- Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
- Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources
Albany
Ginza–2218 Santiam Hwy. SE (Japanese) Closed Sat lunch & Sun (and closed from 2:15 to 5 pm). Bento box is recommended. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Novak’s–208 2nd Ave. SW (Hungarian) Open Thu & Fri only. Chicken paprikas is the specialty. Kolbasz, cabbage roll, and cucumber salad are recommended. Has special hours in their limited opening after Covid: Dine-in from 11:30 to 4 pm; Special Hungarian feasts by reservation only available at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 pm (Thu & Fri only). Map (Dining room is open 11-3-21)
Sam City Pho & Grill–2180 Pacific Blvd. SE (Vietnamese) Closed Tue. Good food that seems to qualify it as the best Asian restaurant in Albany. Mostly serves pho and other Vietnamese dishes, but has a “fusion” menu from other countries (such as China). Reviewers seem to be happier, though, when they stick with Vietnamese food. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Tacos El Machin–1642 Pacific Blvd. SE (Mexican) Open daily 11 am to 8 pm. Authentic Mexican food. Street tacos are the specialty, but has a large menu of items. Salsa bar lets you pick out your own salsa. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Ashland
Blue Toba–1690 Ashland St. (Indonesian) Open 11:30 am to 7:30 pm (closed Sun & Mon). Owners go to great lengths to give customers authentic food from the Sumatra area of Indonesia, and there are good reviews of it. A caution, though, is that most of the food is spicy–apparently they cannot adjust the spice level (but it is fine for those who are used to spicy food). Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Happy Bowl–1401 Siskiyou Blvd. (Chinese & Vietnamese) Closed Tue. Has pho and vermicelli dishes. Also can ask for the “Secret Menu of Traditional Chinese Dishes” (this is mostly northern Chinese & Sichuan food). Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Morning Glory–1149 Siskiyou Blvd. (Breakfast) Open 8 am to 1 pm (closed Tue & Wed). Upscale breakfasts without the normal high cost of eating in an upscale restaurant. This is definitely a place to try something different. French toast with lemon ricotta is very popular. From the photos it looks as if they have blueberry pancakes (but reviews indicate that a lot of other things would be just as good). Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Yuan Yuan–2270 Ashland St. (Chinese) Open daily until 10 pm. Highly rated, high quality, good flavor. Most people seem to order American style food, but it looks as if you can get more authentic food if you ask. Map (Takeout only 11-3-21)
Astoria
Bowpicker Fish & Chips–1636 Duane St. (Seafood) Lunch only (closed Sun-Tue). Said to have very good fish and chips. Halibut is popular, but other types of fish are available. Long lines during tourist season. Map (Takeout only 11-3-21)
Drina Daisy–915 Commercial St. (Bosnian) Closed Mon & Tue (dinner only). Cabbage roll, lamb. Some have complaints about the service, though. Map (Dining room is open 11-3-21)
Hong Kong–2813 Marine Dr. (Chinese) Closed Mon. Has “old school” (Americanized) Cantonese food, but also spicy food which is equally unauthentic but better than at most places. Everything I had was good–a vegetable dish, hot and sour soup, and the brewed oolong house tea (free with the meal). It specializes in dishes made with fresh local seafood. Reviews indicate that it is still the same as when I went. Map (Dining room is open 9-12-22)
Silver Salmon Grille–1105 Commercial St. (Seafood) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Wed & Thu). Said to be one of the best places for clam chowder. Restaurant says they have “authentic taste of New Orleans” (in addition to their Northwest food). Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Baker City
Golden Crown–1726 Campbell St. (Chinese) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Mostly American style Chinese food, but it has good flavors (and some dishes are more authentic). I liked the Ma Po Tofu. Map (Dining room is open 4-9-24)
