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Riffle NW Reviews List
Riffle NW
Riffle NW is a catch-inspired seafood restaurant in Portland’s Pearl District, where guests enjoy dishes influenced by cooking from coastal regions around the world. While the "catch" is always celebrated, Riffle's menu also has several non-seafood options.
Thoughtfully sourced and skillfully prepared, the food and drink is served wherever you want to be: at the bar, at the chef's table, at the raw bar, in the dining room or in the private dining space.
The restaurant is the vision of Ken and Jennifer Norris, two chefs who believe in the philosophy of "one house," in which the kitchen, bar, and dining room all work seamlessly to create delicious food and drink served with warmth, grace, and skill. Working with Ken and Jennifer are a team of masters at their craft -- Joey Cefalu, Brandon Josie and Dana Frank.
The whole Riffle crew looks forward to taking care of you soon for lunch and dinner!
See more Riffle NW details
Thoughtfully sourced and skillfully prepared, the food and drink is served wherever you want to be: at the bar, at the chef's table, at the raw bar, in the dining room or in the private dining space.
The restaurant is the vision of Ken and Jennifer Norris, two chefs who believe in the philosophy of "one house," in which the kitchen, bar, and dining room all work seamlessly to create delicious food and drink served with warmth, grace, and skill. Working with Ken and Jennifer are a team of masters at their craft -- Joey Cefalu, Brandon Josie and Dana Frank.
The whole Riffle crew looks forward to taking care of you soon for lunch and dinner!
108 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 108 reviews
5 stars
(31)
4 stars
(49)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(9)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(70)
- neighborhood gem(33)
- special occasion(30)
- hot spot(25)
- notable wine list(20)
- good for groups(17)
Riffle NW Reviews List
Review 1 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Continues to be delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Riffle really is a high-end restaurant with less pretense. The service is top notch and the food is delicious. You can also order several courses, as nothing is particularly large. So, you can create your own tasting menu. Plus, the bar is inventive and talented. My spouse started with a simple salad, and I had the dockside chowder. The chowder is truly magnificent; a must order. I had the branzino with cauliflower steak, and my spouse had the risotto. Both were very good."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great in all ways but uncomfortable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and service are great but the chairs are actually quite uncomfortable. Booth seats seem to be fine."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 3 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Interesting Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were impressed by the variety of fish preparations. We had the strawberry salad with baby octopus and it was outstanding. I had rockfish with tapenade and the flavors were perfect and the fish cooked just right. My husband had halibut with crusted marrow and asparagus and he raved about it. Another member of our party had the halibut cheeks which were good but one part was overcooked and dry. They serve French press coffee which was good except a bit bitter. I would definitely go back."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Time!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Happened to be in Portland for the early May heat wave and could sit very comfortably outside. Early reservation before PCS show. Greeted with a free, fresh-shucked oyster on the half shell - an innovative promo to promote seafood dining in Portland. Proceeded to snack through the appetizer menu. Oyster sandwich was great. Cup of chowder was fantastic. Much anticipated octopus was just good. While other restaurants in the area were packed, Riffle was not - too bad. It's a fun space with a solid menu and good service. What's not to like??"
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 5 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great seafood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Seafood os all fresh and cooked exactly right. Great staff. We will be back"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Overpriced for value of food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"Have been here twice, a year apart. When newly opened, I could give Riffles some leeway, although those who ordered the signature dish were not just disappointed but actually disliked it. Recently the food was ok but ridiculously overpriced. 6 to 7 mussels do not constitute "moules et frites" especially for about $25. (we lived in Paris for 2 years so I know whereof I speak.) Similarly 3 scallops on a tablespoon of puréed cauliflower for $28? Ok, the scallops were large, but when did cauliflower become expensive? The spoonful of black olive oil added little but presumably justified the price? Usually US portions are excessively large, but these were meant for a multi course meal, not a standalone main course. Go for drinks eat elsewhere"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
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Review 7 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Cheekie
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"After all the so so reviews we almost bailed on this restaurant. I am glad we didn't. The Halibut cheeks were amazing. The Octopus was good, but because it was a different take on fried calamari. My husband's Cod was tasteless and just one piece cost $28. So, will we eat there again? I would go again for the cheeks but I would be eating alone...."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 8 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It's okay . . .
