Best Places to Eat for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Bend, Oregon - A Local Bendit’s Opinion
Lately, I have been booking a lot of out of town families and couples for photography sessions. I wanted them to experience the best bites in Bend, Oregon during their short visits. I’ve put together a shortlist of my favorite places to eat here in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
Disclaimer: None of the images were taken by me. They are taken by fans of the restaurants.
Breakfast
Chow
American + Vegetarian Friendly + Vegan Options
Quote from Chow’s Website: “We are little restaurant in a house that promotes local farms, purveyors, and sustainability in all we do. We cater to locavore, carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests. We believe in serving our community on all levels!
With extreme gratitude, we've been a fixture in the Bend, Oregon community since 2007.
Price: $$ - $$$
Hours: Everyday - 7am-2pm
Address: 1110 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97703-1620
Phone: 541-728-0256
Website: www.bendinspoon.com
Review quotes: “Incredible brunch with outstanding food. Hard to make choices. Waitstaff has excellent insight and won’t steer your wrong. Fun atmosphere.”
“Very homey ambiance. A nice variety of art displayed. Upbeat music. Water served without ice! The fried cauliflower is great. Not too soft, not too hard. Perfectly seasoned and served with crème fraîche. Chowmigo Burrito is delicious! Especially with the bacon cheddar grits on the side. Bahn Mi wrap is incredible. Light and fresh. Pork has amazing flavor and a great wrap. Creamy black bean soup had just the right amount of spice. House made sauces are packed with flavor. Service is perfect, keeping water full but not bugging us. Worth the trip. Worth a return.”
“Had a late breakfast here. Atmosphere was crowded and funky - very Bend-like. Wait staff were really nice and we had great service. Coffee was excellent and the hash and eggs were outstanding. My husband had eggs with pulled pork and spinach etc. and said it was one of the best breakfasts he has ever had (and he is picky). Highly recommend. We had heard it is usually busy with a wait but we got lucky and were seated right away.”
Personal Thoughts: My favorite breakfast place EVER!!! You usually have to wait, so get there early before the hangry monster kicks in. They usually have coffee out while waiting and live music. Inside and outside are both equally great experiences. The breakfast potatoes are a must, and you HAVE to try all the homemade sauces.
Favorite Food: Huevos Rancheros
Favorite Cocktail: Spicy Bloody Mary paired with a Coffee
McKay Cottage
American + Cafe + Contemporary
Quote from Mckay Cottage Website: “McKay Cottage in Bend, Oregon is a casual neighborhood breakfast and lunch restaurant nestled in a preserved 1916 historic craftsman bungalow.’ McKay Cottage is now home to Bend's best creative comfort food, serving award winning breakfast and lunch every day.”
Price: $$ - $$$
Hours: Everyday: 7:00am - 2:00pm
Address: 62910 O B Riley Rd, Bend, OR 97703-8697
Phone: +1 541-383-2697
Website: www.themckaycottage.com
Review quotes: “We went here for breakfast after reading all the reviews. There are not many parking spaces next to the restaurant, but there is another parking area nearby. We were lucky to get a table right away. The place was full. The outdoor seating was nice and spaced out appropriately. The service was wonderful. The menu has lots of options and the portions are large. The food was delicious. This will now be our go to place for breakfast every time we are in Bend!”
“We will always go here for our breakfasts in Bend. Voted best breakfast in Bend for over 10 years in a row, I agree. it was 3 years ago we found this gem and it was just as good this time. Really good menu choices and wonderful atmosphere inside or out. You've got to give this place a try, you wont regret it.”
“We’ve been here so many times we’ve lost count. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. The food is excellent with amazing specials every day. Delicious scones and treats, too, with gluten free options and great coffee drinks (with non dairy milk if you like). The oatmeal is the best I’ve ever had and enough for two. But go *early* cause they fill up fast and the wait can be long. But you’ll be glad you went!”
Personal Thoughts: I always forget about this place, so I get extremely excited every time I think to go there. I enjoy eating on outside patio with my husky, Atlas (most Bend restaurants are pet friendly.) It has homemade baked goods and a bomb eggs benedict.
