3 Best Restaurants in The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Portland's wildly popular modern Scandinavian restaurant, Broder, has a branch just off the lobby of downtown's historic Hood River Hotel, serving hearty breakfasts and lunches. You may have to wait a bit for a table, especially on weekend mornings, for the chance to sample abeleskivers (Danish pancakes) with lingonberry jam and lemon curd or the open-faced gravlax (salmon) sandwich with mustard sauce. Kick off the day with an aquavit bees knees cocktail or a cup cardamom latte.

Sunshine fills the small dining room and outdoor seating area of this airy, contemporary downtown coffee bar that serves fine espresso drinks as well as local wines and craft beers. It's great for light snacking—there's a nice selection of baked goods and fine chocolates—but there are also substantial grilled panini sandwiches, salads, and soups.

This popular downtown bistro-bakery-dessertery, which also has branches in Portland, serves delicious eggs, crepes, and croissants for breakfast; hot and cold sandwiches and salads for lunch, and fresh-baked pastries and breads (you can take a loaf home). The sparkling display case tempts with a good selection of napoleons, éclairs, tarts, and mousses.