PORTLAND, Ore. — Famed McMinnville restaurant ōkta announced its sudden closure on social media Monday afternoon — just several months after chef Matthew Lightner was nominated for a James Beard Award.
The restaurant was known for its highly progressive tasting menu in the heart of Oregon's wine country. Since opening nearly three years ago, ōkta was named among the best restaurants in the U.S. by the New York Times. In January, Lightner was nominated for a James Beard Award for best chef in the Northwest, along with Gregory Gourdet of Kann in Portland, who ended up receiving the award.
"We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the overwhelmingly positive response from guests who experienced ōkta and shared in the vision to bring micro-seasonal, highly local dining showcasing one of the most beautiful terroirs in the world," ōkta said on Instagram. "This restaurant brought together so many community partners, friends, family, and amazing people who believe in a new way of cooking and growing food."
ōkta's tasting menu revolved around items grown in a dedicated regenerative farm, fermentation lab and larder in conjunction with the Tributary Hotel.
"We are committed to the Willamette Valley," ōkta said. "The Tributary Hotel and our farm and larder will continue to build on our vision of pairing excellence in hospitality and regenerative farming to share the story of this amazing place."
