50 Best Japanese Restaurants in Portland

“Excellent! Fast, friendly service and absolutely delicious food. We had the tempura udon and curry plate. We also enjoyed the sake flight. Cannot wait to go back.“

“I picked a lunch spot on a total whim after flying in from Texas, then discovered the best comfort karē outside of Japan. Absolutely incredible, rich flavors that speak for themselves. Nothing is hidden or muddled; the recipe is full bodied, served insanely quick, and with the hospitality of an old friend you haven't seen in years (big shoutout to one-man army Mr. Makoto Yoshino). If you're a veteran that's ever been stationed in Japan, pair this up with Jinro and a Page 11 and it's like you're back in Oki! Seriously though, food was so good I had a borderline religious experience. 11/10 I'll always come here when I visit Portland.“

“The husband and I were on a ramen rampage, and the weather was our perfect excuse. Then, out of nowhere, we stumbled upon this restaurant. The service was spot-on, the food arrived in record time, and that ramen? Sheer perfection. The broth was a flavor bomb, the chashu was tender and divine, and those noodles? Freshly made and sublime. We left feeling like we just discovered ramen nirvana.“

“Conveyor belt-sushi is the best! I love watching the colorful food wander by at pace, picking and choosing an item or two every now and then. Super mellow and fun. Can be busy at lunch but if you are alone it's usually easy to find a spot at at the 'bar'.“

“Food was yum, friendly environment and great hospitality.“

“Good sushi place that isn't going to break the bank. I liked everything I ordered here with the exception of the spicy tuna rolls, but that's probably more of a personal preference thing rather than a lack of quality. The sushi is great but I recommend the dragon rolls (for taste) and the California rolls (for cost). The poke bowl was good too in my opinion, but what took me by surprise was the miso soup option which I liked quite a bit.“

“Great Sushi and Phenomenal Service❣️“

“Food was phenomenal. My udon noodle dish was among the best I’ve had. Truly great. The service was unfortunate, with no single employee seeming to take responsibility for the table. Food came out at wildly different times, including different components in a single dish.“

“Great service, friendly staff and very delicious, fresh fish at a fair price. Plus they are celiac friendly! We will definitely be back.“

“Phenomenal food. Great ambience. Incredible team. Inspiring story starting with chef Juan that expands into locally-sourced food, seasonality, and supporting women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ producers. As a solo traveler, the warmth and family-like atmosphere made this experience memorable.

It's also not as common to find a tasting menu inspired by Mexican roots, but this was one of the best meals I've enjoyed on the west coast. If you think lobster and mole won't work, you're missing out. Highly recommend!“

“always a fantastic time; great prices and customer service!! perfect amount of friendly but brief.

highly recommend their butter mochi! still thinking about the s'mores batch I caught.. delicious!! would much rather pay the $4 for musubi than fumble to make it not even a 10th as good at home.“

“Everything. This is not just going to dinner. This is a dining experience. It’s a small reserved venue. Yes it’s spendy, but worth every penny. You’ll try food you never thought you try. The mostly seafood menu it so well prepared. Plus you can watch the prepared each course. A fun night.“

“Kokiyo Teriyaki has quickly become one of my favorite spots for delicious, comforting, and consistently great food. Every time I visit, I’m impressed by the quality, the flavor, and the warm service that make this place truly stand out.

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a friendly atmosphere and a team that genuinely cares about their customers. The service is always fast, polite, and attentive, and they make you feel welcome whether you’re dining in or picking up a quick meal to go.

Now, the food — absolutely fantastic. Their teriyaki is some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The chicken is always tender, perfectly cooked, and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The portions are generous, the rice is always perfectly fluffy, and the vegetables are fresh and cooked just right.

I also love their spicy dishes — they have just the right amount of heat while still keeping all the flavor. The yakisoba, gyoza, and katsu are also excellent choices, each prepared with care and full of satisfying taste.

What really makes Kokiyo Teriyaki special is the consistency. No matter what you order or when you come in, the food is always delicious, the portions are always big, and the experience is always positive. You can tell the owners and staff take pride in what they do, and it shows in every detail.

If you’re looking for amazing teriyaki, friendly service, and a meal that always hits the spot, Kokiyo Teriyaki is the place to go. I highly recommend it and will definitely keep coming back!“

“Tried this place during an ice storm and they were extremely happy to see us and were open for business. We came back again 4 days later and the food was even better.“