Latitude 45 Grille–1925 Washington Ave. (New American) Open 4 pm to 9 pm Tue-Sat. High quality food, but based on reviews I would say to avoid the Mexican style dishes. Map (Dining room is open 4-9-24)
Bend
Alebrije Oaxaca–42 NW Hawthorne Ave. (Mexican) Open Daily. This is a food truck serving Oaxacan food, but has some items that do not appear to be Oaxacan but are more familiar to Americans. The Oaxacan food seems to be authentic and gets good reviews. There is a large outdoor patio with picnic tables that are not covered but I think most customers take advantage of it. Map (Outdoor patio is available 9-12-22)
Ariana–1304 NW Galveston Ave. (New American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Fine dining–people say it is worth the money. It’s in a small house, so reservations might be advisable. Menu is local and seasonal. As of 2021 you can get an entree for about $35 and the highest is about $55 (the chef’s tasting menu is $75). Map (Dining room is open 6-20-21)
5 Fusion & Sushi Bar–821 NW Wall St. (Asian Fusion) Dinner only (closed Sun). More expensive than it should be for this list, but is somewhat unique and may be of interest to some. The chef is a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for the Northwest. Some of the fusion foods are Northwest cuisine combined with Japanese or other Asian flavors, and reviews indicate that it comes out very well. Map (Dining room is open 6-20-21)
Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria–375 SW Powerhouse Dr. (Pizza) Closed Mon; closed Tue lunch. Authentic Naples style pizza certified by VPN. Soups, salads, etc. are said to match the quality of the pizza. Note: has locations in Boise and Salt Lake City. Has a dog friendly patio. Map (Dining room is open 6-20-21)
900 Wall–900 NW Wall St. (New American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Good reviews–cheaper than Ariana. Food is more simple and “everyday” than Ariana, but still very good. Fine dining items are expensive but the burger is highly rated and moderately priced. Said to be a good spot for thin crust pizza. Map (Dining room is open 9-12-22)
Noi Thai–550 NW Franklin Ave. (Thai) Closed Wed. Good reviews, but the main helpful tip I have seen is to go at lunch (prices are more reasonable). Food and atmosphere are somewhat upscale, but at lunch prices are close to ones at other Thai restaurants. Reviewers say curries are almost as spicy as you order them (if you order 4 stars you might get 3). Other dishes do not come out as spicy as you order, according to some. Map (Dining room is open 9-11-21)
Wild Rose–150 NW Oregon Ave. (Thai) Open Daily. Northern Thai cuisine–dishes are different from most Thai restaurants, and seem to be authentic. A Yelp contributor says the herbs and spices used here are gathered in a tiny village outside Chiang Mai, Thailand. Map (Dining room is open 9-12-22)
Burns
Broadway Deli–530 N. Broadway Ave. (Sandwiches) Breakfast Mon-Fri; lunch Mon-Sat. Sandwiches and soup made from scratch. Many recommend the Reuben, and also has turkey Reuben. Brownies are very popular. Map (Temporarily closed 1-12-22)
Cannon Beach
Castaways Global Cuisine–308 N. Fir St. (Creole, Seafood) Dinner only (Wed-Sat only). This is not quite fine dining but it looks pretty close. Dishes such as jambalaya are probably not that expensive, and this is one of their specialties (along with seafood chowder). There are a lot more upscale dishes as well. All of them get good reviews. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Ecola Seafoods–208 N. Spruce (Seafood) Open daily 10 am to 7 pm. Halibut or cod fish & chips and clam chowder are popular. Other dishes, though, seem to be hit or miss. The Sterns said this was the best clam chowder in Oregon. Map (Dining room is open 4-2-23)
Surfbird–231 N. Hemlock St. (Cafe) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Wed & Thu). Reviewers say this is as good as other CB restaurants but it is lower priced. Poached eggs or brioche sandwich are popular. One way to keep down prices is to keep the menu small, but everything served seems to get good reviews. Map (Temporarily closed 9-12-22)
Corvallis
