The 12 Best Restaurants in Bend Oregon Right Now [Updated 2024]

Bend, Oregon, is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, fantastic weather, and quality and quantity of breweries. However, the restaurant scene in Bend is surprisingly impressive.

In this article, Nicole and I will share our recommendations for the best restaurants in Bend Oregon, today. These are the Bend restaurants that we love and we suggest for you regardless of whether you are visiting or a local.

Restaurants Bend Oregon - Map

The Restaurant Scene in Bend Oregon

There’s a little bit of everything when it comes to Bend restaurants, which is part of what makes it so appealing. There are several upscale, high-end places, such as Ariana, that we consider “special occasion restaurants.”

However, on weekends, you’re more likely to find us dining at one of the many breweries in Bend, as many of them serve delicious food.

We love the wide-range of cuisines your can get from restaurants in Bend. From Korean (Yoli) to Cajun (Zydeco) to home-made pasta at Bosa, the influx of variety across the restaurants in Bend make it a sneaky good food town.

Probably the signature dining experience in Bend are the food truck lots (an must-do if you are visiting). These clusters of food trucks in a semi-permanent setting, usually accompanied by a bar with beer are the ultimate in casual, outdoor, creative eating. There are many all over Bend.

Where The Best Restaurants in Bend are Located

The restaurants in Bend are scattered all over town, but there are clusters of venues in certain areas. It helps to have your bearings when choosing where to dine in Bend:

Downtown Bend. The downtown part of Bend, generally called ‘Old Bend,’ is a charming, walkable area with many Bend restaurants, including many on the list below. DRAKE, 900 Wall, and Zydeco are all in this area. You can stroll to Drake Park on a nice summer day after dinner.

Galveston Avenue. Across the Deschutes River at the south end of Drake Park, you travel onto Galveston Avenue. In recent years, this stretch has become the most prominent restaurant and brewery area. Ariana, Bosa, and many other great joints are along this stretch. Parking is a bit dicey.

Old Mill District. Old Mill is south of downtown and is the primary shopping, entertainment, and restaurant hub in Bend. There are a slew of restaurants in Old Mill, including Lady Bird Society on this list.

(Did we miss a great restaurant in Bend OR? Did we rank something too high or low? Let us know in the comments.)

1. Jackson's Corner

Category: Brunch + Casual

Why We Love It: Many people see Jackson’s Corner primarily as a breakfast spot or coffee shop, but it’s so much more. Just take a look at their tagline, “Brunch + Supper Served Daily,” and you’ll understand that Jackson’s is a fantastic choice any time of day.

Despite its casual vibe, there’s no restaurant that excites me more in Bend than Jackson’s Corner. The breakfast and brunch offerings are outstanding—possibly the best in Bend. While the supper menu is concise, it remains inviting.

Jackson’s focuses on farm-to-table dining and offers a selection of local beer, wine, and cocktails, along with a delightful bakery. Plus, its fabulous location on Delaware Avenue makes it even more appealing. What more could you ask for?

They now also accept reservations and allow online ordering for convenience.

2. DRAKE

Category: American

Why We Love It: DRAKE is an iconic restaurant in Bend, located on a prominent corner downtown, just a block away from Drake Park and close to the Deschutes River. It stands out as one of Bend’s best spots for a meal.

The restaurant features an upscale interior while maintaining a casual vibe, making it particularly enjoyable to dine at a sidewalk table during the summertime. No matter when or where you choose to eat, the food is consistently excellent, with classics such as The Bendie (an open-faced burger), grilled ribeye, and shrimp and grits.

DRAKE also boasts a fantastic bar, so you can visit just for the cocktails during Happy Hour if you’re in the mood. The DRAKE Old Fashioned is especially noteworthy.

3. Ariana

Category: Modern

Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant in Bend, Ariana is the place to go.

Located in a charming bungalow on Galveston Avenue, Ariana is the town’s most upscale fine dining venue. The creativity of the dishes, combined with a commitment to local ingredients, makes dining at Ariana a truly special experience.

One of my favorite aspects of Ariana is the wine and cocktail list. Browsing through the pages of wine is even more enjoyable than choosing your meal.

