Seres Restaurant

I like Chinese food, but I was never picky about where I got it or what kind of quality it was until I came to Sungari Pearl ( now Seres). You can tell that the ingredients are fresh. I love the Dry Sauteed String Beans and I won't order General Tso's anywhere else.

Pros: Fresh and yummy

Posted 10/05/09

The enviroment was clean and relaxing. The service was not real fast, but we didn't mind since we were out for a dining experience. The food was DELICIOUS and our drinks with dinner were fabulous. DO NOT EAT HERE if you are looking for your typical chinese restaurant chain food....it is not even comparable in freshness or quality.

Posted 06/30/09

My husband and I picked Sungari Pearl over PF Changs, because we were looking for a change. We went in this last Friday - with reservations (even though we DID NOT need them, we were 2 of 6 people there!) and were seated immediately. The service was outstanding, the drinks were amazing (real orchids in the mojito's!) but the food was just so-so! At $15-$17 per entree (for what we ordered), I would expect the food to be amazing, or at least better than PF Changs, and it just wasn't. PF's Seasame Chicken is better, as is their Mongolian Beef! The fried rice at Sungari's doesn't even compare to PF's. Sungari's fried rice was bland - utterly tasteless.

If the entree's were priced cheaper, I might go back. BUT I wouldn't go and spend that kind of money again on food that's just alright.

Pros: Quickly seated, takes reservations, great location

Cons: overpriced

Posted 09/08/08

We went to Sungari last night to avoid the crowds of First Thursday. The service was horrible. The place was empty but it took 45 minutes for them to take our order and then another 45 minutes before we were served. The didn't have much of a wine list but we were told our first selection wasn't chilled and that they were out of our second selection. This place used to be much better but last night's experience will keep us from ever going back.

Posted 08/08/08

Last night I organized a group to meet at D.F.'s where I've had reservations for months. When we got there it was closed. The owners were evicted that morning.

I went in search of a restaurant that could handle 15 people and Sungari was wonderful. They were kind enough to get me paper, a marker and tape to leave a note for late arrivals.

By the time I re-joined my group and got to Sungari the had a very nice area set up for us with water, silverwear, the works. The service was good and the food delicious.

Pros: I loved the ambiance

Cons: n/a

Posted 05/15/08

I took a friend from out of town recently and was extremely disappointed. They must have new owners or managers since this used to be great place with delicious food and fine service. Food is tasteless and bar service was slow. A big disappointment. Wish we had gone to the "chain" Chinese restaurant in the Pearl since their food is infinitely better.

Posted 04/21/08

Their food on numerous occasions has been over-priced and at best, average quality. The dishes were on the greasy side and lacking sufficient meat and/or vegatables.

This restaurant is in my neighborhood but I still have to order out for good Chinese.

Posted 04/15/08

I was there last night for a girls night out. There were 7 of us and we had excellent service, prompt delivery of the food, which was hot and incredible food (duck rolls, spring rolls, hot and sour soup, SESAME BEEF!!!, mongolian beef, dry cooked beans with chicken, honey glazed prawns with walnuts). I love this place. When my husband and I moved from Berkeley, we thought we'd never find good chinese. This has definitely reached the top of our list for great chinese. One word to the wise, don't look in the back kitchen of any restaurant. Really, what do you expect? What does your kitchen look like on after a big meals been cooked? I never want to know. I just want to eat.

Pros: All of it. I love it everytime

Cons: It's a dinner place, not lunch, not best for small children

Posted 04/03/08

As a former employee of Sungari Pearl, I have seen what goes on not only in the front of the restaurant, but the kitchen too. The entire staff (especially the kitchen) takes great pride in making sure every customer enjoys the freshest and best tasting food possible. Of course, as with any small restaurant that deals with the volume of in-house and take-out customers that Sungari Pearl does, sometimes service may not be as efficient on a Saturday night as it is on a Tuesday, but the staff does their best to ensure quality service. As for the cleanliness of the kitchen, I've worked in quite a few restaurants, and Sungari Pearl has the cleanest one I've had the pleasure of working in. I have eaten the food countless times and even though I no longer work there, I'll continue to do so. Sungari Pearl has by far the best chinese food in Portland, not only in my opinion, but also in the opinions of Willamette Weekly readers, as it was voted #1 chinese restaurant in Portland this year. Sure there could be some changes (the Marvin Gaye got switched for Ella Fitzgerald), but overall, Sungari Pearl offers a unique experience unlike anything else in the Pearl, or in all of Portland for that matter.

