Fantastic meal with excellent service to match. Inventive courses with a ton of thought and creativity put into them. We did the sake pairing which I wouldn't skip out on. Romantic vibe to match. Such a memorable experience! read more

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Nodoguro is undoubtedly a unique experience--I haven't encountered anything quite like it. The level of hospitality is flawless, and I have deep respect for Chef Roadhouse's approach. Unlike many places where the chef is more focused on mingling and photo-ops than the actual cooking, here the chef stays behind the line, fully committed to the craft. However, that uncompromising professional focus creates a distinct "theater" atmosphere. The vibe leans quite formal and western-structured, which can feel a bit rigid. While the experience is technically perfect and the food is beyond reproach, it felt more like being a member of an audience observing a performance than a guest engaging in a communal dining experience. I would have welcomed a bit more personal interaction, but if you are looking for a perfectly staged, high-intensity culinary production, this is the place. A stellar experience, though it leaves you slightly distant from the creator behind the plate. read more

I was expecting this place to be tiny given the description, but there were at least 10 tables plus a countertop. The restaurant decor was beautiful and the food was delicious as course after course comes out. Very unique tastes and preparation. Come hungry! read more

This was a spectacular meal. Spendy, yes, but so enjoyable. The service is topnotch, the space feels a bit like a speakeasy. Small, intimate tables next to an open kitchen and great sake pairing. read more

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If you're considering going to Nodoguro and have the money, just go! Everything about the dining experience is exquisite. Simply the best restaurant in Portland. Some of the food is the best I've ever had and no bite disappoints. The service is impeccable and fun. The perfect balance of informative and unobtrusive. read more

$250 ALL IN. Their initial charge ALSO includes the tip. IMO, this brings up the value of their meal so much more. It's 20 small bites, none of them were misses. Just enough to feel full but not overwhelmed. Food is innovative, experimental, but still resonates. It's been a long time since a tasting menu caught my attention, but this place does it. The owner is a sweet woman, she has great attention to detail. Only call out is that the walk in feels a little odd (none of their fault at all) with the guy standing at the alley door waiting to get you but not saying hi LMAO. We only realized he opened the door for us on purpose when we saw him in the restaurant. The inside of the restaurant space is very well decorated. It takes you away from the outside world. Note for the owner: We absolutely loved it! Some feedback from just a humble foodie - the chapter idea rocks! But having it fall off after Chapter 5 and then moving into a ton of different food feels a little disorienting. read more

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Oops. I did not realize I didn't review this place after eating here twice. Here's my food pictures that yelp remembered from the last time I attempted to write her review, but didn't. The food is amazing. My husband likes this place a lot too. Just look at the photos. The menu is always changing. I've been pleasantly surprised by whatever we get at Chef tasting. I really like the pairing with the food. Both times we age here, the chef was there to greet us and that makes it so special read more

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Nodoguro is a pretty obscure place. Although the staff are hard to see in black uniforms, they are standing out there to help guests find their way. It is tucked in the back of an unassuming building, wedged between some houses. You take a little walkway to the front door. Just know that it is a bit like going on an adventure into Narnia. When you enter, you are greeted with some warm sake. They hang your jackets for you. You choose where to sit with your party. There is a round semicircle table surrounded by some minimalist Japanese decorations. You have a view of the kitchen as you get cozy. Drinks are offered first. You can get complimentary tea based on your preferences and/or based on what you will eat or alcoholic drinks for additional charge. Now please bear with me since I have no prior experience with omakase. I will go over some of the dishes that I perceived as high lights and low lights of the special edition Lunar New Year menu for March. Our primary server was extremely attentive. Her descriptions of everything that was served was incredibly detailed. My first favorite was the oyster with shaved ice. The oyster was slightly sweet with some brininess. The turnip shaved ice was subtle but added a little bit of an earthy bite that I really enjoyed. Overall the combination of this dish was delicious, with interesting flavor and bright texture. It was a great palate cleanser. The smoked black cod and lotus was reminiscent of Vietnamese catfish clay pot. The meat was really soft and well seasoned in its sauce. The lotus was thinly sliced and initially tasty. But the ratio was off. There was too much lotus. And by the end of the dish, the flavor became monotonous and heavy. The uni oyaki was buttery, with the consistency of well blended congee. The first few bites were decadent. However the dish was so rich it was hard to finish. The iwate sea scallop was very good. It was fresh, meaty, and smooth. It was presented on a tiny bed of sticky rice, which enabled the flavor of the scallop to shine through. Lastly the king salmon battera was unbalanced to me. The selection of fish was so excellent. It had a beautiful color, was smooth, and also lusciously fatty. But the large amount of rice really took away from salmon being the centerpiece. Overall, there were some dishes that I found to be absolutely delectable, while some of the others were less than to be desired. I felt like some of the show stopping ingredients were muted by their accompaniments. Tea selections were very tasty. Again service was impeccable. For the $150 per person cost with my mixed impression of the food combinations, I would be still be interested in returning one more time in order to try a different seasonal menu offering. read more

