Nimblefish

Nimblefish - Review - Hawthorne - Portland, OR - The Infatuation

Despite being located near multiple bodies of water, Portland hasn’t always been known for high-end sushi. That was before Nimblefish came on the scene in 2017 with Edomae-style nigiri presented to diners one at a time like small jewels. This Hawthorne spot serves some truly excellent sushi, with plenty of local shellfish, imported ingredients like saba mackerel that’s cured in-house, and always perfectly cooked and seasoned rice. A $125 omakase menu is their signature, and it’s worth snagging one of the 12 seats at the counter for a special night when you want something a little more lively than a formal fine dining spot. They’ve also started doing a la carte sushi Tue-Fri from 5pm to 9pm if you want quality bites in a more casual format. RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Oregon Uni Tiny, briny bafun uni from Hokkaido might be the best known version of this delicacy, but if you see local Oregon uni on the menu you’re in for a rare treat. The sweet, creamy sea creatures are often served simply with lemon slices atop a shiso leaf to let the product shine. Smoked Sake Kani Ikura Don Donburi is often available a la carte and the version featuring smoked salmon, creamy crab salad, and translucent red roe atop of rice is far more luxurious (and smaller) than what you would typically expect from a standard rice bowl. Kaki Chawanmushi With Caviar Sometimes included in the omakase, this wobbly steamed egg custard dotted with oysters and shiitake is wonderful as is. Topped with firm beads of sustainable kaluga caviar, the eggy dish is instantly elevated. - Krista Garcia