Little Morocco–517 SW 2nd St. (Moroccan) Closed Mon & Tue. The food here is a little different than typical Middle Eastern dishes–they appear to be more upscale and quite flavorful (chicken, etc.). The Moroccan food I have had has been the same way, which is why I thought this should be on the list. One note is that if you need gluten free food they have separate cookers and equipment so that there is no contamination. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)
Szechuan Cafe–1585 SW 53rd St. (Chinese) Closed Thu (and closed from 3 to 4:30 pm). Comments say the chef is from Sichuan and does food the right way. The menu, though, seems to have some items that are meant to give Americans food that is more familiar to them (so I would say ask them what is authentic if this is what you want). Map (Dining room is open 9-11-21)
Tarn Tip Thai–2535 NW Monroe Ave. (Thai) Closed Sun (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm). Quality compares to Portland Thai restaurants, but this one may be better because it has a number of dishes that most restaurants do not offer. Pad thai and red curry are favorites of reviewers. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)
Thai Chili–1425 NW Monroe Ave. (Thai) Closed Sat; closed Sun lunch; closed between 3 and 4 pm. Has sticky rice, so it seems to be northern Thai style. Most people give it excellent reviews, but low reviews may be because the food here is a little different from the typical Thai. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)
The Show–1915 NW 9th St. (Chinese) Open daily (closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm). Authentic Sichuanese food. Many say it is as good as the restaurants in San Francisco. To get the authentic flavor it must be spicy (but they have non-spicy food if you want it). Map (Dining room is open 8-22-21)
Tian Fu Noodle–1425 NW Monroe Ave. (Chinese) Closed Fri evening & Sat (and closed 2:30 to 4:30 pm). Authentic Chinese food. Specializes in noodle dishes and Sichuan cuisine. Map (Dining room is open 11-3-21)
Depoe Bay
Bay View Thai Kitchen–250 SE Hwy. 101 (Thai) Closed Tue & Wed. Balanced flavors–supposed to be best on the coast. Map (Dining room is open 11-3-21)
Tidal Raves–279 NW Hwy. 101 (Seafood) Open daily 11 am to 8 pm. Halibut, salmon chowder. High end restaurant–need reservations. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Dundee
Dundee Bistro–100 SW 7th St. (New American) Closed Mon. One of the most recommended restaurants I have seen in Oregon. Much of the menu is Italian (pasta, pizza, etc.) combined with local seafood and local organic vegetables. Like most restaurants in the area, they have a good wine selection. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)
Enterprise
Thai Enterprise–215 W. Main St. (Thai) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sat & Sun). Reviewers who have been to Thailand say this is the real deal. If you ask for it to be spicy it will be that way. Panang curry and red curry are the most recommended items. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)
Eugene
Bao Bao House–868 W. Park St. (Chinese) Closed Tue. Chinese bao has the potential of being some of the most delicious food around, and reviewers say this place lives up to the potential. Map (Dining room is open 11-3-21)
Cornbread Cafe–1290 W. 7th Ave. (Vegan) Open Daily. Reviewers say the food is so good even non-vegans will want to eat here. Map (Dining room is open 3-1-24)
North Fork Public House–2805 Shadow View Dr. (New American) Dinner Tue-Sun; Brunch Sat & Sun. Serves everything from hamburgers and fish and chips to more gourmet selections. Is somewhat expensive, but reviewers say you are paying for a higher level of flavor than you get at many other places. Map (Dining room is open 6-28-22)
Toshi’s Ramen–1520 Pearl St. (Japanese) Closed Sun (and closed from 3 to 5 pm). Small–the problem here is finding a place to sit when it is crowded. Map (Dining room is open 6-28-22)
Florence
Beachcomber Pub–1355 Bay St. (Bar) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Most people go for the beer, but it supposedly has some of the best clam chowder on the coast. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Waterfront Depot–1252 Bay St. (Seafood) Dinner only (open daily). Need reservation in summer. Halibut, clams, crab cakes, grilled oysters are good. Map (Dining room is open 3-1-24).