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We were greeted upon entry and our costs were hung up by the staff. We were given a welcome drink upon arrival, some sake. My husband, who does not drink, was given a cold brewed barley tea. The space is clean and minimalist, containing a table with 14 seats, a bar, a kitchen space and a restroom. The table was set with festive winter decor and each placemat contained a charger plate, chopsticks, wooden spoon, and mother of pearl caviar spoon. I opted to enjoy the sake and wine pairings with my dinner while my husband enjoyed a ginger spritzer (actually 3 of them since he liked it so much). I had never tried sakes like the ones paired with the meal so it was a very fun experience to not only taste them but learn about them; one recipe is the same as what has been brewed at the brewery's start in the 8th century! 21 courses were served throughout the evening, from traditional breakfast chazuke soup made with a green tea base, to sushis made with fresh cuts straight from Japanese fish markets, to a sweet custard-like matcha tofu. We tried so many different things we had never eaten before and the staff was more than willing to tell us more about each plate and its source. Ryan even came to serve us plates and chat with us throughout and after the meal, which was a real treat. It was clear how much knowledge and passion he has around his craft. This dining experience was, hands down, the best I've had in Portland to-do. While very expensive, I felt the cost was justified. My only wish is that I had unlimited funds to be able to return every 6 weeks as the menu changes! read more

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If you want to feel like a rich extra in a Portlandia episode, this is the spot! Don't laugh out loud, though. This is Serious Food. My second go and the first time at the new location. Now I know that the first experience I had was not a one-off. No one is having much fun here. The music is a soundtrack for opulence: BORing. The staff is aggressively verbose. We could rarely get a word in edgewise with each other. The food was pretty ok! But far, far from the best meal or even best omakase experience I've had. I wish I'd picked Nimblefish. Them guys are a good time. read more

Easily one of the best food experiences I've had in Portland. Great for special occasions or if you feel like spoiling yourself. Food: This was an Omakase/prix fixe menu experience and the menu was emailed to me the morning of. Everything was beautifully plated and delicious and it was apparent that high-quality ingredients were used. It is one of those meals where people make delighted sounds when their food arrives followed by satisfied sighs as everyone takes a bite. We had the following courses and opted for the wine & sake pairing Oyster with myoga and citrus Dungeness crab with buckwheat and maitake Bluefin with fresh wasabi Hotaru ika with asparagus Turnip and miso Chirimenjako and walnut Shiitake and tomato salad Raab Shirae Prawn and scallop with cucumber and ramp vinegar Kanpachi namero Octopus with spiced seaweed Uni okayu Madai Miyagi Murasaki Uni Iwate Sea Scallop Ikura and curry crab Shimaaji King salmon Chiba Iwashi Negitoro Kyoto style miso soup Almond tofu Hokkaido oreo Strawberry and cream Highlights: My absolute favorite of the night was the Bluefin tuna sashimi with fresh wasabi. The texture and taste of the fish were incredible and if I could have I would have asked for more. I also liked how interesting the Chirimenjako and walnut dish was. To be clear, though, I would eat the entire menu again and again. Location: The space can be a bit obscure as it's located behind what looks like a house in the Kerns neighborhood, but they have a sign and a person standing on the sidewalk to greet guests and guide you in the right direction. Inside, there is a waiting area to the left where you can enjoy a cup of sake if you arrived early. The dining area itself is a U-shaped communal table with seats in either a face-to-face or side-by-side setup for guests. Service: Everyone was amazing. The moment you walk in the door you are greeted with a welcoming sake drink and it was a pleasure to speak with their Beverage Director, Eli. Throughout the meal, the different courses are served by various members of the staff including Ryan and his wife, Elise. Eli will check in regularly to make sure you're doing ok with your drinks. It's a small group, but everyone seemed concerned with making sure everyone was having the best experience possible. Note: Nodoguro does one seating a night and it is by pre-paid reservation through their website. Check regularly as they do post last-minute seats. Current pricing is $250/person. Tip is included in the price and the only thing you'll pay for in person is the optional beverage add-on ($65 on May 19th). read more

