Calorie counters stand aside
Whether you’re looking for Portuguese or Peruvian specialties, Asian cuisine, a Mexican food fiesta or a hearty hamburger and fries, Central Oregon’s restaurant scene will provide satisfaction. Dining venues in Bend have grown in number and diversity in response to increased population, changing demographics and more sophisticated palates, and other communities in the region are following suit.We won’t attempt restaurant reviews in this space, but an overview may help whet your appetite. Choices range from basic and hearty to chic and trendy. Most lunch and dinner houses are fully licensed to serve spirits while a few concentrate on beer and wine.
Migration of chefs and restaurant owners from larger cities, attracted by a combination of lifestyle and business opportunity, has infused the restaurant scene here with creativity and style. Gastronomy has been elevated to the point that Bend supports a slick gourmet magazine, Gusto, and the dining experience occupies a prominent part of the equally slick lifestyle magazine Bend Living. Check their web sites for reviews and “readers choice” poll results. The Bulletin, Bend’s daily newspaper, reviews restaurants every Friday in its Go! Magazine insert. Restaurant directories are also compiled by the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau and Central Oregon Visitors Assn.
A great many of the city’s upscale and boutique eateries are located downtown, in the Shops at the Old Mill, and along thoroughfares on the west side of Bend. There are nearly 30 restaurants in downtown Bend, with more on the way. Don’t overlook the resorts, where fine restaurants offer creative menu choices to guests and drop-in visitors alike. Reservations are recommended. There are also jewels to be found in Redmond, Prineville, Sisters and Camp Sherman.
Dining doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. Excellent pub grub is served up by Bend and Redmond brewpubs and microbreweries to go with a wide and highly regarded selection of locally brewed craft beers and ales.
Go to next page: Culture
Return to Urban Pleasures title page
