Incredible dinner, lovely experience! Accommodated shellfish allergy with subbing fish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Man
It has taken me 10 years too long to write this review for Nodoguro. Chef Ryan and Elena Roadhouse have not only executed one of the finest sousaku (“creative, original work”) Japanese dining experiences in Portland, they are impeccable hosts and committed to this town. In fact, having dined with them through 4 locations (we discovered them after their early pop-up days), it feels like home when we come in. We’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, and every time we are awed by new dishes and love to revisit favorite ones.
The photos of the beautifully and tastefully amazing food speak for themselves. The saké and wine pairings are thoughtfully curated. The pace of the meal with only one seating for the night feels like time has stood still, and you don’t want it to end. The price point might be a stretch, but the experience will not disappoint. Take someone special with you to share the meal and make the memory of the art that unfolds for your eyes and mouth - you’ll be glad you did.
Diana Bui
Every detail felt intentional and polished.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Howald
Absolutely phenomenal meal. From start to finish, this meal was close to perfect. I lived in Japan for 13 years and Chef Ryan is bringing something really special to Portland (and the entire N American continent) with this one. This is not “sushi” as Americans know it, nor is it your rigid kaiseki as Japanese know it, this is “sousaku cuisine”(創作料理) which is a modern, creative style of Japanese cuisine that emphasizes innovation and artistic expression. Nodoguro breaks all the rules in the right ways and the chef’s understanding of authentic Japanese flavors plus a twist of his own creativity landed perfectly for my wife and I. Truly a special meal and one that you won’t find even in LA, NYC or Vancouver, BC. This place is worth a special trip and probably a Michelin star or two. Enjoy it ladies and gentlemen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Annie Kim
They had to cancel our reservation due to covid so we tried multiple times writing emails and trying to get in contact with them to get a refund but they have not replied back at all. As a business I think this is highly unprofessional. At the very least get back to your customers who have spent hundreds of dollars.
A friend of mine also recently purchased tickets that they had to get a refund for and lo and behold, they have yet to reply to her numerous messages and emails.
It just seems like a very shady way of doing business where you don’t give any effort to get back to your paying customers. Shame on you.
Sara Foroshani
My husband and I came here out for our anniversary, and not hyperbolizing - quite possibly the best meal of my life. The services was outstanding, the food was mind blowing, the atmosphere was charming. Really, this was just such an intimate experience rather than just a meal at a restaurant. The restaurant owner/chef Ryan (and really everyone) genuinely care about your experience- and they deliver!
And get the sake flights!
Thank you for such a great time tonight! And all the insights about about where we should travel when we visit Japan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ben Platt
The new location is spectacular with a lovely ambience. We loved the Acts, and the courses and pairings were some of the best we’ve had. The uni porridge, squid ink toast, and some of the dashis just painted our mouths with umami! The team is fun and vibrant, and we can’t wait until next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bruce Leewiwatanakul
Flawless execution of the food. Went for the Peter Cat menu. The menu changes so it’s probably not helpful to review. It is definitely worth the price and the service is great. Overall great time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dianne Namgung
We did the Peter Cat dinner with sake pairing. It was such a wonderful and memorable experience. Our table loved every dish and sake that we had. Everything tasted so vibrant and fresh. We each got a bottle to take home with us. The staff are amazing and interact with diners and were informative about each sake and dish pairing. I will definitely be back here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melanie Daily
A friend booked a table at the April dinner, and I did not pay enough attention to our itinerary to know what to expect.
This was, hands-down, one of the most delightful and exciting meals I have ever experienced. Each dish was beautifully prepared and presented with loving narration. The owners gently encouraged us with each delivery to experiment with the various sakes as we tasted.
Flavors, textures, service, ambience… all in mind-blowing harmony and absolutely beautiful to experience with close friends.
We’re friends who’ve known each other for over 30 years and have been reuniting annually. We spent the evening here for the Peter Cat story. The service and hospitality was phenomenal. The owners were careful, intentional and brought warmth to every dish. The food was beautifully arranged and delicious. Every part of this experience was amazing. Thank you to the entire team for making this “friends trip” one of our best yet.
Ok Clark
Our second time having the pleasure of eating at Nodoguro. Their food is beautifully presented, cooked to perfection, and absolutely delicious. Their menu changes every 5 to 6 weeks. Make a reservation NOW!!! ❤️
Devon Ho
Overpriced! Everything was over sauced and too salty. The sake tasting was bland lack any notable tastes. $150 a person but tastes like anything from a normal food court in Japan.
Mariah “SweetTooth”
Amazing food and wonderful people 🧡 Always a delight. Looking forward to next time!