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Hands down one of the best meals you could ever have in Portland! They do one seating per night and serve a tasting menu of what's recently inspired the chef. The dishes are so creative, and the quality is unmatchable. When you're here, you feel like you're eating with family. Ryan and his team are amazing hosts! The kitchen is set up right next to the tables, and it almost feels like you're coming over someone's house for dinner. The tables are communal, and it was fun to connect with others that appreciated the food, creativity and intimate atmosphere as much as I did. This place is truly a gem! read more

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Absolutely stellar experience. Went for the handroll experience. We arrived early and the space is incredibly intimate. You get to pick your seats which was nice since we got seats where we could watch Ryan Roadhouse and company prepare the meal. Service was fun and I really enjoyed everything there. Sake pairings were out of this world. read more

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Went for hand roll night and it was perfect. Started with oysters. Then a tofu mushroom soup. Then a Caesar salad with a fish I can't remember. Ever bite got better as the dressing soaked into the fried stuff. The handrolls were delicious. I think it was toro, crab (my favorite), king salmon, ikura, scallops, sea urchin, and a less popular fish, which I cannot remember the name of, but may have been my second favorite. They bring you as much rice and nori as you want. I should have asked for more wasabi, so I'm not sure if they bring you more, but I'm sure they would. But I wanted to eat the meal as the chef prepared it. So I didn't ask. After dinner was miso, and a tofu desert with a slight mocha flavor. The texture was perfect. Can't wait to get tickets to a sushi night here read more

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Nodoguru is a reservation-only restaurant in Portland. My girlfriend booked reservations for us on Halloween. The service was impeccable and the overall experience was quite enjoyable, but I found myself questioning whether the food truly justifies the hefty price tag. The meal cost $500. We each opted for the sake pairing which was an additional $140, for a grand total of $640. I will add, tip was included in the cost. The service was wonderful--attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making for a pleasant atmosphere throughout the meal. However, when it comes to the food, there were some aspects that left us underwhelmed. Unfortunately, the quality of the fish didn't quite live up to the reputation. The rice, a crucial component of nigiri, fell apart as soon as I tried to pick it up. The small bites and dessert were actually more memorable than the sushi. Overall the quality of the food did not match the price point. When paying this much for a meal, you expect your taste buds to be blown away. While everything was good, it unfortunately didn't live up to the level of excitement or wow factor that we were anticipating. I highly recommend Kaede if your priority is quality fish and unique flavors. I would still recommend Nodoguro if you would like to experience a unique, exclusive dining experience. read more

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I had high hopes and it fully, completely disappointed. Shockingly so. The food was mediocre at best, and the service was at once ridiculously pretentious and sloppy. They start the service with a little wafer in a bowl-- they then pour warm water into and it becomes a nice warm towel...so far so good..but then they leave those used towels in their little dish..on the table for the whole meal. And it wasn't just for us, as those towels stayed on everyone's table. I highlight this because it was symbolic for how incongruent the whole experience was. Like a bad theater performance. The servers mumbled some mumbo jumbo before each course-hardly audible and they had an air of not giving a shit about what they were saying. it was really like a scene from Portlandia. There are so many better, more creative and interesting restaurants in Portland. So really...don't bother. Oh the desert was delicious. read more

Amazing experience and I cannot wait to go back. Food, beverage, service, and ambiance are all beyond exceptional. read more

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A nice welcoming experience with friendly staff and amazing food in a cozy setting. The last time I remember a similar experience was at Willow. Would highly recommend. read more

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Truly an experience and food journey. An amazing place to celebrate something special and lock in that memory. The progressive menu starting with a lovely sake, caring and attentive service throughout and a flow of an amazing array of Japanese dishes with so many types of elegant fish, salad and dessert of the absolute highest of categories. But the personalization at attention to every detail stood out to accentuate fully. While that level is not inexpensive, when you think of how expensive even fast food has become, this is very reasonable for the incredible menu and where sourced from, thank you for a special night and I look forward to returning in the future as the dinner is updated every six weeks and when I go, will be a new adventure. read more