Favorite Food: Veggie Eggs Benedict + Homemade Cinnamon Roll
Favorite Drink: Vanilla Cardamom Almond Milk Latte
Favorite Cocktail: Bloody Mary
Jackson’s Corner
Quick Bites + American + Deli
Quote from Jackson Corner’s Website: “At Jackson’s Corner we believe in local, humane, organic, etc. not to be trendy, but because we believe that is possible for a sustainable food system to exist. It is so easy these days to take advantage of the industrial farming system and reap the potential benefits for profitability. But, we believe in conscious sourcing of food. It is better for our own health and our communities. We believe that it is possible to support your local farmer within a restaurant. We love food. We love coffee. We love meeting the people who walk in our doors everyday. We are so thankful for each and every person who has helped make Jackson’s Corner possible.”
Price: $$ - $$$
Hours: Everyday - 7:00am - 9:00pm
Address: 845 NW Delaware Ave, Bend, OR 97703-3276
Phone: 541-647-2198
Website: www.jacksonscornerbend.com
Review quotes: “This place was refreshingly great! The pasta was VERY good! It had amazing flavor and also had chunks of bacon in it(yum!)I had the hamburger, which was one of the better burgers if ever had! Not too many ingredients in it, so you actually taste the fresh beef, and it has this delicious sauce that was like a play on thousand island dressing, and then some kind of amazing pickles on the bottom that really put it over the top!! Also, my daughter had some gluten free bread here that she described as the best she’s ever eaten! This place is popular for a reason, cool vibe here! Can’t wait to try more things on the menu!!”
“Based on our daughters’ raving suggestions we gave a try to this place. We ordered the honey pizza and Thai salad and were not disappointed. We will come back for sure. The server was so nice, she suggested to split the salad instead of buying two since it was huge. The salad had a flavorful dressing and the greens had mint and cilantro also along other things that gave a unique flavor. The dressing was just enough and flavorful. Normally I don’t like sausage on my pizza but this time I really loved it. The crust was crispy, the sauce not overpowering. We sat outside, it was quiet and pleasant. The place is not on the tourist drag, mostly locals and people who read internet reviews find it, which make it extra great”
“We really enjoyed the salads and sandwiches we carried out. But this place is a great place to stop any time of the day. They have indoor and outdoor seating and it is a great place to bring kids. It is clearly a place that many people in the neighborhood frequent. The food was so fresh and well prepared I feel you will truly enjoy your meal. The staff is very friendly too!”
Personal Thoughts: Moment of truth here, once upon a time I used to work at Jackson’s Corner. I could not advocate more for this restaurant. It’s run by amazing owners and management whose goal is to create the freshest, yummy meals using local ingredients. Breakfast there has always been my go-to, but their lunch sandwiches are huge and full of flavor. Dinner has housemade pasta and pizza, and awesome live music on Fridays at the Eastside.
Favorite Food: Huevos Rancheros + Junkin + Steak Sando + Veggie Pizza + Fusilli Pasta
Favorite Drink: Cardamon Sea Salt Latte with Hemp or Oat Milk
Favorite Cocktail: Whiskey Arrow + Whatever the Special is (they’re cocktail geniuses over there)
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Hours: Mon - Fri: 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Sat - Sun 4:00pm - 10:00pm
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Review quotes:
Click Here to Read More Reviews on Tripadvisor
Personal Thoughts:
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Lunch
Kebaba
Mediterranean + Middle Eastern + Vegetarian Friendly
Quote from Website: At Kebaba, we believe in the power of delicious. With truly authentic items including hummous, falafel, babaganoush, kebabs, gyros and schwarmas, we also specialize in unique Bend-inspired takes on ethnic dishes and daily specials.Middle Eastern cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and a thoughtful menu of wine and craft beer selections
Price: $$ - $$$
Hours: Mon - Fri: 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Sat - Sun 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Address: 1004 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97703-1618
Phone: +1 541-318-6224
Website: http://www.kebaba.com/
Review quotes: “Fabulous Middle Eastern Restaurant in Bend, OR??!!! Who would ever expect to find a really good, creative Middle Eastern restaurant in Bend, OR of all places. As a Middle East scholar I was certainly skeptical when my wife suggested we go to Kebaba as we passed though Bend on our way to Crater Lake - she was persuaded by the prices! The babaghanouj, pita, karnabeet (sauteed cauliflower in a tahini/lemon sauce) were excellent, as was the salmon kebab. I'd go out of my way to go back and if we lived in central Oregon we'd be regulars. This place is fabulous!”
