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Contemporary, informal restaurant serving vegan Japanese dishes, including bento, soups & noodles.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 206-7967
Website: https://www.obonpdx.com/
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Order Online | obon shokudo | vegan japanese comfort food for …
Portland’s best vegan restaurant according to OregonLive’s Readers Choice Awards.
Obon Shokudo (@obonpdx) · Portland, OR – Instagram
Feel-good, plant based comfort food. Local/sustainably grown Wed-Mon: 11:30-9:00pm, closed Tuesday …
Obon Shokudo | Portland OR – Facebook
Obon Shokudo, Portland. 1689 likes · 41 talking about this · 650 were here. Feel-good Japanese comfort food. Responsibly sourced, lovingly prepared.
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Reviews
Nidhi Talwar
We had a great experience exploring the menu here, and the textures really stole the show. The Udon Salad was a standout – the crunchy fritters hidden inside were easily the best part and added such a satisfying bite. For something lighter, the Potato Salad was perfectly cold and refreshing. We also tried the Okonomiyaki (cabbage and onion pancake). It had the most unique flavor profile of the whole meal, and I was pleasantly surprised that it arrived much faster than the 30-minute wait time they cautioned us about. If you’re a fan of ‘crunchy goodness,’ the Giant Tater Tots and Tofu Katsu are absolute must-orders. While the Miso Glazed Tofu Dengaku was decent, and the Katsu Curry meal was okay, they didn’t quite hit the same highs as the others. I’d definitely suggest leaning into the small plates and fried specialties here—that’s where the kitchen really shines!
… moreMike
We had a wonderful lunch at Oban Shokudo! The udon noodles were delicious, and everything else we tried was just as impressive—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The service was friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. Our favorite touch was the doggie sushi to go—such a fun and thoughtful idea! Lester and Lainey give their full approval with four paws and plenty of tail wags. We’ll definitely be back!
… moreAbbie Lu
This is an amazing, delicious, and inclusive restaurant. Finding a all vegetarian menu with so many gluten-free options is so hard to find. It was quite a treat! Everything I tried was amazing and I tried a little bit of everything. Highly recommended for vegetarian, gluten-free and even meat eaters and I was with enjoyed it.
… moreJack Peake
***update***
The snarky reply of the owner highlights my point. Pay attention to the reviews that highlight the food as ok at best; they’re honest.
Forcing your customers to ask your overworked staff for a paper menu is an imposition from the start. It sets a poor tone for the experience, but clearly what matters is dismissing and inferring somehow it’s my fault. Real professional, and real indicative.
Don’t go here. /update.
***
This place is as Japanese as eating tacos in Kansas: in name, not practice.
Things I liked:
– The atmosphere was uniquely Portland.
– A vegan Japanese restaurant is a difficult thing to pull off.
Things I didn’t like:
– A QR code menu “because we maintain few staff”. So, I’m inconvenienced for your profit margin? Am I reading that right?
– I wasn’t allowed to order without giving my email address, and today they started emailing me their newsletter! There is no reason for this except their gain. A lack of respect for my time is a surefire way to ensure I write this review and never return. The email said they didn’t intend to subscribe me if I unchecked a box on the menu, a sentence that flummoxes me. A pretty bow and an apology don’t change that I have to unsubscribe from dinner, and posits ignorance as justification.
– I was required to input tip before service. Had I known how the meal was going to go, the tip would have been different; the staff were, as promised above, too few and so overloaded. Service was, at best, marginal, and the indifference was nearly palpable.
– In general, what I ate were things I could have made on my own time: lots of fried food for a dish that left me hungry. “the combo” (lack of capitalization theirs) looks as focused on presentation as a salad at Olive Garden. Japanese food is renowned for presentation; this was dished with nonchalance. There’s one image for this review, and it’s from their website. You decide.
Also, onigiri with sprouted brown rice is a bad idea in my view. YMMV, but the texture is really off.
… moreThe snarky reply of the owner highlights my point. Pay attention to the reviews that highlight the food as ok at best; they’re honest.
Forcing your customers to ask your overworked staff for a paper menu is an imposition from the start. It sets a poor tone for the experience, but clearly what matters is dismissing and inferring somehow it’s my fault. Real professional, and real indicative.
Don’t go here. /update.
***
This place is as Japanese as eating tacos in Kansas: in name, not practice.
Things I liked:
– The atmosphere was uniquely Portland.
– A vegan Japanese restaurant is a difficult thing to pull off.
Things I didn’t like:
– A QR code menu “because we maintain few staff”. So, I’m inconvenienced for your profit margin? Am I reading that right?
– I wasn’t allowed to order without giving my email address, and today they started emailing me their newsletter! There is no reason for this except their gain. A lack of respect for my time is a surefire way to ensure I write this review and never return. The email said they didn’t intend to subscribe me if I unchecked a box on the menu, a sentence that flummoxes me. A pretty bow and an apology don’t change that I have to unsubscribe from dinner, and posits ignorance as justification.
– I was required to input tip before service. Had I known how the meal was going to go, the tip would have been different; the staff were, as promised above, too few and so overloaded. Service was, at best, marginal, and the indifference was nearly palpable.
– In general, what I ate were things I could have made on my own time: lots of fried food for a dish that left me hungry. “the combo” (lack of capitalization theirs) looks as focused on presentation as a salad at Olive Garden. Japanese food is renowned for presentation; this was dished with nonchalance. There’s one image for this review, and it’s from their website. You decide.
Also, onigiri with sprouted brown rice is a bad idea in my view. YMMV, but the texture is really off.
Sudhindra Gopal
Ramen was too good with hearty broth, onigiri was bit bland for our pallets, guess it comes that way.
The main highlight was their dessert which was ginger based, just exceptional. Do not miss it when you are here.
