It’s true that travel writers, vacationers and roadtrippers alike visit Bend for its wealth of adventure. In the past, hiking through the lush Deschutes National Forest or relaxing beachside at one of the crystalline Cascade Lakes may have been the top experiences that drew visitors to Bend. While the endless opportunities for adventure remain, there is a new, delicious drive pulling visitors into town: food.
Best New Restaurants in Bend
The culinary boom brought a surge of new restaurants to the forefront of Bend’s foodie scene. Dotted along the streets of downtown, the Old Mill District and everything between, find new restaurants and food trucks eager to impress and bursting with flavorful energy.
Bosa
For fresh, seasonal ingredients that transport your taste buds to Europe, Bosa specializes in regional Italian and French cuisine. The restaurant was inspired by the rich food and wine history of the old world and enhance that experience by making homemade dishes from local ingredients.
Blue Eyes Burgers and Fries
A Bend restaurant transporting visitors to a different time is Blue Eyes Burgers. A classic, retro style diner, Blue Eyes Burgers uses local ingredients whenever possible, and offers vegetarian options. Another hit are the beer battered onion rings and specialty cocktails.
Lifty’s
Lifty’s is the only place in Bend where a bar, grill and beach volleyball pit can be found in one place. Stop by for dinner or sharable bites like the Loaded Tot-Chos (nacho toppings loaded on tater tots) and terrific cocktails—try the St Mule with Crater Lake Vodka, cucumber, mint, St. Germaine and Cock n Bull ginger beer—while playing a game of volleyball, or just hang out on the large outdoor patio.
The Cellar – Porter Brewing Co.
The Cellar Underground in downtown Bend is the latest venture from the owners of Porter Brewing, based in Redmond. At The Cellar, find Porter Brewing’s signature English-style ales, which are unfiltered, cask-conditioned and non-carbonated, just like they’re served at traditional English pubs. Inside The Cellar, visitors will also find Vi’s Pies—a made-from-scratch bakery established by Porter Brewing—featuring vegan, veggie or chicken curry pot pies to enjoy alongside a beer.
Sen Thai Hot Pot and Noodle House
Sen came to Bend ready to impress. Opened by the same owners of downtown Bend’s Wild Rose Thai, Sen brings a unique, unmatched experience to Bend’s culinary scene: traditional Thai Hot Pot. As the broth cooks your food tableside, enjoy the stunning view of Sen’s location next to Mirror Pond.
Top Restaurants in Bend
900 Wall
A fine dining restaurant located at—you guessed it—900 Wall Street, 900 Wall has been a fixture in downtown Bend since 2009. Described as modern American with French and Italian influences, find exquisite pasta, pizza and the signature 900 Wall Burger made with Vaquero Ranch beef. The restaurant is situated in a historic two-story brick building built in 1920, offering historical charm in an industrial chic space, with the option for dining along the sidewalk to take in the atmosphere of downtown Bend.
Bos Taurus
Bos Taurus is a boutique, chef-driven American steakhouse located in the heart of downtown Bend. The restaurant has been featured in writeups in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Forbes, enticing visitors from around the country to get a taste for themselves. This experience in fine dining features steak cuts and meat from not only across the country, but all over the world. Try Angus beef from Arizona’s cattle country or ribeye all the way from Australia. Pair with a glass from the considerable wine list and enjoy.
Nome
Nome Italiano wows the food scene in Bend with the cozy atmosphere and quality Italian cuisine. The restaurant is a new addition to Bend, opening in 2022, but comes from the same Sixtop ownership group as the highly-regarded Bos Taurus, along with Bend’s Miyagi Ramen and Hablo Tacos. A popular spot for fresh oysters and calamari for tasty appetizers, Nome also specializes in pasta dishes such as rigatoni with black truffle.
This food truck located in The Bite—a gathering of food carts in Tumalo—serves some of the best sushi one can find around Bend. At NorthFresh Sushi, enjoy featured dishes like avocado tempura and the signature NorthFresh Poké.
Spork
What started as a mobile restaurant in an Airstream trailer is now a newly remodeled, permanent space on Bend’s west side. An eclectic restaurant with global inspiration, Spork is a go-to spot for many Bendites, and is known for its casual space and delicious eats. Try anything from the pork rice bowl to a refreshing Thai steak salad.
Ariana Restaurant
An adventure in fine dining, Ariana Restaurant has stunned visitors and locals alike with a seasonal a la carte menu and a daily six course chef’s tasting menu for years on Galveston Avenue in Bend. This restaurant is only open for dinner, so grab a reservation quickly to secure your spot in this culinary experience.
Located in Bend’s Box Factory, a hot spot for great food, Miyagi takes its ramen seriously. Starting with base dishes like Spicy Miso that are spectacular on their own, diners can add ingredients from the a la carte menu such as spicy pork or vegan chili oil.
Bend Restaurant Guide
Although these restaurants may be the pinnacle of Bend’s booming culinary scene, they only scratch the surface. Check out the Bend Restaurant Guide: Savor for other restaurants in Bend that are shaking up the local food scene.
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