McMinnville restaurant with James Beard ranking closes after two years

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A McMinnville restaurant closed its doors Sunday following a two-year run that brought in a James Beard ranking and put the spotlight on the Willamette Valley’s culinary potential.

Ōkta, a fine-dining restaurant that specialized in a “micro-seasonal” tasting menu, announced its closure on Instagram Monday — just months after Chef Matthew Lightner was selected as a 2024 semifinalist in James Beard’s Best Chef Northwest category.

The social media post thanked those who visited the restaurant since it opened in 2022:

We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the overwhelmingly positive response from guests who experienced ōkta and shared in the vision to bring micro-seasonal, highly local dining showcasing one of the most beautiful terroirs in the world. This restaurant brought together so many community partners, friends, family, and amazing people who believe in a new way of cooking and growing food.

It was an incredible achievement to have a two-year run. We are proud of what our dedicated team accomplished, and for all of the transformational dining moments we shared with our guests. We want to thank Chef Matthew Lightner for his talents and passion in bringing the ōkta vision to life. We wish him the best in his next chapter.

We are committed to the Willamette Valley. The Tributary Hotel and our farm and larder will continue to build on our vision of pairing excellence in hospitality and regenerative farming to share the story of this amazing place.