6 Best Restaurants in Cannon Beach, The Oregon Coast

At the north end of town, making it a perfect drop-in after a hike at Ecola State Park, this colorfully decorated spot with its own little tiki bar serves big portions of creatively prepared Caribbean and Creole fare, along with a fittingly extensive selection of tropical cocktails (the Yellowbird, with fresh-squeezed tangerine and lime juice and Tia Maria, is a favorite). Kick things off with Dungeness crab fritters with mango salsa and Bahamian brown stew, before savoring a heartier main dish, perhaps braised pork tenderloin in a rich mushroom-Marsala sauce or New Orleans–style jambalaya with smoked pork shoulder.

In a region renowned for artisanal coffee, this small roaster brews some of the best espresso and coffee drinks in the state, and thus attracts java aficionados on caffeine pilgrimages from near and far eager to sample its certified-organic, fair-trade beans. Local, fresh pastries are stacked high and there's also a good selection of herbal and green teas.

As diners enjoy a romantic view of Haystack Rock, this luxe hotel's sophisticated, supremely romantic dining room prepares a new menu nightly, crafting exquisite dinners using fresh, local ingredients. Diners can expect dishes such as cedar plank–roasted salmon, rack of lamb with chanterelle risotto, and a lemon-curd tart with wild berry sauce. You can order à la carte or opt for the four-course prix-fixe, with or without wine pairings. There's an extensive regional and international wine list. The view, cuisine, and attentive service combine to make it one of the finest dining experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

Flowers and candlelight set the mood for romance at this cozy, art-filled restaurant with a sweet brick courtyard and first-rate live music most evenings. The menu draws on international influences but with an emphasis on regional ingredients and might feature a starter of Korean-style braised pork belly with gochujang barbecue sauce, followed by Pinot Noir–brined fillet of beef with leek–blue cheese soufflé, port-shallot-tarragon butter, and a porcini glaze.

Head to this cozy, warmly lit, wood-paneled tavern for mouthwatering barbecue and smoked meats, and at refreshingly reasonable prices in this town where high-end dining dominates. The shareable starters include nachos with smoked cheese and pulled pork and smoked chicken wings, while main dishes run the gamut from brisket sandwiches with smoked mozzarella to sampler platters featuring smoked sausage, cured duck, salamis, and other delicious treats. 

The dazzling beach and ocean views, especially at sunset, are just part of the story at this casually elegant restaurant at the Surfsand Resort; it's also a reliable if very traditional destination for a leisurely feast of local seafood and steaks, such as panko-breaded Pacific razor clams with rémoulade, seared Chinook salmon with risotto, and the prodigious 22-ounce "tomahawk" rib-eye steak with sweet potato–andouille hash. There's a nice list of Oregon wines, and breakfast—featuring delicious crab cake Benedicts and cinnamon roll French toast—is offered daily.