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Welcome to Urdaneta

Urdaneta, nestled in Portland's Alberta Arts District, is a captivating homage to Spanish cuisine. This trendy yet intimate tapas bar offers a carefully curated menu that emphasizes both traditional flavors and innovative flair. Diners are treated to a rotating selection of shareable plates, like the richly spiced sobrasada and velvety foie gras on banana bread, aiming to evoke the very essence of Spain. While some classic dishes may fall shy of expectations, the overall dining experience is marked by attentive service, delightful cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere. Urdaneta invites food lovers to savor each moment, turning a meal into a memorable adventure.

Urdaneta: Reviews & Ratings

Mike C.
Mike C.

Great server Maddie!!! She helped explain the different Spanish tapas. All were delicious! 6 of us for ladies birthdays in March. Favorites were Oxtail, Shrimp and Octopus!!! We will be back!!!

Jason J.
Jason J.

A Polished Take on Spanish Cuisine, But Not Quite a Postcard Urdaneta is the kind of restaurant you book five weeks in advance, dreaming about the meal you'll have, imagining that first bite transporting you straight to Spain--where the jamón ibérico melts like butter, the seafood sings with brine, and the counters are lined with meats and fish unapologetically lounging in pools of olive oil and mayonnaise. The reality? A very good meal, a little too polished to feel like the Spain I know, but delicious nonetheless. Service was spot on--attentive without hovering. The atmosphere was intimate, lively, and a touch cramped, but in a way that felt charming rather than claustrophobic. The meal started strong: an amuse-bouche of ajo & pan soup, simple and warming, followed by well-balanced, creative cocktails. The standouts? The sobrasada--deeply spiced, rich, and spreadable in the best way. The foie gras on banana bread--a decadent, slightly absurd pairing that somehow worked, balancing savory fat with a whisper of sweetness. And the bacalao en salsa verde, which brought just the right amount of briny brightness. But not everything hit the mark. The jamón ibérico--which should have been a guaranteed knockout--was smooth but underwhelming, missing the deep, nutty funk that makes acorn-fed pork legendary. The croquetas, tortilla española, ostra shooter, and rabo de toro (the last one tasty, but questionably priced) were all fine--good, even--but not the transportive bites I'd hoped for. It's not that Urdaneta isn't worth visiting. It absolutely is. Just don't expect rustic, rough-edged Spanish food that feels plucked straight from a bar in Madrid or a seaside taverna in San Sebastián. Expect a well-executed, modernized version--one that caters to Portland's upscale dining scene, with thoughtful plating and a price tag to match. Go for the experience, the excellent service, and some truly standout bites. But if you're chasing the ghost of Spain's oil-slicked counters and paper-thin napkins, you might need to book a flight instead.

Eighty B.
Eighty B.

A Must-Visit Tapas Spot in Portland Urdaneta is one of those restaurants we love bringing foodie friends to when they visit Portland. Located in the Alberta Arts District, this traditional Spanish-style tapas spot delivers a dining experience that feels both intimate and exciting. The menu is always evolving, which keeps each visit fresh and full of surprises. The shareable plates make it a perfect place to linger over great food and wine, turning dinner into a true experience rather than just a meal. While much of the menu leans meat-centric, they always have standout vegetarian and vegan options that shine just as brightly. If you're looking for a spot that's as interesting as it is delicious, Urdaneta is a fantastic choice--whether you're a Portland local or just passing through.

Mariko K.
Mariko K.

Loved that they had sherry and vermouth flights, I hadn't seen that at a restaurant before. I tried the dry sherry flight, which was fun. Service was excellent, our waitress was delightful. We got the bread, oyster shooters, cauliflower tartlet, Jamon, octopus, and oxtail. They were all delish, with amazing layers of contrasting textures. Finished off with the goxua for dessert. It was a little too sweet, but really nice textures. I enjoyed watching the chefs work in the open kitchen. My only real complaint was that it was chilly inside.

Josh L.
Josh L.

Enjoyed our visit to Urdaneta for a birthday dinner this last weekend. Had very high expectations given the strong reviews and while the overall experience was good I think there were a few things that didn't quite get them to a 5/5 for us. I will say the service overall was fantastic. The servers were kind and attentive, eager to help answer questions and offer assistance. They also brought out a little wine for us to toast to which was very thoughtful. The atmosphere was nice and cozy. It's not a big place by any means and we wound up being the first table when you enter the restaurant which is not the worst thing but never the preference being say 8 feet from the door. Additionally, the table and chair we were at both were wobbly which is such a minor thing but can definitely distract over the course of a meal. When it came to food, many things were delicious, but some didn't quite hit the mark for us. The presentation was stellar across the board I will say. The two things that I think could have been better were the salad, which had some odd textures and the bread and butter which I may just not have been familiar with but tasted rather stale honestly. Everything else was tasty, but portions are definitely small so come prepared to order a bunch of things if you're sharing. Overall a nice evening but maybe just not a place I'd immediately rush back to. Reservations definitely encouraged.

Mat A.
Mat A.

Last came here 5 years ago, and it was one of my first introductions into upscale tapas. I remember ordering the sangria and the basque cheesecake, which were both the best of their kind. Been dreaming about that cheesecake and the Iberico ham as well. Finally got the chance to return a couple months ago when we drove through Portland. Everything was just as delicious as I remembered. The ham was so tender and juicy it melted in your mouth. Loved the Gilda 2.0 - the perfect blend of salty and savory. This time around, I got the sherry flight. The server was knowledgeable about pairing my sherries to my food order. Great dining experience. Recommend reservations. 10/10 would come again. Hopefully sooner than another 5 years.