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Wow! Husband and I snagged a fairly last minute reservation here while we were visiting family in the area. We had already prepaid for dinner online when we got our reservation, and ended up also getting the drink pairing. When we arrived, we had a glass of welcome sake, and settled into our seats. The meal started out with small dishes, progressed to sushi, and ended with desserts. There were 21 courses / bites throughout the meal, 3 sakes, 2 wines, and tea. We even got a few mini bonus pours of sake! I should have written my review sooner so everything was fresh in my mind, but dinner here was amazing. Would definitely return. read more

It is challenging to write a restaurant review for a dining experience of which you have nothing to compare it to can be a challenge. The $250 dining experience is certainly unfamiliar territory for me. Approaching it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace a new and different culinary adventure is a must. The warm greeting and the offer of a small glass of sake set a positive tone for the evening. They hung up our coats and settled us into a comfy spot with a view of both fellow diners and kitchen activities, which contributed to the intimate yet comfortable ambiance. The limited seating, accommodating about 15 people at a continuous, U-shaped table, added a communal aspect to the experience. The social dynamics of dining nearly elbow to elbow with strangers may not appeal to everyone, but your enjoyment of the socializing aspect adds a personal touch to the experience. The progression of 21 courses, each offering a small bite of something wonderful, showcased the culinary artistry. I was initially concerned about the quantity, for after about round 10 I started to feel quite full, but my determination prevailed, even finishing some of my friend's courses - this chick don't waste caviar! The dining experience is nearly a four-hour duration and I began to grow restlessness after two hours. This is a valid consideration for those with a shorter attention span. The adventure was quite an endurance activity! Which ended with me feeling a little shaky and nauseous. I would definitely do it again, and I highly recommend! But wear very stretch pants and fast for the whole day! read more

Was this the pinnacle of dining experiences for me? Yes, it most certainly was and it is something I'm still deconstructing to understand why, so I'll do my best to convey that over these next few paragraphs detailing one very memorable night. The location at first seemed like we were in the wrong place, a gate on the side of a house in a wide alley adjacent to a tall hedge row. Entering through a glass door we came into a room that was a small bar to the left and to the right, a U shaped table and chair arrangement that faced the kitchen so you can watch chef Ryan and company at work. We were greeted by a friendly staff who offered us glasses of sake and took our photos. Being a non drinker they tactfully made me a lovely non alcoholic drink, which I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of. The staff in general were attentive, friendly, polite and did not miss a beat when describing the dishes or answering any questions. The ambience was clean, minimalist and warm, with a relaxing atmosphere that lacked any air of pretentiousness. For me the highlight was being able to watch the kitchen at work, it was fun to see the focus of the chef, he seems to be be enjoying his work, which that translates to the food and how it is presented, which brings me to the most important part, the food. I only have a couple photos to share because I was so immersed in the experience, the food and the conversation with my date that I just decided it would be best to put the phone away and keep it there, I'd suggest you do this as well. In the 3 hours I was there I did not find myself bored or drumming my fingers waiting for the next dish because the 21 courses were all so delicious, unique and the timing was so well paced that there was never a very long interval between dishes. In spite all the food, by the end of the meal I was satiated but not uncomfortably full and I appreciated the execution of this as well as the planning that goes into it, because it can't be easy. I loved how the food was a balance of more traditional Japanese omakase offerings as well as some highly creative and respectfully done dishes had their roots in Japanese cooking that were complex yet simultaneously simple, and always more than the sum of their parts. As for the fish and shellfish, it was meticulously prepared and certainly some of the best, if not the best I've had the privilege to eat. Prior to this I wasn't the most fond of oysters or uni, but this changed my mind on more than a few things I previously disliked. If only all seafood was this well selected and prepared, with sinewless, flavorful fish that just melts or buttery, sweet uni that reminds you of the essence of the sea in the best possible way. The rice is nice as well to say the least, it is often an unsung component of sushi and they are making some excellent rice here and that's one of the many seemingly small details that makes Nodoguro such a wonderful experience. The creativity of flavor combinations, quality of ingredients as well attention to every minute detail in the food and presentation really elevates the cuisine and dining experience to a level of greatness most restaurants can only aspire to. The menu features numerous highly creative dishes that balance the traditional and innovative so well. Often they are much more than the sum of their parts, with names that are simple and somewhat deceptive, not revealing more than the minimum about the dish, which is part of the fun, as you read the spartan description only to be surprised by what greets your senses when the plate is in front of you. One of my surprise favorites was "walnuts and baby fish". Why? It was nothing I had before and was a delightful sweet, savory salty, umami dish that sounded so strange but makes sense once you eat it. This trend continued through the night with things like persimmon and shiitake, uni rice (a food of the gods) or the dessert, Hokkaido raisin bread. I would like to give more details about these or other dishes, but why ruin the surprise? I'd love to take more time describing the rest of the menu or sharing non existent photos, but I won't, this is just a place you need to come and try for yourself, it is worth the price and the time, they really are doing something special here with this passion project. So book a ticket, block off 4 hours of your evening, turn off your phone, come get a little sake drunk and enjoy the experience, it is something I will be thinking about often until my next return. read more

