Looking to get fancy? Look no further than fine dining in Bend and Central Oregon. The high desert offers an array of cuisine—from food carts and brewpubs to pop-up experiences. But these spots shouldn’t go unnoticed when the craving hits for tasting menus, elevated cuisine, and upscale restaurants.
Whether you’re seeking a fancy wine menu and caviar or a high-end menu du jour, plan your next date night out. Here, we’ll cover fine dining in Bend, Oregon, and beyond at top restaurants.
1. Dear Irene
If you find yourself strolling through Downtown Bend, you might notice an unassuming sign for Dear Irene on Wall Street. However, you’ll need to wander down Brooks Alley to get inside this new upscale cocktail lounge and restaurant.
Thanks to its culinary creativity, elegant ambiance, and bustling vibes, Dear Irene has quickly established itself as one of the top fine dining restaurants in Bend. The brainchild of Chef Jonny Becklund and his wife, Irene, Dear Irene offers a menu unlike any restaurant in town.
The menu draws inspiration from high-quality seasonal Northwest ingredients—a testament to Becklund’s vision and expertise.
The menu
At this 21+ dining and cocktail lounge, enjoy innovative dishes ranging from Japanese hamachi crudo to polenta and soft-cooked eggs. Here, you’ll find edgy accents, playful wallpapers, and fine art, creating a space that’s both fun and sophisticated.
Of course, the wine and cocktail menu offers as much diversity as the food offerings. Sip on select wines from regions like Willamette Valley, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and Champagne. Meanwhile, dozens of whiskeys and bourbons grace the spirits menu, including a $100 18-year Yamakazi whiskey.
Reservations are strongly encouraged but not necessary. Early evening reservations are easier to come by. Still, there’s a chance to snag a seat at the bar for dinner or a nightcap.
2. Domaine Serene Wine Lounge
What better to pair with some of Oregon’s most luxurious wine than a fine dining menu? In mid-2023, Domaine Serene partnered with Sixtop and acclaimed Bend Chef George Morris to reinvent their dining menu.
The result? A harmonious food and wine pairing experience.
As many locals know, Sixtop and Morris are responsible for Bend’s popular steakhouse, Bos Taurus, and Italian-inspired eatery, Nome. Unquestionably, many of these influences appear on the menu at Domaine Serene.
The menu
It’s not just the Royal Osetra caviar and Evenstad Reserve sparkling wine pairings, or the duck L’orange paired with Château de la Crée Maranges En Goty Pinot Noir—it’s also the Lyonnaise salad with a glass of crisp Rockblock Viognier and the DS Lounge Burger of Wagyu beef paired with a glass of their Seven Hills Vineyard Syrah.
You don’t have to be a member at Domaine Serene Wine Lounge in Downtown Bend to enjoy this experience. While members enjoy tasting perks like exclusive pours and a welcome glass of sparkling wine, any guest can walk in or make reservations for just about any wine or dining experience.
Just be sure to ask for a tour before concluding the evening.
3. Rancher Butcher Chef
When renowned Portland-based chef John Gorham opened up shop in The Grove’s Assembly building, Pacific Northwesterners went ballistic. For those who have experienced Gorham’s cuisine, the idea of enjoying his culinary treasures in Bend seemed unlikely.
Now, the modern butcher counter slash steakhouse is bustling every night with guests in search of his popular menu items.
Rancher Butcher Chef, known to locals as ‘RBC,’ serves its shared plates and steaks family-style. This makes for an ideal dining experience for those who enjoy “a little bit of everything.” Notably, RBC’s service style caters to a progressive dining experience, allowing diners to order throughout the evening.
The menu
Your visit is not complete without trying a few distinguishing dishes. For the full RBC experience, indulge dishes like classic steak tartare, housemade Brioche popups, the infamous radicchio salad, and spaghetti western carbonara with squid ink pasta.
For those enjoying a date night, consider sharing the Snake River Farms Bavette or dry-aged tenderloin. Along with these main courses, the RBC ‘baked” potato side is a must-order.
One worth noting: the RBC Bistro Burger is just as much fine dining as one could expect from a burger. With smoked bacon, hazelnut romesco, and zucchini pickles, this burger is just as deserving of its spot on the menu as the grilled bone marrow and white sturgeon caviar.
So, book a reservation for dinner or find yourself a spot at the bar. There, you can sip on a Supa Chus cocktail and enjoy a fancy burger.
