A Taste of the Basque Country in Hillsboro: The Heart and Soul of Restaurant AMA
the heart of Downtown Hillsboro, a new culinary gem is doing more than just serving incredible food—it’s telling a beautiful story. Restaurant AMA, which opened its doors in May 2025, has quickly become a local sensation, even snagging the prestigious "Best New Restaurant of 2025" award from the Hillsboro News Times.
But behind the award-winning pintxos and the vibrant atmosphere is a deeply personal tribute that makes every bite taste a little more meaningful.
A Legacy in Every Detail
Owner Jill opened Restaurant AMA as a tribute to her late mother, using an inheritance to bring the vision to life. From the soothing blue walls (her mother’s favorite color) to the fresh tulips that adorn the tables in the warmer months, the restaurant is a living memory.
“The idea of leisurely sharing food over conversation made her happy,” Jill shared. That spirit of connection is baked into the very foundation of AMA, creating a space where diners aren't just eating—they're connecting.
On the Menu: From San Sebastián to Hillsboro
With Executive Chef Jeremy Lees (formerly of Urban Decanter) at the helm, the kitchen delivers an authentic Basque-inspired experience. Whether you are a tapas aficionado or a newcomer to Spanish cuisine, there is something to get excited about:
Pintxos & Tapas: You can’t go wrong with the Gilda—a classic salty-tangy skewer of boquerones, gordal olives, and piparra peppers. And of course, the Tortilla Española remains a gold standard for comfort food.
The Main Event: Their Paella is a showstopper, offered in land & sea versions as well as a thoughtful vegan option.
Brunch Brilliance: Saturday and Sunday mornings feature the Breakfast Paella (topped with eggs and txistorra sausage) and "Spanish Toast" with sherry-honey syrup.
The Drinks: Beyond a curated wine list, the Aloe Fresca cocktail (cucumber vodka and Chareau) offers a refreshing modern twist to a traditional meal.
Big Changes: "AMA Upstairs" and the Tik-Easy
If you’ve visited AMA before, you likely enjoyed their rooftop deck. Recognizing that Oregon weather isn't always patio-friendly, Jill is currently "biting the bullet" and enclosing the space to create AMA Upstairs.
Set to be completed by February 9, this year-round space will serve as a private event venue during the week. However, the weekends are where things get wild: the space will transform into a "Tik-Easy"—a playful mashup of a Tiki bar and a speakeasy.
A Valentine’s Day to Remember
Looking for Valentine’s Day plans? Restaurant AMA is offering two distinct vibes for the holiday:
Downstairs: A romantic dinner featuring the "Lovers Paella," a decadent surf-and-turf spread with split lobster tail and scallops.
Upstairs: A high-energy Tiki celebration where guests can enjoy tropical drinks, small bites, and even "Get Lei’d" for the holiday.
Visit Restaurant AMA
Whether you’re stopping by for an early "SNACKtail" (we highly recommend the Spanish Martini paired with a Gilda skewer) or settling in for a long, leisurely dinner, Restaurant AMA is a testament to the power of food, family, and community.
Location: Downtown Hillsboro Happy Hour: Early (5pm–6pm) and Late (8pm–Close) Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 10am–2pm
