Can Font Portland invites diners to embark on a distinctive culinary journey, bringing the vibrant and rich flavors of Catalan cuisine directly to the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Nestled in Portland, Oregon, this acclaimed restaurant redefines the local dining landscape by offering an authentic taste of Spain, complete with an enticing all-day happy hour on Mondays, making world-class flavors more accessible than ever.
In a contemporary dining scene often dominated by fleeting trends and Instagrammable gimmicks, Can Font Portland stands out as a delicious breath of fresh air. It offers a refined, authentic experience that champions traditional Spanish culinary artistry over novelty. This establishment reminds us that the true joy of dining lies in savoring exquisite food, enjoying meaningful conversation, and relishing every moment in an unhurried, elegant setting.
Upon entering Can Font, guests are greeted by a beautifully styled bar area, an ideal spot to unwind with a handcrafted cocktail or a fine Spanish wine before or after dinner. While the bar provides a sophisticated prelude, it is within the main dining room that Can Font truly shines, offering an experience that transports diners directly to the heart of Catalonia.
With its pristine white tablecloths, soft lighting, and impeccable, attentive service, this Portland outpost of Chef Josep Vidal’s original Barcelona restaurant serves as a gentle yet firm reminder of the importance of slowing down. In our fast-paced world, Can Font encourages guests to set aside distractions, immerse themselves in the moment, and truly enjoy the meticulously prepared food and the cherished company seated across the table. Meals here are not merely served; they are presented as an unhurried experience, each dish made to order with the freshest ingredients, bursting with authentic flavors.
So, we highly recommend that you go ahead and select a refreshing cocktail or an exquisite Spanish wine when you place your dinner order. Then, simply sit back, relax, and allow the serene ambiance and exceptional cuisine to envelop you in an unforgettable dining experience at Can Font Portland.
The Story Behind Can Font Portland: A Vision Realized
The genesis of Can Font Portland is a captivating tale of serendipity and passion for fine food. Chef Josep Vidal, a celebrated culinary artist from Barcelona, first visited Portland in 2014. During his visit, he was immediately captivated by the abundant freshness of the local seafood and the exceptional quality of Oregon’s produce. This discovery sparked a new vision, leading him to meet Vladimir Zaharchook-Williams, a pivotal encounter that would ultimately give birth to Can Font Portland.
While establishing a restaurant in Portland was not his initial intention, the allure of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary resources, combined with the prospect of bringing authentic Catalan flavors to a new audience, proved irresistible. Despite still residing in Spain, Chef Vidal dedicates extended stays to Portland, meticulously overseeing the kitchens of both his Barcelona and Portland establishments, ensuring consistency and excellence across continents. This dedication underscores his commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience.
Chef Vidal and Co-Owner Zaharchook-Williams officially opened the doors to Can Font Portland in late May of 2017. Although the Portland location is reportedly about half the size of its Barcelona counterpart, it still offers a spacious and elegant dining environment, distinguishing itself from many of the more compact dining spaces found across the city.
Discovering Authentic Catalan Cuisine in Portland
At the heart of Can Font Portland’s philosophy is a deep respect for classic Spanish, and more specifically, Catalan flavors and ingredients. The restaurant meticulously sources traditional elements such as fragrant saffron, rich sherry vinegar, and sustainably caught wild fish. These authentic components are then artfully combined with the finest local meats and the best seasonal produce available in Oregon, resulting in dishes that are not only fresh and healthy but also rich in history and flavor. This fusion of Old World tradition with New World bounty creates a truly unique culinary narrative.
Recognizing the local community’s appreciation for value and accessibility, Can Font Portland recently launched an innovative All Day Happy Hour on Mondays Only, from 5pm – 10pm, featuring a specially curated menu. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for diners to explore a selection of appetizers, drinks, and smaller plates at exceptional prices. For those unable to visit on Mondays, the enticing happy hour menu is also available Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday from 5-6pm, and again from 9-10pm, offering flexible options to enjoy this superb culinary experience.
During a recent media dinner, I had the delightful opportunity to sample both the extensive regular menu and several tempting items from the special happy hour menu at Can Font. It was an immersive experience, showcasing the depth and breadth of Catalan cuisine. Here’s a closer look at some of my absolute favorite dishes, which exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.
A Culinary Journey Through Can Font’s Exquisite Menu
One of the true highlights of my evening, and a dish that left an indelible impression, was the magnificent Catalones Trufats. These are not your average pasta rolls; they are a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each roll is generously packed with a succulent blend of tender beef, flavorful pork, luxurious foie gras, earthy black truffle, and a harmonious mix of rich Parmesan and creamy Emmental cheese. The combination is utterly divine, offering a depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a must-try for any visitor to Can Font Portland.
