Metrovino

Metrovino. We were excited to be trying a new restaurant with the ?best burger? in Portland. I called for a reservation a day ahead and was asked, ?Is this a special occasion?? I replied that this was my wife?s birthday. The relevance of this exchange will be clear in short order. We invited another couple to join us (they too would be first timers). We arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early and were greeted with, ?and is this a special occasion?? I again said it was my wife?s birthday. My wife was not really happy I?d spilled the beans, but she relaxed as we ordered two wine flights (including a sparkling one for her). When our friends arrived we all began to consider what to order. I for one was determined to try the burger, but that was not so simple. I was told that the burger was only available in the bar and that there are only 10 per night being provided to customers. We?d have to move from our booth into the bar, IF there were burgers available (one of our friends wanted to try the burger too). The bar was nearly full, but we found a table and our drinks were brought to us. Yes, there were two burgers still available. We ordered them. Later in the evening, 30 or 40 minutes later another burger was seen being delivered to patrons who had ordered after us. Perhaps they had ordered their burger when they made their reservation? Service was uneven in the bar. There were seemingly excessive delays between our various courses. The food itself was top notch with one exception. From the marrow bone appetizer to the burgers and salmon all were tasty and well prepared. The exception was the lamb ?T-bone? which was nothing more that a ? inch thick loin chop cooked medium well when it was promised to be medium rare. When it was dessert time, I expected that my wife would be brought a ?Happy Birthday? decorated dessert item (the adjoining table was brought such an item). But, nothing was forthcoming of the sort. We ordered the cherry/chocolate bread pudding (10-12 minutes required, but it took about 20 minutes). I was bummed that there were two questions about ?special occasion,? but nothing came of that while the birthday boy adjacent to us got a birthday treat. I?d come early, sit in the bar from the start and have the burger ($9 during happy hour). Skip planning a special occasion as it is seemingly a hit or miss chance that Metrovino?s system will actually respond with some acknowledgement (by the way I?d have been happy to provide my own or pay for theirs had I known they?d drop the ball). Live and learn. Pros: Many wines available by the glass; a good bar food spot Cons: Did not live up to the polish expected from other reviews more

We don't go out a lot, as we enjoy cooking at home. When we do, we expect a really good experience. Pros: Excellent wine selection, food & service Cons: Parking can be scarce more

Went here recently with our dining group and was very impressed. Overall I would say it's a bit of a special occasion place based on our bill (a little more than we usually spend), but well worth it, so you feel good when you leave - not ripped off. Very good wine selection (of course). I liked the wine tasting menu , which included some reasonably priced wines too. Fantastic soups - we had a few in our group and all were great (I had the tomato w/gorgonzola ""sandwich"" and it was dynamite). Our mains were great too - I had a fish with potato galette type thing and it was one of the best things I've ever eaten. Will absolutely go again. Pros: Amazing food, good atmosphere Cons: That it's in the Pearl, not on Eastside (where I live) more

My birthday is at the end of Oct. It falls right next to Halloween. My wife decided to drag me all the way across town to the Pearl. I wasn't too happy about it, but she seemed certain things would be just fine once we got to Metrovino. She was absolutely right! I am a FOODIE, thanks in large part to my wife. I believe a true foodie should try anything once. Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quinonenz have created a menu that allows you to try foods you don't see everyday along with well thought out classics. We started with an amazing Bone Marrow, insane Tripe Stew, and perfect Escargot. An earlier review seems to take issue with no complimentary bread. I'm grateful they don't, otherwise I wouldn't be able to eat as much of the wonderful bread they give with the starters. Perfect toast points for both the Marrow and Tripe is just what you get, and need to fully enjoy the craftsmanship on display. The escargot came with soft crusty warm bread for dipping as well. Simple ingredients taken to another level seems to be their passion at Metrovino, so when the Lamb and Clam Special was put in front of me I got really excited. That's right Lamb ( porter house chop and house made sausage patty) with Clams in a hearty white wine tomato, onion, calamata olive and caper sauce all come together on top of creamy polenta with some sauteed green beans that really came in handy with the sauce as well. My wife was busy freaking out about the Mussel entree that is literally a meal unto itself with fork tender pork and brussell sprouts in another amazing sauce and yes a healthy portion of bread is supplied to make sure you get every last bite, which is exactly what I helped her do. I'm not a birthday person, so when the best little chocolate cake ever was presented with a candle and a nod of recognition from our server, the ever helpful Toby, I knew my wife was right when she said everything would be fine. Actually she lied, everything was Great! Pros: Amazing Food and Wine Cons: I don't live closer more

Let's start by explaining that the staff is wonderful, and well educated. It's rare to find a restaurant where everyone is in tune with the restaurant, and it's functionality. The staff adds zest to the already beautiful ambiance. But the real reason you go is to dive into the beautiful food prepared by the Executive Chef, Gregory Denton, and the Chef de Cuisine Gabrielle Quinonez. Oh my goodness, this duo makes food sexy! My husband and I have eaten here several times, and each time we try something different. Oh where to begin, maybe the delectable Bone Marrow starter, which is the best I have ever had. Then they have the exquisitely crafted, in-house made, Duck Prosciutto that is paired with fig, and these wonderful Beignets that have a fig filling. They had a Mussel special last Friday, that was so divine I had to take a picture of it ( I don't usually get so carried away with my food). I believe it's possible that we have had almost every dessert and each of them are wonderfully prepared. The wine selection is the best in town. You're going to try wines that you most likely won't find anywhere else! Thank goodness you can have a tasting portion, because you can explore and have fun with it. You may get overwhelmed by the quality of the wine like I do, and want to try everything! I really could go on and on. But I will stop here and say the food is not stuffy, the staff is not stuffy. It's a great place to enjoy well prepared food that will blow your mind. Thank you so much for the great hospitality Metrovino! Pros: Food, Food, Food, and Service!!! Cons: Nothing! more

The ambiance is great at Metrovino, and the food is great so why is it so empty most nights of the week? Maybe the lack of complimentary bread with your meal and 4.5 oz glass of wine for price of a 6 oz glass at other places. That being said, I would recommend it, the rib-eye steak and pork shoulder were fabulous, the service is also pretty good. Hopefully Metrovino will figure it out and become a Pearl favorite. Pros: Nice selection of wine and patio that is dog friendly Cons: 4.5 oz glass of wine and no free bread more