Nodoguro - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Again and again and again, this is one of the best restaurants in the country-- indeed, the world. And it's here in Portland, and with a little planning and some savings, you can eat here. Every single visit, it's something surprising and new with the warmth of familiar faces and a couple dishes that are typically always featured. The highest quality ingredients. The genius of Ryan's cooking and imagination. It does not get better than this. The culinary experience here exceeds any three Michelin star restaurant in the country. The service isn't as fussy or as on point but who wants that anyway. The food is mind blowing and the space is lovely and the people are dedicated. And the chef is a genius. If I didn't already live here, I'd travel to Portland every year to eat here. It's basically a religious experience, finding receptors in your brain that have been previously untouched by such flavors, textures, and tastes. read more

Guys...for real, for a minute. I think this meal broke me. In the most glorious way a person's palate can be broken...mine was well and truly shattered. Allow me a moment to collect the pieces and I shall endeavor to continue. As seems to be par for course, our family in Portland has again found the most sought after dining experience. Y'all - they had me at "A5 Kobe." Nodoguro is the best expression of sushi I have ever had outside of Japan. Appointments open a month before service and are sold out in a matter of hours. 16 diners are served. Period. The meal spans three hours and covers 13 courses. As much as I'd love to gush about each individually - I want you to actually muster the effort around booking a dinner here. A few standouts for me: I ate mayo. Normally...you try putting anything with mayo near me...and a Kung Fu fight will ensue. Tonight - I gladly consumed food I knew had some type of scratch made raw egg and oil emulsion as part of a dish component...and the part of my brain that normally wants to repel such food at velocity back out of my stomach went quiescent. The first dish was a lightly fried oyster sourced from the Totten Inlet and was served on thin toasted slices of shokupan (Japanese milk bread). The tartar sauce (read mayo, y'all) was scratch made and accompanied a small slice of iceberg lettuce. To call it a mini po boy would be a disservice to the execution and perfect harmony of salt and acid, crunch and gentle yIeld of perfectly cooked protein. I knew when everyone in our party gasped at me that I would openly eat such an item...the night was only going to get better. Other highlights were the A5 Kobe tartar. If you've never had A5 Kobe (the highest grade of intramuscular marbling), I cannot recommend it enough. In your mouth, the fat instantly melts into what I can best describe as the most intense umami expression. The result is like some wizardly sublimation that transformed solid protein into beef consommé. The salt balance, the expansive umami, the graceful transition from solid to liquid: it was culinary magic. Again, I could go on. The point for me was that as I looked back, I failed to take photos of every one of the 13 courses because I was so fully ensconced in the dining experience. Photographic technique and my own diligence as a reviewer faltered. Normally, I would condemn such failure to me needing to better manage myself. In this case, take it as the greatest compliment to the chef and his brigade of kitchen and service personnel that I could not resist the tide of extraordinary epicurean expression on display. This was, without doubt, the greatest meal of my life. Take that for what you will. Final note update: Expect about $270-300 per person. I mention this as it is not an insignificant sum. That said, I regret n o t h i n g. I felt I received tremendous value. The ambience, service, and food were exceptional. Sushi well, my friends. read more

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The Belmont location was more intimate and the decor and atmosphere is a bit lacking now. Nodoguro gets away with charging high prices for this sort of experience only because there are no similar options in Portland. In another city they would really need to improve considerably both ambiance and quality. The menu is thoughtful and the courses are visually appealing, but ultimately it's a mixed bag in terms of taste and quality. I see reviews complaining about the price but the price is appropriate for Portland. This kind of sushi experience would be considerably more in somewhere like NY or SF. Maybe you do this for a unique, upscale experience simply because it's the best Portland has to offer, but ultimately I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. People should demand better than what you get out of Nodoguro rather than paying up simply due to lack of other options. read more

