Navarre — Restaurant in Portland

One of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, hosted by a staff that was indifferent to the point of passive aggression.

I arrived, with a cane and a walking boot, and inquired about seating outside or by the window. I was told that neither were available for a party of 2, and it would be a 45 minute wait.

Instead I was directed to a table that was shoehorned into a doorway between Navarre and the neighboring business. I’m not a huge person, I obviously had mobility issues, and with only 3 indoor tables occupied, there were many other options. There was literally not enough elbow room to eat comfortably while a dozen other tables sat empty.

We requested another table and one would have thought we had done something egregious. I asked again about window options and was told those were reserved for parties of four. Minutes later, two young women were seated at the window table I had asked about, but was denied.

The host and the server (who was old enough to know better) were inattentive, abrupt, and arrogant.

In the end they started clearing our table and delivered the bill while we were still eating. The restaurant was still mostly empty.

The food was fantastic, but the front-of-house was abysmal.

If I’m paying $200 for dinner for two, don’t act like you’re doing me the favor. Do your job like the service professional you’re supposed to be. If you don’t respect your profession, do something else.

Incredible food, served with unbelievable attitude.

Don’t bother unless you want a special occasion dampened by lousy service and...

If i'd written my review of Navarre 2 years ago when we first went for dinner, I'd definitely have given it a higher rating. FWIW, the food was and is delicious, and the wine list is extensive. However, this last visit sort of ruined my precarious Navarre position.

We brought folks from out of town, and though we enjoyed most of the food the prices were just completely out of control. While we understand that in order to get quality ingredients you pay a premium, we actually laughed when we received the bill, assuming there must have been a mistake. $24 for a plate of (what were essentially just) roasted carrots? As my late father would say, "Highway robbery!"

Of course, we paid the exorbitantly high bill, but then, as we left we had to walk past the array of winter gourds, displayed as if to openly mock us (these were close to carrot price on the menu). We aren't the type of group (most of us industry, or formerly industry) to write an email - but we did. A kind one, simply saying, "Yo, we love your place but whats the deal with those price points?" To which a manager replied, with a few mostly understandable arguments for the price and then, ultimately an offer of a gift card for a next visit (a mixed bag). However, though we provided an address - said gift card never did arrive.

Failure, fail, F, Navarre. We're making our carrots at home...

Stopped into Navarre for the first time hoping to have a glass of wine and spend a little time prior to a later dinner reservation elsewhere. We were able to grab a bar seat looking into the kitchen, as we were pre-dinner rush. Much to my delight, I discovered that they have quite the selection of wines available by the glass. Easily could have selected at least 20 different glass pours and been quite happy. As it was, we selected a bottle of Aligote that had just been added to the list and it was just what we were hoping for. Although, we had an upcoming dinner, the quality of the small plates leaving the kitchen piqued our interest and curiosity demanded we try the turnip and pear salad. Raw turnips and pears sliced thin on a mandolin and dressed with a little olive oil and vinegar proved to be a most refreshing and pleasant small plate. Service was attentive, kind and helpful. The chefs were on point, turning out great plates. We will definitely be back to take a deeper dive into the menu. Highly recommended. Plenty of GF options available, while not necessarily...