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    Recommended Reviews - Alma

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    Turkish Tea to start
    John H.

    This spot is worth making a reservation. I had no idea what Balkan food would be like, but I know I love the flavors of the Mediterranean. Great dishes for adventurous eaters who like to share - it's tapas style. The staff were friendly right off the bat, even took our coats - explained the menu. They start you with some delightful Turkish tea. A few thoughts - I really loved the flavors on the lamb kebab. Crudo was refreshing. The snow fungus in the wild mushroom dish was a unique highlight - packs in the flavors. Bread would have been better warm. Beet salad was incredible! Mussels were a favorite for the table. Turkish coffee is a nice finish. Only one dessert, fruit based. I wanted some chocolate... I had a red wine I can't recall - but it was the cheapest red - dry - from somewhere like Croatia - loved it!!! We will go back for more.

    Octopus dish
    Rin K.

    A very interesting and fun addition to Portland's food scene with its Balkan and Bosnian touch. The host and servers were friendly and offered great recommendations. I loved the chef's pride in his food and the authentic regional touch he brings to each dish. The food feels familiar but with a cultural/regional twist, and everything was more interesting and delicious. All the main dishes were very pretty. I especially enjoyed the octopus dish, which had a variety of flavors and textures. The soup, kebab, other mains, and dessert were all excellent. They provided small plates for the table so we could try and share everything, which I really appreciate. There are also lots of cocktail options and other drink options such as wine, beer, tea, turkish coffee. I am very excited to discover this great new restaurant. I'll definitely be back.

    Keizzel C.

    Great way to start your meal with their delicious tea! It was perfect on a cold day and honestly could have visited just for that. Alma is a newer restaurant so it was great to come with a couple friends so we could try multiple items. We almost ordered the whole menu - haha. But it is meant to be a family style place so the amount of items actually was a good mix for a group of 5. + Lamb Kabab + Bean & Frisee Salad + Fried Wings (came during wing week and tried their special) + Grilled Octopus + Manila Clams + Balkan Fish & Chips + Baba Ganoush __________ I enjoy this type of cuisine and I was glad to see some classics but also some new items we've never tried before. The winners for the table were the bean & frisee salad and the balkan fish and chips. Crazy to think it's a WARM salad but the flavors mixed so well together and was a nice surprise. The fish & chips were also unique and not what we expected as each piece of fish blended in with the fresh fries and had a great saltiness to pair with the cocktails. It came off as a great item to pair with beer also. Each bowl was left empty so that has to speak to the flavors!

    Cheese and pickles plate
    Tiffany H.

    Enjoyed a dinner here with a friend recently. Staff were friendly and service was quick- the food came out a bit too fast, leaving us without enough room on the table and feeling a bit rushed, would have loved them to be paced a little slower. We liked each dish, with the lamb and potatoes being the standouts. While much of the menu is gluten free, there is only one dessert option and it has gluten. They have several nonalcoholic beverage options. The space is decorated very nicely, with beautiful lamps; the space is rather tight, making it not extremely accessible for those with assistive devices- the bathroom is in the back, and you have to pass through a space between chairs that is only wide enough for one person at a time to walk through, leaving little room for wheelchairs.

    Art School Dropout
    Torrie N.

    Gah, this place was SO good! While I was initially sad that Masala Lab closed (in this location), its replacement in the space (Alma) is amazing! We walked in on a Friday night around 5:45 p.m. and were able to get a spot at the bar (note that the HH ends at 6:00). I am not super familiar with Balkan food but this place makes me want to learn more and seek it out! Of the Balkan countries, apparently the food most closely reflects the food of Bosnia (per the menu). Fave dish of the night was the Squid Salata (which is actually not a salad in the traditional sense, but more like a squid stew). So many amazing flavors, super tender squid (both fried and sauteed) and the right amount of acidity. I could eat this every day! We enjoyed everything else as well and wish we could have ordered even more of the menu. The lamb soup was tasty but some of the lamb pieces were a bit chewy/hard for my tastes. Cocktails are unique and delicious! Kao was our bartender and he did a great job of helping us navigate the menu, etc. Will definitely be back to discover more Balkan food in the future. This was definitely a highlight of our weekend trip to Portland!

    Menu
    Constantine J.

