Good food, fun experience. We eat at a fair amount of nicer restaurants. This was overpriced comparatively. There are better options for high caliber tasting menus in the northern Willamette Valley.We might try the menu in the summer / fall when more fresh produce is available.To clarify for those wondering: "We include an automatic 20% service charge" should be changed to "We add an automatic 20% service charge". Tip is not included. They then verbally request an additional tip after you pay which is interesting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Apoorva Sridhar
Went with my husband for the abbreviated tasting experience. This is definitely not the place for vegetarian food. The flavor profiles were very similar in few of the dishes. Please save your money. Its not worth the price.
Food: 1
Walter C.
Reflecting on my recent dining experience at ōkta in Portland, I find myself grappling with a sense of disappointment that lingers longer than any of the flavors I encountered there. The visit conjured memories of the movie "Pig" where Nicolas Cage's character confronts a chef for cooking without soul. This analogy feels uncomfortably apt, as my experience at ōkta mirrored a similar lack of culinary heart.The restaurant tries hard, almost too hard, to be something, yet it falls short of defining what that something is. This undefined ambition is evident in the dishes themselves, which, despite their meticulous presentation and the use of high-quality ingredients, somehow miss the mark in execution. The finer points of the meal lacked the polish and refinement one would expect from a restaurant of this caliber, especially considering the hefty price tag.In a city like Portland, ōkta might pass as a novel experience, but it pales in comparison to the standards set by similar establishments in culinary hubs like New York, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The dishes, while creative, strip the ingredients of their authentic flavors, rendering them unrecognizable. This approach might be seen as a success if the goal was to transform fine ingredients into something entirely different. However, it raises the question of whether this transformation is meaningful or merely a culinary exercise lacking in true flavor and soul.In summary, while ōkta aims high with its ambitious menu and presentation, it fails to deliver a dining experience that resonates on a deeper, more flavorful level. The restaurant's pursuit of culinary innovation overshadows the essence of what makes a meal truly memorable: the ability to connect with the diner through authentic and soulful cooking.
Dave Penhall
We were surprised and excited to find a high-end restaurant a block from our hotel. We jumped on the chance to go and were definitely rewarded for it. The tasting menu was great with the wine pairings. The dishes really encouraged taking a 'perfect bite' to make the magic happen. There were many interesting dishes presented in novel ways and flavor combinations to tickle even my fickle palette.The theme of the food was definitely a mushroom, root vegetable, 'earthy,' umami forward experience. The wines were perfectly paired with the dishes and had a great variety, even including local favorites. If there is anything to caution over, make sure you get a reservation at least a day in advance and know that it is pricey. If you love the fine dining experience and wish to splurge, please give it a go. You won't be disappointed. This is on-par with some of the Michelin starred restaurants we've eaten at. It's the real deal.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cesar S.
Food! Service! Wine! What an experience! I loved everything about it. Ron is the best! Loved his spirit and care for me and my family.
Nikko N.
We ate at Okta for my birthday in November. In general it was more "interesting" than delicious. Service is friendly and attempted to be first class, but no finesse nor polish. Drinks did not come at the same time as the courses, the food was not served to each of us at the same time, the server wasn't aware of some basic info about some of the drinks, and overall they just all seemed new to the game. All of which is totally fine and a non-issue, except when I'm paying above top dollar. The Allison, also in McMinnville, has much more style and the service is precise with a flourish. They set a high bar. At Okta, it looks the part, but just doesn't deliver. The non-alcoholic drink pairing was the same price as the meal -which was not communicated to us when offered. In addition, were encouraged to add that for our 9 year old despite asking twice if it was a kid friendly option and if we would be better off just getting him a mocktail ( then a 3rd time when it was apparent that it featured n/a wine and not mocktails, and they assured us that it would get more kid friendly, which it did not). They DID give him one extra soda when they noticed that he continued not to drink the n/a wines that were being served). My kiddo is a very adventurous eater, he did great with the food, and it should have been addressed when they observed him not drinking the wines and us asking 3 times if it was appropriate for kids. For the amount we paid, someone should have mixed him a couple of fancy juices. I left feeling taken advantage of in that regard. It is also with noting that this is the first tasting menu that I have ever left still feeling hungry. We spent more at Okta than we have at any fine dining across the globe to date. Paris, LA, Mexico City, Napa, Maui, Aspen ,etc. we are used to paying top dollar for high quality food and a fine dining experience. We plan trips and special occasions around food, and we went to McMinnville specifically to have the experience of Okta. To say it was disappointing is an understatement. In fact, I have never been more disappointed. -Finally, I wrote a note to the restaurant via resy expressing my disappointment in the drink pairing, and never received acknowledgment of any kind.