Ariana is a family-run establishment that has been a part of Bend for 20 years. If you’re able to splurge on the Chef’s Table offering, you’ll be treated to one of the best meals available in Bend.

Reservations are highly recommended.

4. Yoli

Category: Korean

Why We Love It: Korean food is not for everyone. But if you like authentic Korean, it doesn’t get much better than Yoli. In fact, this is the place to take friends or family who need to be introduced to proper Korean Food.

Also located right downtown in an obscure suite in the complex on the corner of Newport and Wall, Yoli delivers a bang of flavor with its contemporary Korean favorites. The dinner menu has so many things you’ll want to try, or you can opt for the Chef’s Tasting Menu, which is occasionally available.

The food’s presentation is gorgeous, and Yoli has an impressive wine list with plenty of sake and Korean rice wine.

One important note: Yoli is closed on Saturdays!

5. Bosa

Category: Italian + French

Why We Love It: Do you enjoy Italian cuisine? Who doesn’t? Bosa is not only considered Bend’s best Italian restaurant, but it could also be argued that it’s the best restaurant in Bend, regardless of cuisine.

Bosa is actually an Italian and French bistro that exudes a charming European vibe. The cozy dining room, located in a former bakery on Galveston Ave, is bright and sleek, featuring impeccable service and a fantastic menu.

The highlight of Bosa is undoubtedly the homemade pasta. With options like tagliatelle, fusilli, and rigatoni, all served in delectable sauces, it’s a must-try. Pair your pasta with salads, focaccia, and a delightful Italian red wine for a truly divine meal right in downtown Bend.

Be sure to plan ahead, as securing a reservation at Bosa can be quite challenging.

6. The Sparrow Bakery

Category: Bakery

Why We Love It: Every town needs a proper bakery, and in Bend, that place is The Sparrow Bakery. You can smell The Sparrow before you even see it, and once you step inside, you’ll understand why.

The baked goods at The Sparrow are incredible—baguettes, croissants, and rolls—all made fresh in-house.

But The Sparrow is also a fantastic spot for breakfast or lunch, offering delicious bakery-themed sandwiches like the Monte Cristo, Bacon Breakfast Sandwich (with bacon, egg, avocado, and arugula), and my personal favorite, the Croque Monsieur.

Pair your meal with The Sparrow’s coffee or other hot drinks, and you’ll have the perfect breakfast spot in Bend. It can get crowded, especially on weekend mornings, so try to visit during non-peak times if possible!

7. Wild Rose

Category: Thai

Why We Love It: Every town also needs a good Thai restaurant, and Bend has a fantastic option in Wild Rose. Technically focused on Northern Thai cuisine (no Pad Thai or peanut-based dishes), but everything on the menu is full of flavor.

Wild Rose boasts a great vibe with its downtown location, just one block off Newport and two blocks from Drake Park. It tends to get crowded at dinnertime, so reservations are recommended. It’s also a wonderful lunch spot.

The menu features a diverse selection of appetizers, soups, shared plates, and ‘one-plate meals.’ I often find it challenging to make ordering decisions because there are so many tempting choices to try.

Additionally, Wild Rose offers excellent takeout Thai food for the Bend area!

8. McKay Cottage Restaurant

Category: Breakfast

Why We Love It: McKay Cottage has been Bend’s premier breakfast spot since 2006. It is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the area, and diners rave about the place.

The breakfast menu can best be described as gourmet, featuring delectable options such as benedicts, stuffed French toast, pancakes, and various crepe dishes, all complemented by mimosas and other cocktails. McKay Cottage also serves lunch, available until 2 PM, focused mostly on sandwiches and salads.

The restaurant building itself dates back to 1906 and has a rich history, having served as a residence, café, and even a cigar bar.

Please note that McKay Cottage does not accept reservations. It is extremely popular and tends to get crowded, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a wait or try to arrive early.

9. Sunriver Brewing - Galveston Pub

Category: Brewery

Why We Love It: Bend is known for its vibrant brewpub scene. If you’re visiting, it’s essential to take the time to explore some of the fantastic breweries in Bend. Many of these breweries also serve food, making it only fitting that we highlight at least one brewery that offers both great beer and delicious meals on this list.

