Going to Astera is not just going out for dinner: it is a whole different dining experience that goes beyond food and service. Don't get me wrong: the food is amazing and the service is impeccable! But to reduce a dinner at Astera to only this would not do it justice. The atmosphere is carefully crafted, from the lighting to the music, creating a space not only to eat, but to celebrate the art of cooking. Dining here feels less like a meal and more like a journey, one that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LaVale
Going to Astera is not just going out for dinner: it is a whole different dining experience that goes beyond food and service. Don't get me wrong: the food is amazing and the service is impeccable! But to reduce a dinner at Astera to only this would not do it justice. The atmosphere is carefully crafted, from the lighting to the music, creating a space not only to eat, but to celebrate the art of cooking. Dining here feels less like a meal and more like a journey, one that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Kristin Schwarz
Whenever we go to Astera, we know we're in for a truly creative culinary experience. Each dish was thoughtful and flavorful. Great service. We look forward to returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nancy Visenberg
Excellent experience from the moment you enter the restaurant. The food is inspired & the presentation exceptional.
Richard Hamje
We had fantastic experience at Aspera for our anniversary, starting off with being greeted by name at the door and immediately seated. The basic offering is a five-course meal with fourteen different items made from locally sourced foods. Each item was unique both in flavor and presentation. And they were all delicious and beautiful. My partner had a non-alcoholic pairing with five different offerings. Two are made in-house including an amazing tomato kombucha, the other three are made by small batch fermentation houses elsewhere. The pairings were brilliant and none of the drinks were sour or vinegary. The service is impeccable. I would characterize it as self-aware pretentious with a good dash of humor and honesty. At the end of the meal, we were given a personalized menu of everything we had as a memento.
The space is quiet enough for comfortable conversation even with the open kitchen. It is intimate and has a library-worthy cookbook collection on the shelves. Reservations are required; there are two seatings per night. Plan on two hours. We were flexible on times and got a reservation five days ahead. But with the recent New York Times review, the wait may get longer. It is worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
lilvegancat
The botanical menu features truly unique and local flavors from Cascadia. I was impressed by everything presented to me. I would recommend getting the paired drinks menu and they have a non-alcoholic option.
Pauli
Wonderful evening! I reserved the chef's counter and Chef Adam and his team put together a wonderful menu that completely won me over. It was my first experience in a purely vegan/vegetarian restaurant and it is on par with many Michelin-starred restaurants. The relaxed and genuinely interested small talk made the evening perfect. The wine selection paired with the dishes was also perfect. It will definitely not be my last visit and I am already looking forward to the team's next creations. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Martha
Most amazing and unique food I've had and I am not vegan and enjoyed every bit of it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brigitte Pennell
Absolutely fantastic experience. I am not vegan, and considered some of the best food I’ve ever had. Unique combinations with fresh ingredients, put together with intent and much talent. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Clayton Lee
Astera was one of the best meals and experiences I’ve had in my life. The service staff wore suits, they brought our plates, poured our non alcoholic concoctions and cleared our plates in perfect choreographed unison, and the food was so outstanding I laughed out loud twice eating it.
The tasting menu had some real standout dishes. However, the dishware did not quite work for the food provided- making it difficult to actually use your utensils to get at the food. Also, the flatware provided was not changed out regularly and also seemed to be a bit clunky for the delicate dishes. Overall, A great and fun meal, we will definitely visit again- and look forward to our next trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Carole S
Mixed experience
Good pacing and some creative dishes, plus excellent fermented non-alcoholic drinks. However, service felt impersonal and detached. Staff went through the motions without much warmth. Noticed the kitchen was all-male and open concept. 20% tip automatically added to bill. Food and drinks show promise but service needs work.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
HaikuReview
Oft changing menu
My favorite restaurant
It’s simply the best
Jun De
Chef Aaron's love letter to fine dining, family, and fermentation. Loved my experience and the familiarity.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ivy Nacol
Astera truly is the stuff of dining dreams! While that might sound hyperbolic, one visit will reveal that it’s actually an understatement. You can expect a scintillating showcase that each season of Oregon’s bounty has to offer. Chef Aaron Adams’ commitment to detail with the entire mission is unmatched, from the expertly curated beverages right down to the locally made dinnerware on which the ever evolving menu is served. I am perpetually excited to see their latest creations. It is always an exquisite experience and an overall inspiration that makes me extra grateful to live in Portland.
