Bend, Oregon, is known for its outdoor adventure, craft beer, and laid-back charm, but its restaurant scene is just as impressive. From high-end steakhouses to cozy brunch spots, the city offers a diverse mix of flavors and dining experiences. Whether you're a longtime resident or thinking about making Bend your home, exploring the best local restaurants is an essential part of experiencing what makes this city so special.
1. Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails – A Taste of the South With a Northwest Twist
Location: 919 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97703
A staple in Bend’s downtown dining scene, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails blends bold Southern flavors with fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients. The result? A menu that feels both comforting and refined.
Diners rave about the blackened redfish, spicy jambalaya, and tender beef short ribs, all made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The cocktail menu is just as impressive, featuring craft creations that complement the bold, Southern-inspired flavors. With a commitment to fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, Zydeco delivers a dining experience that is both elevated and inviting.
A staple in Bend’s downtown dining scene, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails blends bold Southern flavors with fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients. The result? A menu that feels both comforting and refined.
Diners rave about the blackened redfish, spicy jambalaya, and tender beef short ribs, all made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The cocktail menu is just as impressive, featuring craft creations that complement the bold, Southern-inspired flavors. With a commitment to fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, Zydeco delivers a dining experience that is both elevated and inviting.
2. 900 Wall – Sophisticated Dining in the Heart of Downtown
Location: 900 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
Located in a historic brick building, 900 Wall is a go-to spot for those looking for elevated, farm-to-table cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. With handmade pasta, dry-aged steaks, and fresh seafood, the menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and simple yet bold flavors.
Start with fresh oysters or crispy Brussels sprouts, then move on to the house-made rigatoni or beautifully prepared yellowfin tuna. The wine list is extensive, and their craft cocktail selection is just as carefully curated. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a great meal, 900 Wall delivers.
Located in a historic brick building, 900 Wall is a go-to spot for those looking for elevated, farm-to-table cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. With handmade pasta, dry-aged steaks, and fresh seafood, the menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and simple yet bold flavors.
Start with fresh oysters or crispy Brussels sprouts, then move on to the house-made rigatoni or beautifully prepared yellowfin tuna. The wine list is extensive, and their craft cocktail selection is just as carefully curated. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a great meal, 900 Wall delivers.
3. Dear Irene – Elevated Small Plates and Thoughtful Cocktails
Location: 926 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97703
A stylish yet intimate addition to downtown Bend, Dear Irene specializes in small plates and expertly crafted cocktails, making it a favorite for those looking to enjoy a relaxed yet refined dining experience. The restaurant’s menu is designed for sharing, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.
Local favorites include the perfectly seared scallops, the rich and crispy Oregon Dungeness crab arancini, and a classic martini that pairs effortlessly with the thoughtful, curated dishes. The warm, modern ambiance, combined with attentive service, makes Dear Irene an ideal spot for date nights, post-dinner drinks, or a leisurely evening with friends.
A stylish yet intimate addition to downtown Bend, Dear Irene specializes in small plates and expertly crafted cocktails, making it a favorite for those looking to enjoy a relaxed yet refined dining experience. The restaurant’s menu is designed for sharing, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.
Local favorites include the perfectly seared scallops, the rich and crispy Oregon Dungeness crab arancini, and a classic martini that pairs effortlessly with the thoughtful, curated dishes. The warm, modern ambiance, combined with attentive service, makes Dear Irene an ideal spot for date nights, post-dinner drinks, or a leisurely evening with friends.
4. Trattoria Sbandati – Authentic Italian Cuisine in a Cozy Setting
Location: 1444 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703
For a true taste of Tuscany, Trattoria Sbandati delivers an authentic Italian dining experience that feels straight out of Florence. Chef Juri Sbandati, originally from Florence, brings his passion for traditional Italian cooking to Bend, combining imported ingredients and fresh, locally sourced produce to create dishes that honor time-honored recipes.
Signature plates like Pappardelle al Cinghiale (wild boar ragu) and Cacio e Pepe showcase the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients prepared with expert technique. The cozy, intimate atmosphere and carefully curated Italian wine selection make Trattoria Sbandati a perfect destination for a romantic date night or a memorable evening with friends.
For a true taste of Tuscany, Trattoria Sbandati delivers an authentic Italian dining experience that feels straight out of Florence. Chef Juri Sbandati, originally from Florence, brings his passion for traditional Italian cooking to Bend, combining imported ingredients and fresh, locally sourced produce to create dishes that honor time-honored recipes.
Signature plates like Pappardelle al Cinghiale (wild boar ragu) and Cacio e Pepe showcase the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients prepared with expert technique. The cozy, intimate atmosphere and carefully curated Italian wine selection make Trattoria Sbandati a perfect destination for a romantic date night or a memorable evening with friends.
5. Ariana – An Intimate Fine Dining Experience
Location: 1304 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703
For those seeking an elevated dining experience in an intimate setting, Ariana is one of Bend’s finest. Located in a charming converted bungalow, this restaurant specializes in a six-course tasting menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with expert technique and artistry.
The menu evolves with the seasons, but signature dishes often include seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, tender duck breast with cherry gastrique, and house-made pasta with truffle cream. Each plate is beautifully presented, balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal to create an unforgettable meal. The refined yet welcoming ambiance, paired with an extensive wine selection and impeccable service, makes Ariana a top choice for special occasions and fine dining.
