About This Spot

Stepping into Red Sea Restaurant feels like entering a warm, inviting nook tucked amidst Portland’s lively streets—a quiet corner where vibrant East African culture quietly hums beneath the surface. This family-run eatery unfolds at a gentle pace, where every visitor is quietly welcomed like an old friend, and the modest six-table setting invites you to slow down and savor more than just a meal.

The atmosphere here carries a heartfelt simplicity. The space is unpretentious yet rich with human moments—the shared laughter, the careful passing of injera, and the occasional shy smile from the family behind the counter. It’s a place where the clinking of silverware is optional, replaced by hands dipping into communal platters, reminding you that food at Red Sea is as much about connection as it is about flavor.

On the menu, the warmth of traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian fare is evident in every bite. Whether you’re diving into a colorful vegetarian sampler or savoring the tender spice of a meat dish, the flavors are layered with care and thoughtful seasoning—meant to be explored slowly, thoughtfully, and in good company. The dishes here don’t just fill you up, they invite you into a story of culture and family, with each ingredient reflecting generations of home cooking.

What lingers most beyond the taste is the genuine hospitality—a steady, quiet pride in sharing a heritage through food with each guest who walks through the door. Here, every meal is a chance to pause, connect, and discover a piece of East Africa tucked into the heart of Portland.

What’s Available Here

  • IconNo-contact delivery
  • IconDelivery
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconBeer
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconVegan options
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconWine
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconTable service
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconQuiet
  • IconGroups
  • IconLGBTQ+ friendly
  • IconLocals
  • IconTourists
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconPaid parking lot
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Guest Reviews

Matthew Rand 26 Dec 2025

I was visiting Portland for the African Festival event, and decided that I would extend my African experience beforehand by eating lunch at the Red Sea Restaurant. It's a small, welcoming place, and the staff are very friendly. I felt welcomed to experience Ethiopian and Eritrean culture through their food. The food is served without silverware, although you can ask for silverware if needed. I ordered what are vegetarian options: Fava ful and Red lentil stew...very tasty. You can ask for more or less spice, depending on your taste. If you are a coffee drinker, and especially if you are a coffee afficionado, I highly recommend their coffee! It takes a while to prepare, but it is well worth the wait! If I could, I would come every day just for the coffee.

Marcia Pitcher 17 Dec 2025

This family owned restaurant is one of our local favorites. Completely unpretentious and always consistent. The food is fresh and perfectly spiced. We usually share the vegetarian sampler. Highly recommended!

Samara Holbrook 04 Dec 2025

The food is absolutely EXQUISITE. If you don’t know what to order, bring a friend and either get the meat platter or vegetarian platter for two so you can try everything…because EVERYTHING on the menu is so good. The service is always excellent. The portions are GENEROUS. You can taste the care and love in every bite. You won’t leave unsatisfied- I never have. Thanks to the employees for all their hard work. It’s always such a pleasure to go here.

Gian-Paul Vidal 13 Nov 2025

Came here for dinner. It's a small 6 table restaurant, with a hole in the wall vibes. It is family owned with the husband, wife, and daughter. The whole family was very nice and friendly. Fortunately they were able to survive the pandemic . The food was great. We had the beef sambusas which were crispy and flavorful. The tsebihi doro chicken which had little bit of spice, and vegetarian sampler for one. My wife and I shared the food. I think it's great to be able to find cuisine like this in Portland and have someone different. Recommend. For those who don't know, you generally eat by tearing off pieces of injera (spongy pancake) and picking up the other items with your hands.

Nancy Henion 04 Nov 2025

We were out celebrating my birthday and I wanted to try something I’ve never eaten before. We found this little place on google maps and decided to give it a try. SO glad we did!! We weren’t sure what to order so we chose the sampler plate - the beef dish was so spicy it made me cry and my nose run - it was THAT good!! The hot spiced tea was the perfect thing to douse the fire. The owner is very friendly and helpful. We only waited a few minutes for our dinner even though some reviews stated otherwise. All in all, this is a keeper!!

Joshua Langworthy 08 Oct 2025

Really delicious food, wait was not very long. The beef, lamb, and chicken were all prepared and seasoned perfectly. The waitresses were very kind and helpful.

C. Chambers 06 Oct 2025

Authentic and delicious!!! The host was engaging and made the dining experience even better. It's definitely going to be my go to when I'm in Portland again.

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