Despite feeling very much like an oasis tucked away from an urban environment, Portland Japanese Garden is only a stone’s throw from one of its host city’s most beloved areas, referred to casually as Northwest Portland. Bordered by Burnside Street, the Willamette River, and both Washington and Forest Parks, this collection of neighborhoods is a stellar way to be introduced to the highly regarded cuisine and beverages Portland has earned international recognition for. To help complement your visit to Portland Japanese Garden, we’ve curated a list of nearby recommended spots to enjoy quick and casual bites, elegant meals, and drinks hot, cold, or boozy. Each featured business is also a philanthropic partner of Portland Japanese Garden!
Bamboo Sushi
Proclaimed to be the world’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant, Bamboo Sushi contributes part of its proceeds to environmental nonprofit organizations. Beyond that, it only sources its ingredients from purveyors that are certified by known experts on earth-friendly practices such as the Marine Stewardship and Aquaculture Stewardship Councils. Located on NW 23rd avenue, diners can enjoy meals comprised of the typical sushi menu favorites and more adventurous creations like their signature Green Machine roll, which combines tempura fried green bean, green onion, avocado, cilantro sweet chili aioli, with the option of adding salmon, albacore, or seasoned crab.
Creo Chocolate
With two locations in Portland, including one on NW 23rd Avenue, chocolate lovers will be doing themselves a disservice if they don’t pop into Creo Chocolate. Using highly regarded cacao beans grown at Hacienda Limon Farm in Los Rios, Ecuador, Creo Chocolate roasts, cracks, winnows, grinds, conches, and tempers small batches and then molds and package each bar by hand. What results is a range of incredible different treats, including chocolate bars and chocolate-coated fruits, nuts, and truffles. Customers at Creo can get prepackaged items or peruse their counter to get a custom-made package to go.
Elephants Delicatessen
A Portland institution for more than 40 years, Elephants Delicatessen provides diners a vast selection of gourmet food, including fresh pasta, chocolate truffles, internationally-sourced cheeses, fresh-squeezed orange juice, homemade bread, and made-to-order dishes including tacos, soup, sandwiches, and salads. With a large dining area with both indoor and outdoor seating at its location on NW 22nd Avenue, Elephants combines the energetic sensibility of a bazaar with the warm comfort of a neighborhood diner to create a uniquely Portland experience.
Freeland Spirits
Woman-owned and operated, Freeland Spirits uses grains grown right here in Oregon to craft a line of spirits that are as aesthetically beautiful as they are delicious. Their line includes gin, rye whiskey, and bourbon, all made from scratch. Their inviting location on NW Vaughn Street gives you the opportunity to try out their spirits as part of some artfully crafted cocktails. For those who want to know more, you can even sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour of their distillery. Freeland also has the distinction of having crafted spirits with ingredients sourced from our very own Portland Japanese Garden. Now sold out, their limited-edition Cherry Blossom Liqueur used hand-harvested blossoms from the Garden’s cherry trees.
St. Honoré Boulangerie
Named for the patron saint of bakers, Saint Honoré, this Portland bakery offers a menu filled with French-inspired entrees, including quiches, sandwiches on baguette and croissants and brioche chouquettes, and tarts. Located on NW Thurman Street, this location offers intimate tables and communal seating on its signature flagstone floor. Together, St. Honoré combines the rustic elegance of the French countryside with the comforting and familiar trappings of the Pacific Northwest.
Smith Teamaker
A Portland original, Smith Teamaker sources teas from sustainably operated farms throughout India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and Japan to craft a line of tasty teas including peppermint, jasmine, Earl Grey, English breakfast, and blends with green, white, and black teas. In their cozy NW 23rd tasting room, you can enjoy handcrafted teas, lattes, and cold drinks alongside handmade pastries. Curious about their collection and don’t want to limit yourself to just one flavor? Make sure you try one of their tea flights!
Takibi and Snow Peak
Takibi, a Japanese word for “bonfire,” is also the name of this sterling restaurant located at Snow Peak’s U.S. headquarters on NW Flanders Street. Their menu offers immaculate sushi, sashimi, and ramen dishes as well as five- and seven-course omakase, or meals in which the diner eats a menu curated by the chef. Don’t forget to include a trip around to corner to go inside Snow Peak as well. This Japanese camping gear and apparel company elevates their high-quality wares by giving them elegant designs that complement with the natural beauty they’re intended for.