Gold Hill
The Tea Pot On Wheels–1754 Rogue River Hwy. (English) Open 11 am to 7 pm Wed-Sat. Authentic English style tea (including scones). Crepes are popular for breakfast. Fish and chips are popular for lunch. The sweets and desserts are probably what people like best about the restaurant. Sometimes can watch eagles flying out the back window. Map (Dining room is open 6-28-22)
Grants Pass
Ban Mai Thai–1887 NE 7th St. (Thai) Closed Tue. Reviews say it has good Thai flavors. Many especially like the soup (the large ones served as a meal), but all items seem to get good comments. Map (Dining room is open 6-18-22)
Cultured Palate–208 SW 6th St. (Cuban) Closed Sun-Wed (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm). Home style Cuban food that may even be better than the “authentic” food in Cuba because this is all organic with natural ingredients. Reviews and descriptions of the food make it sound like something special. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Gtano’s–218 SW G St. (Latin American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Food is “Nuevo Latino” and is mostly traditional with a few twists (such as serving Puerto Rican nachos). Ratings on Yelp are so high it is hard to ignore this place is you are in the Grants Pass area. All dishes here seem to be good–take your pick from anything on the menu that looks good. The chef is from Guadalajara. Map (Temporarily closed 7-23-22)
Hood River
Broder Ost–102 Oak St. (Scandinavian) Open daily 8 am to 3 pm. Popular for its breakfast, including aebleskivers. Map (Dining room is open 2-22-22)
Michoacan Sports Bar–3405 Odell Hwy. (Mexican) Lunch only (closed Mon & Tue); breakfast & lunch on Sun. This is not the only authentic Mexican rest. in Hood River (Lake Taco is another), but Michoacan seems to be more upscale with green chile enchiladas, gorditas, carnitas, etc. Note: this restaurant is in the town of Odell. Map (Dining room is open 7-23-22)
Thai House–1302 13th St. (Thai) Closed Sun. Reviews on Yelp seem to be mostly 5 stars or 1 star. Some bad reviews are because the pad thai has a tomato sauce, and others are because the food was not what they expected. In the past I have had Isan style pad thai with a tomato sauce and found it to be very good. Based on this, and the large number of good reviews, I would definitely try this place, and I think being different from many other Thai restaurants is probably a good thing. Map (Dining room is open 6-18-22)
Joseph
Gold Room–100 N. Main St. (Pizza) Open 4 pm to 8 pm Thu-Sun only. Very good reviews for wood fired pizza available with beer, wine or cocktails. Salads also look very good. Map (Dining room is open 9-12-22)
The Dog Spot–19 S. Main St. (Asian Fusion) Closed Sun evening, closed Tue & Wed. This is a combination pet store and restaurant. Has a rotating menu that includes street tacos, tandoori chicken sandwich, north African shrimp tacos, and a number of Asian inspired items. Map (Dining room is open 9-12-22)
Klamath Falls
Thai Orchid–900 Main St. (Thai) Open daily except Sun lunch (and closed from 2:30 to 4 pm). Pad pet, green curry, red curry are good. (Dining room is open 9-16-21)
The Waffle Hut–106 Main St. (American) Open daily 6 am to 9 pm. Known best for its breakfast. It is said they have Belgian waffles but I don’t know if they are authentic (in any case, most people get the general breakfast items). Some dinner items are also popular, such as the all you can eat fish and chips after 4 pm. After looking at many reviews of places in town, though, I would say you have a good choice for American food at lunch and dinner, but for breakfast The Waffle Hut is one of the better choices. Map (Dining room is open 3-1-24)
La Grande
Thai Fresh Gardens–1101 Washington Ave. (Thai) Closed Mon. To get here you have to go inside a mall and down to the basement. Spicy basil, tom yum soup, and other items get good reviews, and some say this is the best food in La Grande. Map (Dining room is open 2-22-22)
Note: A couple of restaurants have very fresh and healthy food but the menus are so limited I am not sure they would be of interest to most people (they are Liberty Theatre Cafe and JaxDog Cafe & Books). (9-16-21)
Lebanon
Amazing Thai–693 S. Main St. (Thai) Open daily except Sun lunch (closed from 2 to 4 pm). Green and red curries are good (some say it tastes like it does in Thailand). This seems to be a good choice for Asian food, but the UFO Thai food truck also looks good. There are several other high rated food trucks (non-Asian) as well. Map (Dining room is open 6-28-22)
Lincoln City
Wildflower Grill–4250 NE Hwy 101 (American) Breakfast & lunch only (open daily). Said to have good seafood, also good breakfast (eggs Benedict, crab cake Benedict are popular). Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
McMinnville
Barberry–645 NE 3rd St. (American) Closed Tue & Wed; dinner only other days except Sun. Less expensive than the fine dining restaurants in town, but it is still upscale with very good food (and highly recommended by reviewers). Specializes in steaks. Map (Dining room is open 11-3-21)
Note: There are numerous restaurants in town with excellent reviews, ranging from sandwich places to fine dining. I listed Barberry because it is mid range as far as the price. McMinnville does not seem to be noted for its Asian restaurants, but Thai looks better than Chinese based on the reviews. Mexican food looks like a better bet than both of them.