Pros: The food, dining service, take-home service and location.

Cons: Parking, reservations recommended for Saturday night.

Posted 12/11/07

Not only has the quality of food and service in this place gone down hill in the past couple years but the staff have gotten more rude by the minute. Also - HAVE YOU SEEN THE KITCHEN!!! YUCK! On my last visit I happen to be walking by the kitchen doors when they opened and I looked in WHAT A FILTH PIT! After seeing the kitchen, I will never eat there again

Pros: location

Cons: everything BUT location

Posted 12/10/07

Pretty underwhelming. Nice enough decor, but the most interesting thing was the hostess' blue band-aid on the back of her ankle. The food was really mediocre, the kung pao chicken had no pow, the hot and sour soup was kind of off, and what's up with having nice metal chopsticks and then having paper napkins? And what is up with the motown? Marvin Gaye, on repeat, the entire time.

Posted 06/06/07

Sungari used to be one of our fave places to eat in DT. But ever since 8 months or so ago, the food has taken a HUGE step back. The flavor isnt as good anymore, they use way too much black pepper and the overall experience has declined. Even take out was mediocre at best and they got our order wrong. If you are looking for a chinese restaurant to go to in DT, I would pass on this place especially with what you are getting for the price. There are many other places that would be a better option with better tasting food.

Pros: Nice part of downtown

Cons: food has taken a step back

Posted 12/21/06

We thought Sungari Pearl was the same restaurant as Sungaris on 1st, downtown, but it wasn't. The menu was different and the food was bland. I wouldn't return.

Posted 12/02/06

I enjoyed the setting, although on first arriving, no wait staff were in evidence. We ended up hollering towards the kitchen to get their attention.

The setting was beautiful, if a bit stark, and the service, once they realized we were there, was excellent. The food was tasty, although the very high prices will probably preclude another visit for lunch. (We accumulated a $75 lunch tab for the two of us--ouch!) Go if you have an expense account, otherwise, there are better choices.

Pros: Nice setting, good service

Cons: Prices

Posted 11/30/06

Delicious and elegant Chinese food by far. The atmoshphere is romantic and quality of food is outstanding. Definitely try the sizzling rice soup - it's a nice change from the classic hot and sour or egg drop soup you might typically have at other restaurants.

Pros: food, ambience

Cons: parking

Posted 11/21/06

This is definately the prettiest Chinese food you've ever had, and everything I tried (we had a large group and shared each others dishes) was good , but the prices won't keep me coming back every time I get a craving.

Pros: Lovely place, lovely food.

Cons: Pearl District Parking? Always a pain

Posted 10/31/06

Gourmet Chinese with good service. We had the lettuce wrap for an appetizer-kind awkward to eat-but got over it and used my fork instead. I had the Prawns and snow peas-deelish! My Husband had the Seafood Treasure- it was awesome! The best scallops I have ever had-and big too. I have to say the veggies were beautiful and full of flavor-the seafood was top notch.
The service was good-nothing exciting to report. Went to the bar for a night cap and the bartender Peter was so pleasant that we stayed for another round. The lady next to us asked where the fortune cookies were (jokingly) and he brought out a few almond cookies for everyone sitting at the bar. Politely stayed behind as all the other employees left for the night as we sipped our cocktails. No rush. Good times. We will be back!

Pros: Parking was easy, selection, quality

Cons: Pricy-but worth every penny

Posted 08/30/06

Not only is the food great, the portions are generous and having eaten in about five times and had take-out about as many times, I can say I've never had a problem with service. It's a great place for people watching while you dine, if you go during daylight hours.

Posted 08/17/06

My wife and I went to this recommended restauraunt and ordered several appetizers and two entrees that turned out to be quite large. While the food was adequate, the server seemed more interested in collecting a paycheck than seeing to our needs. When we ordered the appetizers, he seemed bothered by the fact that he eventually had to bring all of them out. The hot and sour soup was a little hot and not very sour, although the body of the broth was nice. The entrees are too large for anyone to finish themselves so bring some good company and share one.

