Kann is amazing! We loved the twice-cooked pork. The plantains were big, round, and crispy. The pork was nice and soft. I enjoyed having it with the avocado and the pickled veggies (pikliz).The chicken was delicious, and it was soft and easy to consume.Our dessert was delicious, too!We will be coming back.Vegetarian options: Kann has a vegan menu.
I visited Portland this past week and had the pleasure of dining here. My parents are from Haiti and I grew up eating Haitian food. This was my mom's cooking elevated to an unimaginable level where the chef created masterpiece after masterpiece. Phenomenal food with superb customer service. I loved how they took traditional spices and incorporated them with ingredients I never thought would accentuate them so well. This place is one all visiting must experience to believe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fritz Joseph
A Culinary Symphony: An Evening at KannFrom the moment you step into Kann, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're embarking on an exquisite journey where the vibrant soul of Haitian cuisine elegantly waltzes with the lush bounty of the Pacific Northwest. This isn't merely dining; it's an exploration of taste, tradition, and the innovative spirit that defines Kann.The genius behind this culinary marvel is none other than James Beard Award-Winning Chef Gregory Gourdet, whose visionary approach to Haitian cooking is nothing short of revolutionary. Kann isn't just a restaurant; it's a love letter to Haiti's rich culinary heritage, written with ingredients sourced from the verdant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.What truly sets Kann apart is its mastery of live-fire cooking. Each dish is a testament to the primal beauty of flame, where the complexity of flavors is forged in the heat of the moment, creating a symphony of tastes that dances across your palate. This isn't food; it's art.But Kann's magic isn't confined to its culinary creations alone. It's in the ambiance, which buzzes with warmth and welcome, in the meticulous service that makes you feel not just seen, but cherished, and in the joy of shared experiences, as every bite becomes a moment of connection, a memory in the making.My experience at Kann was illuminated by the wonderful service provided by the staff, and the exceptional guidance of my big sister Maggy, who introduced me to this gem. Each course was a revelation, showcasing Chef Gourdet's deft hand in balancing bold Haitian flavors with the subtleties of local produce. From the first appetizer to the last morsel of dessert, each bite was a testament to the chef's profound respect for his roots and his remarkable ability to innovate within that space.Kann is more than a restaurant; it's a destination for those who seek to immerse themselves in the beauty of Haitian cuisine, elevated by the abundance of the Pacific Northwest. It's a place where each visit feels like a homecoming, no matter where you're from.In conclusion, to dine at Kann is to experience the pinnacle of culinary craftsmanship, where every dish tells a story, every flavor carries a history, and every meal is an adventure. It's not just recommended; it's essential for anyone who cherishes the art of food. Here's to many more visits, each promising new discoveries and familiar comforts. Kann is, without a doubt, a beacon of culinary excellence.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Griyo Twice Cooked Pork
Brooke Hansen
Amazing experience overall. The food, service and atmosphere were all incredible.
Even with all the hype, this place impressed me with several dishes. Even though I did not care for Departure, Gourdet's last restaurant, this was a different experience. Very well run, less pretentious. If available get jerk cauliflower, chicken, creamed greens tarot fritters. One issue. Restaurant space is very loud. Some people may struggle.
Wow! I was blown away by absolutely everything. This is a special place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lindsey Garlinghouse
Won’t be returning- second time at Kann and while the food is unique and done well, this restaurant is not really worth the hype for the price and ultimately the experience. The check in process is terrible for a “fine” dining restaurant, and quite frankly the hosting staff I have encountered are rude. This is Portland OR, not New York…. and the attitude here doesn’t match our culture. Overall pleased with our food selections and presentation of the meal, but I wouldn’t choose Kann over other restaurants in the city and our waiter was not very attentive to the point that other wait staff checked in with us more often than he did. At the end of our meal, the restaurant floor manager (I think? She was not wearing the normal wait staff uniform) approached my guest and I to ask us how our meal was. What I thought was going to be a manager checking in with patrons quickly turned into a manager essentially kicking us out of our reservation, as she did not wait to hear our response about our experience before telling us we needed to leave because there was a reservation coming behind us. She promptly left us at the table, stunned, and without listening for our response. My guest had a full drink in front of her that had just been delivered, and we had just signed the bill. We were very caught off guard by this and felt extremely disrespected as patrons. We would have been perfectly reasonable about time had our waiter explained a time limit at the beginning of our reservation or time checked us early in our dinner. Needless to say, we will NOT be returning to Kann based on this customer service experience. Not worth the hassle of getting a reservation to be treated this way after what was supposed to be a nice meal out. Customer service matters and in a city with so many amazing restaurant options, we will take our business elsewhere. Shame because we wanted to bring family back here!
