Bamboo Sushi

Once in a bluefish moon, my Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch card goes through the wash, and while waiting for a replacement, I live in terror of committing a sustainability faux pas every time I belly up to a sushi bar. So it’s a relief to rest assured that at Bamboo Sushi, I can leave Mr. Guilt to sulk in the Prius during dinner, because my skinless finless fare comes with the finest eco-pedigree around.

It’s a relief to rest assured that at Bamboo Sushi, I can leave Mr. Guilt to sulk in the Prius during dinner, because my skinless finless fare comes with the finest eco-pedigree around.

Under the scrupulous guidance and vision of owner Kristofor Lofgren, this sleek Japanese restaurant has earned the impressive distinction of being the first certified, sustainable sushi restaurant in the universe as we know it, an accolade that does green-loving Portland proud.

Executive chef Brandon Hill slices flawless sashimi, crafts comely sushi rolls, and prepares sophisticated cooked dishes like the grilled Kobe flank steak with pickled mushrooms, seared scallops in ponzu brown butter, and crisp-creamy Alaskan black cod with smoked soy and roasted garlic glaze, a dish so delectable it caught the eye of GQ Magazine, which named it one of the five best dishes in America.

Apparently, pretty much everyone loves Bamboo Sushi–the dining room is perpetually packed with attractive couples and spirited groups of diners socializing and sipping assiduously-selected artisanal sakes, shochu, and lychee martinis with their reproachless dinner catch–so be prepared to wait for a table.

Details

Cuisine: Japanese

Head Sushi Chef: Brandon Hill

Atmosphere: Sleek, sustainable, sophisticated, sustainable, modern, sustainable

Outdoor seating: A few tables for four line the outside of the building facing SE 28th

Best Seat: The sushi bar is dark and intimate, a table in the front window is lovely too, particularly when the windows are open on a warm spring or summer day

Noise Level: Normal to Energetic, depending on how full the restaurant is

Bring the Kids: No

Bathrooms: Back of the restaurant, left hand side, down the hall, super cool hand dryers

Parking: Free and easy to find on SE 28th and surrounding side streets

Cocktails: Signature cocktails $8, full bar

Beer: Sapporo, Bridgeport, Deschutes on tap ($5), bottled beer ($3.50-$10)

Wine: Succinct list of West Coast and European wines; glass pours ($6-$11), bottle ($24-$55)

Sake: Extensive sake list, $7-$15/glass, $40-$105/bottle, sake can be also purchased for takeaway

Corkage: $10 per 750mL bottle

Teetotalers: House-brewed iced tea, green tea, lemonade, limeade, cranberry and grapefruit juices

Coffee: No

Tea: Tazo

Ideal Meal: A mixed organic greens salad with champagne miso-mustard vinaigrette, sashimi, spicy tuna roll, grilled kobe flank steak with sweet potato

Vegetarian Friendly: Yes

Vegan Friendly: Yes

Good for the following occasions: Romantic Date, Out With Friends, Impress the Client (Especially if they are a Sustainability Consultant)

Group/Private Party Details: Bamboo Sushi will cater any event, call for more info.

Reservations: Reservations accepted Sun-Thu for parties of 7 or more only

Take-Out: Yes

Delivery: No