We came here for our anniversary and everything was amazing. First of all coming in we were blown away by the ambiance and the cherry blossom tree. I have no idea how they even got that here but it definitely enhanced the experience Our service was great too, very attentive and knowledgeable. They also have a very decent amount of vegetarian options. We started off with the corn kakiage and mushroom baos, both were very delicious and savory. Our favorite was the kimchi fried rice. It was so good I forgot to take a picture The drinks we got were amazing too, our favorite was the litchi martini for sure Finally for dessert we got the matcha tiramisu which was so creative and a no brainer for us because it was 2 of our favorite things in one 10/10 worth it Yes everything is pricy but for fine dining and the experience we thought it was all worth it Perfect for a special occasion read more

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We came here for our annual work dinner with our coworkers. We ordered "WIDE VARIETY of appetizers" from the "Hot", "Cold" and "ITAMEMONO" sections to try and majority of the main entrees from "land" and "sea". Standout MUST ORDER appetizers for your time here are "garlic wok mussels" and "steak tartare". Mussels are incredibly well seasoned in what I see as an asian fusion type of soy sauce/hosin. Great tasting mussels, no sand and not overpowering sauce. The steak tartare was the standout, they handled the raw ingredients very well and milk bread complimented it very well. As for the entree, I had the 10z grilled Ribeye. It's greatly plated, I love the addition of the sauce, salt and wasabi. It came with pickled greens and salads. But for a high end restaurant, I was a bit dissatisfied and disappointed by the ribeye itself, it was hard to eat since it was abnormally very "CHEWY" which is not normal for a high cut steak. Although the 10z ribeye was the "best value" for your dollar due to its portions compared to other dishes, it being very chewy knocks Janken down as a whole for me. I want to preface I ordered it as medium rare. The highlight of my meal was the matcha tiramisu, wok mussels, and steak tartare. For a high end restaurant, I would say majority of your dollars goes into the aesthetic and nice atmosphere of the place since its accompany with a nice cherry blossom tree and great attentive staff. Food wise... definitely went into the plating and aesthetics, I can recommend ordering from the ITAMEMONO, and hot/cold section. I can't recommend any other dishes though, that'll be up to y'all to try. What stops Janken from getting a 5 stars from me is a defining must order "entree". read more

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Recently went with a large group & had a lovely time. The restaurant was busy but not overly loud. We had a large table with bench seating in one side facing the tree, a beautiful setting for our dinner. Pretty much everything our server recommended was delicious! Started with spicy edamame, Chef's choice sashimi & nigiri, and then the heirloom salad, all so fresh & flavorful. We also had the tuna & steak tartare, I usually don't go for steak tartare but this was fantastic & I'm glad I tried it! Loved the tiny milk bread toasts it was served with. Our server talked up the waygu fried rice, for me it was just so so. But the waygu gyoza was absolutely fire! The sleeper hit was the fried green beans, could have had just that dish & been perfectly happy! Brussel sprouts were great as well. For mains we did the branzino, the skin was crispy & paired well with the creamy sauce. My top 2 dishes were def the hamachi crispy rice, and the smoked waygu short rib. Those alone are worth going back for! We ended the evening with a couple orders of the bingsu, very pretty but not my cup of tea. Looking forward to going back & trying the matcha tiramisu. read more

Janken - Bingsu - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Janken is a must- hit for lovers of Japanese & Korean cuisine. The modern ambiance and vibes mixed with exceptional service and a broad menu made it a treat. Not to mention prices were VERY reasonable for the quality of food/service (+ auto 20% service fee, love to see it) Both cocktails we had, we agreed, were our new favorites in Portland. Just special drinks. The sushi, Truffle Tuna in particular, was the star of the show. We were really impressed by the freshness & flavors in the rolls. Truffle in sushi was new to us but absolutely incredible. We would also recommend the Brussel Sprouts & Yangnyum chicken. Both had lots of texture and flavor. The kimchi vinaigrette stood out in particular. Just go to Janken. You'll love it. read more

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Dined at Janken for a special night out and left feeling a bit mixed overall. The ambiance is undeniably beautiful. The interior feels upscale and thoughtfully designed, with a stunning tree centerpiece that really sets the mood. It's definitely an Instagram-worthy space and a great spot if you're going for atmosphere and aesthetics. Service was also excellent throughout the evening, with staff who were attentive, professional, and very accommodating. That said, while the food was good in terms of quality and presentation, nothing we tried truly stood out or felt memorable for the price point. Each dish was enjoyable, but for a higher-end restaurant, I was hoping for flavors or creativity that would really wow me. Overall, it's a lovely place for the vibes and a polished dining experience, but I'm not fully convinced the food justifies the higher price tag. read more

Janken - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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The same person who helped create the vibes for Vitolo in Fort Lauderdale, also helped with Janken in Portland. The attention to detail and this trendy vibe in Portland Oregon was much needed. The food here is out of this world. The staff were so professional knowledgeable about the menu and really cared about the experience here. We went here for a friend's birthday and she was completely blown away. The next time I am in Portland, I will definitely be visiting. read more

Amazing Japanese Korean spot with a variety of high end offerings including sushi, caviar, and Wagyu. Had the crudo, bulgogi japchae (potato glass noodles - my favorite), sushi, salmon tacos with ikura, an amazing mushroom and fried rice dish. Good cocktails and a nice selection of wine! read more

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Been here twice and impressed each time! We had a whole assortment of family style dishes and the stand outs were the fried green beans (maybe the best I've had!), spicy edamame was very unique and flavorful, the eggplant nasu katsu was super divine as well - fried but interesting and full of flavor and texture. I was not disappointed in my old fashioned either - excellent pour and presentation. The atmosphere is also a nice balance of high end and comfortable. Check this place out for an elevated Portland dinner! read more

Great vibes... Great service... My server was Connor and he did a good job.. I had the miso soup, Bronzino, boneless chicken, which was like Korean fried chicken, miso cod... Food was good, small plates, shareable. Everything came out hot, fresh, and tasty.. Last reservation was at 9pm... We got seated right away.. Great spot!!! read more

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This restaurant felt like it tries for a very specific, high-profile vibe, and I personally prefer a bit more cozy and relaxed. The tree in the center of the room is pretty and dramatic. The food was good but overpriced. We tried many dishes and most were over seasoned, especially the green beans. The raw oysters were delicious and the scallops too. The service was great and they accoomodated dietary restrictions. I'm glad we gave it a shot. read more

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Food quality: 4.5/5. Such fresh and unique flavors fusion with korean & Japanese inspiration. Service: top tier!! One of best services ever. Atmosphere: cozy, romantic, modern, and relaxing. Overall experience: wonderful!! 10/10 would recommend. Notes: make sure to book reservation ahead online! read more

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Came here while visiting from Florida, a few months ago. The lobster roll was absolutely fantastic, I think about it alllll the time and wish I was closer lol. The drinks were also amazing!!! And the atmosphere was so beautiful, they have a large tree in the middle of the place & it was gorgeous. It will 100% be on my to-do list next time I'm in Portland!! Def recommend if you're in the area read more

We came for a birthday, group of 10. When I arrived, 5/10 of the group was already there. My being the 6th, they had my friends waiting at the bar and wouldn't seat us until everyone arrived. Even though our table was ready and available for our group to sit. After another 10 minutes of waiting they advised we could sit, there were now 7/10 for the group. Service was ok. I had about 1/3 of my drink left and a waiter came a grabbed it off the table while asking if I was done. You wait till the customer responds before you put your hands on their item. No, I wasn't done with 1/3 of my drink left. Food was ok, overpriced in my opinion. Ambiance is nice with a beautiful tree in the center. No menus, they have business cards on the table that you scan with your phone to view the menu. Street parking was difficult so we parked in a nearby garage. read more

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I just went here for the first time with my partner for a date night, and we were both blown away. The atmosphere was perfect for a date night, it wasn't too loud that you could've hear each other but it also felt intimate like no one else could hear you. For drinks, definitely try one of their cocktails! My partner and I agreed they were some of the best cocktails we've had in Portland. For food, we got the crispy brussel sprouts which we're a kimchi sauce and were divine! We got the Yangnyum chicken with the most delicious Korean sweet and spicy sauce. The standout wad the Truffle tuna. I never would've thought to pair tuna with truffle but the flavors blended together seamlessly! Overall, it was some of the most impressive sushi in Portland! read more

Janken - Cocktails - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I was walking around the neighborhood and stumbled across this place. It was very busy when I walked in, but fortunately they did have a seat at the bar where I gladly took a seat. This restaurant is very high-end and bougie with a great ambience . And I mean that in a good way. You aren't just coming here for the food you're coming here for the experience and the staff were amazing with explaining what they have on their menu and how the food would be served. It was a great experience. It's definitely expensive to eat here, but it's most definitely worth the experience that you get while dining inside. I have eaten a lot of of Japanese cuisine in the area and Janken really hit the spot for me. It's high up there in the best Japanese restaurants that I've eaten at in the PDX area . This is a place that you want to take a person or group you are trying to impress for a special occasion. read more