“We had an excellent dining experience at Akizawa, with outstanding food, drinks, and service. Despite some previous reviews mentioning a one-hour time limit for two people, the staff was flexible and didn’t rush us—possibly because the restaurant wasn’t full.
Here’s a breakdown of what we ordered:
• Grilled Duck (Appetizer): Tender, juicy, and full with umami flavor.
• Pork Tonkatsu (Appetizer): A lean cut of meat that was very tender and not dry at all. The crust was light and perfectly crispy.
• Nigiri and Sushi Rolls: The fish was incredibly fresh, and the rice was well-prepared with just the right balance. As a fan of Edomae-style (more vinegary) rice, I found their rice slightly different but still excellent. We only wished they offered chutoro, which wasn’t available, and a wider variety of fish.
• Caramel Pudding (Dessert): Tasty but not particularly memorable.
• Sake: The staff provided thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences and even let us sample a few options before we chose a bottle we loved.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the experience. We’ll definitely return and recommend Akizawa to anyone looking for a great dining experience!“

“Amazing sushi and good flavor“

“My partner and I have been coming to this location for 15 years. It’s consistently been very good. Sushi that shoots above its price, regarding the quality. Last night we came in and got an assortment of nigiri, a couple rolls, and uni. The chef was thoughtful about what order he prepared everything, the meal finishing with the uni. Everything was delicious. For the amount of money spent, it’s difficult for us to think of a place that would be as satisfying.“

“A good place to eat and in downtown Portland on me 21“

“Really delicious, and so happy to have a Japanese sandwich cart in Portland. I loved the Pork katsu!“

“This place is one of the best teriyaki places in the entire area of downtown portland. Generous portions worth every single penny ❤️

The charred chicken pieces are extremely perfect and juicy, dressed in perfect homemade teriyaki sauce.

The pot stickers on the other hand, have the gingery aroma flavor, makes it more palatable and appetizing at the same time.“

“This spot has one of the best chicken teriyaki plates and Thai iced teas I’ve had. The chicken tasted fresh, tender, and flavorful, and the portions were perfect. The service was excellent—warm, friendly, and very kind staff. The atmosphere was inviting, making it a great spot for a date or small to medium-sized groups. I definitely recommend it and look forward to coming back to try the pho next time.“

“best salmon and squid salad ever!“

“The sushi was made so beautifully, fish was fresh, and the spicy miso soup was delicious. Ricky is such a sweet guy, while we were there he brought over a soup he made for the neighboring food cart, great community energy. I will be back again and highly recommend for anyone looking for tasty affordable sushi. Thank you Ricky!“

“First time here ! Sushi was amazing ! Tried sake for the first time and it was yummy !“

“Sho is our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood. Katsu and his team are awesome.“

“Great food, fast service and great atmosphere. Highly recommend.“

“I had to use the bathroom and they let me without buying anything. I then ordered the Oregon Roll just to try. I normally don't like Sushi, but it was so good I might be into it now. I'll have to go back and try some more or whatever... It's good 👍“

“This place was such a pleasant surprise during our trip. The food tasted great, the prices were reasonable, and it felt like a very authentic Japanese restaurant. The rice bowl in the photo originally came with tuna, scallops, and salmon. Since I don’t eat tuna, I asked to replace it with salmon, and it worked perfectly. The portion was generous and the price was very fair.

Another must-order item is the small sukiyaki pot, which was just a little over eight dollars. It was surprisingly good, even though I forgot to take a photo. These two dishes were definitely the highlights for me.

From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, the staff greet you in Japanese, which really adds to the atmosphere. Overall, it was a great experience and a place I’d happily visit again.“

“Excelent tapas and coctails.“

“I had a nice, relaxed experience here the other evening. It was somewhat busy but the server got my order quickly. I enjoyed some quality sake while waiting for my sushi. The wait, not so long, was worth it. I loved the Playboy roll, with seared tuna, and the Mango Tango roll even more. The miso soup was good; the decor and atmosphere was pretty cool. But the sushi was delicious. I'd highly recommend this restaurant. I'll be back for sure.“

“TL;DR: Good sushi, unforgettable Portland dining.

After years of searching for my favorite sushi spot in Portland, I finally found Yosu.

Now, I won’t say it’s the best sushi in the city, I’m probably not qualified to do that, and honestly, there’s a food truck that still wins my heart for pure quality.

My sample size was small, though. I only had one roll, the Red Dragon Roll. It wasn’t life-changing, but it was solid. It’s what you would expect from your sushi options in town. The calamari, though, was *chef’s kiss*, lightly breaded, crispy, and meaty in all the right ways. The miso soup was fine/good, and the cucumber salad was fresh and interesting (though the martini glass presentation was awkward to eat from).

Where Yosu really stands out is the experience. The place nailed its mix of traditional Japanese art and Portland quirk. Big glowing windows on Broadway, fun neon lighting, fun spacey murals and music that actually adds to the vibe. The plating was the cutest and most fun I’ve ever seen, and the staff’s traditional-style jackets tie the whole theme together perfectly.

I felt that someone truly cares about all of the small details and I really appreciate that.

