Honoring the Land: Oregon’s Farm-To-Table Restaurants Worth the Trip
There’s something truly special about Oregon’s culinary scene. Maybe it’s how the misty mornings of our beautiful state bring bountiful harvests, or perhaps it’s the dedication of local chefs who make magic happen with fresh-from-the-farm ingredients. Buckle up, food lovers, it’s time to embark on a culinary journey!
1. Thistle Restaurant, McMinnville
Nestled in dreamy McMinnville, Thistle has become a beacon for true farm-to-table dining. Using only locally sourced ingredients from the verdant Yamhill County, Chef Eric Bechard crafts an ever-changing daily menu that highlights the very best of Oregon’s seasonal bounty. Tip: Don’t miss their Dungeness crab when in season, it’s an Oregonian delicacy.2. Meriwether’s Restaurant, Portland
Named after our own explorer, Meriwether Lewis, this Portland gem grows its own vegetables and herbs in nearby Skyline Farms. Summer months find patrons dining under the stars in their lush garden patio, amidst the plants that will be your dinner! Don’t forget to try their foraged mushroom toast, a true taste of an Oregon forest.
3. Marché, Eugene
Marché in Eugene takes its dedication to local sourcing pretty seriously. Their menu changes monthly to reflect what’s in season, giving you a true taste of Oregon’s diverse landscapes. From Willamette Valley’s rich fruits and vegetables to the fresh catch hauled in from Newport, your plate is a tour of our great state.4. Imperial, Portland
Helmed by Top Chef and James Beard winner Doug Adams, Imperial doesn’t just serve food, they tell stories. Honoring Oregon’s rich culinary heritage, Imperial brings a modern twist to traditional recipes. Key ingredients are cooked over a wood-fired grill that evokes the comfort of a campfire in Crater Lake.5. Farm Spirit, Portland
Farm Spirit takes “locally sourced” to an impressive new level. This vegan establishment serves a multi-course dinner using ingredients exclusively from the Cascadia region. With their unique “veggie forward” approach and intimate communal tables, visiting Farm Spirit is one culinary adventure not to be missed.6. JORY at The Allison Inn, Newberg
Situated in wine country, JORY at The Allison Inn isn’t just a meal. It’s a cogent deceleration of love for Oregon’s fertile lands. Doubling as a wine bar, it supports local vineyards, getting you intimately familiar with the Willamette Valley’s distinct terroir. Their crispy Oregon quail with locally foraged huckleberries is a must-try.7. Field & Vine, Various Locations
Field & Vine really lives up to their tagline “dinners in the field”. They organize pop-up dinners all over charming locations, where diners can eat amidst the crops that created their meal. The backdrop might be a hazelnut grove in Aurora or a century-old hop farm in St. Paul, yet the experience is always memorable.8. Olympia Provisions, Portland
What began as Oregon’s first USDA-approved salumeria has blossomed into a Portland staple known for its artisanal meats. Inspired by old-world European techniques, Olympia Provisions cultivates relationships with local farms to create their outstanding charcuterie boards. Their sausages are a must-try for any meat lover.9. Local Ocean Seafoods, Newport
Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport serves the best of the catch straight from the boats docked within view of your table. With an ever-changing menu that honors the sea’s bounty, they embody the farm-to-table (or, more accurately, boat-to-table) spirit. Get a bowl of their zestful crab soup to cuddle with during our cooler coastal evenings.10. Tasty n Alder, Portland
A Portland food-scene icon, the Tasty n Alder brunch is an Oregon ritual not to be missed. Reinterpretations of diner classics use only local ingredients, their dishes are a bright, flavorful tribute to the Pacific Northwest. Their Korean fried chicken with local honey and the biscuit board with Oregon berry compote are sheer brunch bliss.Plunge into Oregon’s bountiful food scene by hopping from farm to sumptuous table at these top-notch restaurants. Along the way, you’ll taste the stories of our beautiful land, be it on a fantastically foraged Portland plate or a charismatic crab pulled right from the Newport harbor. Prepare for a unique dining experience that’s as diverse and passionate as Oregon itself. Happy eating!