We will be taking a 10 day vacation starting and ending in Portland in August. We will cover the Gorge, travel from Cannon Beach to Newport and then swing over to Ashland and head back through Crater Lake. Any suggestions for restaurants along the way?

My wife and I ate at a place called Garibaldi on Tillamook Bay back in 1995. The restaurant was perched about 1000 feet above the bay with beautiful views. The service, however, was the worst I've ever experienced in my life. I would imagine that management team is long gone and a better one has replaced it.

I can recommend two restaurants in
Cannon Beach. For breakfast we have eaten several times at The Lazy Susan Cafe and enjoyed the ambiance and food.

For dinner we have had dinner 3 times at The Bistro (the last time in June of this year). It is small and we have always eaten in the front room where the small bar is. Last time we actually ate at the bar. Seems to be a locals place to go on a Fri. and Sat. night for a martini and good meal. I really enjoy the atmosphere ... although its definitely not a "view" restaurant. It just doesn't have that "tourist trap" thing going on at all which is worth alot in my book.

The place that comes immediately to mind is the Otis Cafe in (surprise..) Otis, just a few miles off 101 on highway 18 (a couple miles north of Lincoln City). Best breakfasts around!

I've got a number of favorites around Cannon Beach too, but don't know names, just locations. Generally though, I think you can judge most Oregon coast restaurants by appearance. If it's however attractive enough to get you in the door, it probably won't disappoint.

Loved April's at Nye Beach (near Newport) for dinner and recently had a great (more casual) lunch at Roseanne's Cafe in Oceanside (near Tillamook). Either of these sleepy beach towns (Nye Beach or Oceanside) make for a great relaxing overnight stay.

Be warned that Oceanside is a very sleepy little beachside community with very limitted housing. If, you are planning on staying there, get reservations first.
The mentioned resteraunt (Roseann"s) is truly a great place to eat. Not fancy but awesome food and since there is only one other place to eat in town, very busy. I strongly suggest that you time your arrival for around 5:30 to get seated without a long wait.

The drive from Tillamook is about a 1/2 hour off Hwy 101. DO NOT FORGET TO STOP @ Oregon's #4 tourist attaction, the Tillamook Cheese Factory. They not only have the best cheese in the world, but also the biggest and best ice cream cones in Oregon.

Just remember what our Late Gov. Tom Mc Call said "Visit, Just don't stay!".

With all due respect to the previous poster, I've got to say that we felt our stopping at the Tillamook Cheese Factory was a complete waste of time. While I guess some may find looking at huge steel vats though a viewing window interesting, it sure wasn't fun trying to get around the throngs of obese tourists crowding the small tasting tables. And the cheese for sale is largely the same as what you'll find in your local supermarket dairy case. We probably should have tried the ice cream, but just really wanted out of there.

The other cheese "factory" nearby (Blue Heron I think?) was a little nicer, but most of what they had for sale (including cheese) was not made there. They do have a nice little petting zoo for the kids.

I'd skip both and stick to the scenic coast.

A repeat stop at the Tillamook cheese factory by us four twigs from Texas is on the agenda this summer. Just another opinion.

Bay House at the south end of Lincoln City is excellent, and the restaurant at Salishan Lodge in Geleneden Beach is also very good.
Most of the restaurants on the coast are will fill you up, but the food is generally very average. These 2 are the exceptions.

Just back. Highly recommend the Schooner on Netarts Bay. Terrific seafood, reasonable prices. Also the Sea Shack in Wheeler. Wonderful oyster stew.

We just got back too. Took the advise of Boxer and ate at the Bistro in Cannon Beach. One of the best places I've ever been to in my life. The crab cakes are incredible and the steak was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

If you make it down to Tillamook, 15 minutes on the beach is the town of Oceanside. Roseanna's Restaurant is right above the beach with fabulous food, unbelievable views, sometimes live piano jazz, and a real Oregon atmosphere. We go whenever we're in the area.

I agree with Pioneer that the restaurants at Salishan (both the formal dining room and the more casual "coffee shop") are excellent. I haven't eaten at Bay House but it has a very good reputation. Further south in Seal Rock, Yuzen has awesome sushi!