Mari Kim
Very special occasion. Many thanks to Clara who made it possible for the three of us to be seated that weekend. Girlfriend’s birthday. We made the six hour road trip with a pescatarian and someone who doesn’t eat any seafood in our group. ?They begin our experience with a viewing of the fresh versions of ingredients that would go into our dishes. Much appreciation for the team of chefs, who made sure that, despite the dietary restrictions in our group, the dishes echoed each other — considerable thoughtfulness was expressed in how they kept all our dishes the same with only the smallest adjustments to ingredients.Loved the use of flowers and the unique presentations. It was an impressive tasting menu with a uniquely utilized array of ingredients. For my taste, the dishes felt like they represented a bias on the savory side. In one or two cases, I felt that too much salt had been added that overpowered the taste. But all in all, beginning with the very first bowl of fresh corn prepared with silken tofu-like base, each dish offered a revelation. (Will list the menu a bit later.)The cocktails were bright and attractive. We decided to forgo the wine pairings, but had the enjoyment of listening to the descriptions offered by the bar manager for each of the wines delivered to the neighbors dining next to us. We listened and appreciated the wines vicariously. Truly an excellent sommelier he was. Think his name was Eric.The menu placed at our table had a narrative about this season that had inspired the dishes.Our servers were outstanding. 20% gratuity was included in the tab. The full tasting in the restaurant came out to $342 a person. There is a tasting menu with fewer dishes downstairs in the wine cellar that is under $200. Worth experiencing with the right company on the right occasion.Vegetarian options: The kitchen is outstanding at accommodating dietary needs. We had a vegetarian and a pescatarian in our group, and both were extremely pleased with the selected modifications because each persons needs were accounted for in their servings.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Ice Cream, Shima-Aji Pine Nettle, Parsnip Custard Abalone, Chocolate Brownie, Mochi, Black Truffle Tart, Braeburn Apple, Sturgeon Black Walnut Cabbage, Dungeness Crab Yellow Flint Corn Grits, Fresh Ingredients Display, Panna Cotta, Carrot Red, Oat Cookie Sweetened Whipping Cream Hazelnut Dragee, Mackerel, Wagyu Beef
Joshua G.
Service was far better than the food. Not worth the price, not worth half the price. Unfortunately fell way short of expectations First half of tasting menu was on point. Fell apart for the main dishes and desserts. Certainly skip the $190 wine pairing. Big miss.
Mar K.
Very special occasion. Many thanks to Clara who made it possible for the three of us to be seated that weekend. Girlfriend's birthday. We made the six hour road trip with a pescatarian and someone who doesn't eat any seafood in our group. They begin our experience with a viewing of the fresh versions of ingredients that would go into our dishes. Much appreciation for the team of chefs, who made sure that, despite the dietary restrictions in our group, the dishes echoed each other -- considerable thoughtfulness was expressed in how they kept all our dishes the same with only the smallest adjustments to ingredients.Loved the use of flowers and the unique presentations. It was an impressive tasting menu with a uniquely utilized array of ingredients. For my taste, the dishes felt like they represented a bias on the savory side. In one or two cases, I felt that too much salt had been added that overpowered the taste. But all in all, beginning with the very first bowl of fresh corn prepared with silken tofu-like base, each dish offered a revelation. (Will list the menu a bit later.)The cocktails were bright and attractive. We decided to forgo the wine pairings, but had the enjoyment of listening to the descriptions offered by the bar manager for each of the wines delivered to the neighbors dining next to us. We listened and appreciated the wines vicariously. Truly an excellent sommelier he was. Think his name was Eric.The menu placed at our table had a narrative about this season that had inspired the dishes. Our servers were outstanding. 20% gratuity was included in the tab. The full tasting in the restaurant came out to $342 a person. There is a tasting menu with fewer dishes downstairs in the wine cellar that is under $200. Worth experiencing with the right company on the right occasion.