Medford
Harry & David–1314 Center Dr. (Fruit Market) Open Daily. Not a restaurant, but this is a great place to stock up on fruits, nuts, and all kinds of healthy snacks. I especially liked going in person because you get to see what they have and find some good items that you might not have discovered in the catalog. Map (In-store shopping 12-15-21)
Immortal Spirits & Distilling Co–141 S. Central Ave. (New American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). I have seen unanimous good reviews of the food. Most popular items are burgers and pancakes (these are nontraditional New American style, and reviewers love the way they are done). Other items are available as well. I am not sure, but it looks like only 21 years and older are allowed. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Lemon Grass Thai–2366 W. Main St. (Thai) Closed Sun (and closed 3 to 4 pm). Pumpkin curry and spicy green beans (pad prik khing?) are recommended. Reviews are overall very good–I think the main advantage here over other Thai restaurants is that you get large portions for a good price. Commenters say the spiciness is for real. Map (Dining room is open 7-23-22)
Noho’s–330 E. McAndrews Rd. (Hawaiian) Closed Sun. Traditional Hawaiian food, but some say Grass Shack in Phoenix is better. Korean chicken, Korean short ribs, chicken teriyaki and kahlua pork are popular. Map (Dining room is open 7-23-22)
Siam Cafe–618 W. Main St. (Thai) Open 11 am to 8:30 pm (closed Sun). Reviews leave little doubt that this place is authentic. Recommended dishes include green curry and pumpkin curry (in season). The owner is from Thailand, so I think it would be a good idea to ask her what she recommends instead of automatically ordering what you might get at other restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Newberg
Gonzalez Panaderia Y Taqueria–619 E. 1st St. (Mexican) Closed Wed (has breakfast Sat & Sun). The place to go for authentic and homemade Mexican food. They make their own tortillas. Has horchata. Map (Dining room is open 2-22-22)
Thai the Knot–201 Villa Rd. (Thai) Open 11 am to 7:30 pm (closed Sun). Basil, vegetable dishes, or seafood dishes are particularly recommended. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Note: Newberg is full of upscale restaurants including The Painted Lady (where you might go if you can spend from $85 to $125 for one of the best meals of your life). Other restaurants look good as well, if you want to spend the money.