    Very likely has become our new favorite restaurant. This place is incredible and a MUST TRY. We were looking for a good new dinner spot and this popped up on Eater as the "new kid on the block" and from the same chef who created Gado Gado and Oma's Hideaway. That being said we had to try it out! Located on MLK, there's no shortage of options to choose from, but Alma stands above the rest. We were warmly greeted and sat. The interior is beautifully decorated with warm colors and huge windows. Like the chef's other concepts, it is best to order a number of different plates and share. Hard to choose from because everything looks so delicious. We started with the Chicken Wings. Amazingly crispy with delicious sauce. Went onto the Lamb Kabop. I dont think I've had lamb that perfectly cooked... wow. Then mixed it up with a deliciously fresh salad, followed by the Lamb Shank Baba Ganoush and Clams. Hands down some of the most amazing dishes we've ever had. Every bite had you coming back for more. Flavors were truly insane!! Given how incredible everything else was, we couldn't say no to dessert which was still very good. Cocktails and the tea were amazing. The service was another standout. Super kind, attentive and incredibly knowledgeable. We will ABSOLUTELY be coming back.

    Kate s.

    The experience begins not with a menu, but with a gesture: small cups of strong black tea, a welcome that transports you before a single dish is ordered. The space on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is intimate and warm, a fitting stage for a menu designed for conviviality A Tour Through the Menu: Standout Dishes. Beet Salata: Far from an afterthought, this salad is a masterclass in balance. Earthy beets and peppery arugula are brightened with grapes and creamy feta, but the true star is the kajmak. This labor-intensive, clotted cream-like dairy product, made from layers of boiled milk skin, is a revelation-rich, complex, and a signature of the kitchen's dedication to craft. Manila Clams 'Buzara' Style: A testament to Alma's strength with seafood, a pile of clams arrives in a gloriously soupy, garlic-forward broth that demands to be sopped up with bread. It's a briny, savory dish that encapsulates the maritime spirit of the Dalmatian coast. Imam Bayildi: One taste explains why. A half-roasted eggplant, marinated overnight, is rendered silken and almost meaty Topped with zingy zhoug, crispy fried oyster mushrooms, and a swipe of toum yogurt, it is a stunning, deeply satisfying centerpiece that elevates the vegetable to the sublime. Lamb Shank & Baba Ganoush: This entree is a definitive signature and a flawless pairing. The lamb shank is fall-apart tender, rich and gamey. Its companion, however, steals the show: a baba ganoush smoked until the eggplant is "completely white and ashy," then blended into an impossibly smooth, deeply smoky, and garlic-forward purée. Together, they are a perfect, unmissable harmony. Mtuma: Often a supporting actor, the Mtuma (potatoes) here command attention. Prepared with clear skill, they are a testament to the kitchen's philosophy that every component deserves focus, standing out even among more show-stopping dishes. Alma is not just Portland's first upscale Balkan restaurant; it is one of its most soulful new additions. It executes with the precision of a fine-dining veteran yet radiates the warm, abundant hospitality of a family kitchen. It is a restaurant that feeds you, surprises you, and makes you feel welcomed. In other words, it is a place to return to, again and again.

    Tanja I.

    Came here last night with a friend to try out the happy hour menu but ended up getting some items from the regular menu as well. Everything we got was tasty and every item that came out was better than the last. We had the eggplant spread [so good!], the kebab, crudo, Balkan fish and chips, clams, and arugula salad. We also got both desserts at the end as well, I loved the pudding! Vedran was there that evening and was able to tell us about the dishes and make conversation with us as we dined. Balkan hospitality is unmatched. I am looking forward to coming back here and bringing friends to try more dishes from the menu!

    Lamb shank and baba ganoush
    Ariel W.

    Just discovered this awesome Balkan restaurant owned by Chef Vedran Jordan. The food was superb! We ordered the imam bayildi (roasted eggplant), tomato corba, lamb shank and baba ganoush, with a side of tabbouleh and bread. My favorite was the roasted eggplant. It was cooked perfectly and was full of flavor. The lamb shank was melt in your mouth good. Loved the corba and the tabbouleh was satisfying. The inside was pretty spacious and felt apt for a date night out. Cannot recommend this place more. Will be back to try out the kababs and other fare on the menu.

    Soup
    Kimberly M.

    Service was good and the place was cute. Food was pretty good, wouldn't be opposed to dining again. Squid salad was probably my favorite, my friends liked the eggplant.

    Balkan fish & chips w/ toum on left, citrus aioli on right
    Lesley L.