Great prix fixe dinner and pairings. Enjoyed watching staff prepare the dishes!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily Rogers
Moe and Caleb in the Cellar Bar are excellent hosts. We were well taken care of for the entire night— they were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and very approachable.Additionally, the sommelier, Ron, not only made wonderful recommendations, but he helped us plan our next day of tastings at local vineyards and tasting rooms.Okta is undoubtedly a very special place, but the above and beyond service is what sets it apart!
Kristin Fuller
I have nothing negative to say about okta, this was such a fantastic dining experience. We’ve done tasting menus before, but this was probably my favorite as I’ve never had a THIRTEEN course meal with wine pairings! I’m so happy to have a 5 star place like this right here in wine county, what a wild ride throughout that whole meal. The sommelier was amazing, service was excellent and the food was incredibly unique and so delicious. Wine pairings perfectly complimented every dish. Nice, minimalist atmosphere inside, it definitely makes you forget that you’re in McMinnville! We came here for an anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint!
Sara Beck
Disappointed. We visited Castagna several times before it closed and were so excited to try ōkta tonight after a long wait. It was okay. The best courses were the bread and the desserts. None of the other dishes were something I would order again. Everything was over salted and the flavors didn't sing. The vegetarian options had especially tiny serving sizes. Our roasted root vegetable serving was less than a quarter the size of our dining partners' fish. All the other components of the dish were the same. This experience was similar for multiple dishes. The music was loud and the servers' voices were so soft we could barely hear them describe the dishes. We misread the check and accidentally tipped even though a 20% service charge had already been added. Overall the experience was nowhere near worth the price (before or after the accidental double tip). I can highly recommend several other tasting menus in the Portland metro area, but we won't be back for this one.Vegetarian options: As a vegetarian dining with meat eaters it was disappointing to see our dishes being essentially the same as theirs but less food (all for the same price). A roasted rutabaga is not the same value as dungeness crab. Kobe beef versus a pressed grain cake? Also, good vegetarian dishes have different flavor profiles than meat dishes, but these dishes were identical except for the "protein".
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Edmond T.
We were at Okta for the lounge so this review is strictly for their amazing bites and drinks. Located downstairs, the Okta has a cellar bar and lounge with deep brown leathers and contemporary neutral clay tiles. The downstairs lounge also serves as the restaurant's wine library.The cocktails are amazing, and the bites are even better.
The cellar bar is SO cool! What a neat spot. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, fun experience. We eat at a fair amount of nicer restaurants. This was overpriced comparatively. There are better options for high caliber tasting menus in the northern Willamette Valley.We might try the menu in the summer / fall when more fresh produce is available.To clarify for those wondering: "We include an automatic 20% service charge" should be changed to "We add an automatic 20% service charge". Tip is not included. They then verbally request an additional tip after you pay which is interesting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Went with my husband for the abbreviated tasting experience. This is definitely not the place for vegetarian food. The flavor profiles were very similar in few of the dishes. Please save your money. Its not worth the price.
Food: 1
Reflecting on my recent dining experience at ōkta in Portland, I find myself grappling with a sense of disappointment that lingers longer than any of the flavors I encountered there. The visit conjured memories of the movie "Pig" where Nicolas Cage's character confronts a chef for cooking without soul. This analogy feels uncomfortably apt, as my experience at ōkta mirrored a similar lack of culinary heart.The restaurant tries hard, almost too hard, to be something, yet it falls short of defining what that something is. This undefined ambition is evident in the dishes themselves, which, despite their meticulous presentation and the use of high-quality ingredients, somehow miss the mark in execution. The finer points of the meal lacked the polish and refinement one would expect from a restaurant of this caliber, especially considering the hefty price tag.In a city like Portland, ōkta might pass as a novel experience, but it pales in comparison to the standards set by similar establishments in culinary hubs like New York, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The dishes, while creative, strip the ingredients of their authentic flavors, rendering them unrecognizable. This approach might be seen as a success if the goal was to transform fine ingredients into something entirely different. However, it raises the question of whether this transformation is meaningful or merely a culinary exercise lacking in true flavor and soul.In summary, while ōkta aims high with its ambitious menu and presentation, it fails to deliver a dining experience that resonates on a deeper, more flavorful level. The restaurant's pursuit of culinary innovation overshadows the essence of what makes a meal truly memorable: the ability to connect with the diner through authentic and soulful cooking.
