Ikenohana

I met a Japanese international student in college who helped me expand my taste palate. We started making it a point to look for restaurants owned by first generation Japanese folks so he could get a feel for home again. We found Ikenohana and he was so delighted to be able to eat home cooked meals. My personal favorite - katsudon. It is the best katsudon in the Portland area. HOWEVER. Service is great...for him. They always greeted him warmly and conversed with him. Then they give me a side glance as though saying ""...and why did you bring this person here."" See, I am a dark SE asian person. Later on my friend admitted that Japanese society frown on most people unless they are Japanese or caucasian. This really does not upset me that much because I get it all the time. But I had the last straw with Ikenohana when He and I took my cousins there and they are pretty dark and they've been mistaken for Mexicans before. We took them on a Friday night and I know bad service is inevitable anywhere on a Friday night. But this was intentionally bad. We weren't greeted when we walked in but there was a Japanese family and then later a Caucasian family that came in AFTER us that were kindly greeted and were SEATED before us. We stood there for 10 minutes kind of shocked because he had a repertoire with them. Finally another family came through the door and the host saw them and asked them how many people and the family looked and pointed at us and said ""they were here first""...THEN we were finally noticed. It doesn't stop there. We waited about 20 minutes for water while the table that was seated 15 minutes after us got theirs immediately and they also were asked to ordered before us. We were the only non-japanese, non-white table there and I felt so horrible for my cousins. My Japanese friend told me he felt so embarrassed as a fellow Japanese and was so outraged and kept apologize profusely. We even joked around about doing a dine-and-dash but I told him the best thing for us to do right now is just pay and not support a business like this. So overall, LOVE the food but CAN NOT support the racism. Pros: Great food, cozy ma & pa feeling Cons: Racist more

I have eaten at Ikenohana for the last eight years. I love their sushi, but recently had an experience that has left me sour. We typically order take out and the last several attempts have been less than pleasant. In the last two weeks, when I have called to place an order, I have been asked to call back....yes, call back.... I did the first time because my heart was set on it, but the second time, I refused. I'm not sure what is so hard about taking an order and then letting the customer know it will take awhile since they are so busy, but to make a customer call back? They lost me. Subsequently, we called Mio Sushi (two locations in Beaverton) and they were more than happy to have our business. Sorry Ikenohana, you have lost a long time customer since you don't have time for us anymore. Pros: Excellent, fresh sushi Cons: They can't handle busy times more

This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in Portland. I would eat there every day if I could afford it. I spent a bit of time in Japan when in college, and this place brings back those memories like no other. It's small, humble, unassuming, but the food is excellent and authentic. The staff is great, and they remind me of Japan as well. Part of me wants Ikenohana to buy new furniture, but another part of me wants them to keep things exactly as they are. I love the salad with the ginger dressing that comes with the meals. The miso soup is also perfect. I often get a Bento box with Sushi/Sashimi, tonkatsu, tempura, and that sweet cucumber salad with shrimp (forget the name)... and a large sake (evenings only, of course.) The chicken katsu is also excellent. Their teriyaki chicken and beef have never disappointed. You can generally roll me out of that place when I'm done... I have no self control there. Also, when you're there you will notice that most of the customers are Asian... which is also a pretty good indicator of authenticity and quality. Pros: Authentic food and atmosphere... feels like Japan. Cons: Doesn't look impressive. Not open 24/7 :-) more

If you're looking for a quick and delicious bite, Ikenohana is the place to go. This is a stand-by for my husband and I, and we typically go there once a week. The staff is friendly, the facility is clean and the sushi is absolutely delicious. I whole-heartedly recommend checking this place out! more

My coworkers and I have been going to Ikenohana once a week for the past 3 years. Their sushi is good, and their udons are also quite nice. I really love their curry beef on rice. Really, you can't go wrong with just about anything here. The wait staff is polite and prompt. I think of the 150-some times we've been there, we've only had slowness getting our orders maybe twice at the most. Pros: great food, great service more

Quiet with Asian music enjoyable atmosphere\r Tasty food also. We have been here several times.\r Nice Decor.\r Pros: Very good more

I highly recommend Ikenohana to anyone in the area of Beaverton. I frequent this place now ever since I stopped by few months ago (April 07). This place is reasonably priced and I love the sashimi bento (lunch) and sashimi dinner. I am a Japanese native so trust me when I say the food is pretty good. Servers are friendly too! more

Incredible food! Everything I've tried here (sushi, yakisoba, udon, tempura, teriyaki beef, teriyaki chicken, miso soup, to name just a few!) is WONDERFUL! Excellent prices for huge portions. Pros: Great prices, huge portions, excellent food. Cons: Atmosphere leaves much to be desired - not pretty! more

A good dependable Japanese Restaurant with real Japanese food. Nothing too fancy, just good food. Their Bento dinners are winners you can get Tonkatsu, Teriyaki Chicken, Sashimi & Tempura for about $15, including miso, salad and tsunomono. Pros: Good Food, Good Sized Portions more

this japanese restaurant is very authentic. the food is delicious and the service is great. i highly recommend this restaurant if you want good authentic japanese food!! enjoy!!! more

I am one of their regulars since I came here in the US from Japan 3 years ago! I love their Sunomono (sweet vinegar salad) that taste EXACTLY like that my mom makes! I go Ikenohana whenever I miss my mom.... I highly recommend Ikenohana because of their great food, good price, great service and friendly waitresses! more