and they said they are working on it. We will return but will not sit at the counter.
Lilia continues to be one of the most exciting and surprising restaurants in Portland. Perfect execution and genuinely delicous and innovative dishes. Every single time! Bravo, chef Juan!
Erum Zuberi
Had an evening food tasting here - there were several courses of delicious food provided with the experience. We added on the apple cider vinegar drink, which was the right choice to warm us up for the winter food tasting.Although I had noted with my booking that I'm gluten-free, they brought me a few courses with gluten. I had to keep checking and waiting for a revised course to be provided when the mistake was made. If you have a food sensitivity/allergy, keep this in mind and make sure you check with each serving/meal.If you do a group booking, make sure to let them know you want separate servings as they were bringing us one plate for each course for our group, until we asked them to bring us separate ones. Considering the food tasting is an expensive experience and they charge per person, this was the first time I was brought a single plate/serving for a group booking.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Amazing! Food is always good, only sad part is that the menu changes so often that you don't get to go back to enjoy the same dishes again! It's fine though, they always come up with new delicious plates! Everyone is so nice and service is amazing! Food is always fresh and local. Highly recommend.
Justavisit
Everything was fabulous. I can see why The NY Times named them one of the 50 restaurants in the US they were most excited by in 2023. The menu is hyper local, seasonal, and so creative. The service is wonderful. Portland foodies and visitors should be lining up to eat this food!
The chefs counter experience with wine pairing was beyond worth it. Fantastic food, brilliant pairings unique and intriguing flavor profiles. Service was on point. An all around stunning experience.
The food is absolutely exquisite, fresh, ultra-seasonal and inventive. The space , though clean and modern, doesn't live up to the food. The acoustics are awful - it is very noisy, not that conducive to a romantic dinner. The space is in the base of a condo/apartment building.
Andrew Fleck
Definitely a good place to go if you want pretentious. Food was amazing, innovative. Staff were super proud of their sourcing and presentation
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
joannan
We loved dining in and getting to see how the team members were all so enthusiastic about the food and prep. It was amazing getting to see Chef Juan's creations. Great service, ambiance and food. Cannot wait to return for full chef's counter experience. We are sorry we didn't start at Lilia's for the night.
PDXfoodie
The food is always delicious, creative, fresh and aesthetically stunning. Service is pleasant and attentive without being smothering. The preparation of the pork shoulder changes but has never disappointed. The wines from Mexico is a nice touch and the cocktails also feature spirits like Sotol - never tried before but a refreshing concoction.
11375fh
This food was beautiful, truly innovative and absolutely delicious. Flavors seemed very Mexican, yet ingredients often unexpected, unique, and super fresh. This was perfect food and I'm sorry I wasn't hungry enough to try a tasting menu. I would almost travel back to Portland from the east coast just to do that...
We had an outstanding experience. As self-proclaimed foodies, our table of four enjoyed some of the finest spins on Mexican cuisine we have ever had the chance to enjoy. We ordered everything on the menu and shared it between us. The play with spices, produce and protein was an exquisite symphony that in its entirety left us immensely satisfied. We paired our meal with fine Mexican wine and ended the evening with the Churro with four kinds of strawberries. You will have a new and heightened opinion of this delicacy after you visit them yourselves. As with every other meal that evening, it was surprise and a lesson in the very best of what is crafted at Lelia Comedor.
We ate at the chefs counter and had the tasting menu (6 courses) with wine pairings. The food was creative and tasty - especially the 1st 3 courses. The wine pairings were great - some unexpected wines from Mexico that worked very well with the food. We felt overall that there was too much food in each course, and fewer courses (definitely just 1 dessert course instead of two) with a little more focus would have been preferable for us. We were also disappointed that we didn't have much interaction with the Chef. Based on the counter setup, he was really only able to engage with one couple who was sitting directly in front of his prep station. We did have a good experience with wine steward who was very attentive. If I were to visit again, I would opt for table seating and a la carte menu vs the chefs counter.