4. Ariana
The quintessential restaurant for fine dining in Bend, Oregon, continues to prove itself over and over again. What many would consider the pinnacle of fine dining in Bend will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024.
Ariana showcases the essence of fine dining in Central Oregon through its rustic Pacific Northwest flavors and an elegant Mediterranean touch.
Tucked away in a cozy craftsman bungalow along Galveston just blocks from Drake Park, Ariana stands as a testament to the culinary passion and vision of chefs and owners Ariana and Andres Fernandez.
With a backstory as rich as its menu, the restaurant combines influence from the couple’s diverse Sicilian and Colombian backgrounds, respectively.
The family-run gem prides itself on a seasonal chef’s tasting menu that showcases the freshest local ingredients. This practice allows the menu to evolve and reflect the offerings of Central Oregon.
The menu
Signature dishes often vary with the seasons, featuring plates like albacore tataki, Pacific Northwest oysters, and diver scallops. Selections from an extensive wine list emphasize Oregon and Washington vineyards, with bottles and wines by the glass ranging from economical to, well, a splurge.
One of the best ways to experience the full range of Ariana’s offerings is to opt for the Chef’s Tasting Menu. With this, guests can indulge in six limited and seasonally-inspired courses with an optional wine pairing. For those who prefer the non-alcoholic route, enjoy a mocktail pairing with each course.
Reservations at Ariana are available 30 days out, so securing a date may require some tenacity. Still, the effort is more than worth the time.
5. South Bend Bistro
You won’t find many snug bistros with an in-house Sommelier, but you will at South Bend Bistro in Sunriver. While its entrance may appear modest, the quaint restaurant and wine bar is anything but. Here, you’ll find the ideal ambiance and setting for a celebratory evening out, date night, or upscale group dinner.
Executive Chef Kelly Day crafts a rotating menu in line with seasonal offerings and inspiration. Meanwhile, Sommelier David Stofle hand-picks select winery and reserve wines that complement each plate.
Tables are often lit by candlelight, and intentionally designed seating arrangements allow couples and small groups to feel secluded from other patrons. South Bend Bistro offers a relaxed three-course dinner flow with a variety of shared plates, soups and salads, and entrees.
The menu
Most starters are sizeable for two to four people, while entrees are large enough to share after enjoying multiple courses throughout the evening. Excitingly enough, little ones can also experience fine dining with kids’ menu features like grilled salmon and filet mignon.
Start with plates like local honey-baked Brie, pan-seared Dungeness crab cakes, and a warm housemade lobster dip. Undoubtedly, one can never go wrong with a beet and goat cheese salad to refresh the palate between courses.
A table for two can comfortably share the filet mignon main course, served with green beans and garlic parmesan smashed potatoes. Nevertheless, it’s worth opting for more than one entree to experience the full menu.
After dinner, stay for a glass of Port, Godiva chocolate martini, or Mexican coffee. These nightcaps are a fabulous accompaniment to the flourless chocolate cake, creme brulee, and chocolate tart, to mention a few.
Due to the intimate size and space at South Bend Bistro, reservations are strongly encouraged.
6. BOSA
The secret about BOSA has long been out. It’s a seemingly casual spot in Bend’s historic Bakery Building where guests can enjoy some of the finest Italian, Mediterranean, and French-inspired food in Central Oregon.
Owners William Dockter and Nate King ended up in Bend by happenstance after working together in Aspen.
However, in hindsight, it’s no coincidence that these two talented chefs merged their expertise to open up one of Bend’s most beloved restaurants.
BOSA draws its inspiration from “Old World” cuisine with Italian and French influences. Its chefs have raved about their excitement in partnering with local farms and producers to present the freshest seasonal food possible.
Additionally, their commitment to hand-crafted food and drink can be found throughout their menu. All pasta is handmade, wines are selectively chosen, and cocktails are expertly designed to reflect the menu and season.
The menu
Per the recommendation of BOSA, the menu is best followed in courses. Guests are encouraged to begin with starters, follow with pasta, and finish with entrees. Diners’ favorites include staples like the housemade focaccia with whipped butter, cacio e pepe bigoli pasta, and whole grilled branzino.
Still, it goes without saying that the fourth course, dessert, is a requisite to a true BOSA dining experience. Local gelateria, Bontà, partners with BOSA to create custom gelato to serve a la carte or alongside affogato.
However, dessert isn’t exclusively gelato and Italian cakes. Dessert drinks like the chai and espreso martinis, respectively, offer a liquid alternative (or accompaniment) to dessert.
