Step inside Janken, the upscale pan-Asian restaurant located in the former Bluehour space in Portland’s Pearl District, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the large cherry blossom tree located in the center of this unique establishment.
Settle in at your table and you are are immediately met with an inventive menu, featuring a fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisines, and creative cocktails designed to back the restaurant’s motto: Everything is better together.
Dabble in handmade sushi or high-quality nigiri. Try some pork sticky ribs with a side of kimchee fried rice. Dig into the seared scallops or share an order of the wagyu hot stone, a signature steak dish that’s sure to catch the attention of the neighboring tables. Top it all off with strawberry cheesecake — complete with 24k gold — or the bingsu — think ice cream meets shaved ice — for dessert. Each item is carefully presented as a work of edible art.
As Janken celebrates its one-year anniversary, we visited the popular Pearl gathering space (you may even spot a current or former Portland Trail Blazers player among the frequent diners) to sample Chef Rodrigo Ochoa’s unique Portland dining experience.
IF YOU GO
Location: 250 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97209 | Phone: (503) 841-6406
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 4-10 p.m. (happy hour Tuesday-Friday 4-5 p.m.)
Website: jankenrestaurant.com | @jankenpdx on Instagram
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