I love Japanese food and it's easily one of my go-to's. I frequent Portland and always excited to try new places. That said - this restaurant left me with a bitter taste. Just so you all know. I saw a couple get chased as they were leaving since they tipped less than 20%; loud enough for those within the vicinity were able to hear. Wow is all I can say. If the entitlement is present, I'd rather not deal with it as I personally tip for service and food. I'm not judging to what people should or not tip, can or can't, etc but this is how you treat your patrons? Hard pass read more

I think my experiences at Nodoguro can be summarized in this story - prior to Nodoguro, I thought I didn't like caviar. I tried caviar at Jazz Brunch while I was at boarding school - didn't like it. I tried caviar at the Burj al Arab in the UAE - thought it was overrated. I tried the caviar at Kachka - that definitively proved I did not like caviar. Then at one of my visits to Nodoguro, they served caviar with a mochi blini. "Oh no, another caviar dish I have to trudge through," I thought to myself. And to my surprise, I liked it. And it made me confused. And then it made me angry. Why is it that out of all the fancy restaurants and fancy meals that I've had caviar served at, this is the first place that got it right and made me see and understand why everyone holds caviar to such high esteem? Why was this the first time I found caviar not only palatable, but enjoyable and a positive addition to the dish rather than a distraction? Because it's Nodoguro, that's why. At this price point, I expect the food to be delicious, I expect the service to be excellent, and I expect the ambiance to be visually pleasing. But to find the experience transformative, to learn something new about not only food but yourself, is an experience that you cannot put a price on. And this isn't even the only instance of a transformative food experience that I've had at Nodoguro. My wife tells a similar story but one of how Nodoguro is the first place she understood why there's such a heavy emphasis on rice in sushi and how the rice there is so sublime that it creates a new category of what rice can be in the mind. That is not to say that the food is the only thing that Nodoguro has going for it. The ambiance is unique and perfect for the food and setting. It feels like you are being served in the dining room of a good friend, not a fancy haute cuisine restaurant. It is warm, inviting, and comfortable. The service is excellent as well. The attention to detail that they have for the food also extends to the pace of the meal and presentation of the food. I have learned and subsequently forgotten in an alcohol induced stupor more about sake at Nodoguro than what I learned about my major in college, whatever it may have been. In summary, Nodoguro is to Portland dining what Mecca is to Islam. One may consider it heresy to never pay it a visit. read more

Without a doubt this was one of the best Omakase experiences I have had with the other being at the Wild Coast Sushi Bar at Treebones resort. There was so much thought put into every element of the food and every bite was wonderful. The staff was fantastic, knowledgeable and eager to please which made for a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend trying this spot if you enjoy fine cuisine. While it is expensive, they only offer one seating an evening and the dining experience takes about 3 hours. The only reason I am giving this 4 stars is that the interior was really lack luster and disappointing and I wish I had dined here at their prior location. The kitchen set-up is beautiful but it is set back away from the seating so it is difficult to see what they are doing and the way the seating is arranged makes it a bit more difficult without having to feel like you are leering over people enjoying their meals the whole time (people kept giving me looks because I was trying to watch what they were making and I could tell it made the guests uncomfortable so I stopped watching). For what you pay to eat here, it would be nice if a bit more was done to make the interior feel more elegant/refined. read more

I was super looking forward to this place when I planned this trip- plus the restaurant made it super exclusive where they make you sign up for their newsletter and can't make the reservations until they are available for certain days... Well, for the price we paid and the mysterious reservations that I had to go through... i was def expecting more fresh seafood and more true Japanese omakase style... but it wasn't at all- The whole dinner took more than two hours and the chef or servers didn't really demonstrations for dishes- and omg the dishes were coming out sooooo slow and I was still hungry by the time I was done with "15" courses- If you are looking for true omakase style, this ain't one- the place was cute and servers were really nice... but def needs improvements... read more

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if you want to reward a place full of attitude, where you will be surrounded by people who can afford to pay $600 for two people with drinks and a tip, not accessible to 99.999 percent of people in Portland, twice as expensive as any other nice restaurant in the city, with stupid "exclusive" practices making it hard to get in but making you feel like you are better than everyone else, this is the place. it is obscene to charge this much money for a meal and not give any choices. It means they are committed to only making food for millionaires and billionaires. I had someone who was super rich take me here because they are super rich and like to do super rich things that most people cannot do. I was grossed out and repelled when I saw how much it cost. It is in no way worth it. They try to act like they are cool, quirky, and non corporate but they are charging prices only bankers and CEOS can afford, which means you are surrounded by useless rich people who think they are better than you. If the people who make food here think what I want in life is to be in a scene surrounded by people like that, and that they are still "cool" and "bohemian" while serving exclusively the super rich, they are very wrong. Just a really gross and disgusting business model, inaccessible to the vast majority of people in the city, but very accessible to super rich people who like being only around other super rich people. read more