So really it was quite good, but I think they forgot the difference between 'carmelized' and 'burned,' at least when we were there. Which is to say the salmon was burned, and the scallops were burned (or maybe 'charred' is the word, but 'tastes like ashes' either way). So. Bummer.
Simply the best restaurant in Portland. I've eaten here about 6-7 times and always left happy. It takes a bit of planning to get a reservation, but that's the hard part.It's bright dining room that gets very busy. Surprisingly, it doesn't get loud like other venues. The staff is very accommodating and knowledgeable.The cocktails/mocktails are a great way to start the meal. Very creative. A good selection of wine is also available and several beers.The menu changes seasonally, but I have seen these items survive menu changes. The twice cooked pork with plantains is a must order dish. The akra is very good to, similar to falafels. The peanut creamed greens are delicious if you like peanuts as there are a lot of them.The chicken is excellent, this is like a BBQ origin with spice and fruit for sweetness. The beef rib is absolutely outstanding, but big and pricey. I prefer several smaller dishes.The desserts I liked most were the Baked Haiti, Kafe Chokola, and Haitian hot chocolate if they offer them.Every dinner there has been amazing, I'm looking forward to the next menu!Vegetarian options: They offer a vegetarian menu. There are 2-4 dishes in each category (starter, side, entree).Parking: Typically I have to park a couple blocks away. Never had any issues.
Been to Kann 2x now and both times we had such a wonderful time. The 2nd time we brought our 9mo son who LOVED the food and LOVED the staff. The table next to us was super rude but the staff made sure to make us feel welcomed. The dishes are always phenomenal and honestly, we never had a single complaint from any aspect leaving Kann. From the food, to the drinks, to the service - well worth every penny
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Megan Iacocca
Possibly the best meal we've had in Portland in many years. From the service to the atmosphere, everything was top-notch. It's not cheap, but the quality is there and is absolutely worth the splurge. The baked Haiti, griyo, cauliflower, and salmon were standouts, and the non-alcoholic drinks were tasty and balanced. The cocktails and wine selection were also great. Looking forward to coming back and trying their spring menu!
Great meal, I have never had Haitian food before. I was expecting more heat, but so tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Taro Fritters
Nozomi “IBAShinobi” Shinobu-Crest
Literally one of the top 3 dining experiences of my life. The salmon is amazing; crisp skin while the meat is still perfectly cooked. Every dish was an experience combining flavors I'd never have tried together otherwise, and all of it was delicious. Not a single thing I didn't like. The family style portions were also quite welcome! All the food is gluten and dairy free as well! The staff are all very attentive and seem to genuinely enjoy their work, even mixing up a couple custom drinks for myself and my sibling. I WILL BE RETURNING!Vegetarian options: All food is dairy free, ask about meatless and egg free optionsDietary restrictions: All the food is gluten free and dairy free!!!
