Olympia Provisions: A Portland Charcuterie Paradise
Craving a casual dining experience that explodes with flavor? Look no further than Olympia Provisions in Portland, Oregon. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary institution renowned for its exceptional charcuterie, thoughtfully curated menu, and dedication to quality.
When the topic of charcuterie arises in Portland, one name immediately surfaces: Olympia Provisions. They’ve set the bar high and continue to impress with their commitment to craftsmanship and taste.
Established in 2009, Olympia Provisions holds the distinction of being Oregon’s first USDA-approved salumeria. Elias Cairo, along with his sister Michelle Cairo, and partners Nate Tilden and Martin Schwartz, have masterfully cultivated a charcuterie-centric empire. Their dedication, combined with their exceptionally talented team, has propelled Olympia Provisions to international acclaim, transforming it into a multifaceted business.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting most of Olympia Provisions’ Portland locations (only the hot dog cart remains on my to-do list!), and the NW Portland location resonates with me the most. This location is a treasure trove of Olympia Provisions products. You can find everything from their convenient Pepperettes, perfect for on-the-go snacking, to a vast array of handcrafted deli meats, each bursting with unique flavors. Don’t forget to explore their selection of pickled delights, adding a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the meats.
The NW Portland location is also the perfect spot to assemble a customized charcuterie board for a delightful picnic in one of Portland’s lush parks, or for a day trip to the stunning Oregon coast. Enhance the experience with a bottle of low-intervention wine, carefully selected to complement the flavors of your chosen meats and cheeses.
Dining at Olympia Provisions NW: A Culinary Adventure
Olympia Provisions NW Portland is an ideal destination for meeting friends, enjoying a romantic date night, or even indulging in a solo dining experience while exploring the city. The menu’s flexibility allows you to curate your own culinary journey, offering a selection of small plates perfect for sharing, generous entrée-sized portions for a satisfying meal, and expertly curated charcuterie boards designed to showcase the best of their offerings.
Delighting in Oregon Seafood at Olympia Provisions
Olympia Provisions extends its commitment to quality beyond charcuterie, placing equal emphasis on sourcing and preparing exceptional seafood.
The mussels escabeche are a testament to this dedication. Briny, salty, and intensely flavorful, these mussels are a true taste of the Oregon coast. For just $7, you can experience this delightful appetizer that perfectly balances acidity and richness.
And, of course, no visit to Olympia Provisions is complete without indulging in their selection of local oysters. Served with a refreshing gazpacho granita, these oysters offer a delightful burst of flavor and are the perfect way to begin your culinary adventure. At $3.25 each, they are an affordable luxury that shouldn’t be missed.
Garden Delights: Side Dishes that Shine
Beyond the meats and seafood, Olympia Provisions offers a selection of vibrant and flavorful side dishes, perfect for complementing your meal or enjoying as lighter fare.
If you’re dining solo or simply seeking lighter options to pair with your wine, explore the “Garden” section of the menu. Here, you’ll find options like the delicate butter lettuce salad, the refreshing ava bruma melon, and the earthy foraged mushrooms. These are available in small portions ($5), large portions ($10), or you can choose any three for $14, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors.
Crafting the Perfect Charcuterie Board at Olympia Provisions
Olympia Provisions is, at its heart, a charcuterie haven. The possibilities are endless, and the quality is unmatched.
Olympia Provisions NW simplifies the decision-making process by offering four curated charcuterie boards, perfect for those who are feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of choices:
- French Charcuterie Board ($23): A taste of France with two French-inspired salami, rillettes, pork-pistachio pâté, Blue d’Auvergne cheese, assorted pickles, Dijon mustard, and a baguette.
- Italian Charcuterie Board ($23): Journey to Italy with two Italian-inspired salami, mortadella, capicola, Italian sausage, Pecorino Toscano cheese, Calabrian chili mustard, and a baguette.
- Spanish Charcuterie Board ($25): Experience the flavors of Spain with three Spanish salami, sweetheart ham, fresh chorizo, Cana de Cabra cheese, salted almonds, Padrón pepper conserve, and a baguette.
- Mediterranean Charcuterie Board ($27): Explore the Mediterranean with loukanika, rigani loukaniko, salami capri, green peppercorn pâté, mussels escabeche, Fata Morgana cheese, marinated olives, and a baguette.
However, the true adventure lies in creating your own custom charcuterie board, selecting from a dizzying array of options:
- Approximately 17 dry-cured meats ($3 for 6-8 slices) – From classic salami to unique cured sausages, the choices are endless.
