Smallwares is a forty-seat restaurant with an open kitchen. We serve small plates of inauthentic Asian cuisine meant to be shared, and eclectic wine, sake and cocktails.
"On this first visit we had a scant hour before a play to squeeze in a meal. It was a great meal from start to finish. The interior is vibrant, very pretty but also approachable and casual. Our server accommodated our schedule down to the minute. And above all, the food was amazing: complex flavor and texture combinations, elegant presentations. Of particular note: oysters; prawns in shell; short ribs; potatoes with roe. We will be back in a flash."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We were really excited about trying out smallwares, and walking in to such a cute electric space with a nice wait staff... I was stoked! Salmon starter was fab, along with my wine and husbands cocktail. But then the miso and fried kale came and both were so over salted that it kinda ruined the rest of the dinner. We couldn't finish either of them, and couldn't drink enough water to quench our thirst. Super bummer. Fix the salt issue, and it would have been an epic experience."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"Smallswares' tag line is "inauthentic Asian food." So if you are expecting real Asian food, go elsewhere. But if you are looking dynamic, fresh combinations of flavor that include different pan-Asian ingredients, this is your spot. Being Asian myself, I can be a bit nitpicky about Asian fusion, but this cool spot impressed me with its creativity. I also expected with a name like smallwares and its menu for small plates, I would leave hungry. But their small plates are surprisingly sizable and I left very full.
Will be returning!"
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"I loved the service and the food. Our waitress was so helpful and patient.....great experience. The salmon app. was a bit on the really tiny side for the price. The duck and hanger steak were melt in your mouth and if you try nothing else, order the chicken lollipops!"
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"This was my 2nd time at Smallwares and I'm sure not close to my last. The food is FANTASTIC and utterly unique. I can't wait to go back and try some more."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Maybe my expectations were too high, but I found Smallwares to be underwhelming. There was nothing special about the food. I wouldn't call anything we ate delicious."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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"We made a reservation in Smallwares, but were seated in Barwares. In front of a large television (no sound, but still). WHen I asked if there was a place we could sit that wasn't in front of the TV, I was told "no." Nothing else. The food started off really great (oysters were fantastic, so was the shrimp special). Then the hostess slammed down a bowl and informed us we "could have helped" clear a space. I guess we hadn't noticed she was there and she was holding TWO things, so she was unable to ask politely. The last course was so spicy that none of use could taste anything anymore. It is so dark in the bar you can't see what you are eating and our waitress was not helpful in selecting a wine. Overall, very disappointing."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: late-night find
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"We all thought the food was overly salted (does the chef smoke?). And because of that many of the dishes tasted a like. Great drinks, good service, nice neighborhood feel."
Dined on 5/02/2013
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"My friend and I came here for a Friday night dinner. We really enjoyed the food--very creative and unexpected. It is no secret that the theme of the restaurant is "small plates"--but it's still a bit hard to stomach spending $13 for a small bowl of beans with bread crumbs on top. A delicious dish, but portion sizes could certainly stand to be increased. Overall, a fun experience, just not something I (and many other people) could afford to indulge in very often.