This is the most overhyped restaurant in Portland. I don't really understand the exorbitant prices. The food just doesn't justify the amount you pay here. It's not particularly creative and the cooked stuff is better than the actual sushi. The fish isn't very fresh either. I think Portland has great food but this isn't it. You're better off supporting actual Japanese owned sushi places and restaurants. You'd be supporting the AAPI community that grew up in the culture with a deep connection to their food. The service here is also very slow especially towards the end. read more

Omakase means chef's choice, and that means you need to really trust the chef. And if you've chosen to invest in a night at Nodoguro, you've made a wise choice. Really go with it...go big or stay home - supahardcore it is! 9/19 - Our first time at Nodoguro, we went with the whole shebang! 25 courses, including fresh fish, egg (tamago), Wagbeef, and dessert. The menu changes every month (?) depending on the fresh seasonal ingredients. And in expert and creative hands, each bite was delightful! I opted not to do the sake flight or beer, but imbibed hot tea with the courses. You'll have to pay for drinks separately, and tip is also not included with the prepaid price for dinner. Tip: Sign-up for the email alerts or follow on social media so you'll know when tickets are available. We were lucky and were able to secure some seats because of cancellations. read more

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We can't justify returning to Nodoguro. We like going to sushi restaurants, very much appreciate 日本料理 (Nihonryori -- Japanese cuisine), and regularly visit Japan and have dined at sushi restaurants with, 3, 2, 1, and no Michelin stars. This place tries hard -- the service is very good, the sakes are excellent, and they sincerely want you to have a good time. Some of the appetizers are really nice. But the quality of seafood is iffy for this price point, we came down with food poisoning (fortunately relatively mild, and not requiring hospitalization), the rice in the sushi tends to fall apart, and the seats are uncomfortably way too close to other diners so you feel like you have to whisper to your dining companion. The biggest turn off is that the fish is served way too cold for a diner to truly appreciate the sushi. We love supporting local businesses but cannot justify paying this amount for this experience. read more

Wow. I am speechless. Nodoguro has truly changed my expectations of a great meal, and I can easily see Chef Ryan getting triple Michelin stars in the near future. Nodoguro is truly a star in the culinary world, and I feel so lucky to have dined here. I was in Portland for a last-minute work trip, so I missed out on getting tickets to Nodoguro in advance. On a whim, I checked the cancellations tab on my second night in Portland and happened to see exactly one seat left for the "supahardcore" - a 25 course tasting menu on my last night in Portland. I felt like the stars aligned and quickly purchased my ticket! At Nodoguro, we were able to select our seats at the intimate dining table, and then waited in the parlor to chat with other patrons until dinner started. I met some regulars at Nodoguro when I went - one guy had been coming monthly! Since I came as a solo diner, I was originally super worried that I would feel awkward by myself during a 3-4 hour dinner, but Nodoguro is a great place to make new friends! I opted for a sake flight to go with my meal, and I heavily recommend it, even if you don't drink. The drinks were generous pours and were a great accompaniment to the food. Okay the food. Honestly, everything was perfection. Throughout the meal, we had A5 wagyu and fish that were directly flown in from Japan just for our dinner. Everything was beautifully presented and tasted so exquisite. Some of the dishes I had included wagyu in teppanyaki and sukiyaki style, monkfish liver, matsutake soup, ikura with japanese crab curry rice, and the most amazing selection of nigiri ever. Chef Ryan is a true master of japanese food, and I would comeback in a heartbeat. I'm already planning on flying back just for a dinner date with my boyfriend here. Make sure to subscribe to the newsletter to snag tickets! read more