Food was excellent. I felt like the “chefs experience” could be a little more involved with more interaction with the chef. Chef was very busy so it wasn't too interactive in my opinion. But don't get me wrong they are super friendly and willing to answer whatever questions you have. Servers were also very friendly but I felt like they could have been a bit more on top of things like making sure water was refilled etc. Atmosphere was also a bit noisy but likely due to the size of the place. Overall, a great experience and with average value
This was my first time in Portland, and I looked forward to a night out at a wonderful restaurant. I had reservations, and they moved my table 3 times with different excuses to the point that the other patrons noticed and said they moved those people three times. My friend and I were the only Black people in the restaurant so it confirmed some of the rumors about Portland and racism. No one else was asked to move, only us. As subtle as it was, it put a bad taste in my mouth. The food was absolutely delicious but I won't be back again
Everything was excellent -- food, cocktails, wine, service, atmosphere. The staff was so good! Come for the cocktails alone but the food is also unique and tasty. The only downside is we sat at the counter, where the stools are extremely unfortable. The stool seat is too small for a large person and the foot racks are off just enought to be bother. We spoke to the staff about the stools and they said they are working on it. We will return but will not sit at the counter.
Lilia continues to be one of the most exciting and surprising restaurants in Portland. Perfect execution and genuinely delicous and innovative dishes. Every single time! Bravo, chef Juan!
Had an evening food tasting here - there were several courses of delicious food provided with the experience. We added on the apple cider vinegar drink, which was the right choice to warm us up for the winter food tasting.Although I had noted with my booking that I'm gluten-free, they brought me a few courses with gluten. I had to keep checking and waiting for a revised course to be provided when the mistake was made. If you have a food sensitivity/allergy, keep this in mind and make sure you check with each serving/meal.If you do a group booking, make sure to let them know you want separate servings as they were bringing us one plate for each course for our group, until we asked them to bring us separate ones. Considering the food tasting is an expensive experience and they charge per person, this was the first time I was brought a single plate/serving for a group booking.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Amazing! Food is always good, only sad part is that the menu changes so often that you don't get to go back to enjoy the same dishes again! It's fine though, they always come up with new delicious plates! Everyone is so nice and service is amazing! Food is always fresh and local. Highly recommend.
Everything was fabulous. I can see why The NY Times named them one of the 50 restaurants in the US they were most excited by in 2023. The menu is hyper local, seasonal, and so creative. The service is wonderful. Portland foodies and visitors should be lining up to eat this food!
The chefs counter experience with wine pairing was beyond worth it. Fantastic food, brilliant pairings unique and intriguing flavor profiles. Service was on point. An all around stunning experience.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food is absolutely exquisite, fresh, ultra-seasonal and inventive. The space , though clean and modern, doesn't live up to the food. The acoustics are awful - it is very noisy, not that conducive to a romantic dinner. The space is in the base of a condo/apartment building.
Definitely a good place to go if you want pretentious. Food was amazing, innovative. Staff were super proud of their sourcing and presentation
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
We loved dining in and getting to see how the team members were all so enthusiastic about the food and prep. It was amazing getting to see Chef Juan's creations. Great service, ambiance and food. Cannot wait to return for full chef's counter experience. We are sorry we didn't start at Lilia's for the night.
The food is always delicious, creative, fresh and aesthetically stunning. Service is pleasant and attentive without being smothering. The preparation of the pork shoulder changes but has never disappointed. The wines from Mexico is a nice touch and the cocktails also feature spirits like Sotol - never tried before but a refreshing concoction.
This food was beautiful, truly innovative and absolutely delicious. Flavors seemed very Mexican, yet ingredients often unexpected, unique, and super fresh. This was perfect food and I'm sorry I wasn't hungry enough to try a tasting menu. I would almost travel back to Portland from the east coast just to do that...