“Excellent middle eastern fare, great value. We visited Kebaba a second time and were just as pleased as the first. Wonderful tabouli salad, babaganouj, falafel. Local fresh micro-brew beer. Lovely restored home, beautiful setting for a dinner. Very kid-friendly. Enjoy eating outdoors under an umbrella. And...great value. Definitely should be on Bend's 10 Best List.”
“Amazing as usual! Everything is always good at Kebaba, but if you haven't visited in a while try again they have stepped up their game as usual!! The burger has an even better bun now- looks like it may come from a local bakery, and they are really great at managing the speed of their take out, it's always in a reasonable time frame but better yet they have a good grasp of how long it's going to be. Fantastic Kebaba!”
Click Here to Read More Reviews on Tripadvisor
Personal Thoughts: This restaurant is by far the best mediterranean restaurant in Bend. I enjoy being sitting outside. In the fall and winter they have really warm heaters on the patio. I love their cocktails and the fries are so good! Ask for extra sauce!
Favorite Food: Lamb Rice bowl + extra sauce +Israeli Couscous Salad
Favorite Cocktail: Passion Pepper Margarita
Pizza Mondo
Quote from Website:
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Hours: Mon - Fri: 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Sat - Sun 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Address:
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Website:
Review quotes:
Click Here to Read More Reviews on Tripadvisor
Personal Thoughts:
Favorite Food:
Favorite Cocktail: Quick Bite: Pizza Mondo They do a soup and salad special from 11-3pm. Extra bonus tip take your food to go and walk around the corner to enjoy your lunch in Drake Park overlooking the river.
Dinner
Wild Rose
Asian + Northern Thai + Vegetarian Friendly
Quote from Wild Rose’s Website: “Traditionally a very rural cuisine, Northern Thai food is an experience for all five senses. Chiang Mai is near and dear to our hearts, which means every dish crafted at the Wild Rose comes from a family recipe.
Our menu is not divided into courses, but rather into separate categories that make up a complete traditional Northern Thai meal. Dishes are prepared for sharing, and we encourage mixing & matching menu items. A Northern Thai meal is a communal event - so have some fun while you’re our guest!”
Price: $$ - $$$
Hours: Mon - Fri: 11:00am - 9:00pm | Sat - Sun 11:00am - 10:00pm
Address: 150 NW Oregon Ave, Bend, OR 97703-2711
Phone: 541-382-0441
Website: www.wildrosethai.com/
Review quotes: “I am lost for words other than, I don’t think I’ve ever had better food ANYWHERE EVER!!!! Absolutely phenomenal flavours and great service, nice ambiance. As we were walking out I heard a couple going on and on about how amazing the food was and I stopped and said “oh my god isn’t this place out of this world” and the woman and man both said they’ve been to Thailand and this restaurant competes easily with any dish they had there! I had read some excellent reviews before going and thought that people were exaggerating but now I am the one raving madly and for good reason!”
“We were so impressed that we dined here twice in the same weekend! The food here is beautifully presented and bursting with flavors. Service here is friendly and fast. The servers are very knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to make recommendations”
“This restaurant is always busy and with good reason. The menu is extensive with meat, fish, and vegetarian options. The cuisine is Northern Thai and the flavors burst through. There is an excellent selection of beers on tap, bottled beer and wine. The servers are young, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the menu. Excellent food at reasonable prices”
Personal Thoughts: The cozy, eclectic atmosphere is inviting for any occasion. The ceiling is covered in dried roses and beautiful Thai decor everywhere. It’s a great place to come with friends or on a date. They have a lunch menu that is cheaper and full of great options.