Newport
Chowder Bowl–728 NW Beach Dr. (Seafood) Open Daily. Perhaps the best chowder on the Oregon coast (but other places in Newport give it good competition). Marionberry cobbler is good. Map (Dining room is open 4-2-23)
Local Ocean Seafoods–213 SE Bay Blvd. (Seafood) Open Daily. A good choice for a full menu of seafood (not just chowder). Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Mo’s Seafood–622 SW Bay Blvd. (Seafood) Open Daily. This is the original restaurant for the chain that is now in several cities (I ate at the one in Cannon Beach). Has New England style clam chowder that is “adjusted for local tastes.” Probably its biggest claim to fame, though, is the variety of seafood it offers (Dungeness crab is one of them, and is caught locally in Newport). Map (Dining room is open 4-2-23)
Nana’s Irish Pub–613 NW 3rd St. (Irish) Open daily except Sun dinner. Said to have good Irish food. Known for its fish and chips. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Pendleton
Thai Crystal–210 SE 5th St. (Thai) Closed Mon (and closed from 3 to 4:30 pm). Curries and stir fried dishes are said to be very good. Many also like the pad thai. Map (Dining room is open 6-28-22)
Philomath
El Cruzero–1830 Main St. (Mexican) Open 8 am to 8:30 pm (closed Sun). Serves Yucatan style Mexican food. I don’t think the menu is very adventurous, just Yucatan flavors in the sauces and seasoning of the meats, etc. Black beans served with the meals. Map (Dining room is open 7-23-22)
The Woodsman–529 Main St. (Lao) Closed Mon lunch & Tue lunch. Serves Thai and Lao food, but reviews are mainly for Thai dishes. Reviews say yellow curry is very good (yellow curry is one of my favorite Lao dishes, so perhaps the one here is Lao style). Curry is spicy. Restaurant is located in an old logging bar. They also serve American food, such as fish and chips. Map (Dining room is open 3-1-24)
Roseburg
Casey’s–326 NW Garden Valley Blvd. (American) Breakfast & Lunch Wed-Sun; Dinner Fri & Sat. Another place that proves you usually get good breakfasts in the Pacific Northwest. For lunch the hot turkey sandwich looks like a good bet. Map (Dining room is open 7-23-22)
Salud–723 SE Lane Ave. (Latin American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Has a few Latin American items, such as Cuban sandwich and guacamole. However, it is mostly a very good Northwest style restaurant (the salmon is recommended). Reviewers say they did not expect such good food in a small town like this. This is also a brewery and they say children are allowed until the food stops being served. Map (Dining room is open 2-22-22)
Salem
El Valle Oaxaqueño–440 Pine St. NE (Mexican) Open daily 10 am to 8 pm. Serves mole, tlayuda, and several other Oaxacan style dishes. Reviewers say they import their ingredients to make them authentic. Map (Dining room is open 9-12-22)
Happy Bibim Bap House–635 Chemeketa St. NE (Korean) Closed Mon. Highest rated Asian restaurant on Yelp–seems to be authentic. Map (Dining room is open 2-22-22)
Kim Huong–2950 Silverton Rd. NE (Vietnamese) Open daily 10 am to 8 pm. Pho is recommended on Yelp reviews, but not much mention is made of other dishes. I put it on the list, though, because Amecameca on Chowhound said it is one of the few Asian restaurants in the city that does not “cater to American tastes.” Map (Dining room is open 11-3-21)
Word of Mouth–140 17th St. NE (American) Open 7 am to 2 pm (closed Mon & Tue). Best rated place in Salem for breakfast on both Yelp and Zomato (and best rated restaurant overall). Biscuits, omelets, waffles, cinnamon rolls, French toast, etc. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Note: Salem has a number of authentic Mexican restaurants–you almost can’t go wrong eating at any Mexican restaurant here. El Valle Oaxaqueño (on my list) looks like a good one.
Seaside
Bell Buoy–1800 S. Roosevelt Ave. (Seafood) Open daily 9:30 am to 5 pm. This is not an oceanside restaurant but it apparently has good food. Said to be good for clams, crabs, oysters, halibut, salmon, fish and chips, chowder, etc. On the fish and chips, though, some do not like the “chips” part. Map (Dining room is open 4-9-24)
Dooger’s Seafood–505 Broadway St. (Seafood) Open daily 11:30 am to 9 pm. I made about five visits to the restaurant in Cannon Beach and mostly found it to be typical of chain restaurant food, but the catch of the day was good seafood at a good price. Along with the Marionberry cobbler, I found plenty of reason to keep going back. Reviewers on Google Maps say the clam chowder is good (I haven’t tried it). Map (Dining room is open 9-12-22)
Norma’s Seafood–20 N. Columbia St. (Seafood) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. The Sterns recommended it for Crab Louis. Map (Dining room is open 4-2-23)
Springfield
Maynila Filipino–130 S. 32nd St. (Filipino) Closed Mon & Tue, closes 7pm Wed-Sat, closes 6pm Sun. Home style Filipino food in a homey atmosphere. Reviewers say food is authentic and very flavorful. Map (Dining room is open 4-9-24)
Talent
Talent, OR 2021: I had formerly listed Julek’s Polish Kitchen and New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro as my picks for the list. Both restaurants were lost in the Almeda fire of Sep. 2020. The owners of New Sammy’s can be contacted at https://newsammys.com (Yelp said that they opened a GoFundMe account but there is not a link to it on their web site). Now it looks as if some of the best choices in town are street vendors or mobile food trucks. Some listed in Yelp’s top ten restaurants are Alfred’s Arepas (Venezuelan), Wasanas Thai Food, J’s Bistro Wagon (burgers), Buddy’s To Go (BBQ).
