A Restaurant for Every Month: 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots in Oregon

The culinary scene in Oregon is truly unrivaled, with our humble state not only producing some of the most cutting-edge and exciting fare in the PNW but also in the entire country! While Oregon is best known for its amazing and abundant seafood, there is so much more to our state's culinary repertoire than just fish and chips (though we do make some killer fish and chips!). From beautifully simple farm-to-table fare to next-level fusions and street food, the Beaver State truly is a foodie force to be reckoned with. This year, make a resolution to eat your way through Oregon, hitting up one of these 12 bucket-list-worthy restaurants along the way.

1. January: Warm Up Winter with Dump City Dumplings in Portland

We're kicking off the year with a humble little restaurant that dishes up big, ole' bowls of comfort in the form of delicious dumplings. Dump City Dumplings is known for its steamed bun dumplings, which come in a variety of unique dumpling-and-sauce combinations. The eatery is a fan favorite, and was recently featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," in fact! Guy couldn't get enough of these perfect little flavor pillows, and once you try them, you'll be converted, too! The wontons with vinegar and chili oil are particularly crave-worthy. The menu’s bold flavors and comforting textures make it an ideal stop for cold weather in Portland.

2. February: Restaurant Beck

For the most romantic month of the year, we recommend visiting none other than Restaurant Beck. This is a favorite spot on the Oregon Coast, known for beautiful views and fresh catches. The ambiance at Restaurant Beck, located inside Depoe Bay's Whale Cove Inn, almost overshadows the delicious fare, which is itself almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. The menu changes based on what's freshest and in season; you'll find everything from sea scallops, salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead at any given time. Dining here is one of the most memorable experiences you'll have in Oregon, and it's truly a bucket-list must. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons along the coast.

3. March: Global Flavors and Fun at Oma’s Hideaway

March can feel like the longest month of the year, with winter holding on for dear life. So we recommend a vibrant dose of color and comfort food, which you'll find (in spades) at Oma's. Located in a bright turquoise building in Portland, Oma's menu draws inspiration from all over the world, from China and Malaysia to Indonesia and even old-school American diner food. It's bright and bold, and sure to cure your case of the "never-ending Oregon" winter blues! The globally inspired menu blends Southeast Asian flavors with playful comfort-food twists.

4. April: Springtime Adventure Dining at Spork in Bend

Spork is a delightful fusion spot in Bend featuring Mexican eats, Asian plates, and craft cocktails in a wholly unique venue, making it a winner for virtually everyone in your dining party. If the weather cooperates, dine outside for a fun, quirky dining experience. The menu changes regularly, keeping repeat visits just as exciting as the first.

5. May: Dine Among Blooms at the Portland Japanese Garden

Nothing is more beautiful than spring in Portland, when the cherry blossoms and Japanese maples flourish and bloom. For this reason, we advise checking out the Portland Japanese Garden's Umami Café during this time. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, this floating tea room is the perfect place to sit and soak up the views, while enjoying tea and light bites with someone special. It's one for your Portland food bucket list.

6. June: Ocean Views and Fresh Brews at Pelican Brewing

Summer's here, and it's time to celebrate! There are many great pubs and seafood restaurants in Oregon, but none have the views Pelican Brewing Company does. Located right on the sand in picturesque Pacific City, Oregon, Pelican Brewing Company boasts a front-row seat to the dramatic and imposing Haystack Rock. In addition to breathtaking beachfront views, the fare at this Oregon Coast restaurant is amazing, with fresh seafood, crave-worthy burgers, and an extensive selection of barrel-aged brews.

7. July: Iconic Summer Fish and Chips at Bowpicker

It's the height of summer, and what better way to commemorate than by visiting a classic walk-up seafood shack? Housed in a covered stationary boat, Bowpicker Fish and Chips is a treasure of an eatery with the crispiest, crunchiest, most crave-worthy fried fish in the state! The menu here is blissfully simple: beer-battered Albacore tuna and steak fries. That's it.

But with amazing fare and unrivaled views, that's all you really need! Bowpicker often sells out, so timing your visit earlier in the day is often key.

8. August: Classic Oregon Fare at Cousins’ in The Dalles

August has us venturing up to The Dalles for a fun step back in time. The Cousins' Restaurant & Saloon is one of the state's most historic dining establishments, dating back to the 1980s! There’s a total Western vibe in The Dalles that can’t be denied, and it’s felt in many of the town’s historic buildings. One of Oregon’s most historic establishments, the Cousins' Restaurant & Saloon is a charming old restaurant that embodies the Beaver State’s proud pioneer spirit.

9. September: Farm-Fresh Dining with a View at Noble Rot

September has us feeling nostalgic, and Noble Rot has some of the most beautiful views of lovely PDX. As the summer heat starts to wane (hopefully), dine outdoors in this fourth-story rooftop restaurant, and bask in the sublime scenery and ambiance. Noble Rot is a wonderful example of Oregon's cutting-edge culinary scene; with its own garden and ecosystem, Noble Rot takes "farm-to-table" dining to a whole new, wholly wondrous level. The thoughtfully curated wine list highlights Oregon’s world-class vineyards.

10. October: Fall Wine Country Dining at Soter Vineyards

Located in the winsome Willamette Valley, Soter Vineyards is a picturesque place that seems almost too beautiful to be real. Soter is committed to sustainability and biodynamics, operating within a regenerative farming system focused on biodiversity, integration of plants and animals, and soil health. The food reflects this love and care; it's some of the freshest and most vibrant you'll ever taste.

As the fall foliage peaks in Oregon, we can't imagine a more beautiful place to dine. Dining experiences are typically reservation-based and designed to be leisurely and immersive.

11. November: Cozy Mountain Meals at Timberline Lodge

Hailed as the most legendary place to stay in Oregon, the Timberline Lodge is as historic as it is iconic. As the holiday season begins, we recommend checking out (or into?) this very special place for a retreat – or, at the very least, a memorable dinner! The Ram's Head Bar at Timberline is the most winsome little restaurant, boasting delicious fare, an impressive drink menu, and stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. Snowy weather can affect access, so checking road and dining conditions ahead of time is advised.

12. December: Holiday Dining at Multnomah Falls Lodge

Let's end the year with a grand finale! And in Oregon, there's no place grander than Multnomah Falls. There’s a reason Multnomah Falls attracts 2.5 million visitors each year: it’s utterly resplendent. This 620-foot fall will absolutely take your breath away and leave you in absolute awe at the glory of Mother Nature. There are numerous ways to experience the falls; a variety of hikes and a pedestrian bridge offer unique perspectives and panoramas. But our favorite way to enjoy this wonder might just be at Multnomah Falls Lodge. This charming chalet sits at the base of the falls, offering dramatic views of Multnomah that are truly unparalleled.

This state's food scene is ever-changing, and this is by no means a list of all our bucket-list restaurants in Oregon. This is simply a place to start so that you can broaden and deepen your appreciation of the wholly unique culinary landscape of the Beaver State! There are also 12 unique restaurants in Oregon that you'll definitely want to try!

Planning a food-filled adventure through Oregon? Use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out your restaurant stops, nearby attractions, and overnight stays – all in one easy-to-use place.