Pros: Decent food

Cons: Indifferent wait staf, parking

Posted 06/04/06

I've been here a few times, actually, at the insistence of people I was dining with, but in the future I plan to direct us elsewhere. Some dishes have been pretty good, which is the one redeeming quality of this place, but others have really disappointed (and for these kinds of prices, a disappointing dish hurts more than it would at another restaurant). But everything else ends up contributing to an unpleasant experience. The staff seems both snobby and unhappy to be working there, the surfaces (floor and chairs) seem to be really dirty, and it feels crowded and totally chaotic on a weekend night - not what I want for a fun and relaxing meal. I would advise going to one of the many fabulous Vietnamese restaurants in town and waiting until you're in San Francisco or New York for reliably good Chinese food.

Pros: not much

Cons: overpriced, unfriendly staff, chaotic ambience

Posted 05/01/06

To be honest I have never been able to bring myself to ordering any of the meat dishes due to the high price. Sungari Pearl to me is a great place to stop with friends after a long day of shopping. If you stick to mainly noodles/rice/soup and steer away from the larger priced items you can have a great fufilling meal for two for just twenty bucks. I would have to recommend the Hot and Sour soup for just $3, it is very good. Couple this with the House Lo Mein and you got yourself a nice light meal.

The service is amazing, prompt seating, quick clean up, and very curtious staff. The atmosphere also makes you feel like you are dropping a million. Sungari Pearl is a must go.

Pros: Service, Taste, Clean

Cons: Price

Posted 04/26/06

Food was tasty and spicy. Spicy items are noted on menu. Service was great for a Saturday Evening. A little pricey though but it's to be expected in the Pearl. There isn't much of a description of the items on the menu and I could barely understand the waiter. Order 6 olives in your martini - they are TEENY Tiny:)

Pros: Quick Seating, Service

Cons: Price

Posted 03/21/06

My wife and I ordered to go food, had a drink while we waited. The bartender was very courteous. Food came quickly. The food looked amazing. But one bite and it was hot hot hot. I've had kung pao chicken everywhere, and I'm used to a little heat in my meals, but this was nearly unbearably HOT. Also ordered the dried string beans dish, and it was actually HOTTER. Be careful! It was odd to us that we weren't asked about desired heat level. The food tasted good, but it's hard to say how good considering we were sweating miserably as we ate it.

Posted 03/08/06

Excellent hot & sour soup. Excellent prawns with snow peas. I've eaten here many times since they opened.

Pros: Everything

Cons: None

Posted 01/27/06

I've always wondered why most Chinese restaurants are located in crappy areas of the city such as China Town or SE. Sungari Pearl had the right idea. Unfortunately, the location and fancy plates and silverware do not make up for the below average food that cost twice as much as their counterparts a few blocks away in China Town. The next time you see their menu, ask yourself this: "do I really want to spend $15 on Chinese food that cost only $8 a few blocks away?" Next time, I'm going to spend my $15 on a juicy steak instead.

Pros: nice location

Cons: expensive, poor food

Posted 12/15/05

I have eaten lunch here many times and I havenever been disappointed. My wife and I believe it to be the best Chinese food in Portland.

The scallops are so tasty, soft without sand, and spicy. The mu shu pork is excellent. The mongolian beef is perfect and vegetables are perfectly done.

Lunch is a bargain but weekends and dinners can be much more expensive for the same food.

Highly recommended

Pros: Food, Inexpensive lunch, Hardly ever crowded

Cons: Industrial ambience, Expensive dinners

Posted 11/24/05

I go to this restaurant all the time. It is one of my favorites by far. There is no other place in Portland that you can get outstanding chinese food in such an elegant setting. I always order the crispy honey prawns and the mu shu is entertaining as they bring it to your table on fire and roll it with chopsticks. Yes, the waiters are hard to understand even though they speak very good english. But, the other employees make up for it, especially the cute redhead.

