Where Japanese precision meets artisan craftsmanship, Chizu Portland elevated cheese tasting to an art form through Steve Jones's revolutionary sushi bar-inspired concept that transformed downtown Portland's fine dining landscape from 2015 to 2019.

Founded by veteran cheesemonger Steve Jones, Chizu emerged from a decade of expertise cultivating Portland's artisan cheese culture through his acclaimed Cheese Bar. Jones's vision reimagined cheese service through the lens of Japanese omakase tradition, creating an intimate 450-square-foot sanctuary where twelve counter seats surrounded a handcrafted wood bar displaying thirty rotating selections like precious jewels behind glass. The name itself—"chizu" meaning cheese in Japanese—embodied this East-meets-West philosophy that earned critical acclaim throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The cuisine philosophy centered on monthly-rotating selections of American artisan and international cheeses, each chosen for distinct flavor profiles ranging from floral Oregon goat varieties to robust French raw milk selections. Guests could experience cheese through traditional à la carte ordering or surrender to the cheesemonger's omakase-style tasting flights. Signature presentations included carefully curated accompaniments—house-selected preserves, artisan nuts, and seasonal fruits—designed to enhance each cheese's unique terroir. The tasting menu format elevated cheese from appetizer to main course, creating Portland's most distinctive fine dining experience.

Chizu's minimalist Japanese-inspired interior featured shoji lighting, origami crane details, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the intimate space with natural light. Service embodied the educational precision of master sushi chefs, with knowledgeable cheesemongers narrating each selection's origin story while preparing plates tableside. The beverage program complemented this theatrical precision through carefully selected wine flights, premium sake pairings, and local craft beer selections, each chosen to enhance the cheese's flavor complexity. The communal six-top table and counter seating fostered an atmosphere of discovery and conversation among Portland's most discerning gourmands.

Though Chizu closed in 2019, its influence on Portland fine dining remains profound, having introduced a revolutionary approach to cheese service that inspired restaurants nationwide. For those seeking similar experiences, Steve Jones continues his artisan cheese expertise at the original Cheese Bar, while Chizu's legacy lives on through pop-up events and Jones's published pairing guide, cementing his position as America's foremost cheese authority.