Central Oregon’s sunshine, easygoing vibe, and love of adventure have long attracted top culinary talent—turning the region into one of Oregon’s best dining destinations.
Today, you can find incredible, locally sourced meals everywhere—from world-class restaurants, to cozy brewpubs, to creative food cart pods serving everything from gourmet fried chicken to global fusion dishes. The beverage scene’s just as exciting, with top-tier craft beer, small-batch spirits, savor-worthy wines, and groundbreaking N/A options.
It’s all done the Oregon way—by sourcing local. Farms and ranches across the region grow the ingredients that end up on your plate and in your pint glass. From Sunriver to Bend to Sisters to Maupin, every corner of Central Oregon offers something delicious. Wherever you are, your next great meal isn’t far.
Photo by Cody Roux, Lucky Woodsman – Sisters, Oregon
Top Options for Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Whether you’re looking for locally sourced fare, thoughtfully crafted dishes, or down-home cookin’, you’ll find plenty to love about the eclectic dining scene around Central Oregon. And all those blue skies—we enjoy days worth of sun each year—mean you’re never far from a year-round outdoor patio or fire pit. Here’s a look at some of the best restaurants in Central Oregon.
Photo by Cody Roux, The Podski – Bend, Oregon
Bend: Start your day right with a stop at the beloved Sparrow Bakery in Northwest Crossing—locals rave about their famous cardamom Ocean Roll and satisfying breakfast sandwiches. If you’re closer to the Old Mill, pop into M’s Bakery for Mexican-inspired pastries and a fresh-brewed cup of coffee that’ll surely wake up your taste buds.
Looking for a healthy vegan lunch the whole family will enjoy? Check out Toasty at The Podski food truck lot—a local food truck slinging creative dishes from around the world, including fun kids’ options. More of a meat-lover? Give Bend’s renowned Americana Burger a try (available at The Podski, and a new brick and mortar location in downtown Bend)!
Once it’s dinner time, dive into the bold flavors of Northern Thai cuisine at Wild Rose, a local favorite known for fresh, shareable plates that go way beyond your standard Pad Thai. Just be sure to make a reservation in advan
Craving something sweet after dinner? Bonta Gelato has two Bend locations and another in Redmond, offering a dreamy lineup of handcrafted gelato flavors, including dairy-free selections.
When it’s time to toast, grab a cold one at iconic breweries like Deschutes Brewery or Crux Fermentation Project, both perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. Prefer wine over hops? Downtown Bend’s brand new Amaterra Winery tasting room and Willamette Valley Vineyards are must-visits, especially if you’re a fan of Oregon Pinot Noir.
Sunriver: The iconic Lodge Kitchen at Sunriver Resort boasts a Pacific Northwest-inspired menu breakfast, lunch or dinner that changes with whatever’s fresh and in-season from Northwest purveyors; and covered outdoor dining that’s heated in the winter. Note that reservations are highly recommended. Sunriver Brewing Co., meanwhile, boasts award-winning beers, locally sourced fare, a spacious patio, and a childrens’ play area that includes toys, books, and a chalkboard. Want a little international flair for your next meal? Café Sintra specializes in Portuguese-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes, such as crepes, omelets, sandwiches, and more.
Photo by Gritchelle Fallesgon, Sunriver Brewing, Sunriver
Photo by Gritchelle Fallesgon, Terra Kitchen, Redmond
Redmond: Looking for a filling breakfast or lunch dish that won’t weigh you down? One Street Down Cafe serves a variety of classic breakfast favorites (featuring eggs from a Madras farm and locally sourced vegetables whenever possible) alongside a creative lunch menu (ranging from a Thanksgiving-styled sandwich to a salad made with Oregon hazelnuts). Nearby Wild Ride Brewing pairs locally crafted ales and lagers with four food carts dishing sandwiches, tacos, burgers, seafood, and pizza—all in the heart of downtown Redmond. A five-minute walk away, Grace and Hammer Pizzeria crafts wood-fired pies—piled high with fresh, locally sourced ingredients—in a converted historic church; on Friday nights, the church bell still rings out as a dinner bell. For a more elevated dining experience, Terra Kitchen offers seasonal, farm-to-table dishes inspired by Central Oregon’s bounty, served in a stylish, modern setting inside SCP Redmond Hotel.
Explore Central Oregon Restaurants
Check out Savor, our guide to Central Oregon’s best food trucks, craft breweries, family-friendly dining, the tastiest brunch and happy hour spots and more!
Sisters: Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill resides in a building that dates back to 1912 and boasts all the hallmarks of a Wild West bar—swinging saloon doors, a colorful copper ceiling, taxidermied animals adorning the walls, and a selection of strong drinks made with all your favorite spirits. Nearby, The Barn is a happening food-truck lot with a full bar of seasonal cocktail specials, local PNW beer and wine, a full kitchen, and four delicious food trucks to choose from. Enjoy the expansive patio and live music in the summer or cozy up to the indoor fireplace in the winter. For a more refined experience, Famille offers elegant small plates and an expertly curated wine and cocktail list in a stylish, intimate setting—perfect for date night or a leisurely evening with friends.
Photo by Gritchelle Fallesgon, The Barn in Sisters
Photo by Cody Roux, Wetlands Taphouse – La Pine
La Pine: Nightlife in La Pine revolves around Vic’s Bar & Grill, perhaps the most popular nightlife outpost in town; Vic’s is known for its hearty hamburgers and perfectly roasted chicken, popular bar games (think pool and pinball), and live music. Meanwhile, the big game might be the focus at Wickiup Station and Sports Pub—but the friendly bar also shines with karaoke nights, classic pub fare (spanning spaghetti and burgers), and rotating drink specials. For craft beer lovers, Wetlands Taphouse is a local favorite food-truck lot featuring a rotating tap list of regional brews, occasional live music, and a cozy, community-oriented vibe that makes it easy to linger.
Around Central Oregon: Over the years, Mecca Grade Estate Malt has earned acclaim for growing the grains that show up in your favorite Central Oregon beers—and does so on a family-run farm just outside Madras; stop into the seasonal “malthouse” for house-made beers crafted from the farm’s grains. Club Pioneer, meanwhile, has been a Prineville institution since 1942; befitting the city’s reputation as the heart of ranching in Central Oregon, the menu leans heavily on regionally sourced steaks, prime rib, seafood, and other meaty fare. For lighter fare, stop into The Sandwich Factory to choose among roughly three-dozen filling sandwiches and wraps—served hot or cold—or create your own from the restaurant’s selection of fresh breads, meats, cheeses, veggies, and toppings.
Still hungry? Check out The Food Guide of Central Oregon for more mouthwatering suggestions, and learn more about the best restaurants in Central Oregon.
