Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Pearl District | Upscale Japanese Food

13 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Pearl District | Upscale Japanese Food

• Rollin' Fresh — Japanese · rated 4/5: Vibrant colors and bold, Pacific Northwest-inspired flavors collide at this energetic eatery, where the art of sushi is reimagined into portable, hand-held masterpieces. Guests dive into a menu of whimsically named creations like the zesty En Fuego or the locally-inspired Portlandia, each bursting with premium seafood and crisp, garden-fresh ingredients. The atmosphere hums with a modern, urban pulse, offering a fresh and inventive dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
• The Mezz — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: The Mezz serves as a sophisticated culinary crossroads where the comforting aroma of bubbling, wood-fired pizzas meets the savory depth of slow-roasted rotisserie chicken and tender braised short ribs. From the briny brightness of freshly shucked oysters to the delicate artistry of hand-rolled sushi, the space hums with a vibrant market-to-table energy that elevates everyday dining into an artisanal experience. Whether pausing for a chef-prepared individual meal or lingering over a decadent family-style tiramisu, guests are immersed in a modern, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the very best of the season’s harvest.
• Departure — Japanese: Perched high above the city, this sleek sanctuary invites diners on a bold culinary journey where modern design meets the vibrant energy of a bustling Asian metropolis. The air hums with sophistication as plates of jewel-toned sashimi and artfully rolled uramaki arrive alongside briny Northwest oysters and the bright, textural crunch of a traditional Burmese salad. The experience culminates in a theatrical feast centered around succulent whole-roasted duck, carved to share in an atmosphere that feels like a glamorous escape from the everyday.
• Yama Sushi & Sake Bar — Japanese: Soft light glows against polished wood at this vibrant destination, where the rhythmic art of the sushi knife meets a curated library of premium sakes. Guests gather around the bustling bar to witness the transformation of pristine seafood into delicate, jewel-like bites, creating a spirited atmosphere that celebrates both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary flair.
• Hamono Sushi — Japanese: Hamono Sushi presents a vibrant culinary tapestry where the clean elegance of Japanese tradition harmonizes with bold, global comfort. The air hums with energy as guests move from delicate plates of silken tuna sashimi and charred tofu skewers to the indulgent richness of hand-made ravioli and savory, peanut-crusted steaks. It is a destination where artistic precision meets a soulful, eclectic kitchen, offering a dining journey that feels both familiar and thrillingly unexpected.
• Above GRND — Japanese: Perched high above the urban bustle, this sophisticated rooftop sanctuary offers sweeping skyline views framed by sleek, modern design and a vibrant, open-air atmosphere. The kitchen delivers a parade of bold, globally-inspired small plates that pair perfectly with artisanal cocktails, creating an elevated social experience where the energy of the city hums just beneath your feet.
• Sushi Ichiban — Japanese: Soft light spills across polished wood counters at Sushi Ichiban, where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade transforms the day’s freshest catch into vibrant, edible art. Each delicate piece of nigiri and hand-pressed roll celebrates a masterful harmony of texture and temperature, inviting guests to linger over the bright sting of fresh wasabi and the mellow warmth of premium sake. It is a refined yet soulful retreat that honors the timeless traditions of the sushi bar with every meticulously crafted bite.
• Mio Sushi — Japanese: Mio Sushi invites diners into a vibrant space where the comforting aroma of savory miso and grilled yakitori sets the stage for a playful exploration of Japanese flavors. From the delicate heat of yellowtail jalapeño to the inventive crunch of their signature sushizza, every dish balances traditional artistry with a modern, spirited twist. It is a destination where crispy agedashi tofu and steaming baskets of shumai transform a simple meal into a shared celebration of texture and taste.
• Tanaka — Japanese: Tanaka reimagines the art of the Japanese sandwich, where golden-fried cutlets are nestled between pillowy slices of milk bread to create a perfect harmony of crunch and softness. The vibrant space hums with the energy of a modern Tokyo cafe, offering a masterclass in texture through everything from the classic snap of a pork katsu to the delicate, savory layers of a soft-scrambled egg sando. Every bite feels like a playful yet sophisticated celebration of comfort food, inviting guests to linger over crispy katsu nuggets and artisanal creations that elevate the humble sandwich into a culinary destination.
• Masu — Japanese: Masu invites guests into a sleek, spirited space where the air is thick with the savory aroma of golden-fried karaage and charred shishito peppers. The kitchen celebrates the art of the small plate, balancing the sharp, fermented tang of house-made tsukemono and kimchi against the silky textures of artisanal tofu and vibrant, nutrient-rich salads. Each dish arrives as a colorful mosaic of tradition and modern flair, offering a communal dining experience that feels both soul-warming and refreshingly bold.
• Hachi — Japanese: Stepping into Hachi, guests are greeted by the intoxicating aroma of binchotan-grilled yakitori and the elegant precision of a sushi bar where vibrant sashimi is sliced with artistic flair. The atmosphere hums with a sophisticated energy, inviting diners to share bubbling sukiyaki hot pots or delicate carpaccio while exploring a curated collection of rare Japanese whiskeys and artisanal sakes. It is a sensory journey that seamlessly bridges the gap between the smoky intensity of a traditional izakaya and the refined grace of contemporary Japanese dining.
• Bijou Café — French: Bijou Café serves as a vibrant global crossroads where the delicate artistry of hand-pressed sushi and the aromatic spices of the Silk Road meet the smoky, wood-fired char of Asian barbecue. This sophisticated sanctuary invites guests on a sensory odyssey, seamlessly blending the refined elegance of French seafood with the bold, progressive textures of modern gastronomy. It is a place where every bite feels like a curated journey through the world’s most celebrated culinary traditions, all set within an atmosphere of effortless chic.
• 365 Sushi — Japanese: This vibrant, modern sanctuary invites guests to witness the artistry of the sushi counter, where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s knife transforms the day's freshest catch into edible masterpieces. Jewel-toned sashimi and creative rolls arrive as a celebration of color and texture, offering a delicate balance of cool, pristine seafood and perfectly seasoned rice that makes every visit feel like a special occasion.