oregon food - EpicBend https://epicbend.com Live Your Best Life in Bend Oregon and Frederick Maryland! Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:57:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://epicbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241208-EpicTotal-Logo-1-150x150.png oregon food - EpicBend https://epicbend.com 32 32 The 12 Best Restaurants in Bend Oregon Right Now [Updated 2026] https://epicbend.com/best-restaurants-in-bend-oregon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-restaurants-in-bend-oregon https://epicbend.com/best-restaurants-in-bend-oregon/#respond Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:01:16 +0000 https://epicbend.naynacodes.com/?p=18801 The Updated list of the BEST restaurants in Bend Oregon you need to try right now. Read about our favorite restaurants in Bend OR that we visit as locals.

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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.

The 12 Best Restaurants in Bend Oregon

Map of Restaurants in Bend, OR

Did we miss a place? Did we rank something too high or low?  Let us know in the comments.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)

1. Jackson's Corner (Bend, OR)

A two-story yellow building with white trim houses one of the best restaurants Bend Oregon has to offer. Large front windows, hanging flower baskets, and outdoor tables with a teal umbrella invite you in on this quiet street.

Photo Credit: JacksonsCornerBend.com

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. Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge (Bend, OR)

A lively restaurant scene with many people dining at tables under warm hanging lights and string lights on the ceiling. The room is bustling with conversation, and menus and drinks are visible on the tables. The atmosphere appears cozy and inviting.
Category:  American

Why We Love It:  Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge burst on the Bend restaurant scene in June 2024, and immediately became Nicole and me’s favorite place for dinner and drinks in Bend.  It’s fabulous.

Hawk and Huck is the creation of celebrity chef Brian Malarkey and his brother James Malarkey.  Brian has other restaurants across the West Coast, but the duo are Central Oregon locals.

It’s an upscale-casual type of place, with a farm-to-table menu and a heavy emphasis on steaks and local fish. 

But what gets you most excited about this place is the vibe.  It’s a cool place to visit and eat, and it has one of the best bars in Bend.

Make a reservation, especially on weekends.  It’s already been discovered by everyone in Central Oregon.

3. DRAKE (Bend, OR)

a Beige Brick Building with a Black Sign Reading drake Above the Entrance One of the Standout Bend Restaurants a White Hanging Sign with a Large d and since 2013 is Above It Surrounded by Flowers Street Lamps and a Clear Blue Sky
Category:  American

Why We Love It: DRAKE is an iconic restaurant in Bend, located on a prominent downtown corner, just a block 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.

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4. Bosa (Bend, OR)

Bosa-Restaurant-Pasta-Bend-Oregon

Photo Credit: FaceBook/BosaFoodDrink

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-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.

5. Rancher Butcher Chef (Bend, OR)

Rancher-butcher-chef-bend-oregon-best-restaurants

Photo Credit: RBCBend.com

Category:  Steak

Why We Love It:  Nicole and I often say this is our favorite restaurant in town, and it could easily be higher on this list.

Rancher Butcher Chef is a steak and seafood-forward restaurant in NorthWest Crossing that serves some of the best steaks in Bend.  They focus on partnering with local ranchers and farmers, and have their own ranch:  7-Mile Creek Ranch in Fort Klamath, Oregon.

There are some great seafood options on the menu, but you come to RBC for steak.  The starters, sides, and sauces are amazing, and the cocktail and wine lists are among the best in Bend.

You should also check out their sister property in downtown:BarRBC, a tapas-and-drinks lounge.

6. Ariana (Bend, OR)

Ariana-Dish-Bend-Oregon

Photo Credit: FaceBook/ArianaRestaurant

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.

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7. Yoli (Bend, OR)

at Bend Restaurants a Wooden Tray Holds a Sizzling Dish of Stir fried Meat Topped with Sesame Seeds Four Small Containers of Sauces and Vegetables Leafy Greens Shiso Leaves and Neatly Arranged Sheets of Dried Seaweed on the Side

Photo Credit: YoliBend.com

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!