Whether you are visiting Portland and looking for a memorable sushi experience, or you live here, Yosu is absolutely worth a stop.“

“one of the last places in this city where i actually feel like im getting my moneys worth. jumbo teriyaki is $15 and the portions are MASSIVE. gyoza is cheap and delicious. the atmosphere inside is mediocre but if you’re looking for takeout THIS IS THE SPOT.“

“Really, really good food here. And the portions are generous. I had the spicy pork and it was delicious. Finished the entire thing in one sitting. Simple, no frills Asian food. Definitely stop by if you're in the area. You won't regret it.“

“Loved it! Had a really good night out on the town!“

“Always fresh and yum!“

“Delicious sushi burritos w/lots of options! I’ll be back to try them all.“

“Dinner was amazing. Staff was amazing. just AMAZING. My son took me as a surprise while visiting him from FL. Thank you for making this moment for us. 5 star!“

“I’ll admit that when I walked in I was not exactly encouraged by its style. But what Bentoz may lack it decoration it makes up for in the quality of its food. My 3 other family members had the chicken teriyaki and I had the bibimbap myself and it was really good. So good that on the first bite I literally said “Wow, this is really good” in the middle of the restaurant. Definitely recommend for anyone who happens to be staying/visiting in the area“

“Fresh food at a reasonable price, loved my own pot of green tea:). I’ll be back!“

“This is one of the absolute best. Portions very much shareable!! Prices are great. It's just funny we always went there to dine in and one time we take out they charged 22 for a seafood tom yum and and substituted some things lol but anywho I paid an extra $6 for some spawns and literally got none lol asked and payed extra for teriyaki chicken got no extra lol just any substitutes or extra u gotta double check.. was not cool lmfaoo“

“I went here with my friends whilst we were out with one of their cats (in a carrier, of course). We showed up fully prepared to sit at the outside tables; however, the very kind server took note of the weather, and asked us if we would rather sit inside. I appreciate them and the folks inside for taking care of us.
The food was great. I got and shared an array sushi. My friends got a Mio Ramen and a Mio Champon and they both loved it. The champon was outstanding, everything tasted really fresh. I definitely look forward to coming back soon! Normally, I'd post pictures here, but the food was so good that we forgot!“

“We were pleasantly surprised after we took a chance with this adorable restaurant. It's tucked away in a small shopping center off of 82nd in Clackamas.
The service was quick and friendly. They have an extensive Sushi menu, as well as other Japanese offerings like Tempura, Teriyaki, and Ramen. The prices are reasonable for the fare. We arrived at 730 on a Sunday night. By 8PM, they had more than half the tables full. This place was exactly what we wanted. We will be back.“

“Food is great, service is friendly.

Our only bad experience was when we tried to order through grubhub/ubereats. Some sort of mix up that the staff refused to correct.

Just phone in and pick up it up yourself, and you'll be treated to the best chicken katsu in town.“

“My party of 5 (ages 21 to 57) were blown away by the food and service! This is a very special place - perfect for an impressive date night or a celebration. Our only constructive feedback is that our chef's choice nigiri plate arrived too early (about 5 minutes after we ordered it) and didn't contain the one special request that we requested. The black cod was ethereal, the vegetable dishes were outrageously delicious and the mushroom boa buns shouldn't be missed! Bravo!“

“Definitely has a cool retro vibe. Advertising looks like bento/teriyaki place but much more of a sub place. Plenty of these bento places do this like Taste ticklers as the most famous one in Loyd district.I did their torpedo (ham, salami, Bologna, pastrami and provolone) and it was fantastic. The chicken teriyaki was ok. The sandwiches are what you go here for.It has a really good vibe but it's a sandwich shop deep down.“

“Tobiko Bowl is a hidden gem! I tried both the Chicken Spicy Trick and the Salmon Spicy Trick, and they blew me away. The chicken was tender, juicy, and had the perfect level of heat — just enough to make it exciting without overpowering the flavor. The sauce had a delicious kick and paired beautifully with the rice and veggies.

The Salmon Spicy Trick was equally amazing — super fresh salmon with a spicy glaze that made every bite melt in your mouth. You can really tell they use high-quality ingredients. The bowls are well-balanced, satisfying, and beautifully presented. The staff was friendly and quick, and the whole vibe of the food cart is chill and welcoming.

Definitely one of my new favorite spots for a flavorful, healthy meal. Highly recommend both bowls!“

“Washabi sushi is one of a unique place to try donut and burger sushi. The staffs are pretty nice and friendly. Foods are absolutely delicious and tasty with nice presentations. I would love to come back and introduce my friends to visit this place.“

“I've been eating here since 2015 and ABSOLUTELY LOVE this place. Top notch sushi with a wonderful staff. This is my 1st choice place for sushi in Portland Oregon“

“This hands down is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland OR. It the same quality of other top spots in the US like Nobu , O-Ya , and Morimoto . The location is perfect located in the Pearl district. The chefs are high quality and the fish is extremely fresh. They have a great but simple flavor approach. The service is warm, helpful, and appreciative. I always ask for Joy as she is a true professional and loves providing an exceptional experience on every visit.“