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The oysters were memorable; the food was good but not memorable; and the cocktails were just bad. It was pretty expensive but not really worth the price tag. We definitely were not still talking about it even an hour later . . ."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
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Review 9 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
So good we were sharing!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My 5th visit... Riffle offers unique versions of classic seafood fit for foodies. The four of us shared two starters, a salad and the octopus. We each ordered a unique main dish, mine the scollops, done to perfection with a perfect seer. You know the food is exceptional when everyone starts sharing a bites. If it's going to be your first visit.. my favorite table is right at the roll-up doors, especially on a sunny day."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 10 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice, almost new, spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice, almost new, spot in the Pearl. The fish was amazingly fresh and the creativity of the chef is excellent. Wine list is eclectic and delicious."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delicious. We had the Brussels salad, black cod and gnocchi. It wasn't crazy busy at 8:30 on a Saturday night, which was surprising."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Decided to go to Riffle NW
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Decided to go to Riffle NW after reading the Top 20 Restaurants review in PDX Monthly. Oops! Extremely friendly service by all staff from seating to waiter and great ambiance. But the food was ridiculously priced for portion sizes. Small and lacking flavor - we left the restaurant unsatisfied, even after two appetizers and a shared side. Halibut was way overcooked to the point of being rubbery. Salmon had minimal apple and beet chutney, making for a rather bland dish.
We definitely wouldn't revisit this restaurant - too bad because it sounded so promising."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
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Review 13 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service was really good.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was really good. And the dishes... owo... amazing."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 14 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Somehow I had not heard of
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Somehow I had not heard of Rifle before but now that I have I will be back. Everyone's food was excellent, I especially liked the salmon tartar appetizer. The service was prompt and helpful but never pushy, even when we sat and talked for a while after diner. We had a wonderful experience."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 15 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Bar was good, food portions
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Bar was good, food portions were for a small child, very disapointed, had the cod and nothing else came with it, took 1 minute to eat, VERY disapointed."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
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Review 16 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Was just ok, service was slow
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was just ok, service was slow but friendly. Expensive for what it is.
Layout of the restaurant and the space is kind of funky."
Layout of the restaurant and the space is kind of funky."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2010
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Review 17 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ruffled at Riffle
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First dining experience here was great however on my recent return visit, with restaurant less than half filled and with a reservation, we were directed to the bar as our table "wasn't quite" ready". Entrees took over an hour to come to our table and though tasty, arrived lukewarm.
Boxed leftovers were not brought to the table but left on a sideboard.
So drafty two of our party dined in coats."
Boxed leftovers were not brought to the table but left on a sideboard.
So drafty two of our party dined in coats."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2008
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Review 18 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
We had a terrible dinner at
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a terrible dinner at Riffle. Didn't get the orders right, food had WAY too much salt. And pasta dish one person ordered was not done (Pasta was still hard). Will never go back...too many great places in PDX to waste my time at this place."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2007
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Review 19 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Drinks were great, especially
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Drinks were great, especially the Hovercraft. Ambience was nice, get a seat next to the windows if can. Servers were friendly, as had two younger kids with us. Clam chowder was great, monkfish wrapped in bacon and Chef Ken's recognized scallops were all delicious. Don't recommend for younger kids but had no choice and really wanted to try out. On the higher price side for Portland's great food, but worth a special occasion. Would like to try the bar and happy hour sometime."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Delicious food! Not a good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious food!
Not a good value for the price when you consider the ambiance and service levels . Would definitely return but for happy hour only."
Not a good value for the price when you consider the ambiance and service levels . Would definitely return but for happy hour only."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Truly amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my second visit, and I was even more impressed. I did have the chowder again, which is about as good as I've ever had. I also tried the barrel-aged Bijou cocktail . . . inspired and well-crafted. For the main course, my spouse had the sole (looked and tasted great), and I had the perfectly-prepared sturgeon. We also shared the polenta, which was remarkably delicious. Riffle has surpassed all other seafood-centic restaurants in our view."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The fish at Riffle was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The fish at Riffle was very nicely prepared. My wife had Skate and it was excellent (Skate can be easily be overcooked.) My scallops were also very good.
