Welcome to Nimblefish
Nimblefish is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, specializing in edomae-style sushi. With a focus on quality, the restaurant sources fish directly from Japan and local waters, ensuring freshness in every dish. Guests enjoy an intimate omakase experience, where each course is thoughtfully presented and accompanied by expert explanations. The menu highlights delicacies like big-eye tuna, Hokkaido scallops, and smoked mackerel, showcasing masterful preparation techniques. Diners appreciate the simple elegance of each bite, allowing the purity of flavors to shine. At Nimblefish, the art of sushi transcends a meal—it's a profound journey through the essence of seafood.
- 1524 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 Hotline: (503) 719-4064
Welcome to Nimblefish: a culinary treasure nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Located at 1524 SE 20th Ave, this intimate eatery has quickly become a beacon for sushi enthusiasts and those seeking an exquisite dining experience. With a focus on Edomae-style sushi, Nimblefish offers an array of meticulously crafted dishes that celebrate the freshest seafood from both local waters and far-off shores.
Upon entering Nimblefish, you're greeted by a clean and minimalist interior that sets the stage for the artistry that lies ahead. The atmosphere is both cozy and exclusive, with limited seating around the chef's counter, allowing for an unparalleled connection between the guests and the skilled sushi chefs. This deliberate design fosters a singular focus on the food and the craftsmanship that goes into every dish.
- Freshness at Its Core: Nimblefish prides itself on sourcing ingredients from the finest markets around the globe. Patrons rave about the wild bluefin tuna, Norwegian mackerel, and the delicate Hokkaido scallop, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
- Omakase Experience: The star of the show is undoubtedly the omakase, a multi-course meal that allows the chef to showcase seasonal specialties. Each course is presented thoughtfully, inviting diners to savor every flavor. One customer highlighted the divine mackerel and the surprising tamago, showcasing the versatility and craftsmanship present in the menu.
- Sashimi and Nigiri Delights: Beyond the omakase, the menu features an impressive selection of sashimi and nigiri. Diners can indulge in carefully curated selections, like the Sake Sashimi—fresh Atlantic salmon—or the Tako Nigiri, featuring tender boiled octopus from Spain. With prices catering to a variety of tastes, each piece tells a story of its origin, preparation, and the care imbued in every bite.
Customer feedback consistently praises the quality of the ingredients and the knowledge of the staff. One visitor noted the unique experience of enjoying seafood endemic to Oregon, coupled with global delights, enhancing both the palate and cultural appreciation. The servers are attentive and eager to share the intricacies of each dish, from the rice preparation to the artisanal techniques employed in sushi-making.
Despite some criticisms regarding pricing, many patrons feel that the experience is well worth the splurge, particularly for special occasions. Whether celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in remarkable sushi, Nimblefish stands as a gem in Portland's vibrant culinary scene.
Final Thoughts: If you're on the hunt for an intimate dining experience that emphasizes the artistry and freshness of sushi, look no further than Nimblefish. This restaurant not only satisfies your hunger but also enriches your appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Make sure to consider making a reservation to enjoy this delightful culinary journey.

Came here on a date and although I saw reservations were recommended, I was gratefully able to get a table without. Super fresh fish, great service, lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Amazing experience. Edomae-style sushi is hard to find in general, and trying it at a place that specializes in it was a treat. The omakase is on the affordable side, and each course was fantastic. Every bite was simple but elegant, and the cured fish, particularly the mackerel, was divine. I have to say the tamago was the sleeper hit. I wasn't expecting much from it, but I knew I had to order it when I saw it in an Eater video on Nimblefish--best bite of the night! The sake pairing was alright, probably wouldn't do it again. Ordered a few things a la carte, like the A5, but the omakase was definitely the highlight and was sufficient food portion-wise. Nice, clean interior with expectedly good service!

Excellent, best I've had and definitely left full. Ambiance is slightly odd but just keep the focus on the chef's counter. Great saki as well.

