Departure Restaurant in Portland stands out as one of the city’s premier dining destinations, boasting an unparalleled outdoor dining experience. With its breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Portland and the majestic Mount Hood, it has become a favored spot for a variety of special events, notably serving as the grand finale after-party venue for the renowned Feast Portland culinary festival. This iconic restaurant offers more than just a meal; it delivers an unforgettable elevated experience in the heart of the Rose City.
In countless households across the nation, cooking shows have captivated audiences of all ages, and mine is no exception. The allure is undeniable: the vibrant music, the fascinating array of kitchen gadgets, the frenetic pace of competition, the larger-than-life personalities, and, of course, the stunningly plated dishes that emerge as works of culinary art. These programs transform ordinary meals into an exciting spectacle.
At our home, gathering to watch cooking competition shows like Cutthroat Kitchen, Chopped, Food Network Star, Kids’ Baking Championship, and Top Chef has become a cherished family tradition. The excitement was particularly palpable during the most recent season of Top Chef, as two incredibly talented Portland chefs, Doug Adams of Imperial and Portland Penny Diner, and Gregory Gourdet of Departure Restaurant and Lounge, earned their spots among the top three finalists. Their impressive achievements ignited a spark of local pride and an increased interest in exploring Portland’s dynamic culinary landscape.
While my adventurous spirit led us to explore virtually every restaurant in town when our children were infants and toddlers, their evolving palates and opinions have introduced new challenges. As they grew older, they became more vocal about their distaste for “weird grown-up food,” expressing strong preferences and a reluctance to endure long waits or crowded dining rooms. This shift made finding universally appealing family dining experiences a bit trickier. So, when the last season of Top Chef concluded, I was absolutely delighted to discover that my kids were keen to try both of the Portland contestants’ restaurants. This rare enthusiasm was a welcome surprise! While our family dining experience at Imperial will be shared in a future post, allow me to recount our delightful visit to Departure, an exceptional restaurant that proved surprisingly welcoming for a family outing.
Departure Restaurant: An Icon of Portland Fine Dining
Departure Restaurant is elegantly perched on the 15th floor of the exceedingly hip and stylish The Nines Hotel, right in the vibrant heart of downtown Portland. Since its grand opening in 2008, Departure has consistently garnered significant acclaim and fan fare, solidifying its reputation as not just one of the top restaurants in Portland, but a true culinary landmark. Its elevated position offers more than just exceptional food; it provides a unique perspective of the city, making every visit an occasion. The Nines Hotel itself, a luxurious establishment known for its sophisticated design and impeccable service, serves as the perfect backdrop for Departure, cementing its status as a destination for both locals and discerning travelers.
[For more insights into Portland’s vibrant food scene, you can delve into my Feast Portland 2015 recap post here.]
While Departure is undeniably a magnet for the stylish Millennial demographic and corporate travelers seeking an upscale experience, it also holds a surprising appeal for different occasions. It’s an impeccable choice for a romantic date night away from the kids, offering a sophisticated ambiance and exquisite cuisine. Yet, remarkably, it also transforms into a fantastic spot for a family dinner – provided you plan your visit strategically. Our recent family dinner epitomized this versatility. We secured reservations for an exceptionally early hour, 4:30 pm, a testament to the convenience and foresight of Departure’s reservation system. This early timing proved to be absolutely perfect: the restaurant was delightfully uncrowded, creating a serene and relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to truly unwind and savor our meal together as a family without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This strategic approach highlights Departure’s unexpected capacity to cater to diverse dining needs, making it a truly adaptable culinary gem in Portland.
The journey to Departure begins the moment you step off the elevator. You are immediately enveloped in a distinct atmosphere as you traverse a dark, pink-light illuminated hallway. This architectural marvel features angular, sloping ceilings that create a dramatic visual corridor, meticulously designed to evoke a sense of futuristic wonder. It’s an experience that consistently sparks my imagination, making me feel as though I’m stepping onto the bridge of the Starship Enterprise, half-expecting Captain Jean Luc Picard to emerge and utter his iconic phrase, “Make it so.”
However, instead of embarking on an intergalactic mission to save the universe or battling alien species, we were about to embark on an entirely different, yet equally thrilling, adventure: an amazing culinary journey that promised to tantalize our taste buds and broaden our gastronomic horizons.
Departure Restaurant Portland Menu: A Culinary Odyssey
The culinary philosophy at Departure is best described as modern pan-Asian, a term that succinctly encapsulates its innovative approach. Under the masterful guidance of Chef Gregory Gourdet, the menu is a sophisticated blend of diverse Asian cuisines, reimagined with a contemporary and artistic flair. This inventive adaptation of traditional flavors results in dishes that are both familiar and excitingly new. Beyond its culinary prowess, Departure is also my go-to recommendation for out-of-town guests, particularly those with specific dietary requirements. The restaurant excels in this area, offering comprehensive vegan and gluten-free menus, alongside an incredible array of thoughtful vegetarian options. As someone who appreciates diverse choices, I’ve consistently found several hearty, absolutely delicious dairy-free dishes to savor here, ensuring that every diner can enjoy a truly satisfying experience. This commitment to inclusivity, combined with its innovative menu, truly sets Departure apart in Portland’s competitive dining scene.
