Iconic Seafood Restaurant Roe Finally Declares Opening Date

A three-time James Beard nominee for Best Chef Northwest, Trent Pierce tells Eater he will turn on the burners at Roe on December 1. Perhaps Portland’s best seafood restaurant, Roe shuttered its Southeast Division digs — a famously hidden dining den proffering prix fixe menus and flights of caviar — this spring, to relocate to a 40-seat venue at 720 SW Washington St. 515 SW Broadway.

In some ways, the Roe redux will be a continuation of the original backroom darling. Sous chef Patrick Shultz will work beside Pierce, and the two will prepare prix fixe feasts exclusively showcasing whatever waterborne bounty they are able to source, from purveyors in Hawaii, British Columbia, and California.

In other ways, it will be a new adventure for both Pierce and his patrons. Lighter eaters and those in a hurry will find a new, multipart, three-course "pre-theater" menu for $110. But dedicated Roe cultists can still get the full monty, seven to nine courses ("plus surprises," Pierce says) priced at $155 (both prices include gratuity).

Additionally, the new Roe will also open with a real kitchen, including a grill.

"The preparations will be a lot more diverse than before," says Pierce.

Facebook/Roe

Though the full menu reveal awaits, Pierce detailed a few of the "all new" slate of dishes he has planned. They include:

• charcoal-grilled abalone with abalone mushroom, compressed pear, sake mushroom glaçage, and smoked bottarga
• poached and pickled squid with squid ink noodles, lemon, capers, serrano chilies, and a bonito nage
• crispy-skinned barramundi sided by an Okinawa sweet potato tart, plus shellfish chorizo marmalade and citrus sabayon
• and for those still pining for Fin, Pierce's first fish-focused venture, he's bringing back porcini-crusted walu

Once December 1 arrives, On November 15, Roe will release reservations through the Tock app, with dinner seatings Wednesday through Saturday for dates starting December 6 (earlier nights have already been booked). Pierce says he decided to go with the ticket format, but he will offer refunds for cancellations up to 72 hours prior the reservation.

• Roe [Official]
• All Previous Roe Coverage [EPDX]