16 Best Restaurants in The Willamette Valley and Wine Country, Oregon

Salem politicos flock to this two-story downtown gathering spot for Italian-inspired dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven. No shortcuts are taken in the preparation, so don't come if you're in a rush. But if you're in the mood to linger over seafood and fresh pasta that's made on the premises, this may be your place. The wine list features a wide selection from the Northwest and Italy, and includes a good selection of wines by the glass. 

This exquisite hotel dining room is named after one of the soils in the Oregon wine country. The kitchen source the majority of their ingredients locally, and many of the vegetables come straight from the on-site garden. The menu changes according to season, but always features fresh seafood and an abundance of local veggies. Ask for a seat at the counter overlooking the open kitchen if you want to see the chefs in action. Naturally, the restaurant has an expansive wine list focused on Oregon wines.

A rotating menu at this fine bistro in Albany's historic downtown changes monthly and features flavorful cuisine at reasonable prices. The restaurant strives to ensure that most of the ingredients, including the lamb, eggs, and vegetables, are raised within 10 miles. The wine list includes worldwide classics, but is strong on local Oregon wines, too.

Opened back in 1991, this Dundee institution has long been known for luring Portlanders away from their own restaurant scene, offering country-French fare cooked lovingly with locally grown produce. Service is as intimate and laid-back as the interiors; a double fireplace divides the dining room, with heavy glass brick shrouded by bushes on the highway side, so you're not bothered by the traffic on Highway 99.

This multilevel waterfront eatery gives every table a nice view of the river and puts a modern spin on tapas, bringing unexpected flavors and textures to classic Latin food. The menu also features larger dishes, with a strong emphasis on seafood and beef. If you're not in the mood for meat, the chiles rellenos marries a mild poblano pepper with goat cheese and an amazing smoky salsa. They pride themselves on creative, Latin-inspired cocktails, and there's extensive list of wines by the glass.

Owned by the Ponzi wine family, this bistro showcases Italian-style fare dominated by locally grown and raised produce, while the on-site Fratelli Ponzi Fine Food & Wine Bar serves Ponzi wines from Oregon and Italy. Vaulted ceilings provide an open feeling inside, warmed by abundant fresh flowers and the works of local Oregon artists.

Wild mushrooms and truffles are the stars at this 1857 home, named after an Oregon pioneer, that is now on the National Register of Historic Places; there are three small dining rooms, each seating about 15 people. The standard dinner is a seasonal five-course prix-fixe menu, but they also offer an elevated "Oregon ‘Omakase’ Experience," in which they just keep bringing out dishes until everyone is full—the only catch is that the whole table has to agree to order the experience.

Located in the bustling 5th Street Market, this renowned Eugene restaurant works with local farmers to bring fresh, local, and oftentimes organic food to the table. Specialties include salmon, halibut, sturgeon, and beef tenderloin, braised pork shoulder, and outstanding local oysters paired with an extensive wine list featuring lots of Oregon wines.

One of the oldest spots in town, this upscale venue is a popular destination for a special evening. Modestly furnished but with a voluminous wine cellar, Nick's serves spirited and simple food, reflecting the owner's northern Italian heritage—in fact, many of Nick's dishes are made from old family recipes. Along with wood-fired pizzas, you'll find pasta dishes, meats, salads, and a wide variety of desserts. 

While most McMinnville restaurants exude the same laid-back atmosphere found across the Willamette Valley, this dark, high-end spot cranks up the formality with its ever-changing prix-fixe menus. Dishes are created using ingredients grown, raised, and caught in the area and a solid, predominantly local wine menu, with nonalcoholic pairings available for those who'd rather not partake. The open kitchen allows guests to get a glimpse at their meals being made, while plates and wall sconces crafted by Oregon potters add a charming local touch. Just be aware that they are unable to accommodate gluten-free or dairy-free diners. 

Serving great sandwiches, salads, and pizza, this is the perfect stop for a quick lunch in the middle of a day of wine tasting or a casual no-frills dinner at the end of the day. In addition to wine, there are cocktails and a great selection of local and imported craft beers.

Historic Cook's Hotel, built in 1886, is the setting for a true, old-fashioned ice-cream-parlor experience. Try a sundae, and take home cookies made from scratch. If you don't feel like ice cream, the homemade soup is a great choice on a rainy day.

A large assortment of sushi and sashimi, soups, and salads are served in quiet surroundings in the basement of the old Hillsboro Library. Wonderful grilled and fried meats and vegetables are also available, accompanied by a vast sake selection.

A popular roadside café serves burgers, sandwiches, great soups, salads, pizza, and daily specials. The burger selection includes not only beef, but seafood, chicken, turkey, and veggie options. If the weather is nice, sit outside in their beautiful garden area out back. A video game room keeps kids happy.

Part restaurant, part brewery, part self-described "gathering space," celebrated brewery Ninkasi's newest iteration offers a casual spot to sip on beers paired with locally inspired seasonal pub fare, rain or shine. Sample a few beers from the extensive (and ever-changing) draft list in Ninkasi's high-ceilinged open-plan gathering area, or—if weather permits—head outside to dine in the massive hop-shaped courtyard. 

This perfect stop in the middle of a day of wine tasting offers a wide selection of artisanal cheese and meats, as well as a great lunch menu. Pick up some sandwiches and a soup or salad to go, and you'll be all set for a picnic at your favorite winery. Alternatively, come for a proper dinner of European-meets-Pacific Northwest fare on Friday or Saturday, or treat yourself to a hearty brunch on Sunday.