Coquine

Driving through a quiet residential neighborhood, I never expected to find a restaurant like this. Even the location felt special. As you walk in, you’re greeted by a market and an oyster bar. Then, through another entrance, you discover the dining room. It’s such a fun and unique layout. They offer a tasting menu, but since we were planning to stop somewhere else afterward, we ordered à la carte. We started with the oysters, and they were incredible. The strawberry sherry jelly on top elevated the fresh oysters beautifully, adding just the right touch of sweetness and acidity. Next came the chickpea socca and the tomato salad. Together, they were absolute perfection. The tomato salad was one of the best I’ve had. Dressed with a tomato-water dashi vinaigrette, it was bright, refreshing, and full of umami at the same time. Light, yet surprisingly deep in flavor. Our favorite dish of the night was the Summer Pasta. The lemon butter sauce, tender summer squash, and bursts of fresh tomato created the perfect balance. Every bite tasted like summer. For our final dish, we had the halibut with artichokes, couscous, and grilled kombu. It was beautifully cooked and everything paired well together. It was delicious, although the earlier dishes had set such a high bar that this one felt a little more familiar. The service was warm, the atmosphere was relaxed, the beer selection was excellent, and every dish was thoughtfully prepared. It was one of those dinners where everything simply came together. I would happily come back the next time I’m in Portland.

My partner and I celebrated my birthday here, and we were not let down. We opted out of the prix frixe menu, as those rarely have options for each serving that sound appetizing. So, we ordered a la carte. We started off our meal with some excellent PNW oysters served with a pomegranate gelée and some bread from Ken’s Bakery. For the main course I had black cod on a bed of crispy rice and some vegetable puree. It was excellent and the crispy rice was reminiscent of the crispy topping on a well baked casserole which added nostalgia to the dish. I am unsure if that was intentional, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. My partner ordered the milk braised pork sugo with vesuvio pasta. I only tried a couple of bites but it was also excellent. Very flavorful meal overall, but not too light, filling or rich. Everything seemed well balanced. Of course we ended our meal with the candy tray everyone reviewed so heavily and it didn’t disappoint. We ordered peanut butter toffee truffles, buckwheat linzer cookies, and their famous chocolate chip cookie. The truffle and the buckwheat cookies were very delicious. The chocolate chip cookie had the right flavor profile, but was hard as rocks and therefore texturally unpleasant. I wouldn’t order it again personally, nor call it “famous” in any way. Finally towards the end of the meal we ordered the sticky toffee pudding, which the staff kindly put a candle on for me to blow out. The pudding was incredible 10/10. Overall the service was exemplary, we were met, greeted and treated with respect and kindness. The food was well balanced, beautifully presented and delicious. The atmosphere of the restaurant itself was a tad bare and was very cold, obviously this review is in January, so I’m sure during the summer the temp is a non issue, but being warm, comfortable and ready to eat is a part of the dining experience, so this must be noted. I will certainly be returning for oysters in their marketplace and highly recommend that you give this place a try for any special occasions or adventurous eating.

We went on Friday night the 27th not entirely sure what to expect. The menu reads beautifully — simple, seasonal, restrained. But what arrived at our table was anything but simple. Every dish was thoughtful and alive. Real ingredients, in their peak season, handled with a kind of confidence that only comes from someone who truly understands — and respects — the rules of food before daring to bend them. Nothing was overworked. Nothing was trying too hard. It was bright, balanced, textural, and deeply satisfying. The winter squash salad was a masterclass in contrast — creamy, crunchy, sweet, savory — every bite slightly different and somehow perfectly composed. It’s rare to taste something that feels both comforting and entirely new at the same time. It was my birthday dinner, and dessert arrived with a candle — a small gesture that felt genuine rather than performative. The kind of hospitality that reminds you you’re not just a reservation number. The chef is phenomenal. There is something powerful about watching a woman lead a kitchen with this much clarity and restraint. I love supporting women in any space, but especially in one rooted in craft and passion — and this is both. It is absolutely worth the hype. It is worth the wait for a reservation. And we will absolutely be back.

Absolutely among the finest meals I've ever had. A small, well-lit place with friedly informative servers - not pretentious at all Excellent recommendations by the head server on wines to accompany the meal. Spouse had the oysters and Sugo Pork over pasta. I had the Salmon Roe and the duck breast. We shared the roasted carrot salad. I couldn't resist the sticky toffee pudding. Celebrating our 10th year in Oregon. The perfect venue - unfussy and delicious. Reservations essential. We dined at 5 PM and got out at 7. Perfection.

We went there to celebrate my husband's birthday last Saturday. It was our 2nd visit, and he was the one who wanted to go back. Loved the ambience, cleanliness of this place, but their food wasn't my taste (we got the course menu.) I noticed there was a chip in most of my husband's plates. If I was a chef, I would avoid using those. Also, they didn't give him any special dessert. Cheap. He was also disappointed to hear they were not doing a wine pairing this time.