We were surprised and excited to find a high-end restaurant a block from our hotel. We jumped on the chance to go and were definitely rewarded for it. The tasting menu was great with the wine pairings. The dishes really encouraged taking a 'perfect bite' to make the magic happen. There were many interesting dishes presented in novel ways and flavor combinations to tickle even my fickle palette.The theme of the food was definitely a mushroom, root vegetable, 'earthy,' umami forward experience. The wines were perfectly paired with the dishes and had a great variety, even including local favorites. If there is anything to caution over, make sure you get a reservation at least a day in advance and know that it is pricey. If you love the fine dining experience and wish to splurge, please give it a go. You won't be disappointed. This is on-par with some of the Michelin starred restaurants we've eaten at. It's the real deal.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food! Service! Wine! What an experience! I loved everything about it. Ron is the best! Loved his spirit and care for me and my family.
We ate at Okta for my birthday in November. In general it was more "interesting" than delicious. Service is friendly and attempted to be first class, but no finesse nor polish. Drinks did not come at the same time as the courses, the food was not served to each of us at the same time, the server wasn't aware of some basic info about some of the drinks, and overall they just all seemed new to the game. All of which is totally fine and a non-issue, except when I'm paying above top dollar. The Allison, also in McMinnville, has much more style and the service is precise with a flourish. They set a high bar. At Okta, it looks the part, but just doesn't deliver. The non-alcoholic drink pairing was the same price as the meal -which was not communicated to us when offered. In addition, were encouraged to add that for our 9 year old despite asking twice if it was a kid friendly option and if we would be better off just getting him a mocktail ( then a 3rd time when it was apparent that it featured n/a wine and not mocktails, and they assured us that it would get more kid friendly, which it did not). They DID give him one extra soda when they noticed that he continued not to drink the n/a wines that were being served). My kiddo is a very adventurous eater, he did great with the food, and it should have been addressed when they observed him not drinking the wines and us asking 3 times if it was appropriate for kids. For the amount we paid, someone should have mixed him a couple of fancy juices. I left feeling taken advantage of in that regard. It is also with noting that this is the first tasting menu that I have ever left still feeling hungry. We spent more at Okta than we have at any fine dining across the globe to date. Paris, LA, Mexico City, Napa, Maui, Aspen ,etc. we are used to paying top dollar for high quality food and a fine dining experience. We plan trips and special occasions around food, and we went to McMinnville specifically to have the experience of Okta. To say it was disappointing is an understatement. In fact, I have never been more disappointed. -Finally, I wrote a note to the restaurant via resy expressing my disappointment in the drink pairing, and never received acknowledgment of any kind.
Very special occasion. Many thanks to Clara who made it possible for the three of us to be seated that weekend. Girlfriend’s birthday. We made the six hour road trip with a pescatarian and someone who doesn’t eat any seafood in our group. ?They begin our experience with a viewing of the fresh versions of ingredients that would go into our dishes. Much appreciation for the team of chefs, who made sure that, despite the dietary restrictions in our group, the dishes echoed each other — considerable thoughtfulness was expressed in how they kept all our dishes the same with only the smallest adjustments to ingredients.Loved the use of flowers and the unique presentations. It was an impressive tasting menu with a uniquely utilized array of ingredients. For my taste, the dishes felt like they represented a bias on the savory side. In one or two cases, I felt that too much salt had been added that overpowered the taste. But all in all, beginning with the very first bowl of fresh corn prepared with silken tofu-like base, each dish offered a revelation. (Will list the menu a bit later.)The cocktails were bright and attractive. We decided to forgo the wine pairings, but had the enjoyment of listening to the descriptions offered by the bar manager for each of the wines delivered to the neighbors dining next to us. We listened and appreciated the wines vicariously. Truly an excellent sommelier he was. Think his name was Eric.The menu placed at our table had a narrative about this season that had inspired the dishes.Our servers were outstanding. 20% gratuity was included in the tab. The full tasting in the restaurant came out to $342 a person. There is a tasting menu with fewer dishes downstairs in the wine cellar that is under $200. Worth experiencing with the right company on the right occasion.Vegetarian options: The kitchen is outstanding at accommodating dietary needs. We had a vegetarian and a pescatarian in our group, and both were extremely pleased with the selected modifications because each persons needs were accounted for in their servings.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Ice Cream, Shima-Aji Pine Nettle, Parsnip Custard Abalone, Chocolate Brownie, Mochi, Black Truffle Tart, Braeburn Apple, Sturgeon Black Walnut Cabbage, Dungeness Crab Yellow Flint Corn Grits, Fresh Ingredients Display, Panna Cotta, Carrot Red, Oat Cookie Sweetened Whipping Cream Hazelnut Dragee, Mackerel, Wagyu Beef
Service was far better than the food. Not worth the price, not worth half the price. Unfortunately fell way short of expectations First half of tasting menu was on point. Fell apart for the main dishes and desserts. Certainly skip the $190 wine pairing. Big miss.