Another absolute delight was the Croquetes de Pernil Ibèric. These Spanish fritters, crafted from exquisite Iberico Ham, were a revelation. They offered a perfect textural contrast: delightfully crispy on the outside, yielding to a creamy, flavorful interior. The delicate crunch was beautifully complemented by the accompanying Piquillo Sauce, which provided sweet and smoky notes that created a truly elegant and memorable balance. These croquettes are a testament to the simple perfection of traditional Spanish tapas, elevated to an art form.
To kick off the meal, the Assortiment d’ Ibèrics i Pa amb Tomàquet proved to be an excellent choice. This appetizer features a curated selection of assorted Iberico Hams, renowned for their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, served alongside grilled Catalan bread generously spread with a fresh tomato puree. It’s a classic Spanish pairing that truly stimulates the palate. This dish is also perfectly suited for a more casual gathering, making it an ideal choice if you’re visiting Can Font for sophisticated after-work drinks with friends, promising both exquisite taste and effortless sharing.
For those looking to sample these delightful offerings without committing to a full portion, the good news is that all three of the aforementioned appetizers – the Catalones Trufats, Croquetes de Pernil Ibèric, and Assortiment d’ Ibèrics i Pa amb Tomàquet – are available in convenient Happy Hour portions. These specially sized dishes can be enjoyed during the exceptional Monday All Day Happy Hour, as well as during the regular happy hour times from Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday, providing ample opportunities to savor these Catalan treasures.
Paella: The Heart of Spanish Dining at Can Font Portland
No exploration of Spanish cuisine would be complete without indulging in paella, and Can Font Portland truly excels in this iconic dish. Here, guests are presented with the exciting choice of not one, but four distinct paella styles, each offering a unique flavor profile and a testament to the versatility of this beloved rice dish. This variety ensures that every diner, regardless of their preference, can find a paella that resonates with their taste buds.
During my visit, I had the privilege of trying two of Can Font’s magnificent paellas: a vibrant, classic saffron-infused paella and an intriguing, deep-hued black squid ink paella, both embodying the rich traditions of Spanish cooking.
The classic Paella de Peix is a true celebration of the sea. This beautifully crafted dish is generously laden with the freshest fish of the day—on my visit, it was tender Monk Fish—alongside succulent clams, plump mussels, sweet shrimp, and finished with a fragrant picada. Each grain of rice is perfectly infused with saffron, creating a golden hue and an aromatic base that highlights the freshness of the seafood. It’s a symphony of oceanic flavors, rich and satisfying.
For those seeking a more adventurous flavor, the Arròs Negre paella is an absolute must-try. This visually striking paella derives its dramatic dark color from squid ink, which also imparts a subtle, briny depth of flavor. Like its classic counterpart, it features the fresh fish of the day (again, Monk Fish during my tasting), clams, mussels, and shrimp, all brought together with a delicate picada. What truly elevates this dish, however, is the addition of a creamy, pungent garlic aioli, which adds a layer of richness and a delightful counterpoint to the seafood. Of the two, my personal preference leaned towards the classic paella for its vibrant simplicity, but many of my fellow dining companions enthusiastically favored the unique complexity of the squid ink paella. The only way to truly decide your favorite is to experience both for yourself!
Beyond these two spectacular options, Can Font further broadens its paella offerings with a hearty pork paella, perfect for meat lovers, and a thoughtfully prepared vegetarian paella, ensuring that there is a flavorful option available to cater to every dietary preference and palate.
A Sweet Finale: Can Font’s Irresistible Desserts
In many modern restaurants, dessert often feels like a hurried afterthought, a mere formality to conclude a meal. This trend is truly a shame, as a well-crafted dessert can elevate the entire dining experience. However, at Can Font Portland, dessert is anything but an afterthought; it is a radiant highlight, a shining star that truly completes the Catalan culinary journey. Their desserts are so exceptional that I would enthusiastically return to Can Font specifically for these sweet creations, perhaps paired with a glass of their delightful Spanish wines for a perfect evening.
My absolute favorite dessert of the night was the exquisite Leche Frida. This heavenly creation features luscious Dulce de Leche caramel, perfectly paired with smooth coffee mascarpone ice cream, and delicate slices of pear. Friends, this dessert was truly like butter—a seamless blend of flavors and textures that simply melted in the mouth. The richness of the caramel, the subtle bitterness of the coffee, and the refreshing sweetness of the pear converged into a harmonious symphony. Pairing it with a freshly brewed coffee creates an absolutely sublime and satisfying way to conclude any meal.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the decadent Chocofont, a dessert designed for the true chocolate aficionado. This intricate confection was composed of a rich Madeira ganache, a delightful chocolate hazelnut praline for texture, a silky smooth chocolate mousse for pure indulgence, and a vibrant sangria gastrique that added a surprising, tangy counterpoint to the deep chocolate flavors. Each component was meticulously crafted, resulting in a complex yet perfectly balanced dessert that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Plan Your Visit to Can Font Portland
Portland, OR 97209
503.224.3911
Tuesday – Sunday: 5pm to 10pm for dinner
HAPPY HOUR: Monday: 5-10pm, Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday: 5-6pm and 9-10pm
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