Biwa

A biwa is a “short-necked fretted lute” from Japan; this we expect, is some sort of noodle metaphor, but if so we don’t know how to complete it. Something about melody and swelling, maybe.

In any case, Biwa is Portland’s premier ramen/udon spot, housed in the old La Luna/Pine Street building that also has Autentica buried in it somewhere. Dining/drinking are casual, on those ubiquitous little...

If you like sake, branch out and order a tumbler of sochu from Biwa's beverage list. The Japanese drink this distilled spirit in abundance - neat, in cocktails, or mixed with hot water and garnished with a slice of lemon.

To skip the wait in Biwa's oft-crowded entrance, gather a group of six friends and call ahead to reserve a table.

A short flight of stairs divides this cement-walled restaurant and bar, where diners congregate in a dimly lit room to the left or a crowded cluster of tables to the right. An ample counter bar...

Serving yakitori, ramen, and other Japanese specialties in SE Portland

Specializing in casual Japanese cuisine with an extensive selection of sake, shochu, wine and cocktails, Biwa offers the experience of izakaya, or Japanese taverns, in a friendly modern environment located just off of East Burnside in Portland?s Central Eastside Industrial District. Biwa is open daily from 5:00 until midnight.

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