Where Argentine fire meets Pacific Northwest finesse, OX Restaurant Portland has redefined the American steakhouse since 2012, transforming wood-fired grilling into culinary theater through husband-and-wife team Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton's masterful vision.

The Dentons' journey from Napa Valley's Terra restaurant to Portland's dining pinnacle culminates in this James Beard Award-winning destination that earned Best Chef Northwest honors in 2017. Named The Oregonian's Restaurant of the Year in 2013, OX represents more than a decade of refined technique married to bold Argentine tradition. Their acclaimed cookbook "Around the Fire" reveals the secrets behind dishes that have made OX synonymous with Portland fine dining excellence.

The cuisine celebrates Argentina's asado culture through a Pacific Northwest lens, where locally-sourced ingredients meet ancient grilling techniques. The signature Asado Argentino for two showcases perfectly grilled beef cuts accompanied by vibrant chimichurri and smoky morcilla sausage, while the unexpected clam chowder crowned with roasted bone marrow demonstrates the kitchen's creative audacity. Diver scallops arrive delicately seared atop caramelized cauliflower puree, and coal-roasted beets with tangy goat cheese and candied walnuts prove vegetables command equal reverence. The menu spans entradas, fiambres, asados, and del huerto sections, embracing nose-to-tail cooking with offal, sweetbreads, and house-made sausages that honor authentic Argentine feasting traditions.

The restaurant's beating heart remains its massive medieval-style wood-fired grill, creating both visual drama and the smoky essence that defines every dish. This open-fire centerpiece anchors a warm, energetic dining room where rustic elegance meets neighborhood accessibility. The Dentons' team-focused approach ensures consistently exceptional service that balances professional precision with genuine hospitality. The beverage program features inventive cocktails like the playful "Dirty Grandma Agnes" martini alongside carefully curated wines that complement the grill's bold flavors.

OX Restaurant reservations remain highly coveted among Portland's discerning diners, with the intimate space fostering an atmosphere where serious food enthusiasts and comfort-seeking locals alike discover why this Argentine-inspired gem continues earning national acclaim. For those seeking the best restaurants Portland offers, OX delivers an unforgettable feast where every flame-kissed bite tells the story of culinary passion perfected.