8. The Sparrow Bakery (Bend, OR)

A yellow hanging sign with “Sparrow Northwest” in bold black letters and simple decorative lines, mounted under a covered walkway with a red brick wall and windows in the background.
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.

Nicole and I have visited many times for breakfast, and my go-to order is the Bacon Breakfast Sandwich.  It’s also located right on the NorthWest Crossing Farmer’s Market location, which we also visit often on Saturdays in the summer.

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!

  • Menu
  • Reservations (Not Needed)
  • $$
  • Epic Meal: Croque-Monsieur + Iced Coffee

9. Wild Rose (Bend, OR)

a Rectangular Black Sign with Wild Rose in Large White and Red Letters and Northern Thai Eats in Elegant White Script Below the Sign is Mounted Under a Wooden Ceiling with Visible Beams and Warm Lighting in Bend Restaurants
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 options to choose from.

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

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10. McKay Cottage Restaurant (Bend, OR)

McKay-Cottage-Pancakes

Photo Credit: TheMcKayCottage.com

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.

  • Menu
  • Reservations (None)
  • $$
  • Epic Meal: Stuffed French Toast + Mimosa

11. Crux Fermentation Project (Bend, OR)

a Wooden Sign Reading the Brown Owl Displays a Menu in Front of a Yellow Food Truck a Painted Owl Decorates the Truckone of Many Unique Bend Oregon Restaurants Cans of Sodas Sit on a Round Gray Table Nearby with Sunlight and Dry Grass in the Background
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 fitting that we highlight at least one on this list that offers both great beer and delicious meals.

Our favorite brewery to have a meal is Crux Fermentation Project.  Besides the high-quality craft beer and the outdoor tasting area with a few, there’s really good food.

Crux has its own food menu, but we usually opt for getting a meal from one of the two permanent food trucks:

  1. El Sancho.  Outstanding street tacos.
  2. The Brown Owl.  Burgers and BBQ.

If you are visiting Bend, be sure to have at least one meal at a brewery like Crux.

  • Menu
  • Reservations (None)
  • $$
  • Epic Meal: El Sancho Carnitas Tacos + Crux Pilz

12. Zydeco Kitchen (Bend, OR)

a Dimly Lit Bar with Wooden Countertops Hanging Amber Pendant Lights and Shelves Lined with Bottles of Wine and Liquor Barstools Line the Counter While Mirrors Reflect the Cozy Charm Found in the Best Bend Restaurants

Photo Credit: ZydecoKitchen.com

Category:  Cajun

Why We Love It:  A must-visit restaurant in Bend is Zydeco Kitchen, located 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 it’s 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.

Bonus: The Podski Food Cart Lot

People Sit at Wooden Picnic Tables Outside a Metal Building on a Sunny Day Enjoying Food from Local Bend Restaurants Surrounded by Trees Rocks and Food Trucks the Area Has a Relaxed Social Atmosphere Under a Blue Sky with Clouds

Photo Credit: FaceBook/ThePodski

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 at a semi-permanent location, often centered around a bar or other establishment that serves drinks, 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 to Japanese dishes, including 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!

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.

a Table Set for Two Outdoors at One of the Top Bend Restaurants Featuring a Bottle of Red Wine Fries with Ketchup Sliced Steak and a Dish with Filet Mignon Mashed Potatoes Mushrooms and Broccolini

We love the wide range of cuisines available at restaurants in Bend.  From Korean (Yoli) to Cajun (Zydeco) to homemade pasta at Bosa, the variety across the restaurants makes Bend’s food scene sneaky good. 