    This is a pretty, airy space. Was able to walk in without a reservation on a Saturday night and get bar seating. We got service from the bartender, who was chill but attentive. They recommend 2-3 dishes per person. We ordered 4 for 2 people and it was plenty, as the food is a bit on the heavier side. I really liked the complimentary Turkish tea, a fun surprise to start the meal. I was disappointed they didn't have the kanpachi on the menu, I swear when I checked their website that morning it was still on there! We got: - Mama Alma's squid salata: this is a warm salad, which I wasn't expecting. It is hearty and a little brothy, with potatoes, slices of squid tubes, and crispy tentacles--the best part, I would have liked more of these and willing to have less squid tube in exchange. - Balkan fish & chips: I love smelt, and I love fries! I really enjoyed this dish. The fries are well seasoned, and I liked having the 2 dips. I personally liked the toum better--it was thinner and more tangy with a good kick. The citrus aioli was really thick and not very citrusy, I thought it was too rich, need more acid to go with the fried food - Lamb shank & baba ganoush: the shank is pulled off the bone, so it was easy to eat. It was not gamey. This would be a great winter dish - Yogurt eggplant dip & bread: dip is delicious. You get a generous amount, but only 3 small slices of bread (the crust of which was chewy rather than crunchy). For 2 people, I would have liked at least 4 slices, and I think 8 slices would have been ideal for this dish. We asked for more bread and were given 3 more slices. If I'd known that I was going to be charged $4 for 3 slices of meh bread, I would have taken the dip home and bought some better bread to eat with it. I would have appreciated if they'd told me it costs extra. Finding that out at the end of the meal was a bit of a downer for me.

    Travis H.

    Simply perfect from start to finish. Beautiful decor, stellar service and impeccably crafted food. Plus, an amazing wine list and playful cocktail menu. The crudo and lamb shank were definitely standouts but everything was wonderful.

    Maja J.

    The food was absolutely incredible and full of flavor. We ordered one of each on the menu and it was fantastic. The service was impeccable. The ambiance of the evening was fabulous. Will absolutely be back. Thank you chef Jordan for an incredible night and very happy to be apart of this soft opening.

    Potatoes

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    Business owner information

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    Alma R.

    Maja! Thank you for coming in, we look forward to your next visit.

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    8 months ago

    Great experience, food and drinks were amazing, great service, nice ambiance and good music

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    7 months ago

    Delicious! New cool little spot. For sure get the lamb kabob. Owen was our server and was lovely.

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    Ask the Community - Alma

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    Terra Mae - Dumplings

    Terra Mae

    4.5(144 reviews)
    0.4 miKing, Northeast Portland

    I'm originally from Cali and I came to Portland to visit my best friend and made reservations for…read moreTerra Mae. The food was beyond amazing, the service was attentive and friendly, and the ambiance of the place was so refreshing-- literally a different vibe compared to nightlife restaurants I've been to in Cali. Please get the udon (we ordered 2 and I know I'm going to be missing this dish when I'm back in Cali!)

    This is my second time booking at Terra Mae for a special event. I booked online and got a…read morereservation at the time I wanted. I put in a special note regarding the event for my party. When we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome by bringing my guest a drink on the house for their retirement celebration. I knew the menu but tried some new things! We shared everything. My favorite item I have to order each time is the Tuna Tartar. Its favors are rich but delicate. The presentation is perfect and my guest was impressed. I got the dumplings for her but if I had to skip something I'd do those. They were good but compared to all the other items we had, they were lacking. The only thing not pictured is our wagu braised with sweet potato. That was phenomenal. It pulled apart and melted in your mouth with every bite. We ended with two very different deserts, the strawberry mochi and whipped crem brûlée type desert. Both were tasty. Price range for all plus three alcoholic drinks was $165 not including tip. We were full and happy. Great service as always and it was full, busy house tonight inside the place. I wouldn't change anything other than trying some new things next time to add!

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    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Charcuterie and cheese board

    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge

    4.4(1k reviews)
    2.7 miPearl District
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    To speak about Teardrop Lounge, I should probably start with this:…read more Ladies and gentlemen, I present my favorite cocktail bar. Not the best -- I'm not arrogant enough to claim that. I haven't been to every cocktail bar in Portland, and saying something is the best usually says more about your lack of experience than your conviction. But favorite? That I can stand behind. And I want to get that out of the way early, because of the amount of praise I'm about to pour on this place -- fully earned, completely intentional. The biggest crime here is that I only discovered it two weeks ago, after living in Portland for a year. It had been recommended to me countless times, and I ignored it. A mistake. A painful one. But now that I've found it, I don't plan on making that mistake again. I'm not typically an Old Fashioned drinker. In fact, I usually hate them. But somewhere between curiosity and too many episodes of Mad Men, I decided to try one anyway -- fully expecting to confirm my bias. Instead, it completely flipped me. Bright, almost citrus-forward in a way that felt unusual but entirely intentional. Balanced, smooth, just enough burn to remind you what you're drinking without overwhelming it. It was the first time I actually understood the appeal. I'm pretty sure I grew a few chest hairs that night. That alone would've been impressive. But it didn't stop there. The space is beautiful -- clean, intentional, but not cold. The staff are excellent: personable, engaged, and most importantly, authentic. Not scripted, not performative. The kind of people you actually want to talk to, and hopefully, eventually be on a first-name basis with. Now, all of that gets it close to a perfect score. But what pushes it over the edge -- what makes this place stick -- is the White Russian. One of the first drinks I ever had. My dad's drink. Not because of The Big Lebowski -- that came later -- but because it's just always been his thing. And at some point, it became mine too. Typically, when bars try to "elevate" a White Russian, they ruin it. They overthink it. Swap ingredients, tweak ratios, add unnecessary flair. And more often than not, it ends in disappointment. Teardrop does the opposite. They respect it -- but refine it. The coffee liqueur actually tastes like coffee. The heavy cream is properly integrated, not just dumped on top. The vodka -- whatever they're using -- is clean, present, and perfectly measured. There's a subtle complexity to it without losing what makes the drink what it is. It's the best White Russian I've ever had. No hesitation. I've gone back twice just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. It wasn't. If someone asked me what my death row drink would be -- this specific cocktail, from this specific bar, is in the conversation. Easily. Teardrop Lounge doesn't just make great cocktails. It reminds you why cocktails matter in the first place. And that's why it's my favorite.

    We came to Teardrop Cocktail Lounge while visiting Portland and were genuinely impressed…read more The cocktails were excellent -- thoughtful, well-balanced, and clearly made by people who know what they're doing. One of the best parts was how approachable the bartenders were. We asked for custom drinks based on our preferences, and both came out perfectly tailored. Creative without being weird, and strong without being sloppy. What really stood out was the price point. For the quality of cocktails, the prices felt very reasonable compared to similar craft cocktail bars in other cities. The vibe was also great -- relaxed, cozy, and not pretentious. It felt like a place where you could come for a special drink experience without feeling like you had to "perform" or order off a rigid menu. We liked it so much we actually came back a second time during our trip. Highly recommend if you're into well-crafted cocktails, friendly bartenders, and a laid-back but elevated atmosphere.

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    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Custom Created cocktails by the mixologist!

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    Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Filthy Vodka Martini from the local Timber Line distillery.

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    Sad Valley - Delicious carne asada tacos from Taco Tuesday.

    Sad Valley

    4.3(46 reviews)
    0.7 miHumboldt, North Portland

    I just fell in love. And I went in soft and dry. Friends asked me to join them on a Monday night…read morefor karaoke. Ok, in the way back I had a group I would karaoke with but slowly our places closed, switched locations, changed crowds and it just was not great. The few spots I like are very crowded. This was such a great night. Crowded enough to be uplifting (seriously great crowd of awesome people) but not too many to be overwhelming. The Halloween AND Christmas vibes were pretty great. Made respect for first mounting a coffin on the ceiling, second - shoving a disco ball in it and, third... lighting it up like a freaking unicorn. Thanks to everyone putting in unique songs with a special shout out to the gent who put in sex Dwarf AND Too Drunk To Fuck... bravo... And, of note... I was having a less than stellar night with mobility but I didn't have a difficult time at all! It's a very straight forward space without crazy obstacles and the 'stage' area has a small step up. Even the bathrooms are accessible and easy to get in and out (and clean with fun graffiti!!). I can't wait to go back!

    Came here the other day for lunch and I'm already planning my return!…read more What acute unique " lively " place!! (Saying this for the coffin) Came in on a rainy day, the person behind the bar gave us menus and let us sit where we wanted to. The booths are so retro and cute also extremely clean! I definitely want to come back and make some photo content the place is so unique and fun to look at. When we were ready to order, we walked up to the bar. I forgot what burger it was, but had faithful in the name ordered our drinks. They made our drinks right then in there and we sat down with a number on our table. Although it was a slower day that food came out so quick and it was hot, you can tell it was made of fresh to order. The burger tasted very charbroiled. Also enjoyed that the fries had a lot of seasonings. I'm a girl who loves ketchup and I was able to eat these fries dry. Very tasty meal! Thank you who ever made that I enjoy the unique menu and fun names for everything that gets me. Excited about coming back again! Definitely want to try those slushees! Just wait for my wallet to get some meat on her and I'll be in!!! Take a trip to sad valley

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    Sad Valley - 11/17/2025 - Fabulous, even on a Monday! There's something fun mounted to every wall!

    11/17/2025 - Fabulous, even on a Monday! There's something fun mounted to every wall!

    Sad Valley - The "Faith Healer" burger that filled every seat for a week straight. Now permanently on the menu.

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    Sad Valley - Bought a mystery bags from vending machine in the back

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    Alma - turkish - Updated May 2026

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