Bamboo Sushi: Portland’s Premier Sustainable Sushi Restaurant (and Beyond!)

Are you searching for an exceptional Japanese dining experience in Portland, Oregon? Look no further than Bamboo Sushi. With multiple locations not just in Portland, but also in Denver, Seattle, and the Bay Area, Bamboo Sushi is renowned for its beautifully crafted, certified sustainable sushi.

Bamboo Sushi take-out order — Enjoying a delicious take-out order from Bamboo Sushi.

Bamboo Sushi holds a special place as my favorite sushi restaurant in Portland. A bold declaration, perhaps, given the plethora of outstanding sushi establishments in the Rose City. Yet, it’s a conviction I stand by, and here’s why:

The presentation is always stunning, and the taste is consistently divine.
Their menu is both diverse and well-curated, catering to both seasoned sushi aficionados and those new to the world of raw fish.
The restaurants and menus are welcoming to families with children.
With several locations spread across Portland, Seattle, Denver, and the Bay Area, you’re never too far from a quality sushi experience.

Delving into the World of Bamboo Sushi

Table filled with Bamboo Sushi take-out — A generous spread of Bamboo Sushi take-out delicacies.

In 2008, Bamboo Sushi made history as the world’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their sourcing practices, which adhere strictly to guidelines established by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch and the Marine Stewardship Council.

However, their dedication extends far beyond mere food sourcing. The restaurant group embraces sustainability at every level of its operations. This encompasses efforts to minimize their carbon footprint, nurture strong community ties, and cultivate partnerships with organizations and businesses dedicated to making a positive impact.

One aspect of their website that I particularly admire is the real-time sustainable supply chain map. This interactive tool allows you to trace the origin of the seafood featured on their current menus, fostering transparency and accountability.

All of this contributes to a dining experience that you can feel good about. And rest assured, you will enjoy the food at Bamboo Sushi immensely, as it is truly exceptional. The quality and care are evident in every bite, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Exploring Bamboo Sushi Locations

Exterior of Bamboo Sushi in SE Portland — The inviting exterior of Bamboo Sushi’s SE Portland location.

This premier Japanese restaurant boasts a presence in Oregon, Washington, California, and Colorado, bringing its sustainable and delicious offerings to a wider audience.

Currently, five locations are thriving in Oregon: downtown Portland, NE Portland, SE Portland, NW Portland, and Lake Oswego. Each location offers a unique ambiance while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that define the Bamboo Sushi brand.

In the Bay Area of California, you can find Bamboo Sushi at two prominent locations: San Jose – Valley Fair and City Center Bishop Ranch. These locations provide a taste of Portland’s culinary innovation to the vibrant California dining scene.

For those in Washington, Bamboo Sushi awaits in Seattle’s University Village, offering a sustainable sushi haven in the heart of the city.

Rounding out the map, the final Bamboo Sushi location resides in Denver, Colorado, bringing a touch of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary excellence to the Rocky Mountains.

It’s worth noting that while some locations are open for dine-in service, most offer convenient take-out options. Be sure to consult their website for the most up-to-date details on service availability and hours of operation before planning your visit.

The Atmosphere: A Blend of Casual and Upscale

Interior of Bamboo Sushi in SE Portland — A glimpse inside Bamboo Sushi’s SE Portland location, capturing its inviting ambiance.

While each Bamboo Sushi location possesses its own distinct personality, the Portland establishments I’ve frequented share a common thread: they are exceptionally family-friendly. The ambiance strikes a balance between upscale and casual, making it suitable for both business meetings and intimate date nights. However, in true Portland fashion, you’ll feel perfectly comfortable showing up in jeans and a sweater.

A Culinary Journey Through the Menu

At Bamboo Sushi, you’ll discover a diverse array of culinary delights, ranging from signature sushi rolls and traditional nigiri to Japanese-inspired plates designed for sharing. While many classic sushi offerings remain consistent throughout the year, some dishes rotate seasonally, reflecting the freshest ingredients and culinary inspirations available.

