Mestizo

Reviews

• Marguerite G.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Great addition to the neighborhood!
  
  Feeling fancy? Have David at the bar make you a Latin Maid or just grab a bottle of Estrella Jalisco and chill.
  
  I got the Peacado al la Parilla - banana leaf, rock fish, Serrano lime sauce; and rice. So freaking delicious. Can't wait to come back and try everything else. I'm especially curious about the Ceviches (yes! Plural!)
  
  Fun atmosphere, friendly service, and tasty food with options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten frees, and all of that.

• Brian D.

  star star star star star 27 May 2026

  YOO-ka-Dabba-Doo!!!
  
  I left my heart at Mestizo...seriously. I haven't been this excited about a new restaurant in a long time.  A Latin American eatery with a designated plant-based portion on the menu! Vegans, pescatarians, and the gluten intolerant can happily coexist.
  
  Interior: A modest size bar greets you upon entering.  An open kitchen and large dining room are bordered with windows and plants.  The design was simple, and aesthetically pleasant.
  
  Food we explored:
  
  Chips & Guacamole: $8
  House-made chips, and super fresh guacamole with cilantro,radish, and lime.   LOVED the guacamole, but we needed more to finish off the chips.
  
  Yuca Fries: $7
  Yucas are similar to potatoes in texture and preparation. Slightly nutty flavor of the fries was accompanied with a mojo aioli.
  
  Banana Flower Tacos: $16 for 3 tacos.
  Banana flower, slaw, habanero sauce, and a coconut cream.
  I had never had eaten a banana flower; they are similar to artichokes, in which the fleshy petals and the "heart" of the banana blossom are edible. They can be eaten raw, cooked, and steamed & peeled apart. I tasted a bitter floral flavor and  I liked it!  
  The portion size was large enough, and filling enough, to split between the two of us.
  
  A Latin twist on the traditional cocktail list enticed me.
  I chose the Manhattan De Agave: $12
  Sweet vermouth, house bitters, and Añejo tequila.
  Made me feel warm all over.
  
  Side note: The Portland based company, Three Sisters (my favorite), supplies the the corn tortillas.
  
  The meal that hit all 5 basic tastes: salty ,sweet, sour, bitter, and savory. The flavors and textures were perfection!
  
  We met a fun couple sitting next to us, and chatted about food choices, Portland, and designated drivers. We shared our taste experiences.
  
  The servers were borderline too attentive. Two different employees interrupted a conversation I was having. Echuta!
  
  They did it with smiles... they were eager to please, and would grab any plate that looked like it was empty. I wanted every last bite!
  
  Parking is on the street and we were lucky enough to snag Doris Day parking last night.
  
  The two unisex restrooms were spacious and clean.
  
  I found it ironic that one of the owners of vegetarian Thai restaurant Kati (see my review) is the owner. It's all a matter of taste, literally!
  
  SE Division has quickly become a plant-based bohemia.
  Here's looking at you Virtuous Pie, and Aviv! It's happening in PDX.

• Jose G.

  star star star star star 21 May 2026

  Mestizo is amazing. A+ on the interior design, ambiance and overall feel as is a small but colorful and cozy space. The menu is is not only eclectic but full of flavor with a nice mashup of South American dishes like the mouth watering citrus-heavy guacamole (made to order), the well thought and perfectly executed empanadas and the fish tacos are simply delicious thanks to the flavorful batter and the spicy yet flavorful house habanero salsa that dresses them.
  
  The cocktail program is amongst the best I've seen recently. With a serious focus on Mezcal, it's no surprise their "Al Pastor" house mezcal cocktail explodes in your palate as all the ingredients are not only well paired but brilliantly executed by any of the bartenders working behind the bar. The wine selection is also phenomenal and well worth the money.
  
  Overall, the entire dining experience is incredible in terms of food + drink quality and warm and attentive service from the staff and the genuinly friendly owner whom most likely will be present when you decide to visit Mestizo.

• Som S.

  star star star star star 17 May 2026

  I went there for the soft opening with my daughters 12 and 5 yrs old. My oldest is quite a picky eater and she loved the ceviche. She ordered the shrimp skewers but ate my ceviche. I also the fish with banana leaf and black beans. My youngest daughter had the yuca fries and those were delicious.

• MariaElena C.

  star star star star star_border 15 May 2026

  Fresh, local, Latin food. Soy and gluten free menu. Owners are here to greet you with a smile. Really bright, friendly space and food Latin music in the background but not loud.