Located in the Pearl District Can Font brings Spanish food to Portland and our experience is one to be remembered. Beautiful décor, delectable menu, music and staff. Everything in Can Font is perfectly thought out to truly experience Spanish fine dining, giving all Portland visitors a chance to taste Spain. This fine dining restaurant is one you would not want to miss, it’s a go-to in Portland. The restaurant’s backdrop is painted with a giant photo of Gaudí’s Casa Milá, making you feel like you’re in the heart of Barcelona.
Inspired by sister restaurant Can Font Barcelona, it was brought to Portland by Owner, Vladimir Zaharchook-Williams. In 2014, Chef Josep Vidal of Can Font Barcelona visited Portland and by chance was introduced to Vladimir, this moment was the beginning to Can Font Portland. That year, Vladimir went to Barcelona to experience Can Font for himself, three years later he opened the Portland location.
Chef Josep Vidal helped create their traditional Spanish menu incorporating local produce, meats, and wild fish. With the exception of a few dishes, Can Font’s menu changes with each season. This alone makes us want to come back! Their Executive Chef, Luis Ochoa, and Chef de Cuisine, Juan Avila create traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist and presentation. General Manager Charles “Matt” Bishop says, “It’s important for us to have two chefs, so we can stay consistent and true to the concept”.
“Each dish is developed with its traditional Spanish roots in mind and elevated to today’s modern expectations showcasing high-quality, local producers’ protein, crops, and grains, and sources responsibly when utilizing unique or one-of-a-kind specialty items to minimize its’ impact on the environment.” – Can Font
Our palate’s experienced what the Chef’s considered to be the perfect Can Font meal, each bite was perfection. They started us off with Croquetas de Pollo and 5Js Bellota y Pan con Tomate. Chicken croquettes that melted in our mouth and a delicate ham over grilled Catalan bread and tomatoes, followed by Pulpo a la Plancha, without a doubt the best octopus we’ve ever tasted. The flavors were a delight. Next came the oxtail paired with Escalada do Sil – Valdeorras, a bottle of sweet wine with aromas of strawberries and violets. They know how to pair! Finally, they presented us their specialty, Paella de Mar y Montana.
This Sea and Mountain Paella is a Spanish must! Acquarello rice, Mediterranean prawns, pork, mussels, clams and the fish of the day which was cod. They’ve perfected Paella here and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. We’ve tasted our fair share of Paella’s and Can Font’s is impeccable.
They also served us a little treat at the end, the Chocofont, a Sangria infused chocolate mousse. Vladimir has visited Can Font Barcelona numerous times and says, “all recipes are the same”, which assured us how authentic this restaurant really is.
They are currently working on an expanded bar program where guests will be able to enjoy small dishes called Tapas which would be available at the Bar, Chefs Counter, and Chefs Table. If you’re a wine and beer lover, you’ll be glad to know that their entire wine and beer list is all imported from Spain. Can Font is a beautiful restaurant that truly gives you an experience like no other.
