Vegan
American
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Fermentation-focused vegan restaurant opened Jul 2019 in the spot previously occupied by Farm Spirit. Offers a bowl with various sauces to pick from, plus soup, sandwiches, and takeaway. Kitchen also makes the drinks in-house including kombucha, kefir, and ginger beer. Uses local and season produce to create the dishes. Brunch Sat-Sun 10am-3pm. Relocated from 1414 SE Morrison St. Reported closed March 2024.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
-
Loading...
-
-
Last update on 30 Mar 2024 by Guest
Update business info -
Are you the owner?
Claim this business
-
-
45 Reviews
First Review by JustineVee
Caralucy
Points +253
Everything you’ve heard is true! - Edit
Oh man! SO good! We ordered a flight of kombucha and water keifer. All four flavors were super delish and a perfect accompaniment to our sandwiches.
Read moreYes the menu is small, but when what you do offer is perfection, how many dishes do you need??
My husband ordered the tempeh burger with fries. He loved it, well we both did. I ordered the beet Rueben. The husband loves Rueben’s but beets, not so much. One bite and I knew he would want to steal my sandwich. Sure enough, I offered him and bite, which he grudgingly took and then promptly agreed when I offered to trade our second halves.
They were out of potato salad and the kale salad was fine, nothing to write home about.
Over all we were super impressed and full as ticks when we left. We will absolutely be back!
Pros: The amazing food, The super friendly staff, The amazing drinks
Cons: The kale salad could have more flavor
Guest
OperationChowhound
Points +7731
Fermentation Sensation - Edit
I ordered the Fermenter Burger, which includes smoked onion shio koji marinated black lentil-millet tempeh burger on a toasted bun with miso sauce, ketchup, pickles, and onion. It was flavorful, and the bun was exceptional. The Koji Fries were well-seasoned, but a little too salty for me.
Read morePros: all vegan, outdoor seating
Cons: busy
Guest
pizzybot
Points +755
Unique and delicious - Edit
We enjoyed the beet reuben, the fermenter burger, and fries. I also had an excellent apple kefir drink, and my husband had a beer. We sat in the cozy patio next to a heater with our dog on a chilly evening, so the heater was nice. The food was very good and unique, and I loved the kefir. You order at the counter inside, you get a number, and then they bring you your food. It was very busy when we were there, but they were pretty fast with getting our food to us.
Read morePros: Unique and delicious food, Cozy patio
Guest
bEzz
Points +1763
*Drool emoji* - Edit
Incredible. The lions mane sammich and ranch kale salad are life changing. I have never felt so light and nourished after a restaurant meal that tastes THIS delicious. A must try!
Read moreGuest
EmdotAlice
Points +4778
This place changed my life - Edit
Fermenter helped me discover my love of fermented foods! This is one of my favorite places to eat ever. On our latest trip we got the Koji beet Rueben and it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had. I will be dreaming of it. The beets do not taste sweet; they’re actually savory like meat and the texture is amazing too. Everything is worth trying here but do not sleep on these beets.
Read moreGuest
-Raymond-
Points +266
Great Brunch - Edit
Biscuit sandwich and Bloody Mary both bomb.
Read moreGuest
emmalovesanimals
Points +751
Delicious kombucha, fresh food - Edit
Loved the kombucha and thought the bbq burger and koji fries were pretty good though not excellent. The burger seemed a bit dry and not super flavorful to me. Appreciate that everything is made in house and the outdoor seating is sweet.
Read moreGuest
EABessel
Points +1351
Must go back… - Edit
Went at brunch time, recently. The food was very good and both the flavors and portions were just right. Presentation was all right. Friendly service, although empty plates sat at the table for a long time before they were cleared and the check was brought over. Ventilation system didn’t seem to be working properly. Nice atmosphere otherwise. Focusing on the food, I would like to try more in the months ahead.
Read moreGuest
Evil_Overlord
Points +136
Excellent - Edit
Excellent food. I had a fried oyster mushroom sandwich, kale+kraut salad, and a blueberry 'kefir' to drink. All very good, and my companion was equally pleased. Nice if basic outdoor dining in the shade.