The bottom line is that the food is outstanding! Nice and spicy and just great

Pros: great food, nice space

Cons: waiter's accents, horrible coffee

Posted 07/01/05

My boyfriend and I went here on a Friday night at about 8:00 and the restaurant was mostly empty, which worried us. We ordered the lobster and asparagus soup for two to begin with, because our waiter recommended ordering the soups rather than the other appetizers. At first I found the soup a little flavorless, but then I noticed the perfect doneness of the asparagus and the nice flavor of the lobster and I began to enjoy it. The waiter recommended that I try the scallops and my boyfriend ordered the salt and pepper prawns. Both were phenomenal. The scallops melted in your mouth and the prawns were huge, flavorful, and perfectly done. Although this place does not have the ambience of other restaurants in Portland the quality of the food more than made up for it.

Pros: Delicious

Cons: Language

Posted 06/22/05

My duck was very poorly cooked and not very tasty, thou was highly recommended by our waitress. Service was poor, not friendly and slow. Overpriced, and pretentious

Posted 06/15/05

Shall I say that there's no such thing as service with a smile in this restaurant...where was our waitor, could'nt find him anywhere. Was it too much to ask for chopsticks that didn't weigh a ton? I'm an asian person and I could hardly use their metal chopsticks without getting cramps in my fingers. Please wise-up, those chopsticks are not functional. Oh yes, thank you for giving us your carry out wooden chopsticks to use instead....just the very high class that you're trying to purvey.

Pros: The cute girl seating, us

Cons: Everything

Posted 05/08/05

It was Thursday night, around 8pm when we arrived. We were greated coldly and immediately asked for our reservation. When we didn't have one...and obviously the several empty tables required them...the hostest smirked and struggled to find us a table. The waiter acted as if we didn't have the ability to pay and treated us as such. In fact, he threw us our plates and when we were finished, he was in such a hurry to get rid of us, he didn't even offer us the dessert menue, just a cold drop of the bill and he was gone.

Cons: service, service, service

Posted 03/10/05

We had a great time! Prompt service, great tasting food and wonderful ambiance. I highly recommend starting with the lettuce wraps (better than PF Changs), then for entrees, the Rainbow Scallops were cooked to perfection, the orange beef was tasty, the prawns with walnuts were wonderful, as was the spicy sesame chicken. We brought our own wine, which we paid the typical $15 corkage fee for, and helped our final bill tally a lot. The servings were generous and everyone was very attentive. There's even outdoor seating for those balmy nights. Beautiful restaurant and nice acoustics, so you don't feel like you're in a cement bunker like you can in other Pearl district restaurants. Take a chance and visit this place -- I think all the issues pointed out in past reviews have been taken care of as our group (six of us) thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Definitely going back soon.

Pros: great food, nice ambiance, outdoor seating

Posted 07/19/04

I went into the resturant when it first open. Had a great meal in the bar. The next time came into a different place. New people who didn't act like I was important enough to be there. The manager seemed more in tune with her boyfriend then the guest. Food has gone down. I could go to Safeway for better Chinese food. You think they would change the cd too. Playing the same one every time. The guy at the bar couldn't evven make my drink. Had to look in a book.

Pros: nothing now

Cons: , food, $$$$

Posted 05/17/04

I really like the food but I am trying to cut my sodium intake (for the heck of it) so when I order Chinese food now I order chicken and broccoli w/ the sauce on the side. Every place I have ordered that in was fine with it except Sungari. They said it was a mixture....I know it's a mixture it doesnt occur naturally! They wouldnt do it for me. So I got it w/ less sauce and it came over cooked not to mention I could pay almost 1/2 the price at August Moon and be very satisfied.
Give it a try, the Mongolian Beef is excellent but make sure you have lots of time, service is extremely slow and don't have any special requests.

Pros: taset of food

Cons: , price

Posted 02/24/04

Sungari Pearl should be rated higher than number 10 on this survey. It is clearly superior to at least a few of the places that rated higher on the list.
Service is almost telepathic. Even before I realize I need more water, my glass is filled.
The bartender even came to my table to answer questions about their selection of vodkas.
The food is prepared as perfectly as if I were directing the chef myself. Even the abalone was cooked exactly enough, and no more, which is difficult for many cooks.
Okay, so the ceiling is industrial-chic and the floor is colorful stained concrete - it is in the Pearl District after all.
After three dinners and one lunch at Sungari Pearl, it is in my top 3 favorite Portland restaurants, and compares well with the best of Seattle, as well.