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A stunningly good, yet informal, omakase-style restaurant in a quiet Portland neighborhood. I participated in their "Supahardcore" 25-course omakase dinner ($190). That sounds like an obscene amount of food, but the portions were appropriately sized, so diners weren't overwhelmed. The courses weren't revealed to us until they were served; some diners might find this uncomfortable, but I enjoyed the anticipation of what was to come. Among the highlights of the evening were a wagyu tartare topped with Beluga caviar, a "tongue"katsu (beef tongue fried in a tonkatsu style), baby squid served with a crispy smelt cracker and some gorgeous uni. The impossibly marbled waygu ribeye cut was also lightly seared for us to delight in its unctuous pleasure. Nogoduro offered a range of sake and wine pairings. The wines were excellent and interesting---a natural rose with some surprising tannic structure and a lovely riesling/viognier blend (Big Salt); I didn't care for the sake as much, but admittedly, that's not really my cup of tea. The setting was a beautiful, modern space. Dinner was limited to an intimate group of 16. Diners sat along a horseshoe-shaped counter while the chefs prepared and served food from the center. The seats were very comfortable, thank God!, as the dinner lasted for almost 3 hours. The light was too dim, especially since I wanted to admire the beautiful plating aesthetic of the dishes. Service was professional, but informal. We felt completely comfortable and cared for. The chef, Ryan, made sure to interact with all of the customers and took the time to describe each course as it was presented to us. 25 courses takes a while to work through, but the pacing was excellent---never rushed, yet we weren't sitting long awaiting the next bite. read more

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I have known about this place for a few years but hesitated to pull the trigger on spending a couple of bills on high end Japanese food by a .... white dude. When I found the cancellation opening couple of days before the "supahardcore omakase", I decided to give it a try. As s Japanese person who has dined at numerous Michelin starred restaurants all over Japan I'm not easily impressed, but I have to admit that Ryan Roadhouse and Nodoguro is legit. He uses classic techniques with superb ingredients imported from Japan and adds a bit of his own flare. Sake pairing was also a great complement to the meal and is highly recommended. The group next to me brought their own few bottles of wine but wine and Japanese food rich in fermented ingredients such as miso and Shoyu go hopelessly poorly together. Don't be that idiot "I'm bringing my own wine"-white person and get the sake pairing that was selected for the meal. I'm not going to go into the details of food but let the pictures do the talking. I'll be back in the spring. read more

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Went "Super Hardcore" here with the 25-course set meal. Hands down the BEST omakase experience I've had in Portland! While I say it's the best, I encourage you to keep your expectations low, that way you won't be disappointed if it ends up not being your cup of tea. (; Keep reading to see the 4 reasons why I think it's the best, or just look at the pictures (although, I don't think my pictures do it justice.) 1. FOOD -- there was a pretty wide variety of dishes, a handful that included the Wagyu beef (straight from Japan), all with their own unique flavors and textures. A couple of my favorites were the Beef Tartare Caviar (course 5), Tamago Dungeness Crab Broth (course 13), Seared Wagyu (course 14), Sea Urchin porridge topped with espresso grounds (course 15), the Uni (course 17)... just to name a few. I really enjoyed everything though. 2. PRESENTATION -- every dish was totally Instagram-worthy and plated with the utmost care. 3. CHEF/STAFF -- Chef Ryan Roadhouse served up the most delicious 25-course meal I've ever had. He also personally presented a handful of the plates, which he explained in detail. The staff were all super friendly and knowledgeable. They made everyone feel comfortable and welcome, and did an excellent job at explaining each plate. 4. EXPERIENCE -- all 15 of us strangers were seated at the U-shaped table, with Chef and staff in the middle prepping the plates. 80's music was playing that night, and the group was lively! At a couple points in the night, everyone knew the songs that were playing and were singing along, drinking sake, and enjoying their meal. It felt like I was having a meal with friends and family, even though none of us knew each other (except for the people we came with). It was a unique and fun experience. **Be warned -- the "Super Hardcore" meal takes about 3 hours, so make sure to clear your evening schedule! read more

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Perhaps the menu at the time wasn't in my preference but I didn't really like what I had for the price point. I think I only enjoyed a quarter of what they offered. read more

The food, combined with the table settings, story, and the attentive service, made this a great meal. I had a chance to partake in their Izakaya series in January, and it was a great experience. Adjacent to Pastaworks, Chef Ryan Roadhouse definitely attempts to make an ambiance that is unique and bespoke. Lots of thoughtfulness made it somehow a very whimsy atmosphere. Soft spoken, Ryan will explain every part of the dish in detail. You will definitely discover some new foods and textures, get ready to go outside of the box a bit. For this dinner, it was the duck gizzard, something I had never tried before and the preparation was nothing I have heard before in Japanese cuisine. Another highlight was the tea service, which had this delicious black sugar syrup with sesame pudding--ingredients so familiar to my Chinese/Taiwanese background, but never seen it interpreted that way. read more

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Exceptional food and even better service! Thank you for taking the time to create this amazing experience!