A popular, James Beard-nominated wine restaurant, OK Omens, is preparing to permanently close its doors. The Portland restaurant will serve its final meal next month, as the owner has decided to retire.
OK Omens Announces Closure
A highly acclaimed wine-focused restaurant, owned and operated by Monique Siu, OK Omens is a popular dining destination for the Hawthorne community. The restaurant features a wine-focused program and a seasonal menu.
Chef Joseph Papas leads the kitchen, which serves seafood, seasonal dishes, and other entrees. The renowned wine program of the restaurant, shaped by sommelier Brent Braun, focuses on an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with the seafood menu.
Through a social media announcement, the restaurant owner shared the closure news with the community. OK Omens, located at 1758 SE Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland, Oregon, will permanently shut down its operations on Saturday, October 17.
In the post, Siu thanked her staff and wrote: “Your energy, dedication, and unbeatable teamwork made my vision a reality. I could not have done this without you, and I am immensely proud of what we built together over the decades.”
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OK Omens’ History in Portland
According to Eater, OK Omens grew out of Castagna, a restaurant co-founded by Siu and Zefiro in 1999.
Late chef Justin Woodward, with Siu, transformed Café Castagna into neo-bistro OK Omens in 2018. The restaurant has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including nominations for the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Wine Program in 2023 and 2024.
The restaurant was also named in Portland Monthly’s 50 Best Restaurants in Portland 2024 and in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 50 Best Restaurants in America 2023.
Reflecting on its journey, the owner wrote, “When I opened Castagna and Café Castagna, the goal was to create a beautiful space serving exceptional food. OK Omens has been the continuation of that vision.”
The owner thanked the customers for sharing their special occasions and milestones with the restaurant. She encouraged the community to visit the restaurant, and “raise a glass; we will be pouring some really fun and special bottles from the cellar, share some favorite memories, enjoy some of Joseph’s delicious food, and celebrate 25 great years.”