Pros: Fantastic Service, Excellent Food, Quality and Value

Cons: Industrial Ceiling

Posted 10/24/03

Initially we were impressed with its ambience and quality of food. BUT after eating there many times, it is evident that the service is HORRIBLE. Food takes a long time, and waiters are hard to find. The restaurant manager is rude and not helpful. This resturant is impressive at first, but beware. No food is worth this type of service. They won't be around long, once PF Changs opens nearby.

Pros: NOTHING

Cons: poor service, expensive, rude service

Posted 09/20/03

After eating here a hand full of times with family and friends, i'm just not sure if this place was as good as i orginally thought. Everything seems to be going in the wrong direction. Food quality is down, but prices seem to be rising. Just not sure this place is worth it. I have had a few good meals, but all and all i think if your going to spend that kind of money, food should be better..

Pros: Location, Space

Cons: Food, Service, Pricing

Posted 09/03/03

Be prepared to wait at least an hour before you eat! We waited for over 40 minutes for our appetizers and then another 30 minutes for dinner to arrive. They ended up giving us free drinks after about an hour of waiting, but that was only because other customers started leaving in disgust. The food was good, but not worth the wait.

Posted 08/08/03

My experience of chinese resteraunts extends from Hawaii to the east coast. Out of all of them I would rate Sungari Pearl in the top five. The dishes are exuisite, fresh and really impressive. In Portalnd chinese food resteraunts of this caliber are far and few between. If you are looking for a great place to take out friends to and have a great meal I suggest Sungari Pearl.

Pros: Fresh food, Great menu, Want to come back

Cons: Reall do not have any

Posted 06/18/03

This place is really beautiful. Orchids on every table. We could see everyone around us getting terrific service. Unfortunately we had a language barrier with our waiter (who also had a strong case of halitosis) so our service pretty much sucked. But when we complained they were great about it. Seemed like everyone else who had a different waiter had a great time. The food was spendy but very good. I recommend it with a cautionary note about service. The bartender especially was wonderfully kind and understanding.

Pros: Great ambience, Great food, Some great staff

Cons: Some bad staff, A little spendy

Posted 06/13/03

Sungari is a great addtion to the Pearl District, and I have dined there several times. However, each time the wait staff has been very short and unfriendly. They also like to assume that you know nothing about Chinese Cuisine....or at least until you have dined with them. There are a wonderful array of dishes, and the space is charming, but please try to be more personable with your customers, especially ones that do come back!!

Pros: Atmosphere, Variety of menu

Cons: slow service, unfriendly

Posted 06/09/03

While the food is tasty, you do pay for it so on a value equation, it comes out under average. All that said, my biggest complaint is about the service. Both times that I have ordered take out the staff has been disorganized, and I ended up waiting because the food wasn't ready when promised.

Pros: Location, Ambiance

Cons: Price, Service

Posted 05/31/03

The Sungari restaurants are by far the best chinese food in town. The food is always great. Sungari Pearl has taken eating Chinese to a whole new level of style. I would recoment it to anybody.

Pros: great food, cool atmosphere

Posted 05/15/03

The restaurant is nicely designed; a high-tech artsy feel that works well in the Pearl. The food is decent, arguably the best Chinese in the Portland area (which isn't saying a whole lot). Portions are huge, but with a price tag that is allot higher than you would expect to see for Chinese food. They need to cut portion size and drop their prices accordingly. My biggest complaint was the wait. We were seated promptly, but waited 30 minutes for our appetizer, then 40 minutes for our entree's; Unacceptable. I might go back for takeout, but would never sit through a dinner there again.

Pros: Huge Portions, Nice Design

Cons: High Prices, Slow Service

Posted 05/11/03

Was eager to try but disappointed by the overall value. The staff was very friendly however and the bar manager was quick to appear at our table with wine suggestions when she learned we'd be ordering wine (and she returned to ensure that we were pleased with our selection). The food was indeed tasty, but I was unpleasantly surprised by the high price of their entrees. Worth a try, but I am confident there are better options to return to.

Pros: ambiance, wine list, flavorful

Cons: pricey

Posted 04/29/03