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Wafu Reviews List
Wafu
Paying homage to the mighty Japanese ramen tradition, Wafu (lit. "Japanese style") is an izakaya style noodle bar envisioned by lauded chef Trent Pierce.
Using both modern and traditional techniques, carefully chosen, ingredients are combined to create an assortment of tempting noodle bowls.
Signature small plates, and innovative rotating specials that pair fresh meats and seafood with Japanese-inspired flavors round out this innovative menu.
The stars of Wafu"s drink list are carefully prepared classic cocktails. The bar also boasts a large selection of scotch and sake. Wafu also carries sake on draft. Rotating draft beer and bottled beer with an emphasis on Japanese beer rounds out the bar.
The dining room is decorated with Japanese movie posters, lanterns and a large projector screens Japanese classic movies on the wall to create a fun and inviting atmosphere.
See more Wafu details
50 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 50 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(40)
- neighborhood gem(32)
- hot spot(17)
- good for groups(15)
- vibrant bar scene(13)
- special occasion(12)
Wafu Reviews List
Review 1 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
best ramen in town
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"not only a favorite restaurant personally but every time we have guests in town we go to wafu and it is LOVED!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a fantastic meal at Wafu. Our group of five, with divergent food likes and restrictions, were able to have a delicious dinner, shared family style. The atmosphere was wonderful., service and wait staff attentive but not overbearing. Great drinks as well. Just finished the leftovers a few minutes ago and am trying to figure out the recipe so I can reproduce the ramen dish. Highly recommend it and will go back soon. Impressed that flavors were complex and careful while everything was reasonably priced and not at all pretentious."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wafu !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love this restaurant. Excited about the new ownership to see where he takes it too. I'm from Vancouver, BC and go out of my way every time I'm in Portland to eat here. Love the Mackerel! Great selection of delicious Sakes as well. Kudos!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 4 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was fantastic and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was fantastic and the prices are perfect, we will be coming back often!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Their ramen was creative,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Their ramen was creative, and good for the price. Loved the decor."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
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Review 6 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a great time our server was fantastic, being severs ourselves couldn't have asked for a better birthday dinner. She was extremely knowledgeable and very attentive. Food was fantastic as well we will definitely be back can't wait to try Roe! We will eat and try anything, loved it great experience!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 7 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very inventive, creative menu,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very inventive, creative menu, not your usual Japanese menu. Half-off sake at Happy Hour and the quality was great! Delicious calamari and a very different take on kale - delicious! We will be back."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Wafu no more.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sadly, unless we are convinced by either someone we really trust this was the last time we will go to Wafu. It's really a shame. Wafu was a go to place for us. Admittedly, we haven't been since just past Thanksgiving, there have been so many new openings lately. What's happened since is criminal at best. The menu has been dumbed down. The great Ramen selection has been reduced to two mediocre offerings. The steamed buns are half the size their former size and there's now only one choice. One of the staff informed us that the menu had been changed because guests had complained that it was too complicated and the new chef wouldn't last much longer due to the amount of complaints."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2008
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Review 9 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
GO!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, different and expertly done. Always a fun place to go, especially to have small plates. Very lively and energetic spot. When they are very crowed, service may be a little slow, but they make up for it in genuine friendliness. Make reservations for busy times. Go!!!!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We tried almost everything
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We tried almost everything on the menu! Excellent! Will definitely go again!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 11 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
warm noodles in rainy portland.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"warm noodles in rainy portland. yum."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wafu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A very enjoyable experience with attentive wait staff and well prepared small dishes. Each of the side dishes had great distinctive flavors- crab rolls, salad, steak dish, and foil roasted mushrooms. Quality food and each bit was a treat. Minus- the pork shoulder offered in some of the dishes was too salty and there was a cool draft throughout most of the room. Sit further back near the bar or wear a sweater."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really fun and tasteful food.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really fun and tasteful food. Waiter was knowledgeable and helpful with my wife who doesn't eat much Japanese food."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fun and delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wafu was written up in one of the Portland magazines at the Westin hotel as one of the bright spots for Portland dining. I went on Opentable and checked the reviews, it seemed like a fun menu and place to go, and was not let down. The crab roll appetizers were excellent, and the noodle dishes had a very unique and outstanding flavor. Highly recommend, and would definitely go back."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Ramen not as good as Boke Bowl