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Menu was vast and unique. We picked items to share which was plentiful, not to mention delish. I would eat there every week until I tasted it all. The back table in the back was private and the window view was happy and tree lined, sunny. They open at 4 pm eat early you will be full. I believe everyone in the restaurant took care of us What a evening! And desert read more

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janken has such a beautiful low-lit ambiance ! we came here for a dinner with some visiting friends and we felt so fancy ! we got a bunch of smaller plates to share and enjoyed them all ! our server was also so sweet ! read more

Janken - hamachi crispy rice and wagyu gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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"Janken" did not seem like an appropriate name for this place after visiting. Then I realized its name is probably not of English origins. So I looked it up. I guess it's Japanese for a game of rock paper scissors. This made me even more confused. So I decided to focus on the food. This is one of them high end fancy places you normally wouldn't catch me dead inside. But it was my birthday and my gf treated me. The service here was exceptional. The menu was unique and interesting. Everything was at least good but not everything was great. At a fancy pants place like this, you really want to get what you pay for. Maybe it fell short of that, but you would never be disappointed. I can't run down everything we ate, but follow your heart. It's a super cool experience and legit food all the way around. (4.4 Stars) read more

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This has been on my list of places to go and I finally got the chance to dine here for a friend's birthday. Reservation was easy to make on their website and it was surprisingly busy on a Tuesday night when we were there! (Also equally surprising was how many free spots there were for parking close to it) Obviously their cherry blossom tree is iconic and in the middle of the space. It really contributes to the overall elegance and vibe of the place - very romantic! We came here when they first opened at 5pm so we were able to take advantage of the Happy Hour specials. Our server was so friendly and did an amazing job explaining the Japanese/Korean fusion menu and had some great suggestions. Every dish that came out was so pretty with an equally appealing aroma that wafts through the entire restaurant. We didn't order any rolls but they looked so fresh and the short ribs on the grill looked amazing too! The cocktail special came inside a Smokey dome (we didn't get it but saw it with other tables) but the jasmine drink was yummy. We ordered a few things to share but the most notable for all of us is definitely the Crispy Noodle Salad (omg that dressing!) and the Strawberry Bingsu for dessert. The bingsu was so big we barely finished it with 3 people and it was super creamy and refreshing on a hot day. This is on the more pricey side ($$$$) so it will be more of a special occasion spot for me but they do have good Happy Hour deals! read more

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The atmosphere is amazing! Great food & great service, would definitely recommend! For food we got Kimchi fried rice, tempura shrimp roll, yangnyun chicken, A5 wagyu maki, spicy wok edamame & a few cocktails! read more

Janken - Litchi Martini - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I wanted to love Janken but the experience didn't live up to the cost. Our server was fine at first, but once a VIP group sat next to us, the service noticeably dropped. We even ordered dessert to go, and it was literally dropped on our table with a quick "how's the food?" before the server immediately turned her attention back to the VIP group. It felt dismissive. It left us feeling overlooked, which isn't what you expect from a restaurant at this price point. Also, gratuity was automatically included, which took us by surprise given the mediocre service. Hoping they improve consistency because the food itself was good. read more

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Before going to Portland, I looked up for the best restaurants currently in downtown and Janken was the one recommended by many. We didn't have time to reserve since we weren't sure on the timeline. Luckily, we found an opening and were welcomed in. This is an upscale Korean Japanese fusion restaurant. We loved the simplistic ambiance and the set up. For drinks we went with Pineapple Express, litchi martini, night owl and figuratively speaking. The drinks were perfect and delicious, we loved the litchi martini and Pineapple Express presentation. Figuratively speaking was a let down and would skip it. For food we ordered mushroom bao buns and crispy Brussel sprouts for appetizers. Both were top notch and we finished in no time. For main course we ordered yaki udon and kimchi fried rice. I would skip the fried rice, it was not that great and not worth the money. We wrapped up our dinner with Dubai to Janken and match tiramisu. The desserts were the best part of our meal. We wish the Dubai to janken portion was a little bigger. The tiramisu was a show stopper for sure. The pricing is $$$ since it's upscale but the service is worth it! read more