Kann is amazing! We loved the twice-cooked pork. The plantains were big, round, and crispy. The pork was nice and soft. I enjoyed having it with the avocado and the pickled veggies (pikliz).The chicken was delicious, and it was soft and easy to consume.Our dessert was delicious, too!We will be coming back.Vegetarian options: Kann has a vegan menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spice Glazed Chicken, Griyo Twice Cooked Pork, Warm Plantain Brioche Muffins
I visited Portland this past week and had the pleasure of dining here. My parents are from Haiti and I grew up eating Haitian food. This was my mom's cooking elevated to an unimaginable level where the chef created masterpiece after masterpiece. Phenomenal food with superb customer service. I loved how they took traditional spices and incorporated them with ingredients I never thought would accentuate them so well. This place is one all visiting must experience to believe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Culinary Symphony: An Evening at KannFrom the moment you step into Kann, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're embarking on an exquisite journey where the vibrant soul of Haitian cuisine elegantly waltzes with the lush bounty of the Pacific Northwest. This isn't merely dining; it's an exploration of taste, tradition, and the innovative spirit that defines Kann.The genius behind this culinary marvel is none other than James Beard Award-Winning Chef Gregory Gourdet, whose visionary approach to Haitian cooking is nothing short of revolutionary. Kann isn't just a restaurant; it's a love letter to Haiti's rich culinary heritage, written with ingredients sourced from the verdant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.What truly sets Kann apart is its mastery of live-fire cooking. Each dish is a testament to the primal beauty of flame, where the complexity of flavors is forged in the heat of the moment, creating a symphony of tastes that dances across your palate. This isn't food; it's art.But Kann's magic isn't confined to its culinary creations alone. It's in the ambiance, which buzzes with warmth and welcome, in the meticulous service that makes you feel not just seen, but cherished, and in the joy of shared experiences, as every bite becomes a moment of connection, a memory in the making.My experience at Kann was illuminated by the wonderful service provided by the staff, and the exceptional guidance of my big sister Maggy, who introduced me to this gem. Each course was a revelation, showcasing Chef Gourdet's deft hand in balancing bold Haitian flavors with the subtleties of local produce. From the first appetizer to the last morsel of dessert, each bite was a testament to the chef's profound respect for his roots and his remarkable ability to innovate within that space.Kann is more than a restaurant; it's a destination for those who seek to immerse themselves in the beauty of Haitian cuisine, elevated by the abundance of the Pacific Northwest. It's a place where each visit feels like a homecoming, no matter where you're from.In conclusion, to dine at Kann is to experience the pinnacle of culinary craftsmanship, where every dish tells a story, every flavor carries a history, and every meal is an adventure. It's not just recommended; it's essential for anyone who cherishes the art of food. Here's to many more visits, each promising new discoveries and familiar comforts. Kann is, without a doubt, a beacon of culinary excellence.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Griyo Twice Cooked Pork
Amazing experience overall. The food, service and atmosphere were all incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Griyo Twice Cooked Pork, Warm Plantain Brioche Muffins, Creamed Collard Greens, Soursop Ice
Deserves all of the praise it has gotten. Amazing food and drinks. Great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Herring Pepper Sauce Whole Cauliflower Allspice Ginger Scotch Bonnet Sour Coconut Cream
Even with all the hype, this place impressed me with several dishes. Even though I did not care for Departure, Gourdet's last restaurant, this was a different experience. Very well run, less pretentious. If available get jerk cauliflower, chicken, creamed greens tarot fritters. One issue. Restaurant space is very loud. Some people may struggle.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Spice Glazed Chicken, Creamed Greens, Creamed Collard Greens, Taro Fritters, Smoked Herring Pepper Sauce Whole Cauliflower Allspice Ginger Scotch Bonnet Sour Coconut Cream
