2 Best Restaurants in Welches and Zigzag, Mt. Hood

"Serious food in a not-so-serious place" is the slogan of this casual roadhouse with a surprisingly sophisticated menu—it's been a locals' favorite since it opened back in the mid-'90s. For a joint many miles from the coast, the 'Vous sure does a nice job with seafood, turning out appetizing plates of sautéed shrimp, Willapa Bay oysters, Dungeness crab, and sake-glazed wild salmon. Steaks, burgers, and salads round out the menu. Grab a seat on the leafy patio in warm weather. In the adjacent taproom, ask about the seasonal, house-infused spirits, including vodkas and gins.

One of the few options for Asian cuisine near Mt. Hood, this affordable Japanese spot is nestled beneath a grove of towering pines and offers simple yet artfully designed dining areas inside and out. Make a feast of a few of the good-sized sushi rolls or tuck into a steaming bowl of Oregon mushroom ramen with tofu, chicken, or pork, or ponzu-avocado fried rice with a sunny fried egg on top.