Read moreI'm a fan of fermented foods, and the food honestly was not as ferment-focused as I expected - the kefir and the sauerkraut, mostly - but it was very good, not-shockingly priced (for these days), and I plan to go again.
Not so many dessert options, but here are half a dozen vegan places nearby. We went to Cultured Kindness and Sweetpea for cheese and dessert.
Updated from previous review on 2023-07-24
Pros: Excellent food, Good service, Friendly staff
Cons: Not as fermentation-focused as I anticipated, Prices higher than I'd like, but not outrageous
Guest
Gopala108
Points +3657
pushing the envelope of what vegan cuisine can be - Edit
I recently went to Fermenter with my beloved. In the day circa 2004 to 2005 lived in PDX and remember when the chef of Fermenter ran a vegan restaurant called Portabella which was quite alright. A friend of mine in Portland spoke highly of Fermenter saying we must try it and so glad we did.
Read moreOur server had very good energy and was great. I really wanted to try the Reuben yet it was sold out. Our server recommended the Fermenter Burger with cashew chive cheese and the bowl looked amazing so got that with added tempeh and the spicy sauce.
Everything here is vegan and made in house. Everything we had was amazing. Truly amazing. It was like a religious experience eating the food and probably one of the best meals I ever had.
I would highly recommend anyone visiting Portland whether vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, omnivore, or human being for that matter that appreciates amazingly innovative plant forward cuisine that is pushing the envelope to enjoy an amazing meal here.
Pros: server had good energy, religious experience eating the food, pushing the envelope with what vegan cuisine can b
Guest
veganveronica
Points +1298
Delicious food! - Edit
Everything was so delicious and flavorful! We had a kombucha battered tofu sandwich, asparagus soup, and a beet sandwich. The tofu sandwich was my favorite, but the soup was surprisingly tasty too. Towards the end of the night they do run out of things, but it was all great anyway. Cute little place with a nice outdoor patio.
Read morePros: Great flavor, Nice atmosphere
Guest
RebeccaSullivan
Points +4135
Worth The Hype - Edit
Couldn’t leave Portland without trying Fermenter. Got the Bacon Cheeseburger with a side of potato salad and the Kombucha. Flavors of the burger were insanely good. Kombucha was delicious!
Read moreGuest
Chelseachernobyl
Points +817
amazing service - Edit
I didn’t love this place as much as I thought I would. The Food was good, but not mind blowing. The Service though was awesome. The staff seem to have a lot of fun. Cookies were also unique and tasty. Would go back for service alone.
Read moreGuest
villain
Points +8583
Interesting concept - Edit
Good service and pretty food. I like the concept of this restaurant, and I'm glad to have tried it once, even though I wouldn't be eager to come back. My favorite was the Miso Garlic Bread appetizer. It was really delicious and a great start to the meal. I struggled to find any flavor in the Jojo Supreme appetizer. The Apple Miso burger, on the other hand, had a very strong flavor. However, it wasn't really my taste. The mocktails that contain ice were mainly ice and not much drink. My mom loved the food and drinks here, so maybe it depends on the person. The cake was dense with very oily frosting and not much flavor, but the cookies were pretty good.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-01-08
Pros: Service
Cons: Hit or miss with menu items
Guest
thejonblake
Points +571
Awesome vegan spot in PDX! - Edit
Our best while in Portland. The food was delicious! #Veganuary
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Lots of drink options,
Cons: This inside is small
Guest
alysmsmith
Points +229
Go with your gut and check this place out! - Edit
We were finally able to visit Fermenter for NYE dinner! Their menu is filled with yummy-looking options, and what we ordered was pretty good. I had the Imposter Syndrome cocktail and Raviolo. Both were fantastic! I am still drooling over that raviolo 😋. My husband got the Fuzzy Blanket cocktail and Fermenter Burger with a half order of Jojos. The cocktail felt like a warm winter hug! For the burger & jojos, my husband was underwhelmed with the flavor. Me on the other hand…I thought the burger was tasty!
Read moreWe definitely want to come back and explore more of what Fermenter has to offer.