Wow! I was blown away by absolutely everything. This is a special place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Won’t be returning- second time at Kann and while the food is unique and done well, this restaurant is not really worth the hype for the price and ultimately the experience. The check in process is terrible for a “fine” dining restaurant, and quite frankly the hosting staff I have encountered are rude. This is Portland OR, not New York…. and the attitude here doesn’t match our culture. Overall pleased with our food selections and presentation of the meal, but I wouldn’t choose Kann over other restaurants in the city and our waiter was not very attentive to the point that other wait staff checked in with us more often than he did. At the end of our meal, the restaurant floor manager (I think? She was not wearing the normal wait staff uniform) approached my guest and I to ask us how our meal was. What I thought was going to be a manager checking in with patrons quickly turned into a manager essentially kicking us out of our reservation, as she did not wait to hear our response about our experience before telling us we needed to leave because there was a reservation coming behind us. She promptly left us at the table, stunned, and without listening for our response. My guest had a full drink in front of her that had just been delivered, and we had just signed the bill. We were very caught off guard by this and felt extremely disrespected as patrons. We would have been perfectly reasonable about time had our waiter explained a time limit at the beginning of our reservation or time checked us early in our dinner. Needless to say, we will NOT be returning to Kann based on this customer service experience. Not worth the hassle of getting a reservation to be treated this way after what was supposed to be a nice meal out. Customer service matters and in a city with so many amazing restaurant options, we will take our business elsewhere. Shame because we wanted to bring family back here!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Dietary restrictions: All dairy and gluten free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Warm Plantain Brioche Muffins, Smoked Herring Pepper Sauce Whole Cauliflower Allspice Ginger Scotch Bonnet Sour Coconut Cream
So really it was quite good, but I think they forgot the difference between 'carmelized' and 'burned,' at least when we were there. Which is to say the salmon was burned, and the scallops were burned (or maybe 'charred' is the word, but 'tastes like ashes' either way). So. Bummer.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Simply the best restaurant in Portland. I've eaten here about 6-7 times and always left happy. It takes a bit of planning to get a reservation, but that's the hard part.It's bright dining room that gets very busy. Surprisingly, it doesn't get loud like other venues. The staff is very accommodating and knowledgeable.The cocktails/mocktails are a great way to start the meal. Very creative. A good selection of wine is also available and several beers.The menu changes seasonally, but I have seen these items survive menu changes. The twice cooked pork with plantains is a must order dish. The akra is very good to, similar to falafels. The peanut creamed greens are delicious if you like peanuts as there are a lot of them.The chicken is excellent, this is like a BBQ origin with spice and fruit for sweetness. The beef rib is absolutely outstanding, but big and pricey. I prefer several smaller dishes.The desserts I liked most were the Baked Haiti, Kafe Chokola, and Haitian hot chocolate if they offer them.Every dinner there has been amazing, I'm looking forward to the next menu!Vegetarian options: They offer a vegetarian menu. There are 2-4 dishes in each category (starter, side, entree).Parking: Typically I have to park a couple blocks away. Never had any issues.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Rib, Butter Fish, Spice Glazed Chicken, Smoked Beef Ribs, Smoked Beef, Creamed Greens, Griyo Twice Cooked Pork, Creamed Collard Greens, Taro Fritters, Fish
Been to Kann 2x now and both times we had such a wonderful time. The 2nd time we brought our 9mo son who LOVED the food and LOVED the staff. The table next to us was super rude but the staff made sure to make us feel welcomed. The dishes are always phenomenal and honestly, we never had a single complaint from any aspect leaving Kann. From the food, to the drinks, to the service - well worth every penny
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Possibly the best meal we've had in Portland in many years. From the service to the atmosphere, everything was top-notch. It's not cheap, but the quality is there and is absolutely worth the splurge. The baked Haiti, griyo, cauliflower, and salmon were standouts, and the non-alcoholic drinks were tasty and balanced. The cocktails and wine selection were also great. Looking forward to coming back and trying their spring menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creamed Greens, Griyo Twice Cooked Pork, Warm Plantain Brioche Muffins, Taro Fritters, Fish
Great meal, I have never had Haitian food before. I was expecting more heat, but so tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Taro Fritters
Literally one of the top 3 dining experiences of my life. The salmon is amazing; crisp skin while the meat is still perfectly cooked. Every dish was an experience combining flavors I'd never have tried together otherwise, and all of it was delicious. Not a single thing I didn't like. The family style portions were also quite welcome! All the food is gluten and dairy free as well! The staff are all very attentive and seem to genuinely enjoy their work, even mixing up a couple custom drinks for myself and my sibling. I WILL BE RETURNING!Vegetarian options: All food is dairy free, ask about meatless and egg free optionsDietary restrictions: All the food is gluten free and dairy free!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Griyo Twice Cooked Pork, Warm Plantain Brioche Muffins, Fish