"Portland's most original table - Bonnie Morales cooks the food of the former Soviet republics, from herring under a fur coat to pelmeni. Go with a group, drink the vodka."
About Kachka
Kachka opened in 2014 and has spent a decade as one of the most distinctive rooms in our Portland guide - the restaurant chef Bonnie Morales built around the cooking of the former Soviet republics, drawing on her heritage as the daughter of Jewish immigrants from Belarus. It now occupies a purpose-built two-level space at 960 SE 11th Avenue in Southeast Portland's Buckman district.
Within a year of opening it landed on Eater's 38 Essential American Restaurants and a James Beard semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant, and it has not slowed since.
The Kitchen
Chef and co-owner Bonnie Morales cooks the food of Russia, Georgia, Ukraine and beyond with real conviction. The signature herring under a fur coat - salt herring layered under beets, potato and egg - is the dish people travel for; around it come pelmeni and vareniki dumplings, rotating skewers of grilled meats, cheese-filled Georgian khachapuri breads and pillowy blini topped with briny caviar. The zakuski spread of cold and pickled starters is built for sharing, and the kitchen treats the canon as living rather than nostalgic.
The drinks are inseparable from the food: a long wall of house-infused vodkas, poured by the carafe, designed to be drunk the way the dishes were meant to be eaten.
The Room
The room is warm and loud in the best way, a two-level space with a busy bar and the clink of vodka carafes setting the rhythm. Tables are close, the energy communal, the lighting low - a place to settle in with a group rather than a quiet table for two.
It books steadily, especially at weekends, though the bar welcomes walk-ins for zakuski and a drink.
Not for
Not for a quiet, formal dinner or anyone after light, low-key eating - this is a loud, communal, vodka-soaked room built for sharing rich Eastern European plates with a group.
Frequently Asked
What is Kachka known for?
The cooking of the former Soviet republics from chef Bonnie Morales in Southeast Portland. The signature herring under a fur coat leads a menu of pelmeni dumplings, Georgian khachapuri, grilled skewers and blini with caviar, paired with a long list of house-infused vodkas.
Who is the chef at Kachka?
Chef and co-owner Bonnie Morales, who opened Kachka with her husband Israel in 2014 and cooks dishes rooted in her heritage as the daughter of Jewish immigrants from Belarus. The restaurant was a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant.
Where is Kachka in Portland?
At 960 SE 11th Avenue in the Buckman district of Southeast Portland, in a purpose-built two-level space.
How much does Kachka cost?
It sits in the upper-moderate $$$ band, with plates roughly $9-32 and about $55-90 per person before drinks; the infused vodkas are poured by the carafe for sharing.
Is Kachka good for groups?
Yes - the communal room, sharing-friendly zakuski spread and carafes of infused vodka make it one of Portland's best tables for a birthday or a lively group dinner.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Kachka
Reservations are recommended, especially at weekends, though the bar welcomes walk-ins for zakuski and a drink. Phone +1 503-235-0059. Find it at 960 SE 11th Avenue in Southeast Portland's Buckman district.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address960 SE 11th Ave, Portland
NeighbourhoodBuckman, Southeast Portland
CuisineRussian and Eastern European
PricePlates run roughly $9-32; expect about $55-90 per person before drinks and vodka
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingA warm, lively two-level room with a bar and a long list of infused vodkas
ReservationReservations recommended; walk-ins welcome at the bar