If you’re looking for a brewery with food in Bend, we recommend Sunriver Brewing on Galveston Ave. Sunriver Brewing is renowned for having some of the best beer you’ll find in Bend.

In addition to its excellent beers, the food at Sunriver Brewing is of gastropub quality. The shareable items, such as chicken wings and beer pretzels, pair perfectly with their brews.

The burgers, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads are all worth a visit on their own. Pairing your meal with local Bend beer creates a winning combination!

10. Zydeco Kitchen

Category: Cajun

Why We Love It: A must-visit restaurant in Bend is Zydeco Kitchen, located in downtown. This Cajun/Creole-themed eatery boasts one of the best atmospheres in town, complete with a fantastic bar and a food and drink menu that gets you excited as soon as its handed to you.

The cocktails are sophisticated, and the dishes are bold. If you’re seeking an authentic Zydeco Cajun experience, the Jambalaya is a must-try. However, the Blackened Redfish, Steak Frites, and Grilled Jumbo Prawns are all excellent choices as well.

Zydeco Kitchen gained national attention when it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2021, when Guy Fieri visited Bend.

Reservations are highly recommended on weekends at Zydeco.

11. 900 Wall

Category: Modern

Why We Love It: This restaurant is named after its address and is located in another prime spot in downtown Bend. You’ll find 900 Wall bustling with locals year-round as they enjoy meals, drinks, happy hour, and outdoor seating at sidewalk tables.

900 Wall is a straightforward, modern American restaurant featuring a great bar, a flair for stone oven-baked pizza, and classic entrees. One standout is the ‘900 Wall Burger,’ which pairs perfectly with the beers on tap and fries. The wine list is also excellent.

The building dates back to 1920 and boasts classic Western charm, making it an ideal setting for a lively bar and restaurant. It’s a solid choice for a meal in Bend.

12. Lady Bird Society

Category: Modern

Why We Love It: The Old Mill District is a central part of the shopping, entertainment, and dining scene in Bend. With a variety of excellent restaurants, it definitely deserves a spot on this list.

If you’re visiting Old Mill and are in the mood for a drink or a bite to eat, we recommend checking out Lady Bird Cultural Society. This prohibition-era themed venue features eclectic décor and offers a great food and drink menu.

The cocktails at Lady Bird are particularly impressive, although the bar is a bit small. The dinner menu is concise but includes a solid mix of pasta, fish, and steaks. They also offer delicious wood-fired pizzas.

Bonus: The Podski Food Cart Lot

Category: Food Truck Lot

Why We Love It: If there is one dining experience uniquely associated with the town of Bend, it’s the food truck lots. Food Truck Lots combine all the great things about Bend: a focus on the outdoors, craft beer, and a diverse set of food options. This experience is a must-try for anyone visiting Bend.

For those who may not be familiar, the concept is simple: multiple food trucks gather in a semi-permanent location, often centered around a bar or establishment that serves drinks, along with a seating area.

This setup creates a casual and unique dining experience, offering a variety of food choices alongside local craft beer. There are many food truck lots in Bend, but one of our favorites is The Podski.

The Podski is conveniently located in downtown Bend and features an intriguing selection of food trucks, serving everything from Mexican cuisine to Japanese dishes and even pierogis. The venue has a great indoor/outdoor bar, making it a relaxed spot that feels like a perpetual picnic—perfect for returning time and again to try something new.

If you’re visiting Bend, be sure to get out and experience a food truck lot!

Glenn Travel Writer

Glenn, a resident of Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon, is a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker. He and his wife Nicole use this site to chronicle their adventures in these places they love.

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We Are Nicole and Glenn!

We are Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon, locals and food, drink, and adventure enthusiasts. We use this site to share our knowledge about these amazing places with visitors and locals alike.

We aim to help you live your BEST life in Frederick and Bend or get the most out of your visit!

The 12 Best Restaurants in Bend Oregon Right Now [Updated 2024]