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Incredible food, service, and atmosphere! I came here for a friend's birthday; we got the Litchi Martini to drink. We also shared the Wagyu Gyoza, Shrimp Tempura Makimono, Steak Tartare, Sake Nigiri, Spicy Yellowtail Makimono, and Maguro Nigiri. Everything was brought out fairly quickly as it was ready, and was perfect to share with the table. We ended with the Ube Crème Brûlée and it was to die for. Perfect date night, perfect for out of town guests, 10/10. read more

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Absolutely awesome dining experience. The food, the decor, our server, everything was amazing. Everything except the very end of our meal I will admit. We waited almost 35-40 minutes for the wagyu nigiri- strange because it was the very last thing we ordered I think we were forgotten. It happens. If you're looking for a meal to impress someone come here and be prepared to spend some $ read more

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We had a wonderful anniversary dinner tonight at Janken. One of our favorite bites of fish we've ever had was served here. Our waitress Morgan was very helpful and proactive in her service, and she even got us a complimentary dessert on the house. The dishes we liked most were the truffle salmon carpaccio, the chefs choice nigiri and the mushroom bao. It's a very calm restaurant inside, and they really do strive to take care of you. The only negative thing that occurred was that many dishes use smoke components, and I found that the smell of smoke around me was influencing the taste of my dishes, but it was something I quickly got over. My husband and I shared 8 dishes (plus dessert), that was probably one too many, as we left quite full with leftovers. read more

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Went here for my birthday recently and had a better experience than the last time! The food is amazing as always and the service was very kind and nice! I was too full to try the ube crème bulee but I'll come back again just for that read more

Janken - Pineapple Express - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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We've been here many times and really love the amazing food, atmosphere and impressive service. Always a great date night or special occasion. read more

Lovely restaurant. Shocked it has taken us so long to try it. Drinks were unique. Saki delish. Nigiri was fresh. Brussel sprouts and gyoza a must. Fried rice was fine. Peking duck was quite good. Excellent top notch service. We will be back read more

Made a reservation to come in on a Saturday night. It was pretty busy but we didn't have to wait very long for the food to come out. The food comes out as it's made by what we were told. We had the corn kakiage, crispy brussels sprouts, salmon, grilled ribeye, and miso black cod (not pictured). My favorite was the grilled ribeye and miso black cod. The corn and crispy Brussels sprouts were okay but felt like they were missing something. This place is pretty pricey and the portions are small for the appetizers. Our server was great and addressed all our concerns. read more

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Janken is absolutely lovely. The ambiance is beautiful with warm, welcoming lighting and the 15-foot-tall cherry blossom tree. The servers were all so sweet. And of course, the food was to die for. read more

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My partner made reservations as an early Valentine's Day treat, and wow, this place did not disappoint. We were first seated in the back of the restaurant, where it was a little chilly. He mentioned he had requested a table near the BEAUTIFUL tree in the center of the restaurant, so I politely asked if we could move. They happily obliged, and instantly we were warmer, cozier, and living our best main character lives. The menu is accessed via QR code, which would have been great if both our phones were not clinging to life at under 10%. Without hesitation, our waitress brought us a paper menu and offered to charge my phone. Honestly, that level of care deserves 5 stars of its own. Now, let's talk food, because wow. What we ordered: 1. Spicy Yellowtail Roll Tasty, flavorful, and not too spicy. Approachable spice with personality. 2. Heirloom Tomato Salad The grape tomatoes were bursting with flavor from the vinaigrette, and the heirlooms were fresh and refreshing. Simple, but done right. 3. Kimchi Fried Rice The homemade kimchi is absolutely killer. I am already excited to eat the leftovers tonight like it is a planned event. 4. Kimchi Brussels Sprouts Crispy, fried, and cooked perfectly. Even Brussels skeptics would convert. 5. 10oz Ribeye Beautifully paired with palate cleansing cucumbers, radish, onions, and a chutney that delivered something delightful in every single bite. 6. Coconut and Ube Crème Brûlée This dessert made my eyes roll back. It was that good. I am still actively fantasizing about it. From thoughtful service to incredible food, this was a total win. We will absolutely be back, probably soon and definitely hungry. read more

There's NO place in town for Peking Duck but this place and it is delicious. Love the ambiance. Great playlist. Awesome food selection. The cocktails are on point. The staff is super friendly. This is our go-to for a fancy night out. LOVE IT! read more

