The Willamette Valley tends to attract creative talent to its rolling, lush vineyard-covered hills, and one of those incredibly gifted individuals is Matthew Lightner, chef, farmer, and owner of one of the best farm-to-table restaurants: Okta in McMinnville. Hailing from two-star Michelin Atera in New York City, Lightner is a culinary master creating works of art on the plate, pairing delicate and intense flavors with hyper-local ingredients and beautiful wines that thrive in the temperate climate of the Willamette Valley.
A meal at Okta in McMinnville will be a highlight of your visit. The concept is an imaginative menu in an elegant dining room with impeccable and knowledgeable service. In fact, last summer, Portland Monthly magazine reviewed Lightner’s restaurant a year after its opening with great praise, calling it “Oregon Wine Country’s greatest restaurant ever.” They didn’t just fawn over the abstract and beautifully designed food but also over the wine list designed by Ron Acierto.
Dining at Okta in McMinnville is made even better when you extend your trip and stay at our Willamette Valley bed and breakfast. You can indulge in the multi-course feast, and luxurious accommodations are awaiting you. Our elegant inn sits like a crown jewel atop a hill on our 50-acre vineyard and winery. Guest rooms have all the amenities needed for a restful and unforgettable getaway. Book your lodging today!
Dining at Okta in McMinnville & More Great Restaurants
The most recent accolades for Okta in McMinnville is the coveted James Beard nomination, Matt Lightner is in the running for best chef in the Northwest and Pacific category, and the restaurant was included on National Geographic‘s list of “Best Restaurants in the World” for 2024.
A meal at Okta is guaranteed to delight all of your senses; it’s more than a meal, as every course tells a story about where these ingredients come from and why they should be prepared with precision and care. Plates take diners on a journey and are more like works of art, with dishes appearing more like flowers and abstract paintings paired perfectly with the beautiful wines from Oregon and beyond.
Due to the intimate service style at Okta in McMinnville, tables are coveted and limited, so be sure to make your reservations well in advance of your visit to the Willamette Valley.
More Fantastic Restaurants in McMinnville:
If you can’t make a reservation at Okta in McMinnville, plenty of other beautiful restaurants offer farm-focused dining.
- Humble Spirit: Located in McMinnville’s historic downtown area, the chefs at this restaurant focus on seasonal ingredients and preparations served with a down-to-earth approach.
- Pinch: This local restaurant’s tagline is “fresh, sophisticated, and playful,” and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Pinch. Enjoy the menu items with international influences, including house-made pasta, hearty seafood, and meaty mains.
- Bistro Maison: As one of the oldest restaurants in McMinnville, this authentic French bistro is a fantastic place for a romantic dinner for two.
- Thistle: The menu here is sourced locally and prepared with classic French techniques, producing lovely dining experiences in Willamette Valley.
- La Rambla Restaurant: For Spanish tapas with modern preparations, La Rambla is a favorite stop in McMinnville for a lively and flavorful feast.
Luxurious Lodging at our Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast
Located just a short fifteen-minute drive from Okta in McMinnville, our Inn is surrounded by sweeping vineyards, winding roads, and stunning views. As you approach our organic winery, you’ll see our Inn perched atop a hill, surrounded by 50 acres of vineyards. Take our private drive up to the Inn and let your Oregon wine country vacation begin! Your first stop should be our deck, where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the valley.
The amazing view will be at the forefront of your stay, as each of our nine guest suites is situated to provide a unique perspective of the stunning vista. The interior design of our Inn is inspired by the great outdoors, with exposed wood, clean slate, and neutral tones complemented by vibrant pops of color. Our decor also features artfully repurposed wine barrels as a lovely reminder of the working winery surrounding our Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast.
We have add-on packages to enhance your stay with us. Many offerings involve wine tasting adventures. However, we also feature a Romance Package, where you’ll find a bottle of Youngberg Hill wine, complimentary Pinot glasses, and a tray of sweet and savory nibbles in your room. Our Innkeepers and staff pride themselves on attention to detail and being the best hosts during your stay. Let us know if you need reservations or recommendations! Join us at our Willamette Valley bed and breakfast and book your lodging today.
