Cabezon Restaurant

Last time we dined at Cabezon, it was fabulous. Food was amazing and service was great.
This time, a completely different experience. Our server disappeared for long periods of time. Our food took forever to appear ...even soup as a starter. We kept looking around wondering if something was going on or if the restaurant was short staffed.
Then the main course was just OK. Two of us ordered the ciopppino, which I had had before. It was just OK, not great. Much less fish and crab than were in last time. I wouldn't be able to rave about it as I had hoped to. The other two entrees were just also, just OK.
The server could have come out and apologized for the food taking so long, at least to let us know she had us in mind. Nope...nothing until we spoke up.
I am sorry, but with so many great restaurants in Portland, a disappointing meal and poor service means we won't be back for quite awhile. Too bad.

We live in CA and have visited this restaurant on our visits to Portland. The food is creatively prepared and delicious. Service is top-notch, too!

There is much to like, and enough to love, at Cabezon to go back for. The food was fantastic, especially the Cioppino. The only improvement on said dish would be to simply have the crab meat on top with the empty claw for decoration. Granted, a little work can make a dish taste better, but I was actually hoping not to have seafood covering my hands during most of the meal, so I saved that bit for last. That said, I could have bathed in the broth. So amazing!

I nearly forgot to mention the caesar salads, which were crisp and fresh, with a pleasantly light and garlicky dressing that I could have eaten all night.

My only knock for the night was a slightly stretched thin wait staff which made courses take longer than expected. I'm guessing some people were out for the holiday weekend. Ultimately, it was a minor issue. We enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Food, drinks, service, atmosphere ... all were great.

Service totally subpar considering how few people were there. Good things to say about appetizers (pate, fries and Cesar salad) but grouper main was fishy and basic. Not a standout.

Wonderful little restaurant in sort of unlikely location. Nice enough area just not where you would expect to find a very special bistro-like place. Great food. Great everything.

Lively place and the food is good, but we were astonished at the restaurant's rigidity. They had two fish entrees on the menu and a seafood one. We didn't arrive that late, but by the time we got there _both_ fish entrees had gone, and the disappearance of the sea bass in particular was a real disappointment. Both were replaced by different fish. We were happy with the one fish substitute, but wanted the sides that came with the other substitute. But no - not allowed. The restaurant can run out of its fish offering - but you cannot make any changes to what they come up with. First time in Portland - had expected a liberal laid-back city - surprised that it was so precious.

Less fish on the menu than previously, which is disappointing. I guess it is the local market.

Food was very salty and the fish was super undercooked.

Ciappino was delicious and had a lot of seafood in it. Very nice and cozy restaurant.

The food was absolutely amazing.

Outstanding dinner from beginning to end

We had a reservation for three at 8:30 p.m. and when we arrived our table was still in use and had been there since 5:30 pm so we probably didn't get seated until 9 pm. We ordered cocktails which were unique and delicious and they seated us at a small table until another opened up. They gave us the house pate to make up for the late wait and we ordered the salade de fruits de Mer and some oysters. All were absolutely incredible. We then had two cioppinos and the scallops special that night. The cioppino was great, but one thing that should have been mentioned or noted especially if you are sensitive is that was very spicy. I love spice but it was almost too hot for me. However, it had good flavor and lots of wonderful seafood. The scallops were big and melt in your mouth. They also comped us dessert. So, the staff more than made up for our late seating and were very attentive. A small, but a beautifully decorated and cozy place. I will definitely be back.

Fabulous food and service

Great little neighborhood spot. This is the 3rd time and it’s always been very good. I’ll be back again next time in Portland

We had a lovely anniversary dinner at Cabezon this past weekend. The food was delicious. We did have to send back the steelhead for being slightly underdone but they fixed it with no problems. We will come again.

Consistent delivery of a nice experience is why this is our go to for nice evenings and celebrations. They easily handle requests with grace, food is carefully prepared and beautifully served, simple menu of quality options with quality ingredients, served with a smile and enough distance to let you enjoy the evening. Romantic, comfortable, and non-stuffy. Go there - you will be glad you did.