At any rate, we particularly enjoyed the spring greens with peanut sauce, and the scotch pudding was delicious."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"The food was amazing, but portions are a bit small, especially if you share as they suggest. Overall, a great place I will go back to and refer friends to."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Interesting food experiments, some of which really work, some of which miss the mark. But adventurous, with a cool environment and nicely organized cocktail program."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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"Venue, service and ambiance were all positive. But the food lacked distinct flavor that touted a bold, memorable quality. The menu is inventive, but real profound or returning quality wasn't evident. This was seen routinely in dishes where accenting ingredients that would have made for stronger tastes were insufficiently represented. We ordered eight dishes across the menu, and the only thing that stood out was the peanut-dressed salad. The dungeness crab, while fresh, lacked real character. The oxtail curry was a lackluster braise with little to no trace of curry and an offensive amount of scotch bonnet. The carrot gnocci was good, but very dry and plain with very little supporting puree or wild mushrooms. Don't order the pork noodle."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Amazing food- the flavors are unexpected and tasty. The wine list is inscrutable, however, and very poorly arranged. Also- this place is LOUD, so don't go for romance or to have a conversation. Did I mention the food is amazing?!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The tartare special was very tasty...the octopus is a must have! Drinks are great...The Vodka is awesome as well as their sake flights. Pear kimchi is our favorite...we have started making it at home :)"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Serving interesting Asian fusion. Wines and drinks pair well. Definitely up to and consistent with the Portland foody scene with some great twists that make what they are doing unique"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Had a great time! Was sat in Barwares when reserved for Smallwares- but I actually liked the barwares ambience. Service was friendly and quick. Wish we had more of a description when food came out. Everything was a tad bit salty but, I like salt! I will be back to try other small dishes."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We went because we could get a last minute reservation on a Friday night at 7 and we went off all the other stellar reviews on opentable. The only dish that we liked was the scallop sashimi but every other one they brought out was entirely too salty and tasted almost identical. Checked that one off the list but most likely wont go back."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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"Cozy dining area, waiter gave us great recommendations. Don't miss the fried kale and the octopus salad if they are on the menu. Lots of oohs and aahs coming from the table as we ate."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Excellent Asian-inspired small plates. Every plate was a winner, and the service was superb. If I lived in Portland, Smallwares would be a regular dining experience for me."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Wow! What a pleasant experience....from the fabulous food to the excellent service, we couldn't have been happier. They do it right! The best meal that the four of us could recall enjoying, ever! Well done and then some.....run, don't walk for a truly amazing meal."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This was a disappointment. We ordered fried kale and even after brushing my teeth, I still had an unpleasant taste in my mouth. My husband concurs. The other two choices were average..We will not be back."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2004
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"I can't believe this place wasn't more crowded. We eat out a lot in Portland and are always looking for new things to try. Every dish we had was outstanding, the flavors just explode. Nice and spicy, too. Don't miss the octopus, best I have ever eaten!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Had a wonderful time Friday night at Smallwares. Food was exceptional, especially the octopus and the hangar steak. Great cocktails and do not miss the scotch pudding dessert (it was so good we ordered a second!) We'll be back!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
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"So unusual, so tasty! Definitely "inauthentic" Asian food, as promoted. Loved the sofa where you can watch classic movies ("2001" was playing when I was there)(without sound), enthusiastic service and lovely decor. The tempura-like kale was fantastic."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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"Smallwares is a great option if you want to try something different. Unique food pairings, expertly mixed cocktails and great service. The front room (Smallwares) is a bit cold aesthetically as well as temperature-wise; the back room (Barwares) is far more appealing in terms of comfort and hangout factor, with its warm tones."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Don't sit by the front or back door if its cold out, even if you are told it will be fine or that they will not open. You will be blasted with cold air the whole time as people walk in and out."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"Most amazing food! If you want to try something different, this is the place for you! The flavors were wonderful and unique. Without a doubt, we will return!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We really enjoyed the restaurant. Great quality food! However, the server could have been friendlier and would have liked to not sit close to the secondary exit, which everyone seemed to use!"
Dined on 02/18/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"the food was presented nice. The flavor and texture of all the items were great. the server helped us in what we ordered and what it was since we didn't understand what we were ordering. It was a great experience and I will pass on the good word."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We loved creative fun Smallwares. A big star was the scallop sashimi and the cocktails were really good. I got the "whisky" - not too sweet, which is what I prefer. The half-shell oysters were well-presented though not my favorite flavor profile with the fish sauce. The brussels sprouts were well-conceived with orange, but a little salty for my taste with heavy black bean sauce. I would come back for the carrot gnocchi, one of the best little dishes I ever had. No description will do it justice. The one off note for us both was the fried kale with bacon candy. It came quite wet with fish sauce pooled in the bottom of the bowl and we did not finish it because of the extreme saltiness."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I was amazed by the food; truly inspired! The service was more than I could have hoped for. Our waiter was attentive and friendly, especially for a night like Valentine's Day. Try the pork belly and steak tartare; they were incredible!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We came here for Valentine's Day and both my husband and I loved it. The food is truly unique and wonderful and I'm craving some of the dishes we had that night. The whole experience was relaxed and made me feel a bit like we were dining in Europe for Valentine's Day. I highly recommend Smallwares!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We thought it was a great neighborhood setting with terrific food. We really enjoyed the fact that you can mainly order small plates with no need to order an entree."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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