Favorite Food: Khao Soi curry
Favorite Drink: Thai Iced Tea (a perfect drink to counter balance food spice level)
Favorite Cocktail: The Thaigaryen
The Blacksmith
American
Quote from The Blacksmith’s Website: “The historic 1923 Pierson’s Blacksmith Shop is now a steakhouse, bar and lounge serving distinctive bold cuisine. Stone and brick walls, copper bar top, subtle lighting and leather upholstery create a casually-elegant ambience with cozy seating areas. The sophisticated comfort food meals are attractively plated with delicious accompaniments. "The Tomahawk," a 24 ounce bone in Ribeye is a customer favorite! Other not-to-be-missed dishes are the Cider-brined pork chops, The Shrimp and Grits, the Mac and Cheese flight, and crab corn dogs. Any of organic and natural, dry aged steaks prepared delicately in exquisite sauces or served simply, ala carte are delicious as well. Desserts are to die for, especially the show-stopping Fostered bananas split, prepared table side. Under new local ownership and with the addition of Bryan Chang's culinary direction, you're tastes will not be disappointed!”
Price: $$$
Hours: Everyday - 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Address: 211 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97703-2006
Phone: 541-318-0588
Website: www.bendblacksmith.com/
Review Quotes: “Everything about our visit was amazing! My husband and I split the Tomahawk Ribeye and it was very tender and flavorful. The ambiance and service were perfect. My son had the homemade ice cream for dessert and it was some of the best we have tasted. We travel extensively and have been to over 100 steakhouses and this was one of the best. Go, you won't be sorry.”
“We started with the polenta fries - my favorite! And we split the steak tenderloins for dinner. This was a perfect size meal for the two of us. We even had room for a chocolate brownie with ice cream and salted caramel for dessert. They have a great wine selection. They even have a night during the week where bottles are 1/2 off, a fun evening to try out a new to you wine that might normally be out of your price range! The service was great and it was a quiet, relaxing dinner for us!”
“During a stopover in Bend I googled local restaurants. I found the Blacksmith menu very intriguing for this neck of the woods. The meal was so good I actually got excited, which I seldom do over food. The service was excellent. The cost was more than reasonable for the overall experience. I’ll be back”
Personal Thoughts: This place has become a family favorite for birthday celebrations or special occasions. Its a bar scene to go get a drink or hang out lounge area for happy hour with friends. The skillet mac and cheese is the best I’ve ever had. The beef carpaccio is so flavorful.
Favorite Food: Polenta Fries + Fried Bacon Brussels + Smoked Mac & Cheese + Beef Carpaccio
Favorite Cocktail: Peach Lemon Drop with muddled pepper for a spicy kick
Five Fusion & Sushi Bar
Japanese + Sushi + Asian
Quote from their website: “5 Fusion & Sushi Bar provides Central Oregon with a world-class dining experience featuring the finest seafood, hand-cut meats and sushi while using many locally produced ingredients.”
Price: $$ - $$$
Hours: Mon - Fri: 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Sat - Sun 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Address: 821 NW Wall St #100, Bend, OR 97703-2771
Phone: 541-323-2328
Website: www.5fusion.com
Review quotes: “Everything was top notch here— food, service, atmosphere. Sushi was great. They have a list a mile long of Japanese whiskeys, specialty drinks and great wines. Sapporo on tap even. Parking is the only problem. Highly recommend this place.” "
“Very pleasant decor, nice ambiance. If you prefer you can sit at the sushi table and watch the chefs prepare entrees, or be seated at a table. Very efficient and quick service. We felt our sushi was fresh and very well,prepared. Wide selection of sushi. There is also a non sushi menu to select from.”
“We popped in off the street and were lucky enough to get seated at the sushi bar (make a reservation if you want a table though!) it was super busy!
We ordered the tempura veggie roll, the spiced edamame, the szechuan tofu and my husband had the calamari as well. We thoroughly enjoyed everything and ate until we were so full we could barely walk haha
Highly recommend it!”
