Chef Kari Shaughnessy is known for her work in the culinary scene of Oregon's Willamette Valley. She is a James Beard Award-nominated chef who has been recognized for her contributions to the region's dining landscape.
5
In short: go, you will not be disappointed.
Amazing experience. Down-to-earth and casual, but the food itself is elevated. We went with the Kickback, which is like a tasting menu but feels more like a curated multi-course dinner. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, like being at a chef’s home for a relaxed dinner party.
Our server, Brooke, was fantastic—great wine recommendations and friendly banter that made the whole experience feel personal, along with thoughtful descriptions of each dish.
Hands down the best place I’ve eaten, even compared to many Michelin-star tasting menus here and in Europe. Also very reasonably priced—more in line with what you’d expect in Spain or Italy for a multi-course experience than typical US pricing.
Food was disappointing and over hyped. We had the chefs choice of 8 which was dressed up vegetables for the most part. The same lemon, cream and salt for the majority of the food. Final was chicken, it was cooked well with yet another cream sauce. We visited based on the James Beard award. Our favorite dishes were the leaks and bread.
Service was exceptional and the ambience was hushed candle lit.
Overall $300 bill left is wanting more.
A nice park across the way had great live music and food carts. ;)
I have mixed thoughts about rating Hayward. The Menu is non-traditinal, confusing and limited. The Wine list has many interesting and uncommon varietals. The Focacci bread and Ceasar salad dishes were different, but delicious. We ordered the Shrimp Ravioli and blackened Cod, again, different than typical recipe and flavors were strange; my wife liked both dishes and I liked neither. Service was excellent. Tables are fairly close and the atmosphere was noisy.
Absolutely phenomenal experience at Hayward! From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. The space has a cozy, inviting charm that fits perfectly with the small-town feel of Carlton.
The food? Incredible. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. The seasonal ingredients really shine—fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. We did the “Kickback” tasting menu and loved the family-style approach. Favorites included the sesame focaccia with koji butter and a perfectly balanced pasta with dandelion pesto.
Wine pairings were spot on, and it’s clear they care deeply about local sourcing and sustainability, which we appreciated.
This place is a gem. A must-visit if you’re anywhere near wine country. Can’t wait to come back once their new space is fully up and running!
Hayward is a standout restaurant in Carlton, Oregon that reflects the best of the Willamette Valley—hyper-seasonal, locally sourced, and deeply thoughtful. They’ve moved into a new space and simply said it’s a work of art. Go see it for yourself.
The menu changes weekly, driven by what’s fresh and available from nearby farms, which keeps every visit unique and grounded in place and time. Their use of fermentation is subtle but powerful, adding layers of depth and character that show real technique and care. You can taste the intention behind every dish. Hayward isn’t just serving local food—it’s interpreting the valley through food. A must-visit.
I recommend never skipping their house made focaccia. It’s to die for!