Let’s take a closer look at some of my family’s all-time favorite dishes at Bamboo Sushi:

Assorted sushi at Bamboo Sushi — A colorful and tempting assortment of sushi rolls from Bamboo Sushi.

You simply can’t go wrong with a selection of sushi rolls. My 14-year-old daughter gravitates towards the Traditional Rolls, such as the classic California Rolls and the satisfying Shrimp Tempura Rolls.

My personal favorite from the Signature Rolls list is the Green Machine roll. This vegan and gluten-free delight features crispy tempura-fried green beans, green onions, avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of sweet chili aioli. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures that never fails to impress.

Sushi tray with red fish at Bamboo Sushi — A close-up of a beautifully presented sushi tray featuring red fish.

The Crispy Rice options are also a must-try. We particularly enjoy the Spicy Tuna, Spicy Albacore, and Spicy Salmon variations. The combination of crispy rice and flavorful toppings is simply irresistible.

The surprisingly delicious Wagyu burger from Bamboo Sushi.

A mouthwatering burger might be the last thing you’d expect to find on a sushi restaurant’s menu, but don’t underestimate the Bamboo Burger. If you’re dining with someone who isn’t particularly fond of sushi, this burger will undoubtedly satisfy their cravings. It features a half-pound of Snake River Farms Wagyu beef on a potato bun, topped with Tillamook aged white cheddar, caramelized onions, and momiji aioli, served alongside crispy tempura onion rings.

Crispy wings at Bamboo Sushi restaurant — Chili Garlic Wings, a Game Day special that hopefully makes a comeback!

Bamboo Sushi occasionally rotates its menu items and introduces special dishes for various occasions. For example, these Chili Garlic Wings were featured as a Game Day Special around the Super Bowl. I sincerely hope they bring them back, as they were incredibly delicious and a huge hit with our family!

Exploring the Drinks Menu

Bamboo Sushi to-go cocktails — A stylish to-go cocktail from Bamboo Sushi.

As you might expect, Bamboo Sushi boasts an extensive saké list, as well as a thoughtfully curated selection of wines and beers. I highly recommend trying one of their signature cocktails. The Shotgun Shogun, featuring Toki whisky, coconut, cardamom, lemon, and bitters, is a delightful way to conclude a sushi feast. I’m also partial to the Saké Sangria.

If you opt for one of their bottled cocktails to-go, they come in these adorably charming cocktail bottles! (Please note that this option may not be available at all locations).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code?

The dress code ranges from casual to dressy. Jeans are perfectly acceptable, but avoid wearing overly casual workout attire. You can also comfortably dress up for date nights.

Is Bamboo Sushi kid-friendly?

Yes! The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to families. While Bamboo Sushi doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, most children can find something to enjoy. Picky eaters might be drawn to the Chicken Karaage, California Rolls, or the Burgers.

Are there vegan options available?

Absolutely! Bamboo Sushi offers a wide variety of vegan choices. I recommend the Yuzu Avocado Crispy Rice, the Green Machine Signature Roll, or the Spicy Ginger Tofu Bowl.

Bamboo Sushi Locations:

Bambo Sushi – Downtown Portland
404 SW 12th Avenue
Portland, OR
Dine in + take-out
Wednesdays – Sundays: 4pm – 9pm
HAPPY HOUR: Wednesdays – Fridays: 4pm – 6pm

SE Portland
310 SE 28th Avenue
Portland, OR
Dine in + take-out
Tuesdays – Sundays: 4pm – 10:00pm
HAPPY HOUR: Tuesdays – Fridays: 4pm – 6pm

NW Portland
836 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR
Dine-in + take-out
Daily: 4pm – 9pm
HAPPY HOUR: Mondays – Fridays: 4pm – 6pm

Lake Oswego
380 First Street
Lake Oswego, OR
Dine-in Tues – Sat: 4pm – 8:30pm
HAPPY HOUR: 4pm – 6pm
Take-Out Sundays: 2pm – 8:30pm

NE Portland
1409 NE Alberta
Portland, OR
Temporarily Closed

For the most current menus, restaurant hours, and updates, please visit the Bamboo Sushi restaurant website.

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