Janken is definitely one of the places that you'll need to up your budget for. With the beautiful decor and the intimate feeling of the restaurant it's great for a date night! We ordered the meat hot plate, bingsu, street corn, and the seafood tacos and each of them were definitely really good! For how expensive they all were the taste definitely packed a punch! The service was good but felt a little confusing as they brought out each item separately so that you had time to enjoy them, I think with some communication with the servers this could be changed. Overall it was a nice experience but I'm not sure I would go again due to the poor parking in the area as well as the price for portion. read more

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Janken was okay at best, did not have a lot going for it and our table was not attended with much care. For the price there are significantly better spots in the city. I ordered Peking Duck and was so salty that it was inedible. I would not come here again. read more

We had such an amazing dinner for 8 adults at Janken. Excellent food with lots of complexity of flavors, drinks were fantastic, vibe was awesome. We got drinks at the bar before being seated and the bartender was really great. Service overall was top-notch. Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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Excellent food, excellent drinks, excellent service, excellent ambiance, pricy but so worth it! See for yourself! read more

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Came here for Valentine's Day and had a delicious time. I'm a big fan of places that have a variety of small plates so that you can try a little of everything. Everything was very yummy - the hamachi crispy rice, sticky pork ribs, and chocolate bar cake stood out to me. I think Janken is worth trying once but not somewhere I need to come back again. Service was incredible - very attentive, friendly, and top notch. read more

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Food: 3.5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 For our anniversary, we chose this restaurant, drawn in by its reputation for fine dining and its stunning ambiance. With a reservation, we were promptly seated beneath the central blossom tree it was a beautiful touch that added to the intimate atmosphere.The check in staff was welcoming, and James, our server, was attentive and accommodating throughout the night. What We Ordered: *The Marigold Hotel Cocktail* This drink started off great, but as it sat on the table, the flavors seemed to deteriorate, which was a bit disappointing. *Litchi Martini* The subtle sweetness from the lychee added depth and balance, making it my favorite drink of the night. *Chef's Choice Nigiri ($75)* While the presentation was elegant and the fish undeniably fresh, the selection felt underwhelming. The flavors, though delicate, lacked the uniqueness one might expect at this price point. The toro stood out as a highlight, but overall, this dish didn't justify its cost. *Negi Toro Maki Roll* If I ever see a negitoro on the menu I have into order it bc it's my favorite, this one was decent even tho the seaweed was a tad bit stale. *Steak Tartare* Hands down, my favorite dish of the night. The accompanying milk toast was a delightful contrast soft yet crispy and paired beautifully with the tartare. The truffle flavor was prominent and well balanced, and it completely erased any hesitation about eating raw meat. A perfect 5/5. *Pork Sticky Ribs* While I don't eat pork, my boyfriend loved this dish. The meat was tender, fall off the bone, with a flavorful sweet and sour glaze that made it a hit for him. *Grilled Ribeye* Another highlight of the night! Meat was tender and not dry at all even for well done. The chimichurri was really good, and the accompanying vegetables provided a nice palate cleanser. For dessert I got the *Japanese Matcha Tiramisu* This was a bit too sweet for my taste, but the mascarpone was soft, creamy, and well made. The hint of matcha bitterness balanced the sweetness nicely, making it an overall enjoyable dessert. This restaurant excels in ambiance and service, delivering an experience that feels special from the moment you walk in. The food, while solid, didn't quite reach the level of culinary artistry expected for the price. The standout dishes, like the steak tartare and ribeye, were exceptional, but others such as the Chef's Choice Nigiri fell short of their premium price point. The environment itself is a mixed bag: while the blossom tree and lighting create an inviting and romantic setting, the tightly spaced tables make for a somewhat cramped and noisy dining experience. At $320 for two people, this is a place best reserved for special occasions rather than casual outings. If you're seeking a restaurant with excellent service, a memorable atmosphere, and a few standout dishes, this spot delivers. Just be prepared for the premium pricing and consider skipping the Chef's Choice Nigiri. Note: Automatic 20% charge on all order. read more

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Food was simple yet exquisite our server was very nice and attentive but the best part was the cheesecake holy smokes mouthgasm read more

Janken - My Japanese amigo was very satisfied but not as much as habibi - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Absolutely delicious and honestly worth the price. We tried a bit of everything and ring up a big bill but we'll go back and know exactly what we like. Ambiance was top tier, perfect for a fancy date night. read more

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