Afuri, the trendy Portland outpost of a Tokyo favorite, serves vibrant ramen and crispy gyoza in a sleek space that's perfect for casual dining or grabbing takeout.
"The CEO of Tokyo-based ramen shop Afuri famously said the company chose to open its first US location in Portland because the pH of the water is closest to that of Mount Afuri. Thanks to that detail-oriented choice, refreshing yuzu-shio ramen with tender marinated pork belly, chewy noodles, and bright soft boiled egg is now a Stumptown staple. Enjoy the light, crisp, citrusy chicken broth in the large, sleek dining room, or along the bar where you watch the cooks making gyoza or skewers." - Rebecca Roland, Nick Woo, Brooke Jackson-Glidden
"Popular ramen chain Afuri is the place for a bowl of yuzu shio ramen, but don’t miss out on the dumplings and small plates like the soft shell crab bun, crisp karaage, and seasonal specials like a watermelon salad seasoned with shichimi pepper and nori. Pair the Japanese food with one of nuanced sakes from an extensive list — or even try a flight of two-ounce pours." - Krista Garcia
"The Southwest Portland location of Tokyo-based Afuri offers an extended dumpling menu, crispy-frying its pork gyoza and wrapping pork and shrimp in a delicate wonton wrapper. The buta gyoza are not to be missed, though vegetarians may prefer the restaurant’s miso cashew dumplings. Order them “winged,” or fried with a slurry to give them a lacy, crispy “skirt.”" - Thom Hilton, Seiji Nanbu
"This Tokyo-to-Portland ramen and dumpling house makes one of Portland’s most memorable bowls of vegan ramen. Start with the miso-cashew gyoza, which arrive as a conjoined star, and then go to town on a bowl of Afuri’s vegan hazelnut tantanmen. The soup is an exceedingly enjoyable combination of bok choy, mushroom, leeks, sesame tare, and miso cashew crumbles in a soft, creamy hazelnut broth with just a tingle of spice. Afuri is available for takeout or delivery." - Jenni Moore
"Unlike basketball players attempting baseball careers and singer/songwriters trying out acting in Hallmark movies, Afuri manages to be excellent at a number of things. Their signature yuzu shio bowl is some of the best ramen in the city, but their menu also includes small plates, rolls, and sashimi - all of which we like a lot. Plus, they have vegan options like the Hazelnut Tantanmen, with a miso base flavored with the local nut, plus vegetables, and miso-cashew crumbles. It’s all served in a super modern and sleek space that’s just as great for a solo dinner at the bar as it is for a group of people who reject the premise that soups can’t be shared." - Krista Garcia
