This is an upscale restaurant that hosts two seating per night. We arrived for our 5PM reservation and were greeted promptly as promised. From the moment we arrived we were treated with deference and care. Every staff member, as well as Chef Adams, was thoughtful of our needs and anticipated them before we could ask.
The restaurant itself is charming and eclectic.
Framed art, potted plants, serve ware and an abundance of cookbooks are arranged neatly creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcome.
We were fortunate enough to be seated at the Chef's counter and enjoyed engaging, knowledgeable and informative conversation throughout our visit.
Our reservation was for the seven course spring menu and as soon as the first appetizer arrived we knew we were in for an outstanding experience.
Each course was thoughtfully and meticulously prepared. Each dish was an explosion of flavor and always a delight! The creative combinations of flavors and textures left us in awe of Chef Aaron's skill and creativity. The attention to each detail, recipes, hospitality, plating and ambiance was impeccable. We could not have been more impressed.
We hope to return again and again!
michivegangirl
The restaurant ASTERA was a magical plant based dining experience! The dishes were so well balanced and dynamic! The atmosphere was inviting and Chef Aaron shared many stories and details of his journey as a chef and the processes used to create the dishes we tasted. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, ASTERA is the place! 🌿
burnsria
Okay, this review is LATE, I went to the Astera & Timothy Dearing Collab in May of 2024 and I am finally getting around to writing this. I first want to say that the staff was lovely, I was going between two of the kombucha options and our server let me try a bit of them both before I made my decision. I appreciated how Timothy explained what each course contained and the inspiration behind it. There were so many lovely dishes, and I was beyond full by the end of our service. Highly recommend!
EmdotAlice
We’re huge fans of Chef Adams— he sold us our first fermentation book and gave us our first jar, and really changed our lives when it comes to what we eat. This place has special sentimental value for us, but aside them that, the food is amazing. There is a special focus on fermentation and experimentation. This place is worth traveling for! #Veganuary
hydr0jen
I went here with my partner for our christmas gifts to each other. I cannot recommend them enough. All the food was imaginative, exciting, and so so yummy. This was a splurge for us, so we will need to think up another reason to take ourselves. Until then, I'll be dreaming about seaweed caviar, sunchoke dumplings, and pumpkin seed ice cream (best vegan ice cream I've ever had).
-Raymond-
Really unique experience, exceptional service, creative dishes and excellent wine pairings. Everything was inventive and delicious, very pricey but worth it because it is an experience not just a meal. Would highly recommend.
1AP1
Awesome place to visit during different seasons to see how the menu evolves.
Only negative is I might miss their old restaurants more than I love Astera--Portobello, Fermenter, and the short lived but incredible Il Paffuto :(
Claire Kelly
Dinner was so good that we grabbed some celeriac at the farmers market to try cooking it ourselves.
The entire staff did an excellent job and the chef, Aaron Adams, even showed us some of his cook books as we chatted about vegetables used in the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Nguyen
Incredible vegan dining experience. I'm a meat eater and did not miss it at all due to how inventive and delicious the food was. My wife and I loved every minute of it. It is pricy by the food quality and service were incredible. Everything was flavorful and the front of house manager was so nice and amazing to interact with. We had the chef counter seating and I would highly recommend it as we were able to interact with the chefs who were so nice and personable. Would highly recommend for any special occasion!
Went back and forth about booking a reservation as we’ve had less than amazing experiences with fine dining (both as vegans and before being vegan).
But the team at Astera absolutely delivered. The food was uniquely and highly palatable, and the service and ambiance were exceptional. Even the music was set to each part of the meal.
A percentage of profits goes to support a farm animal sanctuary. The ingredients are thoughtfully used in a no waste cyclical process and are sourced locally from historically underrepresented business owners. The Chef and his team warmly welcomed us to treat ourselves to a lovely dinner and a curated experience and encouraged a cheerful and relaxed environment.
Astera will delight vegans and non vegans alike.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
E BK
Very creative and tasty. The chef is super happy to serve people his food. The final snack that came in a box shared a bit of the chef's story and was super cute. Everything was well thought through and made with care. We got to keep the menu with a little note from the team at the end of the experience. It came in a sealed letter with the guests' names. Fancy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luiz Felipe Mendes
The place is cozy with limited seating. The chef is very charismatic and describes all the dishes. Everything is vegan and mostly local.
The food is beautiful and with many flavors and sensations. I highly recommend coming, not only to vegans
ASTERA is quintessentially Portland and truly the best of what PNW culture is. Thought and care has been woven into every aspect of this experience. We were inspired by their seasonal approach and sourcing mentality. They use their platform to bolster others while delivering gorgeous and delicious fare. How can you not love that? Every moment was innovative and unique without any compromise on flavor. The food was just so stinkin good. Staff were amazing and vibes were immaculate. Can’t wait to go back during a different part of the year to see how they’re playing with that seasonal bounty. Keep it up!
