Castagna

Each plate was perfect. Presentation, complexity of flavors and simplicity all at the same time. Never too much and always wanting a bit more. My favorite was the beef tartar and the crab. My least favorite was the geoduck, which I think was amazing yet not my taste. I licked the plate of every dish because each sauce was sublime.

Late winter/spring tasting menu was good but didn't knock my socks off (which it should considering the $$$$). Some menu items were standouts, particularly the desserts. Some were a complete disappointment, like the squab and beef. Service was great, as was the wine.

Consistently and somewhat-quietly amazing. Wine pairings have to be tried to be believed. (I'm not usually impressed by restaurants' wine pairings, and not because I'm some wannabe sommelier who thinks he knows better; I know very little about wine--partly because most wine "experts" seem to be far more proficient at memorizing wine information than knowing what tastes good with what. If I thought someone could teach me to pair wines likes Castagna does, I'd start studying tomorrow.) It's less flashy under the current chef than in its previous iteration as a molecular gastronomy showcase. But, doing fewer things to invite the term "showcase" is rarely a bad thing for the inherent quality of a product, and the offerings here haven't suffered a bit. Instead, the food is more reliably about food than a staged "experience of food." It's less meta. I know, that's pretty much what most pro critics have written, but in this case I agree. I'd further add that a meal here has enough evident control behind it--there are several surprises but few dissonant alarms, which were a risk with the previous chef--that it's now food worth thinking about, like a writer who's found her voice. It rewards contemplation. How does this next dish play against its wine? Am I tasting the one differently now, when it follows the other? (Hint: usually yes, and in intriguing, often astounding ways.) I don't recall asking those questions in Castagna's previous incarnation. Back then, I was dazzled and entertained and well fed, but I was less likely to ask "Why?" than "How in the world?" Now I'm actually tasting the tasting menu. Yes, "authorial voice" and "why" is an odd set of criteria to apply to a restaurant. But at Castagna, the chef's tasting menu with wine pairings is not operating in the same economic circles as most restaurants. At these prices, everything is under the microscope, and every last thing should be everything you'd expect, plus a little extra to wonder about. It should be dinner and a show and, for lack of a better term, food for thought. On our latest visit, for me and my lovely and ever-discerning wife, it was.

Everything was delicious and interesting. We did the dinner menu (one regular and one vegetarian); no regrets.

One of the vineyards suggested Castagna and we were very pleasantly surprised! We noticed that there were a few negative reviews and were a bit concerned but tried it anyway. The food and pairings were extremely quirky and unusual but in a very good way. This was the perfect place for an adventurous palate and we had a wonderful time. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for great high-end yet adventurous restaurant in the Portland area.

This was one of my best dining experiences to date. The food presentation is unlike anything I've ever seen and the tastes of creative food combinations kept me and my husband smiling throughout the night. The meal is spendy but well-worth it. I strongly believe that everyone in Portland should eat here at least once a year. If you're visiting the area, make sure this is on your list of restaurants to visit for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.