Get the Early Word on Barcelona Spinoff Can Font

The follow-up to a Barcelona-based restaurant by the same name, Can Font only opened two weeks ago, but the buzz is already swirling on Portland’s culinary message boards, amateur review websites, and social media, which means its greatest hits and flops are being determined right now. Can Font is helmed by chef Josep Vidal, who’s restaurant in Spain has received some recognition from the Michelin Guide, and it serves Spanish food with an eye toward tradition — replete with white tablecloths — at 1075 NW Northrup St.

The Good News: Almost everyone is raving over the service, with Pwillen1 writing on the Portland Food Group message board, “Service was the best I've ever had in Portland. It's a good reminder very few service people in Portland have ever worked in fine dining or could even use a crumber.”

Yelper Benjamin E. concurs, writing, “The waiter, Juan, from Málaga, was amazing. He didn't even take offense when I mentioned the Iberico ham would make an awesome sando if you piled it deli-style on white bread.”

The Bad News: Can Font currently has 4.5-star ratings on both Facebook and Yelp, so there’s little to tell. The only consistently reported complaint so far is the reservation system, which has caused some to be turned away while tables seemingly sat empty. Despite the lack of a reservation policy on the website, you can make reservations by calling or emailing the restaurant at info@canfontportland.com.

The Big-Time-Desserts News: Desserts seem to be rock stars of the menu so far, with Rebecca B. writing on Yelp, “You can't go wrong, but the cream Catalina and the chocolate cake were standouts.” Yelper Linn N. described a more transportive experience. “For dessert, we decided to have a light dessert consisting of a lemon citrus sorbet and custard meringue with fruit sauce. I had a lemoncello as my dessert drink. It sure gave me the feeling that I was visiting Barcelona, Spain.”

The Spanish-Seafood-With-Style News: On Instagram, well-known local gourmand Gary the Foodie described his meal as “excellent,” posting a dish of baked potato, longostino, idiazabel cheese, veggies, and vinaigrette:

In a comment on the post, he qualifies the statement, adding, “In Spain, it [Can Font] does not have a star. It was an excellent meal, and I need to try more dishes, but I wouldn't give it a Michelin star here in the USA. But still early. After my third meal there I will have a better idea.”

And like many others, Instagrammer Lauren Langsten highlighted the seafood paella:

• Can Font Spain [Official]
• Can Font Portland [Official]
• See Inside Can Font [EPDX]
• All Previous Can Font Coverage [EPDX]