The Dalles
Montira’s Thai–302 W. 2nd St. (Thai) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Mon). Good Thai food. The only problem is for those who want it “Thai spicy” (they don’t seem to do it here). Map (Dining room is open 6-28-22)
Riverenza (or “The Riv”)–401 E. 10th St. (American) Open 8 am to 2 pm (closed Sun). Breakfast, soup, sandwiches. Very high ratings on Yelp. Map (Dining room is open 2-22-22)
Tillamook
Tillamook Creamery–4165 Hwy. 101 N (Ice Cream) Open daily 10 am to 6 pm. Get ice cream or cheese, but don’t eat lunch here (according to reviewers). Map (Dining room is open 4-9-24)
Tora Sushi Lounge–212 Main St. (Japanese) Closed Mon (and closed from 2 to 4 pm). Looks very good because reviewers say the fish is very fresh. It also seems that they do not jack up the price because of it being sushi rather than regular fish. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Antonette’s Kitchen is supposed to be very good for soup and sandwiches, but it is take out only unless you eat on a picnic table outside. There are apparently some good food truck options in town as well.
- For additional explanation of this list see Index
- Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.
James Beard Foundation America’s Classics
The following are locally owned restaurants that are distinguished by their timeless appeal, and which serve quality food that represents the character of their communities:
- McMinnville: Nick’s Italian Cafe–521 NE 3rd St.
Jane & Michael Stern, “500 Things to Eat Before It’s Too Late”
This work by the Sterns, published in 2009, focuses on individual dishes and “the Very Best Places to Eat Them.” Although the list is dated by more than a decade, it is worth taking a look at the choices which include the following in Oregon (partial list and edited for places that have closed–Bold for No. 1 recommendation in the U.S.)::
- Crab Louis—Norma’s Seaside (No. 2 in the PNW)
- Oregon Clam Chowder—Ecola Seafoods Cannon Beach (No. 1 in OR), Norma’s Seaside (No. 2 in OR), Roseanne’s Cafe Oceanside (No. 4 in OR), Chowder Bowl Newport (No. 5 in OR), Mo’s Newport (No. 6 in OR)
Closed (Formerly on the Restaurant Guide)
- Blackfish Cafe–2733 NW Hwy 101, Lincoln City (closed 2024) Used local sustainable seafood
- Grass Shack Cafe–205 N. Phoenix Rd., Phoenix (closed 2021) Hawaiian style plate lunches.
- Maggie’s on the Prom–581 S. Prom, Seaside (closed 2023) Was a place to go for a special experience with sunset view. Expensive, but everything was excellent (some say they have been comped when it was not).
- Melincko’s Aero Cafe–402 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Wallowa (closed 2022) Aviation cafe with hot dogs, shakes, floats, coffee, and Marionberry ice cream
- Old Town Cafe–8 S. Main St., Joseph (closed 2021) Varied menu with much of it being locally sourced.
Sources:
James Beard Foundation (America’s Classics Award Winners)
Chowhound (former web site)
Chowhound “Clam Chowder in Clatsop County” (no longer on line)
Eater, “Jaw-Dropping Restaurants and Food Carts in Bend, Oregon”
Google Maps
Jane & Michael Stern, “500 Things to Eat Before It’s Too Late,” 2009, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcort.
The Oregonian (Bend Restaurants)
TripAdvisor (Local Seafood along OR Coast)
Urbanspoon.com (former web site which I used for preliminary research)