Discover Exquisite Seafood at Cabezon Restaurant in Portland, Oregon
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with sumptuous seafood dishes that take center stage at Cabezon, a culinary gem nestled in Northeast Portland, Oregon.
Tucked away on a quaint side street just off Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Cabezon Restaurant offers an escape into a world of fresh, innovative seafood cuisine.
Since 2009, this warm and inviting neighborhood bistro has been a haven for seafood enthusiasts. Despite Portland’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, exceptional seafood restaurants can sometimes feel like hidden treasures. Cabezon, however, consistently delivers an outstanding seafood experience.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in a media dinner celebrating Cabezon’s 8th anniversary – an invitation I eagerly accepted, ready to immerse myself in their celebrated seafood offerings!
A Deeper Dive into Cabezon: Portland’s Premier Seafood Destination
Cabezon is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Let’s explore what makes this Portland eatery a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
The Ambiance: Intimate and Inviting
From the outside, Cabezon might seem like a small, galley-style restaurant. However, stepping inside reveals a surprisingly spacious and roomy dining area. The atmosphere manages to be both intimate and romantic, making it ideal for a special occasion or a casual night out.
During the warmer months, bistro tables line the sidewalk, providing additional seating and a charming al fresco dining option.
Adding to the restaurant’s unique charm are the vibrant, glass-blown jellyfish lamps that hang from the ceiling. These artistic fixtures set the stage for an exciting and creative dining experience, promising something special is about to unfold.
Craft Cocktails and Fine Wines: Complementing the Cuisine
No great meal is complete without the perfect beverage. Cabezon offers a thoughtfully curated selection of drinks to enhance your dining experience.
Cabezon boasts a lovely wine list that prominently features a wide selection of wines from the Pacific Northwest and California, alongside other carefully chosen varieties. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a full-bodied red, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your meal.
The cocktail menu is equally impressive, offering a mix of expertly crafted classics and intriguing new concoctions. The bartenders at Cabezon clearly have a passion for mixology, and their creativity shines through in every drink.
The Strega Sour ($11) is a visually stunning cocktail made with Desert Juniper Gin, Strega, egg white, lemon, and lime. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a perfect choice for a pre-dinner drink or a light afternoon cocktail.
The Roosevelt ($10) quickly became my favorite cocktail at Cabezon, particularly on a cool fall or winter night. This drink features Bulleit Rye Bourbon and Townshend Sweet Tea Liqueur and is garnished with a grilled frozen lemon. The grilled lemon helps to bring out the liqueur flavors and adds a delightful brightness to each sip, making it a truly memorable cocktail.
Small Plates: A Symphony of Flavors
Cabezon’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients is evident in their selection of small plates, designed to be shared and savored.
By working closely with a variety of Pacific Northwest farmers and fishing companies, Cabezon ensures daily deliveries of the freshest seafood. These pristine ingredients are then expertly transformed into beautiful and delicious dishes that showcase the best the region has to offer.
The Oysters – Torkes or Netarts and Eld Inlet ($3 each) – are an absolute must-try. These incredibly fresh oysters are served on the half shell with a delicate champagne mignonette, allowing their natural flavors to shine through.
I highly recommend ordering the Basil Wrapped White Shrimp with curried green lentils and tomato chutney ($13.50). This dish is a true work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine, creating a happy and satisfying culinary experience.
The House-made Patê is another excellent starter to share. Served with crostini, pickled red onions, cornichons, and pears ($9), it provides a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that will awaken your palate.
Entrees: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
The main courses at Cabezon are where the restaurant truly shines, offering a wide range of local fish and crustacean entrées that are sure to impress even the most discerning seafood lover.
For a simple yet elegant and satisfying seafood dish, try the Local Ling Cod with cauliflower puree, romanesco, smoked tomatoes, green beans, and romesco sauce ($27). The cod is cooked to perfection, and the accompanying vegetables and sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors.
Fellow food blogger Bee of The Spicy Bee raves that the Cioppino ($27.50) at Cabezon is her favorite in town. Having tasted it myself, I can certainly see why she loves it so much!
Cabezon’s Cioppino is packed with succulent wild white shrimp, fresh local fish, Manila clams, delicious Dungeness crab, calamari, and blue mussels. You definitely get your money’s worth with this seafood extravaganza!
Another local seafood star that is less commonly found on restaurant menus is the Oregon Black Bass ($27). Cabezon serves it with perfectly fried skin, on a bed of cannellini beans, cauliflower mushrooms, cabbage, speck ham, and dill aioli. The crispy skin and flavorful accompaniments make this dish a true standout.
Of course, Cabezon also caters to those who prefer land-based options. During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying the Reister Farms Lamb Sirloin ($28), which was served with ricotta dumplings, chanterelles, kale, cipollinis, and madeira olive jus. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the accompanying ingredients created a rich and flavorful dish.
Dessert: The Sweet Finale
While seafood is undoubtedly the star of Cabezon’s menu, you would be doing yourself a disservice to skip dessert. The desserts here are rich, bold, and utterly indulgent, providing the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
Just one bite of the Warm Ginger Cake with Spiced Pears and Caramel ($8) and I was completely hooked. This cake is moist and rich, as any good cake should be, and the spiced pears and caramel take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. I absolutely loved it!
Also on the decadent scale is the Callebaut Belgian chocolate pot de creme ($8). Chocolate fans will be more than satisfied with this cup of divine chocolate goodness.
Finally, if you want a dessert that has it all – pastry, ice cream, and booze – try the Maker’s Mark Whisky Ice Cream Profiteroles with chocolate sauce and candied hazelnuts ($8). This dessert is the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.
Plan Your Visit to Cabezon
If you are a seafood lover like me, or if you have a seafood lover visiting Portland, I highly recommend a visit to Cabezon Restaurant in Northeast Portland. The atmosphere is casual and relaxing, yet romantic and intimate. It’s the perfect spot for a memorable dining experience.
Keep in mind that parking can be a challenge in this residential area, so I recommend taking public transportation or allowing extra time to find a parking spot and walk to the restaurant.
Cabezon Restaurant
5200 NE Sacramento
Portland, OR
503.284.6617
For more information or to make reservations, please visit the Cabezon website.
Are you a seafood lover? What are some of your favorite seafood dishes, and which dish at Cabezon looks most appetizing to you?
I was invited to attend a media dinner at Cabezon Restaurant, during which all food and drinks were complimentary. As always, all opinions and photos are my own. I love seafood and can’t wait to return to Cabezon!