Jennifer W.
Jennifer W.

This was a lovely Spanish tapas meal. We came very late in the evening and they were still so popular that we could only get patio seating. Nonetheless, the patio was well lit, comfortable and clean. Our server was quick to greet us and offer recommendations from the menu. The pulpo was tasty, but a fairly small portion. The pan was delicious but also kind of small for the price. The secreto iberico was our favorite dish of the night. You'll likely want to order several dishes as the portions were definitely on the smaller side. The sangria was very tasty and refreshing. All in all, enjoyed this meal and this place was also recommended to us as a must visit in Portland. I definitely recommend, but get a reservation if you can, they are super popular.

Alyssa A.
Alyssa A.

Last came here five years ago, and we loved it then. So when we knew we'd be driving by Portland, we decided to make a reservation for a return visit. And I gotta say... It seems like they've gotten even better! Urdaneta is a tapas restaurant that focuses on small dishes that are shareable. This is my favorite because I love getting to try a bunch of different dishes as opposed to picking just one or two. Everything we got was absolutely delicious! Love a good slice of bread, and the Pan Con Tomate was flavorful, crispy, and hearty topped high with the best tomatoes. Great start to the meal. The Secreto Iberico is perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful little steak gems. If you like steak, there is no question if you will like this dish. Their Tarta de Queso is one of the best cheesecakes I've had in a long time. Perfect amount of caramelization with a creamy center. Other notable mentions include the Gilda 2.0, Croquetas de Jamon, and the Jamon Iberico de Bellota. All other winning choices. Wonderful alcohol selections. Their seasonal sangria is bomb - great fruitiness. We also did the sherry flight, and our server was incredible in helping with the pairings. We ordered the flight and our food, and he individually picked the perfect sherries to complement the food. Great job! Service is superb. Everyone was so friendly and fun to talk to. It's one open room and the tables are close together, so it does get a bit loud. Great for a date night, but if you're looking for a more intimate setting, there isn't much privacy. Definitely recommend reservations. The day we came, they were full and only accepting those with reservations. Definitely recommend coming for a fantastic dining experience.

Kimberly M.
Kimberly M.

Everything was great. I can be particular about Spanish food and am often disappointed, but Urdaneta was great. The lamb dish and dessert were my favorites - don't skip the basque cheesecake! Croquetas and pan de tamate were also quite tasty - good starters! Our server was nice and good with recommendations. Lovely little wine selection.

Location

  • Urdaneta
    3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211 Hotline: (503) 288-1990

Introducing Urdaneta: A Taste of Spain in Portland

Nestled in the vibrant Alberta Arts District, Urdaneta brings the spirit of Spanish cuisine to Portland, Oregon. This casual yet trendy tapas spot serves as a culinary delight for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Urdaneta offers an atmosphere that is both intimate and inviting.

With its extensive range of utilities, including reservations, delivery, takeout, and vegan options, Urdaneta caters to a diverse clientele. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and boasts outdoor seating, making it a perfect choice for families and groups. They also offer free Wi-Fi and have a full bar, which complements the dining experience beautifully with refreshing cocktails and a selection of sherry and vermouth flights.

  • Must-Try Dishes:
  • Arroz con Leche: A bruleed lavender rice pudding that is as delightful as it is comforting.
  • Quesos: A daily selection of cheeses paired with membrillo, elevating any cheese lover's experience.
  • Flan de Melocoton: This peach flan topped with caramel and amontillado sherry cream offers a sweet conclusion to your meal.
  • Sangria: Infused with compressed melon, berries, and mint, it’s a refreshing way to start your evening.

Urdaneta’s menu is designed for sharing, featuring evolving plates that make each visit unique. The flavors are vibrant and authentic, though some guests have noted a polished twist to classic dishes. Reviewers highlight the sobrasada and the bacalao en salsa verde as standout offerings, showcasing the restaurant’s ability to balance tradition with modern flair. The attentive service further enhances the experience, allowing diners to enjoy their meals without feeling rushed.

While some dishes may not fully capture the rustic spirit one might find in Spain, Urdaneta excels at providing a well-executed dining experience that showcases thoughtful presentation and layered textures. For instance, the foie gras on banana bread surprises diners with its unique sweet-savory combination. Moreover, the interactive dining experience is heightened by the open kitchen, allowing guests to see the culinary magic unfold.

However, it’s essential to keep an open mind. Urdaneta isn't solely about nostalgia; it’s about exploring a refined version of Spanish cuisine. If you’re searching for the authentic feel of a bustling tapas bar in Madrid, you may need to adjust your expectations. But if you appreciate creativity, stunning plating, and an intimate ambiance, Urdaneta is an experience you won't want to miss.

Overall, Urdaneta stands out as a must-visit tapas destination. With its diverse menu, cozy atmosphere, and excellent service, it promises a memorable dining experience that connects you to the vibrant world of Spanish flavors. Whether you're celebrating an occasion or just indulging your love for food, Urdaneta is your ticket to a little piece of Spain in Portland. Book your reservation today and prepare for a feast!

Location: 3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Phone: (503) 288-1990