Personal Thoughts: Just thinking about this place makes my mouth water. If you love sushi this is my top recommendation to try. Located in downtown Bend. There are a few tables outside but I think having the best experience is to sit inside. You walk in and above you is a long water, the big window for great lighting and seats and art is beautiful and comfy. I have gone to this plus for 10+ years and have never had a bad experience. The sushi is always fresh and top quality and displayed like ‘food is art.
Fun Side Note: Years ago on my 21st birthday the owner did a Saki bomb with the entire group I was with. It was the bes
Favorite Food: Geisha Roll + Shogun Roll + Diablo Roll
Favorite Cocktail: Angry Mango
Noi
Asian + Thai + Vegetarian Friendly
Quote from Noi’s Website:: Delicate authentic Thai tastes and elegant fine dining to this community, and thus the first Noi Thai Cuisine
Price: $$ - $$$
Hours: Mon – Thu 11:00am – 9:00pm Fri 11:00am – 10:00pm Sat 12:00pm – 10:00pm Sun 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Address: 550 NW Franklin Ave Franklin Crossing Building, Bend, OR 97703-2892
Phone: 541-647-6904
Website: www.noithaicuisine.com
Review Quotes: “A super restaurant with outstanding food! We were so pleased to find this first class Thai restaurant. Great beverage selection and a large variety of food options. We were very pleased and will be back next time we are in Bend!”
“Join a Spicy Mango cocktail with the "Spicy Green Beans" with seafood and ginger rice. Add a bit of hot sauce to taste. One of the best meals, and one of the best Thai meals, I've experienced. Highly recommended.”
“This is my go to place for happy hour. I really enjoy coming here with friends and enjoying drinks and appetizers in their comfy lounge. Everything we ate was delicious. But we especially liked the crispy garlic chicken, the shrimp cakes and the wontons. A variety of drink options too. Bar area fills up quickly.”
Personal Thoughts: One of my favorite Thai places in Bend, Oregon. I know when they first opened they won the best restaurant in bend several years in a row. This is my family go-to place for birthdays we love sitting at the big thai table. If it’s a small group they do a great happy hour in the bar and lounge area.
Favorite Food: Red curry or Green Curry with the garlic or ginger rice, Pad Thai, Satay Skewers
Favorite Cocktail: Coconut Elixir
Bos Taurus
American + Steakhouse
Quote from Bos Taurus’ Website: “BOS TAURUS is a boutique, chef-driven American steakhouse located in the heart of downtown Bend. Our open-air kitchen is built on Chef George's commitment to sourcing the highest quality beef from around the globe and centered around a custom cast-iron slab designed for a perfect sear.“Our Dining Room is open to Limited Seating.”
Price: $$$$
Hours: Mon - Sun: 5:00p - 10:00p Daily
Address: 163 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend OR 97701
Phone: 541-241-2735
Website: http://www.bostaurussteak.com/
Review Quotes: “Bos Taurus was right up there with the best steak in NYC. If you have a chance to experience this, you must. The whole experience was incredible and unexpected.”
“3 ounces of Japanese Hokkaido A5 Wagyu NY Strip Loin - it came to the table and there is what a small pile of $118 steak. But once I tasted it, I was amazed how tasty it was - it practically melted in my mouth. The steak was cooked perfectly and season just right. It was the most amazing steak I have ever had - by far!”
“Favorite steak restaurant ever. Yes, it's a splurge. But all you really need is the steak. However the sides are wonderful too and this is definitely the place to take someone you want to impress or have a delicious and special meal with.”
Personal Thoughts: This is the fancy place. The place you want to go “GO ALL OUT” or a special occasion Located in downtown bend: A few family members have been to proposed to here, so if it’s that kind of occasion. this is the place. They do have limited seating, so I’d make a reservation. But if you want to drop in for one of their fancy burgers and smoky cocktails just sit at the bar. The best steak I have ever had. If you go with a group you can share several sides and get your own streak.
Favorite Food: Japanese Miyazaki A5 Wagyu + Patatas Bravas + Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Favorite Cocktail: Smoked Bos Manhattan
Bonus Tip: Walk next door before or after your meal for a unique cocktail at one of my favorite drink spots; Dogwood.