Pros: All vegan, Dog of the month feature, Friendly staff
Cons: Small indoor space
Guest
GetBehindMeSeitan
Points +67
One of the best restaurants in a city full of great restaurants - Edit
Stop reading this and go get some Fermenter. Grab a kombucha and a cookie while you're there.
Read morePros: Fantastic brunch
Guest
Tubajuba
Points +271
Happy Happy - Edit
I had the grilled veggies on polenta. There were so many different flavors in the one dish. I also had the apple vinegar water kefir for the first time. It was really good. I’m inspired to try and make it myself.
Read morePros: A lot of unique options, Great food, Cozy atmosphere
Cons: Need a larger space
Guest
JessicaPerry
Points +224
My #1 choice in Portland - Edit
What an incredible experience. Great food, amazing staff, calm ambience. With food that will nourish your mind and body. I cannot say enough good things about this place, fermented food is the answer and this place makes it divine.
Read morePros: All vegan!, Delicious options, Great service staff
Cons: Parking
Guest
humaneeater
Points +240
Best food in Portland. - Edit
I seriously cannot say enough. Good things about Fermenter. The food here is absolutely mind blowing so delicious. So filling. The staff is really fantastic. Aaron is a genius with food! And all the better that is all vegan!
Read morePros: Fully vegan, Incredible food, Cozy atmosphere
Cons: None.
Guest
d2lo
Points +431
I could eat here every day - Edit
We go here ALL the time. Everything is delicious. The sandwiches are HUGE and will fill you up. They also added brunch and everything is awesome.
Read moreGuest
Michael.kalmanovitch
Points +397
Very tasty - Edit
I visited this eatery on a Sunday morning and had the plant based sausage with corn grits. There were also some corn grits, an oyster mushroom nicely laid across a portion of the plate, and some kale.
Read moreIt was tasty -especially the nicely herbed sausage patties.
Pros: Tasty, Good service
Cons: A tad expensive
Guest
PeterN5
Points +493
Best vegan food in the PNW? - Edit
Amazing place, really. You have to visit to believe it.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-09-29
Pros: The gluten free vegan burger and bun, The Kombucha, The vibe
Cons: It's not open 24/7?, Seating is hard to come by, It’s not a chain (yet)
Guest
KitteeBee
Points +317
Huge fan! - Edit
I love Fermenter! Most everything is made in house including condiments, kombucha, and the lentil tempeh!! My favorites are the Fermenter Burger and the kombucha slushee!!!!
Read morePros: Covered, dog friendly outdoor seating, Housemade everything- gluten free options , KOMBUCHA SLUSHEES, friendly staff
Guest
cannabistea13
Points +152
I’ll keep trying - Edit
So, this place is right in my neighborhood which I love. The ambience and aesthetic is also really cute and perfect for a date night or fun brunch. The ingredients are fresh and I adore the concept. The reason I’m going it three stars is because the flavor is just missing the note for me. I’ve been here three times and I will keep trying. I’ve tried a variety of dishes and I do think that their kombucha and cookie have been the tastiest so far. And I’m more of a fan of savory dishes so that says a lot. I hate to rate it so low because I do love the concept. With that being said, if I’m trying to get a delicious vegan meal in the city, this place wouldn’t be on the list because the flavors are far too bland. I desparately want to like it and I will keep returning to try new dishes. But yeah, that’s my honest opinion.
Read morePros: Vegan , Close and the staff is so friendly , Cool concept and ambience
Cons: Food is meh in flavor
villain
I completely agree with this review, my experience with the flavors was similar
Read moreGuest
mandaziegelman
Points +330
Intentional + artistically crafted - Edit
Fermenter is my favorite restaurant in Portland, by far. Everything is deliciously flavorful and well executed. Beautiful plates and amazing tastes. My favorite remains the koji beet Reuben. I’ve even taken a tempeh making workshop here!!
Read morePros: All vegan, Seasonal, local, organic, Healthy and hearty
Guest
Forager
Points +343
Delicious - Edit
This place is so good! The brunch is awesome as are the jojos. Worth the price!
Read morePros: Delicious food, Huge portions
Cons: Spendy , Menu changes
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 12092 times.