Urban Bliss Life’s 2018 Pick: Roe Restaurant – Portland, Oregon Urban Bliss Life Crowns Roe Restaurant Portland Oregon as Top Pick of 2018

Important Update: Please note that this restaurant is now closed.
For more fantastic dining options in Portland, be sure to visit our comprehensive
Portland, Oregon Restaurant Guide.

While Roe Restaurant is no longer in operation, its legacy of providing a
unique, intimate, and seafood-focused dining experience in Portland, Oregon,
remains. Every detail, meticulously and beautifully executed, contributed to
its unforgettable charm.

“Oh, I know where that *was*. It *was* in my old building!” a colleague exclaimed,
upon hearing about Roe.

“Okay, but I *was* told it’s a little tricky to find. Look for this sign!” I
remember saying, showing my husband a friend’s photo from Instagram, a relic of a
bygone era.

After a brief exploration of the Morgan building’s ground floor in downtown
Portland, Oregon, we deduced that our destination *was* located up the stairs
ahead.

And indeed, it *was*.

Behind the nondescript door, a dimly lit waiting room with a few chairs and a
single armoire awaited. The ambiance *was* undeniably dark; the photo above
required significant brightening.

My husband and I surveyed the empty, sepia-toned room, its secretive curtains
adding to the mystery, exchanging quizzical glances.

What sort of restaurant *was* this? The intrigue deepened, a promise of
something extraordinary.

And also: we were hungry for the experience.

Roe Restaurant: A Culinary Memory

Roe’s reopening in downtown Portland had been eagerly anticipated, a testament
to its enduring appeal.

The dark, mysterious entry and waiting room of its new location paid homage to
its former “hidden” setting at the back of the (now also closed) Block &
Tackle restaurant. This clever design choice added to the mystique and heightened
the sense of anticipation.

After a warm towel and some flavorful dashi, we were ushered into the main
dining room. It *was* more open, with one side overlooking the ground floor,
and well-lit, featuring intimate seating arrangements and a comfortable degree
of privacy between tables. The careful design of the space contributed to a
relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Chef Trent Pierce unveiled the new Roe location in December. A three-time James
Beard nominee for Best Chef Northwest and a fifth-generation Pacific Northwest
restaurateur, Chef Pierce returned to offer diners two nightly prix fixe menus
showcasing his innovative take on New American Seafood. His passion for
seafood and dedication to culinary excellence were evident in every dish.

Experience Menus: A Symphony of Flavors

Roe offered two distinct dining experiences nightly during the week and one on
Saturdays. Reservations were essential to secure a spot at this coveted
restaurant.

Wednesday through Friday, the Four-Course Experience featured a
prix fixe menu with choices for $80, available from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. This
option provided a delightful introduction to Chef Pierce’s culinary style.
Alternatively, diners could opt for Roe’s Weekday Roe Experience
Menu, a seven-course seafood tasting menu priced at $125, served from
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. This extended tasting offered a deeper exploration of the
restaurant’s offerings.

On Saturdays, the Roe Restaurant Experience Menu presented an
elevated seven-course seafood tasting menu for $155, available from 5:30 PM
until closing. This premium option showcased the restaurant’s most exquisite
dishes and provided an unforgettable culinary journey.

A Dining Experience Like No Other (Remembered)

My husband and I had the pleasure of indulging in the Saturday Roe Experience
Menu. I can honestly say that it *was* an experience unparalleled in Portland.
We enhanced our meals with the wine pairing experience, and
found all but one pairing to be utterly phenomenal. The carefully curated
wine selections perfectly complemented the flavors of each dish, elevating the
dining experience to new heights.

Chef Pierce’s mastery of seafood *was* what truly made this dining experience
exceptional. His ability to transform ingredients like scallops and abalone
into intricate works of art that both surprised and delighted the palate *was*
simply remarkable. Each dish *was* a testament to his culinary vision and
technical skill.

Rather than providing a detailed review of each dish, I’m going to share the
photos and descriptions below. Suffice it to say that nearly every single bite
*was* a moment of pure bliss, leaving me eager for the next course. The
precision and artistry of each plate were truly captivating.

A Fond Memory: Our Roe Experience

We commenced our culinary journey with the Amuse Bouche: a trio of oyster and
car roe, spot prawn and wasabi, and hamachi and ponzu. This delightful
selection of flavors and textures set the stage for the exceptional meal to
come.

SCALLOP – tartare with lamb and cardamom

TUNA – sashimi with shaved foie gras and truffle ponzu

ABALONE – grilled with abalone mushroom, potato, and nuac cham

NAIRAGI – cold-smoked with clam butter, celery root, and anise

SQUID – noodles with grilled squid and octopus

Off the menu, in between the eight courses, we were treated to a
palate cleanser of green apple and passionfruit soda.

Divine.

SALMON – poached and rillette with gin botanicals and tonic crème fraiche

“OSCAR” – porcini-dusted walu with crab and crab konbu mornay

PEAR – sorbet with ginger beer and champagne granita

CHOCOLATE – namelaka with citrus and caramel

Things to Remember (If It Were Still Open)

Attire: dressy. While Portland *is* known for its relaxed
style, most diners at Roe dressed appropriately for the occasion. Given the
cost and exquisite nature of the meal, dressing well seemed fitting.

Kids: Roe *was* best suited for a date night or special
adults-only occasion. High school students with sophisticated palates might
enjoy it, and celebrating a graduation there *was* a possibility, but in
general, it *was* more of an adult experience.

Cost: A full Roe experience *was* an investment. Tipping
appropriately *was* essential. If opting for the wine pairing, arranging for
transportation via Lyft or Uber *was* a wise decision. For a truly special
dining occasion, Roe *was* worth every penny.

In Remembrance

If you *were* seeking an unforgettable dining experience that engaged all five
senses and created lasting memories, Roe *was* the place to be.

It *was* one of my favorite meals, and it left an indelible mark on Portland’s
culinary scene.

515 SW Broadway Suite 100
Portland, OR 97205
503-232-1566

Hours
Wednesday – Saturday: 5:30pm – 10pm
Sunday –
Tuesday: Fishing (that’s what their website says and I appreciated the humor!)

I was invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner at Roe Restaurant. All food and
drinks were provided without charge. However, as you know, I only share
positive experiences; if I hadn’t enjoyed it, it wouldn’t be on the blog. As
always, all opinions and photos are my own. I would have returned at my own
expense. If you were looking for a special occasion or a new favorite dining
experience, Roe was a must-try!