NORMANDIE is a coastal-inspired neighborhood bistro at 1005 SE Ankeny Street in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood. Founded in late 2018 by chef Heather Kintler and Amanda and Judson Winquist, it pairs seafood-focused small plates with inventive cocktails and a wine list highlighting women-led estates. Come for a leisurely, shareable dinner rather than a traditional French tasting menu: the restaurant’s identity is contemporary, ingredient-led, and rooted in Portland hospitality.
What to Expect at NORMANDIE
Kintler’s cooking emphasizes bold flavor and technique, with seafood setting the direction of a frequently changing menu. Small plates make it easy to build dinner gradually instead of committing to separate starters and mains. Ask which preparations best represent the kitchen that evening, and check the official menu page before choosing dishes. For oyster enthusiasts, asking about the evening’s shellfish selection is a sensible starting point; availability and preparations change.
The beverage program deserves equal attention. Amanda Winquist’s wine knowledge informs a list that gives particular visibility to women winemakers and women-led estates, while cocktails offer another route into the coastal theme. Tell your server whether you prefer something crisp, saline, aromatic, or fuller-bodied, then match the drink to your first plates. The neighborhood-bistro format suits conversation and a sequence of shared dishes better than a hurried stop between attractions.
- Seafood-led small plates: Order in rounds so that contrasting preparations arrive at a manageable pace.
- Chef Heather Kintler: A founding partner whose technique-driven cooking defines the kitchen’s approach.
- Women-led wine estates: A deliberate focus of the wine list, not merely an occasional featured bottle.
- Inventive cocktails: An alternative to wine for pairing with the changing coastal-inspired menu.
- Opening-hour happy hour: The restaurant advertises happy hour from 5–6 p.m. on operating days.
NORMANDIE at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1005 SE Ankeny Street, Portland, OR 97214 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Buckman, inner Southeast Portland |
| Operating Hours | Wednesday–Sunday, 5 p.m. until close; closed Monday–Tuesday. Happy hour 5–6 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; individually priced small plates, wine, and cocktails. Consult the current menu for prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TriMet Line 12 on nearby East Burnside; street parking around SE Ankeny and SE 10th, subject to posted restrictions. |
| Official Website & Phone | NORMANDIE official website; +1 503-233-4129 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book through the reservations section of the official website, especially for Friday or Saturday dinner. Arriving at 5 p.m. lets you use the advertised happy-hour window without rushing your first order. For transit, Line 12’s East Burnside corridor is a short walk north; check stop locations and evening departures through TriMet. Drivers should allow time to find legal street parking rather than expect a dedicated restaurant lot. Never leave luggage visible in a parked vehicle.
The restaurant occupies a street-level commercial space, but wheelchair users should call about the entrance threshold, restroom access, and table clearance before reserving; request an appropriate table at booking. Pair dinner with a show at Revolution Hall, roughly a 10–15-minute walk southeast in the former Washington High School, or explore East Burnside’s shops and bars a few minutes north. The SE 12th Avenue corridor also offers an easy neighborhood stroll. Allow extra crossing time on the busier streets after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is NORMANDIE open, and when should I arrive?
NORMANDIE opens Wednesday through Sunday at 5 p.m.; closing time varies. Arrive between 5 and 6 p.m. for happy hour, and check directly before planning a late dinner.
How expensive is dinner, and do I need reservations?
Expect a $$$ dinner, particularly when combining several seafood plates with cocktails or wine. Reserve ahead for weekend evenings, and consult the current menu for dish prices and happy-hour offerings rather than expecting a fixed-price meal.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Budget 1.5 to 2 hours for drinks and several rounds of shared plates. If you have Revolution Hall tickets, tell your server your departure time before ordering.
What should diners know about clothing and dietary needs?
Smart-casual clothing fits the neighborhood-bistro setting. Discuss shellfish allergies and vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free requirements before booking: the seafood-heavy, changing menu makes advance coordination more useful than assuming every dish can be adapted.
When planning your Portland travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and cocktail bar in Portland, pair this stop with standout local spots including Heathman Hotel, MÅURICE, Pittock Mansion, and Jupiter NEXT (nearby).