A J
The front house staff was lovely, and hospitable. Food was incomprehensibly delicious
Incredible dinner, lovely experience! Accommodated shellfish allergy with subbing fish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It has taken me 10 years too long to write this review for Nodoguro. Chef Ryan and Elena Roadhouse have not only executed one of the finest sousaku (“creative, original work”) Japanese dining experiences in Portland, they are impeccable hosts and committed to this town. In fact, having dined with them through 4 locations (we discovered them after their early pop-up days), it feels like home when we come in. We’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, and every time we are awed by new dishes and love to revisit favorite ones.
The photos of the beautifully and tastefully amazing food speak for themselves. The saké and wine pairings are thoughtfully curated. The pace of the meal with only one seating for the night feels like time has stood still, and you don’t want it to end. The price point might be a stretch, but the experience will not disappoint. Take someone special with you to share the meal and make the memory of the art that unfolds for your eyes and mouth - you’ll be glad you did.
Every detail felt intentional and polished.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely phenomenal meal. From start to finish, this meal was close to perfect. I lived in Japan for 13 years and Chef Ryan is bringing something really special to Portland (and the entire N American continent) with this one. This is not “sushi” as Americans know it, nor is it your rigid kaiseki as Japanese know it, this is “sousaku cuisine”(創作料理) which is a modern, creative style of Japanese cuisine that emphasizes innovation and artistic expression. Nodoguro breaks all the rules in the right ways and the chef’s understanding of authentic Japanese flavors plus a twist of his own creativity landed perfectly for my wife and I. Truly a special meal and one that you won’t find even in LA, NYC or Vancouver, BC. This place is worth a special trip and probably a Michelin star or two. Enjoy it ladies and gentlemen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They had to cancel our reservation due to covid so we tried multiple times writing emails and trying to get in contact with them to get a refund but they have not replied back at all. As a business I think this is highly unprofessional. At the very least get back to your customers who have spent hundreds of dollars.
A friend of mine also recently purchased tickets that they had to get a refund for and lo and behold, they have yet to reply to her numerous messages and emails.
It just seems like a very shady way of doing business where you don’t give any effort to get back to your paying customers. Shame on you.
My husband and I came here out for our anniversary, and not hyperbolizing - quite possibly the best meal of my life. The services was outstanding, the food was mind blowing, the atmosphere was charming. Really, this was just such an intimate experience rather than just a meal at a restaurant. The restaurant owner/chef Ryan (and really everyone) genuinely care about your experience- and they deliver!
And get the sake flights!
Thank you for such a great time tonight! And all the insights about about where we should travel when we visit Japan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The new location is spectacular with a lovely ambience. We loved the Acts, and the courses and pairings were some of the best we’ve had. The uni porridge, squid ink toast, and some of the dashis just painted our mouths with umami! The team is fun and vibrant, and we can’t wait until next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Flawless execution of the food. Went for the Peter Cat menu. The menu changes so it’s probably not helpful to review. It is definitely worth the price and the service is great. Overall great time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We did the Peter Cat dinner with sake pairing. It was such a wonderful and memorable experience. Our table loved every dish and sake that we had.
Everything tasted so vibrant and fresh. We each got a bottle to take home with us.
The staff are amazing and interact with diners and were informative about each sake and dish pairing.
I will definitely be back here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A friend booked a table at the April dinner, and I did not pay enough attention to our itinerary to know what to expect.
This was, hands-down, one of the most delightful and exciting meals I have ever experienced. Each dish was beautifully prepared and presented with loving narration. The owners gently encouraged us with each delivery to experiment with the various sakes as we tasted.
Flavors, textures, service, ambience… all in mind-blowing harmony and absolutely beautiful to experience with close friends.
Restaurantji Recommends
We’re friends who’ve known each other for over 30 years and have been reuniting annually. We spent the evening here for the Peter Cat story. The service and hospitality was phenomenal. The owners were careful, intentional and brought warmth to every dish. The food was beautifully arranged and delicious. Every part of this experience was amazing. Thank you to the entire team for making this “friends trip” one of our best yet.
Our second time having the pleasure of eating at Nodoguro. Their food is beautifully presented, cooked to perfection, and absolutely delicious. Their menu changes every 5 to 6 weeks. Make a reservation NOW!!! ❤️
Overpriced! Everything was over sauced and too salty. The sake tasting was bland lack any notable tastes. $150 a person but tastes like anything from a normal food court in Japan.
Amazing food and wonderful people 🧡 Always a delight. Looking forward to next time!
The front house staff was lovely, and hospitable. Food was incomprehensibly delicious
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