… moreThe main highlight was their dessert which was ginger based, just exceptional. Do not miss it when you are here.
Michelle Roby
a solid 5 stars. went here two times in one day on my trip to portland. the first time, had the combo bento and then came back for dinner that night for noodles. vibes were dramatically different at lunch and dinner (lunch was more calm, dinner was more lively) and i loved both! so glad i made it here twice on that trip. i will be returning the next time im in portland!
… moreTT S
Went to grab yuzu sprouts, left with yuzu sprouts and delicious food to go. Inside the dining area is clean, modern and comfortable. I nibbled on a little bit of my food there and Alice who served me and saw to me getting my seedlings and everything out to go is wonderful. Very patient, thoughtful and helpful.
The food. People, my pana cotta is 4 layers- jelly, pinks for cherry blossoms, a cream layer, and green for matcha. It’s creamy, layered and beautiful. It is hard to find quality daifuku and onigiri anywhere and I had to drive 2 hours out to get here. Worth it. Most places give you plain rice outside and a flavorful core inside. This is flavorful through with texture and different flavors throughout and a core for dimension. Nigiri is also quite a different treat and the nasturtium leaf is unique and we’re to it, instead of just the standard flowers. Great taste with the cherry blossoms not being overwhelming. Good bite size.
Took this to the coast as the travel food it is (ok maybe not so much the pana cotta) and everything was worth the wait. Folks we live in a time where going out is expensive and I love my food as a unique and jam packed experience with full blown comfort/magestic to my senses, flavor, and structurally gorgeous if I’m going to be paying for anything now. Truly enjoyed the experience, hope you do too.
… moreThe food. People, my pana cotta is 4 layers- jelly, pinks for cherry blossoms, a cream layer, and green for matcha. It’s creamy, layered and beautiful. It is hard to find quality daifuku and onigiri anywhere and I had to drive 2 hours out to get here. Worth it. Most places give you plain rice outside and a flavorful core inside. This is flavorful through with texture and different flavors throughout and a core for dimension. Nigiri is also quite a different treat and the nasturtium leaf is unique and we’re to it, instead of just the standard flowers. Great taste with the cherry blossoms not being overwhelming. Good bite size.
Took this to the coast as the travel food it is (ok maybe not so much the pana cotta) and everything was worth the wait. Folks we live in a time where going out is expensive and I love my food as a unique and jam packed experience with full blown comfort/magestic to my senses, flavor, and structurally gorgeous if I’m going to be paying for anything now. Truly enjoyed the experience, hope you do too.
JOSE FUENTES
Obon Shokudo offers delicious and authentic
Okonomiyaki and Curry Udon among many other
Entrees flavors.
There are also many beverage options, including several tea, sake tastes.
We visited for lunch and had a great experience.
The staff was very courteous and knowledgeable, we were guided through the menu and were assisted to make the best choices.
The restaurant is cozy and clean. Restroom was also very clean.
There are several parking locations near by.
We decided not to drive.
From downtown Portland, take the B loop street car to SE Grand Ave. To return to downtown Portland, take the A loop street car from MLK Avenue, just one block west from the restaurant.
Thank you !
… moreOkonomiyaki and Curry Udon among many other
Entrees flavors.
There are also many beverage options, including several tea, sake tastes.
We visited for lunch and had a great experience.
The staff was very courteous and knowledgeable, we were guided through the menu and were assisted to make the best choices.
The restaurant is cozy and clean. Restroom was also very clean.
There are several parking locations near by.
We decided not to drive.
From downtown Portland, take the B loop street car to SE Grand Ave. To return to downtown Portland, take the A loop street car from MLK Avenue, just one block west from the restaurant.
Thank you !
Lara U
Obon Shokudo is creative, original and quintessential Portland!
Since I am old school, I always ask if there is a Paper menu. I enjoy the more Trad way of dining and love the interaction. Obon has never disappointed in having a server come to our table, despite the scaled back staff. Even if they are busy, it is worth the wait!
My favorite items to order is the combo plate. You get many things to try, plus a great market salad. I add the delicious Kenchinjiru soup and enjoy selecting from the different onigiri offered. Go for the umeboshi, which is pickled plum, and another of your choosing. They’re all delicious!
I love everything about Obon. The originality of plant based Japanese comfort food is an inspiring and welcome experience. It is my favorite restaurant in Portland for the atmosphere, the food, and the lovely people who deserve our respect when serving their delicious offerings. Thank you!
… moreSince I am old school, I always ask if there is a Paper menu. I enjoy the more Trad way of dining and love the interaction. Obon has never disappointed in having a server come to our table, despite the scaled back staff. Even if they are busy, it is worth the wait!
My favorite items to order is the combo plate. You get many things to try, plus a great market salad. I add the delicious Kenchinjiru soup and enjoy selecting from the different onigiri offered. Go for the umeboshi, which is pickled plum, and another of your choosing. They’re all delicious!
I love everything about Obon. The originality of plant based Japanese comfort food is an inspiring and welcome experience. It is my favorite restaurant in Portland for the atmosphere, the food, and the lovely people who deserve our respect when serving their delicious offerings. Thank you!
Makoto Kanda
Visited for an early dinner on Sunday. All menu items are 100% vegan, but the food doesn’t feel like typical “Shojin-ryori” (traditional Buddhist cuisine). Even as someone who isn’t vegan, I found every dish to be very enjoyable and flavorful.
The staff were bright, friendly, and helpful, making the overall atmosphere very comfortable and welcoming. It’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner where you can enjoy creative plant-based dishes.
… moreThe staff were bright, friendly, and helpful, making the overall atmosphere very comfortable and welcoming. It’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner where you can enjoy creative plant-based dishes.