Every single dish I have had the pleasure of tasting at Departure has been nothing short of exquisite. The menu is thoughtfully structured around small plates, a concept perfectly designed for sharing. In my ideal dining scenario, every dinner would unfold in this manner, fostering connection and allowing for a diverse culinary exploration. A significant bonus, especially for families, is the availability of their full menu online. This allows diners to preview the offerings and prepare their palates in advance. Despite this convenience, my children, like many, still relish the experience of pouring over the physical menu at the restaurant, discussing their choices, and eagerly anticipating the arrival of each artfully prepared dish.
For families dining at Departure, the two varieties of fried rice offered are consistently excellent and reliable choices. The Dungeness Crab Fried Rice, priced at $18, is a truly scrumptious creation, elevated with the fragrant additions of Thai sausage, fresh ginger, and aromatic Thai basil. While this luxurious option is always tempting, on our recent visit, we opted for the comforting and equally flavorful Garlic Fried Rice, available for $8. Its simplicity belies a depth of flavor that makes it a perfect complement to other dishes and a surefire hit with diners of all ages.
My son’s personal favorite, a true Urban Bliss Pick, proved to be the Chicken and Shrimp Spring Rolls, priced at a reasonable $7. These delectable rolls feature a perfectly balanced mixture of finely ground chicken and shrimp, combined with an assortment of crisp mixed vegetables. They are served with a vibrant apricot mustard, which adds a delightful tangy-sweet counterpoint to the savory filling. This dish exemplifies Departure’s ability to elevate classic Asian appetizers into memorable culinary experiences, making it a fantastic choice for both discerning adults and younger diners.
From the enticing Kushiyaki section of the menu, we chose the Yakitori, a wonderfully approachable dish that is essentially perfectly grilled teriyaki chicken skewers. This selection quickly became a table favorite, showcasing tender, flavorful chicken with a subtly sweet and savory glaze. Its familiar yet refined profile makes it an ideal option that most families, even those with less adventurous eaters, are sure to thoroughly enjoy. The Yakitori highlights Departure’s skill in presenting classic Asian flavors with a touch of sophistication, making it both comforting and exciting.
Another culinary masterpiece that graced our table was the Smoked Salmon Rolls, priced at $14. These rolls are crafted with a delicate balance of flavors, featuring the bright, citrusy kick of yuzu kosho, the earthy depth of miso-sesame, the fresh bite of scallion, and the crisp coolness of cucumber, all perfectly complementing the rich smoked salmon. Beyond their incredible taste, this dish is truly a work of art, meticulously presented with vibrant colors and intricate details. It’s an ideal choice for sharing, allowing everyone at the table to appreciate both its visual appeal and its fantastic, harmonious flavors.
My personal Urban Bliss Pick from the Departure menu is undoubtedly the Crispy Pork Belly, available for $12. This dish is an absolute triumph of texture and flavor, featuring incredibly tender pork belly that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by the vibrant tang of pickled cherries, a hint of warming ginger, and the delicate crunch of pumpkin seeds. The combination of the succulent pork with the bright, acidic cherries creates an unforgettable taste sensation, making it a standout item that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Departure.
Another fantastic option for sharing, particularly if you’re exploring the excellent Happy Hour Menu, is the Grilled Prawns appetizer, priced at just $6. This dish features perfectly grilled shrimp, served simply yet elegantly with a zesty chili and lime sauce. The prawns are succulent and flavorful, while the sauce provides a delightful kick and a refreshing citrus note that elevates the entire dish. It’s a testament to Departure’s ability to deliver high-quality, delicious food even at a more accessible price point, making it an ideal choice for a casual yet refined start to your meal.
Departure’s menu offers a versatile range of prices, with Happy Hour items spanning from an accessible $3 to $9, and dinner dishes from $5 to $26, allowing for both casual bites and more elaborate feasts. For our family of four, we found the portioning of the small plates to be ideal for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors. We ordered a total of six diverse dishes, complemented by a side of Koshihikari steamed white rice for $4, and the collective amount of food was absolutely perfect to satisfy everyone without feeling overly stuffed. This careful balance of quantity and quality ensures a delightful and well-rounded dining experience for groups.
Our family dinner at Departure was, without a doubt, a resounding success. My husband, our kids, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, from the captivating ambiance to the last delicious bite. This experience serves as a wonderful reminder not to shy away from exploring what might appear to be “fancy” or “hip” restaurants with your family. They might just surprise you with their unexpected family-friendly charm and adaptability. That being said, while taking my entire family to Departure Restaurant + Lounge was an awesome and memorable adventure, it’s worth noting that this establishment still primarily shines as a vibrant hotspot for gatherings with a group of girlfriends, sophisticated date nights, or professional work events. The atmosphere is undeniably fun, bright, and airy, complemented by sleek, modern decor that enhances the overall sophisticated vibe. The food is consistently fresh, inventively crafted, and absolutely delicious, showcasing Chef Gourdet’s culinary genius. And, of course, the truly unbeatable terrace view, especially at sunset, provides a spectacular backdrop that elevates the entire dining experience to an unforgettable level. Departure seamlessly blends exceptional cuisine, stunning aesthetics, and a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit in Portland.
Departure Restaurant + Lounge: Visit Information
525 SW Morrison Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
Phone: 503-802-5370
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak dining hours or if planning a family outing, to ensure the best possible experience at this sought-after Portland establishment.