Why I Love Portland: A Table at Kann

Why I Love Portland: A Table at Kann

Every so often, a Portland restaurant reminds me why this city is so special. Kann is one of them.

Tucked into inner Southeast Portland at 548 SE Ash Street, Kann is chef Gregory Gourdet’s love letter to his Haitian roots, cooked over live fire and made with the best of the Pacific Northwest.

A Name with a Story

Kann means “cane” in Haitian Creole. It’s a nod to the sugar cane vendors Gregory remembers from his childhood in Haiti. Before it was a restaurant, Kann began as a pop-up in the summer of 2020. That winter, it grew into “Kann Winter Village,” where guests dined in heated yurts. The brick-and-mortar restaurant opened in August 2022, and in 2023 the James Beard Foundation named it Best New Restaurant in the country. That’s a big honor for our city.

Fire, Spice, and Northwest Bounty

The heart of Kann is its live-fire cooking, inspired by Haitian barbecue traditions. Proteins are richly marinated, then cooked over open flame. Bright, bold flavors like Scotch bonnet, coconut, plantain, sour orange, and warm spices meet seasonal Oregon produce. The menu also draws on the wider African and Caribbean diaspora, so there’s always something new to discover.

Dishes have included the Epis Brine Chicken and Griyo Twice Cooked Pork, and the dessert menu has featured a Haitian butter cake. The menu changes with the seasons, so check what’s currently on offer.

A Room That Feels Like a Welcome

The dining room is warm and inviting, with natural earth tones, light wood, and brass accents. Even the deep indigo plates feel special. The drink list is a treat too, with Caribbean-inspired cocktails, Oregon wines, local beer, and an inventive zero-proof menu, so everyone at the table has something delicious to sip.

Why It Makes Me Love Portland

Places like Kann show what our city does best. A chef with a personal story, a community that supports bold ideas, and incredible local ingredients all come together here.  When friends and clients ask me what makes Portland special, meals like this are a big part of my answer. We dined with a friend last night who was visiting Portland for the first time. Our friend lives in San Francisco where the food scene is hot. He said, this is absolutely one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Enough said!!

Plan Your Visit

Kann is at 548 SE Ash St., Portland, OR 97214. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday evenings (closed Monday and Tuesday), with hours that vary by day, and reservations are available through Resy. Tables can fill up, so I recommend booking ahead. Check kannrestaurant.com for current hours and the latest menu.