Going to Astera is not just going out for dinner: it is a whole different dining experience that goes beyond food and service. Don't get me wrong: the food is amazing and the service is impeccable! But to reduce a dinner at Astera to only this would not do it justice. The atmosphere is carefully crafted, from the lighting to the music, creating a space not only to eat, but to celebrate the art of cooking. Dining here feels less like a meal and more like a journey, one that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Going to Astera is not just going out for dinner: it is a whole different dining experience that goes beyond food and service. Don't get me wrong: the food is amazing and the service is impeccable! But to reduce a dinner at Astera to only this would not do it justice. The atmosphere is carefully crafted, from the lighting to the music, creating a space not only to eat, but to celebrate the art of cooking. Dining here feels less like a meal and more like a journey, one that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Whenever we go to Astera, we know we're in for a truly creative culinary experience. Each dish was thoughtful and flavorful. Great service. We look forward to returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent experience from the moment you enter the restaurant. The food is inspired & the presentation exceptional.
We had fantastic experience at Aspera for our anniversary, starting off with being greeted by name at the door and immediately seated. The basic offering is a five-course meal with fourteen different items made from locally sourced foods. Each item was unique both in flavor and presentation. And they were all delicious and beautiful. My partner had a non-alcoholic pairing with five different offerings. Two are made in-house including an amazing tomato kombucha, the other three are made by small batch fermentation houses elsewhere. The pairings were brilliant and none of the drinks were sour or vinegary. The service is impeccable. I would characterize it as self-aware pretentious with a good dash of humor and honesty. At the end of the meal, we were given a personalized menu of everything we had as a memento.
The space is quiet enough for comfortable conversation even with the open kitchen. It is intimate and has a library-worthy cookbook collection on the shelves. Reservations are required; there are two seatings per night. Plan on two hours. We were flexible on times and got a reservation five days ahead. But with the recent New York Times review, the wait may get longer. It is worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The botanical menu features truly unique and local flavors from Cascadia. I was impressed by everything presented to me. I would recommend getting the paired drinks menu and they have a non-alcoholic option.
Wonderful evening!
I reserved the chef's counter and Chef Adam and his team put together a wonderful menu that completely won me over.
It was my first experience in a purely vegan/vegetarian restaurant and it is on par with many Michelin-starred restaurants.
The relaxed and genuinely interested small talk made the evening perfect.
The wine selection paired with the dishes was also perfect.
It will definitely not be my last visit and I am already looking forward to the team's next creations.
10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Most amazing and unique food I've had and I am not vegan and enjoyed every bit of it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely fantastic experience. I am not vegan, and considered some of the best food I’ve ever had. Unique combinations with fresh ingredients, put together with intent and much talent. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Astera was one of the best meals and experiences I’ve had in my life. The service staff wore suits, they brought our plates, poured our non alcoholic concoctions and cleared our plates in perfect choreographed unison, and the food was so outstanding I laughed out loud twice eating it.
I am in awe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The tasting menu had some real standout dishes. However, the dishware did not quite work for the food provided- making it difficult to actually use your utensils to get at the food. Also, the flatware provided was not changed out regularly and also seemed to be a bit clunky for the delicate dishes. Overall, A great and fun meal, we will definitely visit again- and look forward to our next trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Mixed experience
Good pacing and some creative dishes, plus excellent fermented non-alcoholic drinks. However, service felt impersonal and detached. Staff went through the motions without much warmth. Noticed the kitchen was all-male and open concept. 20% tip automatically added to bill. Food and drinks show promise but service needs work.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Oft changing menu My favorite restaurant It’s simply the best
Chef Aaron's love letter to fine dining, family, and fermentation. Loved my experience and the familiarity.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Astera truly is the stuff of dining dreams! While that might sound hyperbolic, one visit will reveal that it’s actually an understatement. You can expect a scintillating showcase that each season of Oregon’s bounty has to offer. Chef Aaron Adams’ commitment to detail with the entire mission is unmatched, from the expertly curated beverages right down to the locally made dinnerware on which the ever evolving menu is served. I am perpetually excited to see their latest creations. It is always an exquisite experience and an overall inspiration that makes me extra grateful to live in Portland.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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