Biwa
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 307-9274
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5-close
Editorial Description for Biwa
Cozy restaurant serves up authentic Japanese cuisine to an eclectic crowd.
User Reviews for Biwa
05/09/2008 Posted by acorbet
We tried this restaurant for the first time for a birthday party, of 8 adults. The service was terrible! 15 minutes to get water, which came in glasses that were 1/2 full! We requested a pitcher for the table, and were denied! Our server showed up after 20 minutes, (no kidding, we timed her), and while she was very helpful & pleasant, her service continued to be glacially slow. The air was filled with smoke from the grill, and when we left our clothes smelled of smoke! Since we were a large group, we ordered and tried many items. The grilled foods were often as not burned & the skewers were ridiculously tiny for $6. It would take 3 or more of them for the average male to feel satisfied. The drink menu was interesting & overpriced. The kimchi was good, but Toji on Hawthorne has MUCH better. Considering the price, we felt our meal wasn't worth the lousy service, we won't return. For a more satisfying Japanese experience, try Kappaya on Division.
Pros: Interesting bar menu, many delicious sakes
Cons: service & air quality
04/01/2008 Posted by mebiscuit
My husband and I consider Biwa in our top 5 restuarants. The kimchi is spicy and wonderful. The ramen complex, rich and soul-satisfying. The gyoza, fried dumplings, are fresh, crispy, hot and delicious. We always leave feeling warm and happy. The bar specials after 9pm are a really good deal. My husband ate his way through Japan and thinks they do a great job with the cuisine. The servers are friendly, quick and helpful, but maybe a little scattered when the rush hits. The only cons we have experienced are temperature based: not super-cold beer sometimes, and not super-hot ramen sometimes. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm with good music. Portland is lucky to have businesses that work so hard for our enjoyment. Thanks Biwa, we are happy you are here!
Pros: flavor, value
Cons: food and beverage temps
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