Very special occasion. Many thanks to Clara who made it possible for the three of us to be seated that weekend. Girlfriend's birthday. We made the six hour road trip with a pescatarian and someone who doesn't eat any seafood in our group. They begin our experience with a viewing of the fresh versions of ingredients that would go into our dishes. Much appreciation for the team of chefs, who made sure that, despite the dietary restrictions in our group, the dishes echoed each other -- considerable thoughtfulness was expressed in how they kept all our dishes the same with only the smallest adjustments to ingredients.Loved the use of flowers and the unique presentations. It was an impressive tasting menu with a uniquely utilized array of ingredients. For my taste, the dishes felt like they represented a bias on the savory side. In one or two cases, I felt that too much salt had been added that overpowered the taste. But all in all, beginning with the very first bowl of fresh corn prepared with silken tofu-like base, each dish offered a revelation. (Will list the menu a bit later.)The cocktails were bright and attractive. We decided to forgo the wine pairings, but had the enjoyment of listening to the descriptions offered by the bar manager for each of the wines delivered to the neighbors dining next to us. We listened and appreciated the wines vicariously. Truly an excellent sommelier he was. Think his name was Eric.The menu placed at our table had a narrative about this season that had inspired the dishes. Our servers were outstanding. 20% gratuity was included in the tab. The full tasting in the restaurant came out to $342 a person. There is a tasting menu with fewer dishes downstairs in the wine cellar that is under $200. Worth experiencing with the right company on the right occasion.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great prix fixe dinner and pairings. Enjoyed watching staff prepare the dishes!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moe and Caleb in the Cellar Bar are excellent hosts. We were well taken care of for the entire night— they were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and very approachable.Additionally, the sommelier, Ron, not only made wonderful recommendations, but he helped us plan our next day of tastings at local vineyards and tasting rooms.Okta is undoubtedly a very special place, but the above and beyond service is what sets it apart!
I have nothing negative to say about okta, this was such a fantastic dining experience. We’ve done tasting menus before, but this was probably my favorite as I’ve never had a THIRTEEN course meal with wine pairings! I’m so happy to have a 5 star place like this right here in wine county, what a wild ride throughout that whole meal. The sommelier was amazing, service was excellent and the food was incredibly unique and so delicious. Wine pairings perfectly complimented every dish. Nice, minimalist atmosphere inside, it definitely makes you forget that you’re in McMinnville! We came here for an anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint!
Disappointed. We visited Castagna several times before it closed and were so excited to try ōkta tonight after a long wait. It was okay. The best courses were the bread and the desserts. None of the other dishes were something I would order again. Everything was over salted and the flavors didn't sing. The vegetarian options had especially tiny serving sizes. Our roasted root vegetable serving was less than a quarter the size of our dining partners' fish. All the other components of the dish were the same. This experience was similar for multiple dishes. The music was loud and the servers' voices were so soft we could barely hear them describe the dishes. We misread the check and accidentally tipped even though a 20% service charge had already been added. Overall the experience was nowhere near worth the price (before or after the accidental double tip). I can highly recommend several other tasting menus in the Portland metro area, but we won't be back for this one.Vegetarian options: As a vegetarian dining with meat eaters it was disappointing to see our dishes being essentially the same as theirs but less food (all for the same price). A roasted rutabaga is not the same value as dungeness crab. Kobe beef versus a pressed grain cake? Also, good vegetarian dishes have different flavor profiles than meat dishes, but these dishes were identical except for the "protein".
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
We were at Okta for the lounge so this review is strictly for their amazing bites and drinks. Located downstairs, the Okta has a cellar bar and lounge with deep brown leathers and contemporary neutral clay tiles. The downstairs lounge also serves as the restaurant's wine library.The cocktails are amazing, and the bites are even better.