Shigezo - Portland

A beautiful restaurant with traditional seating or modern tables. if they choose the traditional seats, they get an increased platform to pull out and store their shoes. they get a floor seat that is on a small bar, so they still have a bit of a room to hang their legs without crossing them completely. eating is delicious and is wonderfully complemented by the atmosphere. when I left, it was a one-man kitchen employee, so ready for a waiting period if they don't arrive directly at the opening of the evening meal. also make sure that the drum a few buttons for a lot of luck on the way in or out.

Came for Saturday lunch and the place was packed so that we had a 30min waiting time. there are no online reservations so they need to appear in person to place their name / cell. their hours are a bit misleading, as their lunch hours are close by 15 o'clock and will be reopened later to dinner at 18 o'clock. we used the rest time to visit the portland art museum to the corner. we were called back in time. there were various types of sitting. we have been from the front windows where they take off their shoes, but they sit on a chair without legs, but they can bend their legs under the table, but it is still short so maybe unpleasant if they are larger than 5.5ft for a izakaya place had the menu limited savory snack food that go well with alcoholic drinks categories in comparison to the larger variety in the others. this was perfect as we starve and look for normal portions like their noodle and rice dishes. we went with their special garlic-root bowl (kumamoto ramen) and the bruised ramen bowl (Shio-Abu-Ramen.) both were satisfactory good and would recommend. neither these came with bamboo shoots so I need to remember to read the menu accurately and ask to add it next time. due to the pandemic they are very underoccupied so that not too much customer service expect. it is suggested to add their entire order at once as it is a long waiting period when they add additional order later. if they are short on time, they need a waiter aplow down to get their attention.

So amazing, it can not recommend enough. they come ready to wait for an hour or so, as the only cook cooks everything freshly cooked. we waited left with drinks, because the staff is very attentive. Once we were brought to our table, it was served quickly. one of the best Japanese restaurants we were outside japan. the interior architecture is in a traditional Japanese style, and there are private rooms with Shiji doors and Tatami floors that can require a special reservation.

We were visiting from out of state and went for dinner on a Sunday evening. We were a big group without a reservation yet the owner was more than patient and accommodated us. The service was great and the food was delicious. We had such a great time that I left my purse there only to discover it later that night and the restaurant is closed on Monday/Tuesday. My husband somehow got hold of the owner via their Facebook page who went out of her busy schedule and met us by the restaurant on Monday afternoon even when they are supposed to be closed. What a relief that was as we were headed out of Oregon on that day. Extremely grateful, kind people still exist in this world.

Hands-down some of the best Japanese food I’ve ever had! I loved the variety of non-sushi options because I feel like those are less common to see back home (on the east coast). After splitting an amazing chicken Kara-age with my friend, I had a spectacular tempura udon. The broth was layered with flavors and you could really taste the bonito. The homemade noodles were perfect and the tempura really sealed the deal. To top off the experience, we got two carafes of sake and our waiter was super helpful with the recommendations! I would definitely come back here—this place was the highlight of my stay in Portland (aside from the hiking)!!!