About Tortuga Mexican Bar & Grill

Being the daughter of a Zacatecan Mexican who immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, restaurants are in my blood. My father, Domingo Gutierrez, started as a 16-year-old busboy at Don Cucko's Mexican Restaurant, and by the 1980s, he opened his first restaurant in the quiet town of Boron, California, near the Mojave Desert. While my early involvement only went as far as waving in the New Year’s parade, I grew up understanding what makes a restaurant truly special.

A great Mexican restaurant is built on the rich spices in its dishes, the freshness of its salsa, the quality of its tequila, and the warmth of the smiles shared with guests.

In 2018, my mother, Lucy Portolesi, and I brought this vision to life by opening Tortuga Mexican Bar & Grill here in Gold Beach, Oregon. My mom's experience spans both Mexican cuisine from her time with my father and Italian cuisine through her second husband, Mario Portolesi, a restaurateur in his own right. Together, we combined our family traditions, culinary expertise, and passion for hospitality.

Our early days were challenging as we learned to weather the brisk southern Oregon coast winters and connect with this tight-knit community. Now, six years later, Gold Beach feels like home. We are honored to serve this community and share the beauty and bounty of this incredible coastal town with locals and visitors alike.

At Tortuga, we aim to bring people together over fresh, authentic Mexican food and unforgettable dining experiences. Please join us for your next meal—we can’t wait to host you!

Warmly,
Andrea Ramsey