Probably the signature dining experience in Bend is the food truck lots (a 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.

a Small Taco Stand with a Menu Board Displaying Taco Options Chips and Drinks Sits Beside a Bright Yellow Crux Fermentation Project Food Truck the Stand Features Colorful Cartoon Faces a Rustic Roof and a Wooden Barrel Under the Clear Blue Sky

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.

a Smiling Man in a Patterned Shirt Sits at a Table Holding Up a Pink Cocktail with a Garnish Another Hand in the Foreground Holds a Similar Pink Drink Capturing the Lively Atmosphere of Bend Restaurants with String Lights and a Shiny Food Truck Behind
Bend Restaurants

Old Mill District. Old Mill is south of downtown and the primary hub for shopping, entertainment, and dining in Bend.  There are plenty of good restaurants in Old Mill worth trying, including Lady Bird Society and Anthony’s.

Logo for Old Mill District Featuring a Stylized Building with Three Tall Smokestacks in the Center Teal blue on White with old Mill and district Text Reflecting the Vibrant Spirit and Popular Bend Restaurants Nearby

Restaurants in Bend, OR - What's New in 2026?

If you follow coverage of the restaurant industry in Bend, you’ll mostly hear that 2025 was a tough year for Bend restaurants.

As expected, there were several closings.  Some were short-term restaurants that showed initial promise, like Neighborhood Rotissierie and Boss Rambler Club.

But a few long-established restaurants shut their doors in 2025, like 900 Wall after 17 years. 

The good news is that Bend is a vibrant place with a strong economy, and there an new restaurants opening every year.  Here are some of the highlighted new restaurant openings in Bend in 2025:

A modern bar with a long wooden counter and black stools, shelves of bottles behind. Overlaid text reads: BAR RBC Tapas.Wine.Cocktails. Downtown Bend—one of the standout Bend Oregon restaurants—highlighted in bold, white letters within a circular frame.

Bar RBC

www.rbcbar.com Bar RBC is a new tapas and cocktail spot in downtown, from the same owners as Rancher Butcher Chef in Northwest Crossing.

Logo for the Crown Curry One of Bend Oregon Restaurants Featuring a Gold Crown Above the Text the Words the and Curry Are in Elegant Gold Cursive While Crown is Bold and Gold All Set Against a Sleek Black Background

The Crown Curry

Bend has a new Indian restaurant, with The Crown Curry opening on the west side.

a Light Green Two story Building Houses Pho 88 a Vietnamese Restaurant Known Among Bend Oregon Restaurants Its Sign Features a Pho Bowl Graphic Outdoor Seating Lines the Sidewalk with a Tree and Streetlamp Nearby Under an Overcast Sky the Street is Empty

Pho 88

Likewise, if you like Pho, there's a new Pho restaurant in Bend: Pho 88 Located in the Old Mill District.

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Two pint glasses with Crux Fermentation Project logos sit on a wooden table outdoors in Bend, Oregon. One holds a hazy beer, the other a golden brew—perfect for enjoying one of the best things to do in Bend: relaxing with local craft beer.
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Two pink cocktails sit on a dark table: one is in a coupe glass with foam on top, the other in a short glass with ice and a cocktail pick. A glass of water, an empty plate, and people dining inside a warmly-lit tented space are visible in the background.
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The Sunriver Lodge at Sunriver Resort with its golf course is surrounded by lush green fairways and autumn-colored trees—a picturesque choice for those seeking where to stay in Bend, Oregon, with mountain views under a golden sunset sky.
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A glowing neon sign reads HAWKEYE & HUCKLEBERRY LOUNGE in white and gold, with a stylized bird spreading its wings. Set against a black background, this shield-shaped sign shines among Bend restaurants, outlined in radiant white neon.

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A beige brick building with a black sign reading “DRAKE” above the entrance, one of the standout Bend Restaurants. A white hanging sign with a large “D” and “SINCE 2013” is above it, surrounded by flowers, street lamps, and a clear blue sky.

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A yellow hanging sign with “Sparrow Northwest” in bold black letters and simple decorative lines, mounted under a covered walkway with a red brick wall and windows in the background.

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