Two criticisms. The prices are very high (as is the wine mark up.) And it took 25 minutes for them to serve us our salmon tartar and then at least 25 minutes from when they cleared our appetizer before we were served our entrees. They did modify our bill and explained that the kitchen was backed up but the restaurant was at best 40% full with the servers were all standing around the open kitchen. Not sure what was really going on. That being said. The food was very good."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
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Review 23 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We sat at a window - fun people
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We sat at a window - fun people watching! Our waiter was fabulous, the food as well! I started with the beet salad (first day on the menu!) and it was probably my favorite of the entire meal. Such great flavors and textures. The scallops were fresh and paired lovely with a lemon puree. The order of brussel sproutes was perfectly portioned to split with my friend, and were cooked to perfection! I'll definitely go back!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 24 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Seafood done perfectly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The staff was very gracious when one of us broke our wine glass, speedy clean up and comped the wine. Made us feel at easy about the mess."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 25 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Portland can do better
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great location in the Pearl district of Portland, Very fresh fish, good but relatively uninspired preparations. Nice but somewhat young waitstaff. Over 1 hour between first and main courses. One of our entree dishes was quite cool, not a good thing for fish."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 26 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Unfortunately, our group had
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Unfortunately, our group had a bad experience here. We ordered a bottle of wine before ordering our food and it took 15 minutes to get the bottle one. One member of our group wasn't served his entree until the rest of us were done and his salmon was delivered under cooked. I ordered a second bottle of wine, and again it seemed to take forever; I was then told the wine room "was down the block" and apparently the staff didn't have the key. So I had to order a bottle they had on the premises. The food that was served was very good."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2008
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Review 27 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great fresh fish, shellfish
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great fresh fish, shellfish with solid service. Price is a bit high for portion size. Dinner for two; 3 glasses of wine, 2 appetizers, 9 oysters and a fish entree for $145 before tip... Ouch"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 28 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent quality, but very,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent quality, but very, very exensive for what you get."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 29 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was an interesting place.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was an interesting place. I was there with an out of town college friend and chat was important. The noise level is high but the hostess found a quiet corner for us - it's very nice to have an option. Most of the seafood was not local but there's not a lot of local fresh seafood in February. The menu was creative but pretty limited and the pink grouper I had was well prepared but not spectacularly fresh."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
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Review 30 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service was great here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was great here but the food, though tasty, is not worth the price. Yes, the ingredients are quality and the presentation is well done, but $3.25 per raw oyster? $12 for salmon tartare that was basically a California roll without the rice and nori wrapper? Sorry, not working for me :-("
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 31 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Thoughtfully delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"I had an amazing Valentine's Day dinner with my girlfriend here. They were operating on a Prix Fixe menu that was spectacular, inventive, and most importantly tasty. The squid carbonara and lobster stuffed monkfish were particularly memorable. Everything felt very well thought out from the branding and decor, to the menu and service. The wine pairings were great complements to the meal. We enjoyed three different cocktails that were all spectacular, but the Hovercraft was the most unique and delicious. Don't hesitate to check out Riffle... We will be making the 3 hour drive again soon!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is a good place if you
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a good place if you like seafood; interesting preparations. The service was slow but we were not in a hurry so we didn't mind. The wine list is unusual - wines from coastal regions around the world, from places you don't usually see wines from at restaurants."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 33 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not even close!
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Although to food wasn't terrible, it certainly wasn't worth the price.
I spent $200+ on my experience there. As a price comparison, the Flying Fish in Seattle was worth every penny, while Rifle NW wasn't worth a $50 tab including drinks. The food was borderline terrible."
I spent $200+ on my experience there. As a price comparison, the Flying Fish in Seattle was worth every penny, while Rifle NW wasn't worth a $50 tab including drinks. The food was borderline terrible."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 34 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We dined at Riffles on V-day
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We dined at Riffles on V-day for the pre fixe menu. It was not what we expected especially for the price. Seated 20 minutes after our reservation and the first course (oysters so nothing complicated) wasn't served until 30 minutes after placing our order. Seating was crowded and noisy. The wine pairing was very good but ruined because all the food was WAY over salted. Even the oysters were salted which made no sense until I noticed late in the dinner that the wait staff was salting the food as it came up..with their bare hands...from common jars while chatting it up. A bad idea on so many levels. Waiters were responsive given the numbers of customers. Seem like the idea was quantity of customers rather than quality of food."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 35 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Riffle features outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Riffle features outstanding seafood dishes and creative, unusual cocktails. Service was excellent. The decor is a modern, minimalist take on an ocean/nautical theme, which creates a fun and cozy atmosphere. It's a great place for a relaxing dinner. I will definitely go back."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 36 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Starters and drinks were awesome!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Starters and drinks were awesome! Disapointed in the main courses."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
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Review 37 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Loved the Brussels Salad and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved the Brussels Salad and the scallops."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 38 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything was very good,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was very good, except for the chairs that we sat on. They were the tall, high chairs, must have been the #20s chairs, that were super uncomfortable. My boyfriend even talked to our waiter about them. He said the same thing, "food was excellent, except the chairs were super uncomfortable. He said he was close to tossing them outside". Well, the problem was the chairs were tall with very small cushion, so pretty much your thighs and legs were all just dangling. The waiter said next time we should make a request not to be seated on those chairs.