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a reservation, but had to wait 10-15 minutes for our table. Not a big deal, but service was very mediocre. Server acted like she could care less what we thought of the food and seemed to talk us into ordering way more than we could ever eat. There were 4 of us and we ordered quite a few dishes - when I asked if we'd ordered enough food (not knowing how small or large the small plates were), the server said we would likely need more, so we added a dish. With 3 dishes left to go we were absolutely stuffed and couldn't finish our food. What a waste. Several of the dishes were great, but some were just ok and seemed to need salt."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 16 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
go for it
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The one bummer about this restaurant was that we were seated at a long, family-style seated table. When we asked the host to move us to another table he was snippity in his inability to accommodate our request. If you don't feel like bumping elbows with other diners, I'd suggest requesting a separate table when making your reservation.
Otherwise, food was great! Over-all, the small plate menu was tastier than the large plates, but everything we tried was delicious"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 17 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had excellent food. It
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had excellent food. It was fresh, tasty, and creative. Also, great service. We made a reservation since it was Valentine's Day. The noise level was a little high and the surfaces were hard...which amplified the noise. However, we will definitely go back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 18 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I have liked wafu in the past.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have liked wafu in the past. The ramen was uninspiring. The rice bowl unflavorful. There is better food elsewhere."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 19 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not Japanese, not especially
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not Japanese, not especially delicious and not good value. Not sure why it is popular. My wife who had been waiting a long time to go and eat there has no interest in going again. Sorry but you asked."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
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Review 20 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Edamame-great, meatballs,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Edamame-great, meatballs, smooshed potatoes--very good; ramen--not as good as I've had in the past at Wafu, but still good--Always a fun place to go."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2002
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Review 21 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistently one of my favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Consistently one of my favorite restaurants in town. The bar is fabulous and the food is interesting and inventive and always tasty!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our first time here. Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first time here. Service prompt and friendly. Ambiance lively but not overbearing. Variety of small plates reasonably priced, a bit sporatic in delivery. Bao excellent little pork-stuffed taco-esque puffs of dough. The steak and duck drummettes were tender & flavorful. The plates are well portioned for two-sharing. The miso creamed kale was excellent salty creamy greens-a little on the rich side but we finished the plate. The hamachi handroll was flavorful but the nori cone a little large in proportion to the filling. Rokku cocktail was a nice variation on a G&T. The wine selection is small but the French white on offer was known to the wine dealer amongst us. And the doughnuts ... Very satisfying end. And tempting things still to try."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 23 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved It!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first visit to Wafu. Our server was very helpful in answering questions about the menu and specific dishes. It was fun to try several of the small plates, all of which were excellent. We visited on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was pleasantly busy - no wait but enough going on to know it's a popular spot. The noise was only moderate but I imagine it could good loud on a busy weekend night. We loved both the food and the service and I expect we will add Wafu to our list of go-to restaurants in Portland!"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun place with cool atmosphere.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fun place with cool atmosphere. Ramen delivered. Fun assortment of Asian beers and alcohol."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 25 for Wafu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My family and I went during
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My family and I went during a busy Saturday night and we were seated quickly and assisted immediately. We did not have to wait for our server even though we sat at the back bar by the cooks. It was fun to watch all the coordination happening with all the cooks. We were impressed about how efficient all our dishes came out. The BBQ pork buns were outstanding! All the staff were very attentive and friendly. We want to work our way through the menu! Thank you for a wonderful dining experience."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Wafu
Based on the average of (25) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
1 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic