OX Restaurant — Restaurant in Portland

This spot definitely requires a reservation. We tried to drop in on a random Monday and it was quite full. Had to wait 30 mins to get a seat at the bar, which is totally fine but unexpected for a strange time.

The complementary cauliflower soup from the chef absolutely blew my mind. It was like a delicate potato chowder in the best way. The hint of chili oil was insanely good. It was perfect. I wish I could order it by itself.

On a follow up visit, we got mushroom soup which was also very delicious, it had paprika.

Warm house made sesame baguette ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ that baguette was genuinely warm had the most perfect texture salted butter: so soft, tasted milky and delicious would reorder this if this is the only way to get chimmichri

Tripe and octopus ⭐⭐⭐ the octopus was 5 stars for me, but I'm starting to question if I'm a tripe girl my boyfriend noted there was something missing, he seemed more content with more chimmichri on it, but not entirely the octopus sells the dish though, it's the best octopus I've ever had

♥️Clam chowder with bone marrow ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ not super spicy - only the jalapenos were I don't know if the bone marrow gave me much but I liked the dish over all wasn't overly heavy the clams were fresh

❤️Beef empanada ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ what I came in for sweet and savory wish the habanero was more spicy needed get chimmichri for this

Heirloom tomato salad ⭐⭐✨ my boyfriend loves this but I was just ok with it specifically some of the tomatoes were a little mushy to me but it was well seasoned and executed I like the medley of vegetables too the peppers had the tiniest bit of kick to them too bc they were in season!

Roasted beet salad ⭐⭐⭐ it was good but didn't blow my mind it was just ok

Taretare ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ it was a special so I'm unsure if they'd ever have it again so amazing, I loved the yuzu and the seasoning the adorable Brazilian bread balls with it were perfect

Potatoes ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ really good wish it was more crispy but a lot of them were perfect the sauce was horseradish in the best way possible

Mixed green Salad ⭐⭐✨ just ok little too salty for me exactly what you'd expect but salty

Rib eye ⭐⭐⭐✨ you know? It didn't blow my mind. I might need to try another steak but I've come to realize I'm rarely impressed by steaks at resturaunts

--- dessert --- ❤️Dulce de leche tres leches ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I adored every aspect of this the dulce de leche was a little savory the cake was certainly legitimate tres leches, but it wasn't moist moist which is totally fine, what passed for me was that it wasn't a sponge cake offset in a good way by how fresh it was the whip cream tasted hand whipped and wasn't sugary the merange also wasn't so sugar just a...

We recently visited Ox Restaurant and were eager to try their creative menu, which had comforting classics and adventurous dishes. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and our server was attentive throughout the evening. While some dishes truly stood out, others fell short of expectations. Here’s a breakdown of our experience:

Amuse Bouche (Soup): The meal started with a wonderful amuse-bouche, likely made from butternut squash. The flavors were vibrant, and the texture was smooth—an excellent way to begin the experience.

Clam Chowder with Smoked Bone Marrow: The clam chowder was quite enjoyable, though different from the creamier versions I’m accustomed to. This one had a lighter consistency, with nice flavors enhanced by a spicy kick from the jalapeños.

Roasted Beet Salad: The roasted beet salad was tasty. The tangy miso lemon dressing paired beautifully with the earthy beets, and the tempura bits added a savory crunch that tied it all together nicely.

Maple-Glazed Heirloom Carrots: Unfortunately, this dish fell short for me. I was expecting roasted carrots glazed in a maple sauce, and I thought the carrots would be placed on top of the goat cheese. Instead, the carrots were chopped and placed in a bowl. They absorbed the maple sauce, but they didn’t have a true glazed texture. The combination with goat cheese also didn’t work well—the flavors didn’t complement each other.

Asado Argentino for Two: This platter offered a variety of grilled items, and overall, it was a mixed experience: Skirt Steak: Outstanding! The exterior was perfectly crispy, while the interior was tender and flavorful. This dish alone would bring us back. Short Rib: It was rich and tender, and it melted in my mouth. A sprinkle of flaky salt could have elevated it further. Chorizo: Decent, but I was hoping for a bolder, more pronounced flavor. Morcilla (Blood Sausage): Not my favorite, but that’s more of a personal preference. Sweetbreads: Delicious, with great texture and flavor. Fried Potatoes: They were crispy and well-prepared; however, they were underseasoned and needed more salt. The horseradish dressing served with them was excellent.

Dessert - Chocolate Cake: The chocolate cake was a perfect ending to the meal. It was moist, rich, and thick, complemented beautifully by the mascarpone mousse. The mousse added a creamy, luxurious touch.

Final Thoughts: This restaurant delivered some standout dishes, particularly the skirt steak and chocolate cake, which were the stars. While a few items didn’t meet our expectations, we’d definitely return for the...

Let me tell you, this place blew my taste buds away with its phenomenal food and delightful ambiance.

My dining companion and I opted for the Asado Argentina dinner for two, and let me tell you, it was a carnivore's dream come true! A heaping plate of meaty goodness awaited us, with a sampler featuring various types of meats that had my mouth watering in anticipation.

Now, I must admit, the only slight letdown of the evening was the skirt steak. While it had fantastic flavors, it seemed a tad overcooked for my liking. However, I couldn't help but notice other orders of the skirt steak coming out, beautifully pink in the middle - so next time, I'll be sure to specify my preference.

But hold on tight, because every other dish on that plate was a masterpiece! From the bold and savory blood sausage to the adventurous choice of trying the thyroid gland of a veal, each bite brought an explosion of flavors that left us both amazed.

What made this experience truly exceptional was the meticulous explanations provided for each dish. The passion and attention to detail that the staff and chefs put into their creations were evident with every mouthful. I couldn't resist appreciating the complex layers of flavor in every bite - it was like a symphony of tastes dancing on my palate.

And let's talk about the little surprises! The chef treated us to some complimentary goodies that added an extra touch of warmth to the meal. Those thoughtful gestures left us feeling valued and truly pampered.

Now, I must confess, we didn't have reservations, and a brief 30-minute wait stood between us and this culinary extravaganza. But fear not, OX had us covered with their charming waiting bar on the side. We ordered some delightful drinks, soaked in the atmosphere, and before we knew it, we were ushered to our table for the feast of a lifetime.

In conclusion, OX in Portland is an unforgettable dining destination that will leave you speechless (aside from a few enthusiastic "Mmm's" and "Wow's"). The flavors, the hospitality, and the overall experience make this restaurant a must-visit for any food enthusiast. So, next time you find yourself in Portland, make sure to book your table at OX and prepare for a culinary journey like no other!...