We were so impressed by the food. Incredibly delicious and good sized portions for a very nice and high-end restaurant. The flavors of both fish dishes and appetizers that we ordered were fantastic.

A repeat customer...that should say it all! Have bought family and many friends here who concur what a great seafood restaurant, you are.

I took friends here for their anniversary dinner, and they couldn’t have been more thrilled. From the oysters to the entrées to the wine list to dessert. Everything was exceptional. It’s always a treat. I didn’t even notice anyone else in the restaurant until we left and it was 3/4 full. Plus the bathroom sink is always fun

Birthday celebration, all seafood dishes exceeded expectations. Delicious!!!

Great find of a lovely neighborhood restaurant. Food, service, ambience was all terrific.

Cabezon ran out of scallops as soon as we got there 600 pm. The service was okay but the waitress seemed stressed.

We love this restaurant. Always great seafood and excellent service. Very knowledgeable server as well.

Some of the best food i have ever eaten. went here for a birthday to be special and it was!! i will be back.

This was such an amazing dinner to celebrate my birthday. I had been hoping for Sand Dabs which they have occasionally and had a few Sat night. Prepared perfectly, served over delicious risotto and some greens, my husband and I shared a cesear salad which was fabulous, he had a pork chop and said it was good (I don't eat pork). The entire meal was so delicious. I ordered a glass of dry white wine and the server was more than willing to bring me a taste without me asking just to be sure I liked it. My husband had one of their signature cocktails, both good. I only wish we had saved room for dessert. We do live close by so plan to return for other special occasions. Also the staff were very friendly and attentive, the space was cozy and warm which was good as the weather outside was not warm. Coming from a service background it was nice to see the staff helping each other out as needed. A delightful little place for sure.

Unfortunately my cioppino at this neighborhood restaurant was not how I remembered it the last time I was at Cabezon. The broth was a little salty and the shellfish was over cooked, however, their delicious blackberry cobbler saved the meal. I am sorry to say the that I am unsure if I will be back.

We enjoyed a family birthday celebration dinner at Cabezon. The whole staff was extremely knowledgeable, good spirited and friendly. From cocktails to dessert, the whole family enjoyed the dining experience. It was the first time at the restaurant for all but one of us and everyone noted that they would definitely be back again.

Always expertly prepared fish. Great cocktails and courteous service.

Food was amazing and staff was attentive without being smothering. They gave us a beautiful Portland welcome. We all tried different fish recipes and everyone emptied their plates completely. Fresh and seasoned perfectly - you will not be disappointed!

Sweet restaurant with wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable staff. The food was delicious and we will certainly return with friends. Great experience!

Great fish dishes and meat options as well. Oysters are a must!

If you like seafood done perfectly, this is the place to go! I've had the cioppino, king salmon, and many appetizers there in my few visits, and every dish is outstandingly delicious.

The menu is small but incredibly prepared and fresh. This is a quaint restaurant that is a gem. Decent wine list and good cocktails round out the meal.

Fantastic drinks and food, excellent service!

Always consistently great food preparation. We enjoy chatting with Norman and Jackie. We have been customers since Cabezon first opened. Watched them getting the restaurant ready to open from across the street at the brew pub.

We have been to Cabezon several times and have never been disappointed. It is a charming neighborhood restaurant with excellent food and service.

Well prepared items. Had Cioppino and the halibut. Seafood was fresh and cooked properly.

Came here for my 30th bday with 17 friends, and after making the reservation (a week in advance) the head chef called me the day of to try and get me to order off a specific menu and do family style sharing. With such short notice I couldnt (and didn't want to) have to tell my friends they couldn't order what they wanted but rather chose between 3 entrees and share and then come up with $50 each. ?! Super weird but I understand trying to make things easy on the kitchen given the size of my party. It just seemed forced and a little unprofessional so we ended up not doing that but had the most wonderful time. The food was AMAZING, came out promptly and every one got what they wanted. Our server was super nice and attentive and overall we all the best time. Would totally recommend this place and will definitely be back!! Thank you for helping make my bday awesome!

I ordered Margarita, moderate compare with others restaurant.