This Buzzy Oregon Restaurant Does One Dish Really, Really Well

When you’re located in a notorious "foodie" haven like Portland, Oregon, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd of other talented chefs and unique flavors. So, how do you do it? Is it with ambiance, choosing either a sleek modern design or a uniquely odd (and very Portland) aesthetic? Is it with concepts, where one might perhaps have their choice of a limited menu but also games to choose from, or a tapas-style menu with endless options?

The answer, as any Portland native knows, is neither. It is, instead, rooted in the food itself. This may seem like an obvious answer and even at times, somewhat boring (because, of course, food is meant to taste good). And yet, true food lovers know that throwing different ideas at a restaurant and hoping one sticks cannot replace the importance of high-quality ingredients, an experienced chef, and a distinct love for both keeping to well-loved traditions, as well as innovating with new techniques. 

This is where kann comes in, a fine-dining Haitian live fire restaurant in east Portland. Here, you enter into the world of cuisine presented in small portions that are meant to highlight the quality of each bite. The restaurant is, as mentioned, rooted in Haitian influences, but also carries broadly African and Caribbean flavors. However, the restaurant places a heavy importance on sustainability and, as such, relies almost entirely on local flavors and the harvests from the Pacific Northwest. As such, most of the menu is seasonal as it depends on what the kitchen can procure from nearby vendors. 

Inside, you’ll notice that the interior carries the sleek and minimalist design that many fine-dining restaurants strive for. Here, the lighting is warm, light wood is prominent throughout the restaurant, and the front carries multiple plants—all of which are meant to impart a friendly and hospitable nature, seen easily in the lively diners and attentive, affable waitstaff. The way of ordering also imparts this, as it is recommended that many dishes should be ordered at once and that all should be shared. 

Although there are many famous dishes, their meat plates stand out most. The pork dish may have been a previous favorite of former diners, but it cannot be denied that the Kann Coffee Rubbed Flat Iron Steak made of American wagyu has claimed dominance of the eatery. In this dish, the live-fire element of the restaurant stands out best, and the common theme of heavily spiced food reigns supreme in a delicate way, where heat and unique spices are able to merge beautifully. 

Spice, as mentioned, is heavily used, and those who cannot endure such flavors should be discouraged from visiting. However, although this might alienate some people, a core component of the restaurant will endear it to others. This refers to the fact that every element of the menu is both dairy and gluten free—a quality many patrons will salivate over. Don’t believe it? Well, it’s been named as both one of the best restaurants in America, and even in the entire world, by multiple renowned news sources. It also carries a James Beard Award.

Looking for an excellent fine-dining experience in Portland with a fiery Haitian twist? Look no further than kann (and book your reservations far in advance). Ready to start planning your trip? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.