- 8 grilled sausages ($3.50/half, $7/whole) – Savory and satisfying, perfect for adding a heartier element to your board.
- 6 sliced meats ($3 for 4-6 slices) – Thinly sliced and bursting with flavor, these meats are perfect for layering and pairing with cheeses.
- 4 oysters and seafood (including the oysters and mussels mentioned above) – Add a touch of the sea to your board.
- Mixed pickle plate ($4) or à la carte pickled items ($1/1 oz) – The perfect tangy counterpoint to the richness of the meats and cheeses.
- 7 cheeses (prices vary) – From creamy bries to sharp cheddars, find the perfect cheese to complement your meats.
- 5 pâtés ($3 for 1 slice) – Smooth and decadent, pâtés add a luxurious touch to your charcuterie board.
My personal recommendation? The honey hazelnut pâté. Crafted with Oregon hazelnuts, smoky bacon, rich cognac, and sweet honey, this pâté is a symphony of flavors and textures. The combination is simply irresistible!
Complete your custom charcuterie board or begin your meal with some delightful accompaniments. Olympia Provisions offers approximately 8 accompaniments to choose from, including fresh honeycomb ($3), adding a touch of sweetness and texture, and perfectly salted almonds ($3), providing a satisfying crunch and salty counterpoint.
And I must always order a side of the olives ($3). Always! I could happily devour these olives by the bucketful. But even one serving is enough to satisfy my craving. They are simply divine!
Beyond Charcuterie: Main Entrées at Olympia Provisions
While charcuterie is undoubtedly a star attraction, Olympia Provisions also boasts a selection of satisfying main entrées for those seeking a more substantial meal.
The sweetheart ham benedict is so incredibly popular that Olympia Provisions has extended its availability, now serving it at lunch during the week, in addition to their beloved weekend brunch.
This culinary masterpiece features Olympia Provisions’ own sweetheart ham, nestled atop house-made English muffins, and generously draped in a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce. It’s served alongside a portion of crispy lazer potatoes, making it a perfect choice for either brunch or lunch!
For a heartier dinner option, consider the seared flat iron ($25), cooked to perfection and served with seasonal accompaniments. Alternatively, if you’re craving a classic, the OPNW Burger ($15) is a sure bet, featuring a juicy patty, flavorful toppings, and a side of crispy fries.
Sweet Endings: Indulgent Desserts
Conclude your culinary journey on a sweet note, and you won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend their perfectly fried beignets ($6), served with a side of tangy and refreshing lemon curd. These light and airy pastries are the ideal ending to a rich and savory meal.
Wine + Dine: An Underrated Gem
While Olympia Provisions is celebrated for its cured meats and exceptional food program, its often-overlooked wine program deserves equal recognition. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The OP wine program is led by Jessica Herth, a celebrated sommelier recognized as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 2018 Top 7 Sommeliers of the Year. Under her expert guidance, the wine program at Olympia Provisions focuses on small production wines crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the true character of the grapes to shine through. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship mirrors their approach to food, creating a harmonious and unforgettable dining experience.
Plan Your Visit: Dine at Olympia Provisions Portland
Ready to experience the culinary delights of Olympia Provisions? Here are the details you need to plan your visit:
Olympia Provisions NW Portland
1632 NW Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97209
503-894-8136
HOURS: Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 am – 3 pm
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 3 pm
Happy Hour: Daily 3 pm – 5 pm
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5 pm – 9 pm, Friday & Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm
For more information and reservations, visit the Olympia Provisions website.
Other Olympia Provisions Locations:
Olympia Provisions – SE Portland
107 SE Washington Street
Portland, OR 97214
Olympia Provisions Public House Eatery
3384 SE Division Street
Portland, OR 97202
Olympia Provisions & Tillamook Cheese Melty & Meaty Food Truck
Pioneer Square
701 SW 6th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
SW Corner of the Square
Olympia Provisions Hot Dog Cart
Located at Washington Park in SW Portland, next to the Rose Garden
Explore More of Portland: Additional Travel Guides
Looking for more dining and travel inspiration in Portland, Oregon? Check out these helpful guides:
Explore more amazing restaurants in Portland with the Urban Bliss Life Portland Restaurant Guide!
Find the perfect place to stay: The Duniway Hotel
Discover family-friendly activities: Top 50 Things to Do in the Spring/Summer in Portland, Oregon
Celebrate special occasions in style: Best Special Occasion Restaurants in Portland, Oregon