Castagna Restaurant

The Saddest Portland Restaurant Closures of 2023 - Eater Portland

"Castagna officially closed in 2023. It has a significant place in the city’s culinary history with many iconic Portland chefs helming the kitchen through the years." - Eater Staff

Portland Fine Dining Destination Castagna Will Officially Close - Eater Portland

"In 1999, Monique Siu — the pastry chef and co-owner of the now-closed, thoroughly Portland Zefiro — opened her own restaurant on Southeast Hawthorne, Castagna. Chef Kevin Gibson, now of Davenport, served elegant dishes like grilled quail and butter lettuce salads alongside French and Italian wines. Over time, the restaurant headed in a more modernist direction, thanks to the presence of chefs like Mugaritz expat Matthew Lightner and WD-50 alumnus Justin Woodward. The through line, over the years: An emphasis on seasonal ingredients grown in Oregon, transformed into top-of-their-class dishes." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Matthew Lightner, Alum of Michelin-Starred Atera, Is Opening a McMinnville Restaurant - Eater Portland

"But in Oregon, Lightner is best known as the former chef of Castagna, where he wrapped Chinook salmon in lardo, swiped plates with black garlic, and poached halibut in ricotta whey." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Nominee: Justin Woodward, Best Chef - Northwest

Brady Williams of Canlis Wins James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest - Eater Seattle

"Justin Woodward, chef at Castagna in Portland, was another nominee for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest." - Gabe Guarente