For those seeking an elevated dining experience in an intimate setting, Ariana is one of Bend’s finest. Located in a charming converted bungalow, this restaurant specializes in a six-course tasting menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with expert technique and artistry.
The menu evolves with the seasons, but signature dishes often include seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, tender duck breast with cherry gastrique, and house-made pasta with truffle cream. Each plate is beautifully presented, balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal to create an unforgettable meal. The refined yet welcoming ambiance, paired with an extensive wine selection and impeccable service, makes Ariana a top choice for special occasions and fine dining.
6. Salute – Italian Cuisine With a Pacific Northwest Twist
Location: 300 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
A newer addition to Bend’s restaurant scene, Salute has quickly made a name for itself with its modern take on classic Italian dishes. The open kitchen and stylish interior make for an inviting dining experience, while the menu showcases handmade pasta, wood-fired entrees, and seasonal produce.
Standout dishes include wild mushroom risotto, seafood linguine, and braised short rib with creamy polenta. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet date night or a lively meal with friends, Salute offers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.
A newer addition to Bend’s restaurant scene, Salute has quickly made a name for itself with its modern take on classic Italian dishes. The open kitchen and stylish interior make for an inviting dining experience, while the menu showcases handmade pasta, wood-fired entrees, and seasonal produce.
Standout dishes include wild mushroom risotto, seafood linguine, and braised short rib with creamy polenta. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet date night or a lively meal with friends, Salute offers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.
7. Rancher Butcher Chef (RBC) – Steakhouse Meets Sustainable Farming
Location: 2838 NW Crossing Dr, Bend, OR 97703
For steak lovers who value exceptional quality and responsible sourcing, Rancher Butcher delivers a dining experience rooted in sustainability. The restaurant partners with Oregon ranchers to serve grass-fed, hormone-free beef, ensuring that every cut is ethically raised and expertly prepared. Each steak is hand-cut and cooked to perfection, showcasing the rich, natural flavors of locally sourced beef.
Beyond steak, the menu highlights fresh PNW seafood, farm-to-table vegetables, and thoughtfully crafted small plates that emphasize seasonal ingredients. The modern yet rustic ambiance blends industrial-chic design with warm, inviting touches, creating a space that feels both upscale and approachable. Whether you're enjoying a perfectly cooked ribeye, a seafood special, or a handcrafted cocktail, Rancher Butcher offers a refined yet down-to-earth dining experience.
For steak lovers who value exceptional quality and responsible sourcing, Rancher Butcher delivers a dining experience rooted in sustainability. The restaurant partners with Oregon ranchers to serve grass-fed, hormone-free beef, ensuring that every cut is ethically raised and expertly prepared. Each steak is hand-cut and cooked to perfection, showcasing the rich, natural flavors of locally sourced beef.
Beyond steak, the menu highlights fresh PNW seafood, farm-to-table vegetables, and thoughtfully crafted small plates that emphasize seasonal ingredients. The modern yet rustic ambiance blends industrial-chic design with warm, inviting touches, creating a space that feels both upscale and approachable. Whether you're enjoying a perfectly cooked ribeye, a seafood special, or a handcrafted cocktail, Rancher Butcher offers a refined yet down-to-earth dining experience.
8. Dear Mom Cafe – Authentic Thai Flavors in a Stylish Setting
Location: 320 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
For those craving authentic Thai cuisine, Dear Mom Cafe offers a menu inspired by the owner’s mother’s home-cooked recipes, bringing a heartfelt touch to every dish. This locally loved eatery blends bold Thai spices, house-made sauces, and fresh ingredients to create flavors that are both nostalgic and exciting.
Menu highlights include rich, aromatic curries, stir-fried noodles, and house-made dumplings, all crafted with a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Signature dishes like Khao Soi (coconut curry noodle soup) and Pad Thai showcase the kitchen’s dedication to traditional Thai techniques with a contemporary twist. Whether you’re sitting down for a cozy meal or grabbing takeout on the go, Dear Mom Cafe brings authentic Thai comfort food to Bend’s dining scene.
For those craving authentic Thai cuisine, Dear Mom Cafe offers a menu inspired by the owner’s mother’s home-cooked recipes, bringing a heartfelt touch to every dish. This locally loved eatery blends bold Thai spices, house-made sauces, and fresh ingredients to create flavors that are both nostalgic and exciting.
Menu highlights include rich, aromatic curries, stir-fried noodles, and house-made dumplings, all crafted with a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Signature dishes like Khao Soi (coconut curry noodle soup) and Pad Thai showcase the kitchen’s dedication to traditional Thai techniques with a contemporary twist. Whether you’re sitting down for a cozy meal or grabbing takeout on the go, Dear Mom Cafe brings authentic Thai comfort food to Bend’s dining scene.
Discover Bend Living With Christensen Collective
Whether you’re in the mood for elevated fine dining, a cozy cafe, or a classic steakhouse experience, Bend has something to offer for every taste. Exploring the city’s food scene is just one of the many reasons people fall in love with Central Oregon.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Bend, working with a local expert can help you navigate the market. Christensen Collective specializes in helping buyers and sellers find the perfect home in Bend’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Contact their team today to start your journey to finding your dream home in Bend.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Bend, working with a local expert can help you navigate the market. Christensen Collective specializes in helping buyers and sellers find the perfect home in Bend’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Contact their team today to start your journey to finding your dream home in Bend.