We will if we go back there."
We will if we go back there."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 39 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I want to go back.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for Valentine's Day and they had a prix fixe offering, which was wonderful. I really want to return to have a look at the full menu. The highlight for me was the Dockside Chowder . . . absolutely delicious. We shared the rest of the meal and the ravioli + monkfish were really well-prepared. The special dessert was remarkable . . . a heart shaped donut covered in a delicious chocolate sauce with Jacobsen vanilla sea salt."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 40 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Riffle is really coming into
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Riffle is really coming into its own. Steak and sturgeon at our table last night - both incredible. Don't miss the cocktails!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 41 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Pretty bad
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was slow and it wasn't busy. They had us sit at the bar even though there were lots of open tables. Tuna tartar and ceviche were the same dish. Salad was over dressed. We will not be back."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2007
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Review 42 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent wine list. Fish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent wine list. Fish dishes were superb."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 43 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
underwhelming experience as
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"underwhelming experience as far as meals for 4 people. fish dishes were good but not fantastic. comparable to having just as good of an experience at other good quality restaurants like Higgins, McCormick Schmick's,etc but without an extensive choice. appetizers were the most interesting. kitchen was experiencing some problems and we waited longer than other parties that had been seated after us. If the wait staff had not been as pleasant and friendly as they had been, the overall rating would be lower."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 44 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service by our server...and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service by our server...and delicious food. They partnered with Burnside Brewery to create a new beer (based on their famous sea urchin shot), and our server let us try it; we ordered a couple of glasses...yum. A tad on the expensive side, but they create delicious flavors."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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Review 45 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excellent cocktails! Food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent cocktails! Food seemed just a bit thrown together - random mixes of things, kind of sloppy on the plate. They seemed to throw together sauces that had exotic ingredients to impress you, rather than use ingredients with flavors that complemented the dish. Our server was so polite, gave us the perfect amount of attention, and was really knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks.
I would not go back for the food, but I would absolutely go back to the bar for drinks."
I would not go back for the food, but I would absolutely go back to the bar for drinks."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
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Review 46 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Celebrate at Riffle!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our dual birthday celebration at Riffle was a great success! Both of the birthday "boys" enjoyed themselves. Cocktails were tasty, starters well prepared and main dishes nicely presented and flavored. My sweetbread loving partner savored every morsel of the pasta. Our server made a great wine recommendation and we shared desserts complete with candles. And it was open after the theater which was a big plus for us."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 47 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I think Riffle is really great.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I think Riffle is really great. We had an amazing sweatbread carbonara last night. The pasta and the sweetbreads were cooked perfectly and the sauce was right on; not overly cheesy. The entrees are a bit on the pricey side, but we always enjoy having a salad and/or a side and share an entree. The service is always terrific."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 48 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We are big seafood fans and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are big seafood fans and this is the best we have found in Portland. The fish was very fresh and cooked just right, portions were fine and we loved the appetizer with grilled sardines. They have a cool by the glass wine list and we found a red from the Canary Islands that tasted like a fine Bordeaux. Quite a surprise. We will be back for sure."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 49 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional fish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our group of six diners was impressed and satisfied. The food was unusual and the taste was exceptional. I was especially impressed that the chef prepared a mignonette for my fresh oysters after I expressed mild dissatisfaction that they would be served with cocktail sauce; I didn't actually ask for mignonette, but the waiter apparently, and correctly, perceived that's what I wanted."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 50 for Riffle NW
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I went to Riffle on a Sunday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went to Riffle on a Sunday night with a group of friends and was extremely impressed with the level of service we received. Our waiter Brandon was very attentive and helpful. The restaurant was pretty slow and quiet so I'm not sure what it would be like on a busier night but it certainly had a welcoming ambiance from what we saw. We were very well taken care of, and the food was delicious, especially the brussels sprouts salad, tuna tartare, and the scallops/short ribs. I will definitely be returning to Riffle!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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