This is an upscale restaurant that hosts two seating per night. We arrived for our 5PM reservation and were greeted promptly as promised. From the moment we arrived we were treated with deference and care. Every staff member, as well as Chef Adams, was thoughtful of our needs and anticipated them before we could ask. The restaurant itself is charming and eclectic. Framed art, potted plants, serve ware and an abundance of cookbooks are arranged neatly creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcome. We were fortunate enough to be seated at the Chef's counter and enjoyed engaging, knowledgeable and informative conversation throughout our visit. Our reservation was for the seven course spring menu and as soon as the first appetizer arrived we knew we were in for an outstanding experience. Each course was thoughtfully and meticulously prepared. Each dish was an explosion of flavor and always a delight! The creative combinations of flavors and textures left us in awe of Chef Aaron's skill and creativity. The attention to each detail, recipes, hospitality, plating and ambiance was impeccable. We could not have been more impressed. We hope to return again and again!
The restaurant ASTERA was a magical plant based dining experience! The dishes were so well balanced and dynamic! The atmosphere was inviting and Chef Aaron shared many stories and details of his journey as a chef and the processes used to create the dishes we tasted. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, ASTERA is the place! 🌿
Okay, this review is LATE, I went to the Astera & Timothy Dearing Collab in May of 2024 and I am finally getting around to writing this. I first want to say that the staff was lovely, I was going between two of the kombucha options and our server let me try a bit of them both before I made my decision. I appreciated how Timothy explained what each course contained and the inspiration behind it. There were so many lovely dishes, and I was beyond full by the end of our service. Highly recommend!
We’re huge fans of Chef Adams— he sold us our first fermentation book and gave us our first jar, and really changed our lives when it comes to what we eat. This place has special sentimental value for us, but aside them that, the food is amazing. There is a special focus on fermentation and experimentation. This place is worth traveling for! #Veganuary
I went here with my partner for our christmas gifts to each other. I cannot recommend them enough. All the food was imaginative, exciting, and so so yummy. This was a splurge for us, so we will need to think up another reason to take ourselves. Until then, I'll be dreaming about seaweed caviar, sunchoke dumplings, and pumpkin seed ice cream (best vegan ice cream I've ever had).
Really unique experience, exceptional service, creative dishes and excellent wine pairings. Everything was inventive and delicious, very pricey but worth it because it is an experience not just a meal. Would highly recommend.
Awesome place to visit during different seasons to see how the menu evolves. Only negative is I might miss their old restaurants more than I love Astera--Portobello, Fermenter, and the short lived but incredible Il Paffuto :(
Dinner was so good that we grabbed some celeriac at the farmers market to try cooking it ourselves.
The entire staff did an excellent job and the chef, Aaron Adams, even showed us some of his cook books as we chatted about vegetables used in the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible vegan dining experience. I'm a meat eater and did not miss it at all due to how inventive and delicious the food was. My wife and I loved every minute of it. It is pricy by the food quality and service were incredible. Everything was flavorful and the front of house manager was so nice and amazing to interact with. We had the chef counter seating and I would highly recommend it as we were able to interact with the chefs who were so nice and personable. Would highly recommend for any special occasion!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The cucumber ice blew my mind. So good!
Vegetarian options: All vegan as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Went back and forth about booking a reservation as we’ve had less than amazing experiences with fine dining (both as vegans and before being vegan).
But the team at Astera absolutely delivered. The food was uniquely and highly palatable, and the service and ambiance were exceptional. Even the music was set to each part of the meal.
A percentage of profits goes to support a farm animal sanctuary. The ingredients are thoughtfully used in a no waste cyclical process and are sourced locally from historically underrepresented business owners. The Chef and his team warmly welcomed us to treat ourselves to a lovely dinner and a curated experience and encouraged a cheerful and relaxed environment.
Astera will delight vegans and non vegans alike.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very creative and tasty. The chef is super happy to serve people his food. The final snack that came in a box shared a bit of the chef's story and was super cute. Everything was well thought through and made with care. We got to keep the menu with a little note from the team at the end of the experience. It came in a sealed letter with the guests' names. Fancy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The place is cozy with limited seating. The chef is very charismatic and describes all the dishes.
Everything is vegan and mostly local.
The food is beautiful and with many flavors and sensations. I highly recommend coming, not only to vegans
Vegetarian options: High end vegan restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Mushroom-Squash Cappelletti
ASTERA is quintessentially Portland and truly the best of what PNW culture is. Thought and care has been woven into every aspect of this experience. We were inspired by their seasonal approach and sourcing mentality. They use their platform to bolster others while delivering gorgeous and delicious fare. How can you not love that? Every moment was innovative and unique without any compromise on flavor. The food was just so stinkin good. Staff were amazing and vibes were immaculate. Can’t wait to go back during a different part of the year to see how they’re playing with that seasonal bounty. Keep it up!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What an amazing meal, a must for everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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