Kann

Where live-fire cooking meets Haitian heritage, Kann Portland emerges as Gregory Gourdet's groundbreaking tribute to Caribbean diaspora cuisine, transforming the city's dining landscape through an eight-foot wood-burning hearth that anchors this James Beard Award-winning destination.

Gourdet's culinary odyssey began with a deeply personal mission to celebrate his Haitian roots in Portland's evolving food scene. After a decade leading Departure's Asian-fusion program, the James Beard Outstanding Chef winner pivoted to honor his ancestry, opening Kann in August 2022. The restaurant's name, meaning "sugarcane" in Haitian Creole, reflects Gourdet's commitment to authentic storytelling through food. Within months, Kann earned the 2023 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, cementing its status among America's most significant culinary achievements.

The cuisine at Kann transcends traditional boundaries, weaving Haitian techniques with Pacific Northwest ingredients through masterful live-fire preparation. Gourdet's tasting menu showcases signature creations like poul ak nwa—tender chicken with cashews elevated by house-made epis marinade—and the celebrated diri djon djon, featuring prized black mushrooms that create an intensely savory rice preparation. The griyo-inspired pork demonstrates the chef's technical prowess, while boukannen fish emerges from the central hearth with smoky complexity. Each dish arrives with cultural context, transforming dinner into an educational journey through Caribbean flavors. The entirely gluten-free and dairy-free menu accommodates dietary restrictions without compromising the bold, layered flavors that define Haitian cuisine.

Kann's 80-seat dining room centers around the dramatic live-fire hearth, where guests witness Gourdet's team orchestrating each course over open flames. The warm interior, designed by Scott Edwards Architecture, balances contemporary elegance with Caribbean-inspired elements, creating an atmosphere both refined and welcoming. Service emphasizes cultural storytelling, with knowledgeable staff sharing the heritage behind each preparation. The beverage program, led by Kari Eickenberry, features carefully curated wines alongside Caribbean-influenced cocktails. Downstairs, Sousòl offers an acclaimed zero-proof cocktail experience, reflecting Gourdet's personal sobriety journey while expanding the restaurant's inclusive hospitality philosophy.

Securing reservations at this Portland fine dining destination requires strategic planning, with tables released monthly via Resy and often booking within minutes. The $110-125 tasting menu represents exceptional value for this caliber of culinary artistry and cultural significance, making Kann essential for discerning diners seeking authentic Caribbean flavors elevated through contemporary technique.