4.75 stars. An edomae-style omakase that resonates similarly to the intimate Okamase Yume in Chicago, IL, Nimblefish intermingles local seafood with excellent selections across the globe. This experience included seafood endemic to Oregon such as two dishes featuring shrimp from Coos Bay as well as an assortment of global experiences. For example, your journey may involve smoked mackerel from the waters of Norway or perhaps striped jack outside a tiny province in Japan. You'll definitely enjoy some of the best sushi rice I've ever eaten in a Stateside sushi restaurant. The rice here is sourced from a northeastern province in Japan, and it's stunningly clear that sourcing and preparation are taken very seriously at Nimblefish. I've seen a few reviews that have complained about price which is odd to me. This was one of the more reasonably priced omakase experiences I have had in the States and doubled as one that was certainly well above standard. I thought that was another reason Nimblefish is excellent. I will note, however, that drink pairings outside of sake tend to be expensive. Everyone who worked here was fantastic. Our sushi chef certainly added value to our experience as he thoroughly explained each of the dishes and even spent some time speaking about why they use different Japanese knives, how they clean certain seafood, and other interesting items that increased our relative knowledge base during our dinner. Obviously, there are plenty of wonderful options for sushi within Portland for omakase but I would note that this experience is worth your time.

It is an amazing experience when you have dinner at Nimblefish. We were one of four couples who sat at the bar to enjoy Omakase, so it was a very intimate evening. Each dish was served one by one and each party is told what we are eating as it's served to us. The attention to detail is what makes this place special. They have a special process of washing their rice and brush a homemade soy/sake mix onto most pieces of fish. Not to mention we tried fish we've never had before because of their fresh global shipments. It's very pricey to eat here but worth every dollar.

Pretty place, they import all the fish from japans fish markets. It's an intimate setting, there isn't a lot of space. The person who served us was friendly and knowledgeable. I still feel it was very overpriced.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Nimblefish, and it was an absolute delight from start to finish. The 11-piece omakase experience, priced at $95 per person, was a culinary journey unlike any other. What truly sets Nimblefish apart is their dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients, with exotic fish flown in straight from Japan. From the delicate Shima Aji Ehima to the robust Buri Toyama and the smoky richness of the Smoked Saba from Norway, each bite was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality. What I appreciated most about Nimblefish was their approach to presentation. Instead of overwhelming the palate with unnecessary embellishments, they let the freshness of the fish speak for itself. The simple yet elegant presentation allowed each flavor to shine, highlighting the subtle nuances of each ingredient. From the first bite to the last, I was captivated by the purity and depth of flavors. In addition to the exceptional food, the service at Nimblefish was impeccable. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about sharing their love for Japanese cuisine. From guiding us through the menu to explaining the origins of each dish, they enhanced the overall dining experience. Overall, Nimblefish exceeded all expectations, offering a culinary experience that was both memorable and deeply satisfying. If you're looking for a Japanese restaurant that celebrates the essence of seafood with every bite, look no further than Nimblefish. It's a true gem in the culinary landscape.

Especially expensive tasting menu $$$$ Especially tasty tasting menu ~ generally it is expected that higher priced sushi bars have fresh fish. The fish at Nimble not only are fresh, but unique catches not readily seen anywhere else. Very limited chef's bar top seating ~ watch them prepare each serving and personally share the origin and preparation. Intimate decor & setting, almost too quiet. No lounge or bar area. Strictly for sushi lovers. A special treat for a special occasion.

What an incredibly intimate dining experience this was. No matter your thoughts on the food and price, you have to admit that you feel pretty exclusive to be eating among the 12 other people in the restaurant. You also pretty much have your own private sushi chef who is knowledgeable, attentive, and an absolute artist. I came with a group of 4, the seating was a little bit awkward with a group all sitting together but they planned it so we had to corner of the bar so we could see each other at least. We ordered the 13 plate omikase and it was the perfect amount of food. All of the different types of fish, with incredible flavor combinations and fresh ingredients made it into an absolute culinary experience. The only reason for the 1 star deduction was simply because of the price. I know with inflation that prices went up but it does feel like a very pricey night out at the end of your meal and I wouldn't have thought it was worth it if we had gone with the non-premium omikase. Would I come back? Probably not. Would I refer it to my friends, absolutely!