If caffeinated dessert cocktails aren’t your vibe, peruse the Port and Digestifs menu for after-dinner sipping from Amaro flights to grappa and limoncello.
Securing a table at BOSA is best done by reservation. Walk-ins can grab first-come, first-served seats at the bar but will need to arrive upon opening. Pro tip: bar seating often turns over after two hours, so plan your arrival time accordingly.
7. Bos Taurus
This chic Downtown Bend steakhouse redefines fine dining. Bos Taurus, a highly esteemed boutique restaurant, is the innovation of Sixtop Restaurant Group and Chef George Morris.
Their commitment to sourcing the highest-quality beef and inventive ingredients is evident and sets them apart from your average steakhouse experience.
Bos Taurus’ meticulous selection of steaks is chosen after extensive taste testing from several ranches. This ensures only the best cuts make it to the table. The ambiance melds classic steakhouse vibes with Bend’s unique style, presenting an upscale yet unpretentious dining experience.
The menu
Chef Morris’s signature dishes exemplify the restaurant’s innovative approach, such as the sous vide Hudson Valley foie gras. And, most notably, the delicately seasoned and seared Japanese Fujiaya A5 wagyu beef.
Steak aficionados will agree that A5 Wagyu is known for its exceptional fat marbling and flavor—a literal melts-in-your-mouth experience.
These star dishes and thoughtfully curated wine pairings by General Manager David Oliver make dining at Bos Taurus an unforgettable experience. The intimate two-level dining room provides an upscale setting, with casual seating available at the bar.
Choose from their extensive wine list or opt for a smoked Manhattan infused with cherry wood smoke barside.
All starters, steak, and sides are served a la carte, optimal for sharing. Further, this service allows guests to sample and savor a diverse range of the Bos Taurus menu.
Reservations are strongly encouraged; bar seating is offered first come, first served. To really elevate your Bos Taurus experience, check out their special events and wine dinners.
8. Lady Bird Cultural Society
Take a step back in time at Lady Bird Cultural Society. The prohibition-era-inspired restaurant anchors high-end cuisine in Bend’s Old Mill District. The extravagantly-decorated restaurant offers a unique and vibrant dining experience—both aesthetically and culinarily.
Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Executive Chef and Proprietor John Gurnee and his wife Amanda, Lady Bird reflects their long-standing dream of opening a restaurant with influences of bird themes, symbolizing their family and passion.
Lady Bird dazzles with its 1920s vintage art and elegant and striking atmosphere. Chef Gurnee describes the Lady Bird menu as simple and approachable, allowing the ingredients to shine through wood-fired dishes.
The menu
These rustic dishes include wood-fired oysters, mussels, artisan pizzas, and house-made pastas like Rigatoni à la Vodka and Duck Egg Mafaldine. Further, the visually stunning Balsamic Beef Short Rib over soft polenta promises to be a favorite among diners.
Cocktails are no afterthought here, with prohibition-era classics like martinis and negronis sitting alongside house-made concoctions and non-alcoholic options.
Find a seat at the bar, and guests will find a Broadway show-like experience. From the pink martinis to late-night dessert cocktails, the crafting and pouring of drinks is performative.
On weekends, reservations are recommended but not necessary. As always, bar seating is offered to those who arrive first. Visit the bar for before-dinner drinks, or venture from your table to the bar lounge and cheers with a nightcap and espresso martini in hand.
9. Range Restaurant at Brasada Ranch
Fine dining at Brasada Ranch is about so much more than the food. After all, what could pair better with Columbia River steelhead and grilled beef tenderloin than unobstructed Cascade Mountain views?
In particular, the local oysters and Smoke and Hammer Old Fashion speak volumes for the quality of their menu.
Changing with the seasons, their menu showcases the best organic and sustainable practices from across Oregon. Thus, creating a unique culinary journey that reflects the true flavors of the high desert.
With its commitment to quality and breathtaking setting, guests of the resort and visitors alike can enjoy this intimate farm-to-table adventure.
It should be noted that the resort and restaurant offers a unique post-dinner experience: roasting s’mores. Gather around Brasada’s signature fire pit and enjoy fire-side s’mores while cozying up alongside your date or family.
Range Restaurant offers specialty seasonal menus catering to Central Oregon’s unique climate, along with breakfast and brunch, small plates, lunch, and a children’s menu. Guests can easily venture from their golf-front cabins or boutique hotel rooms to the onsite restaurant.
Brasada Ranch highly recommends reservations for Range Restaurant, which can be made online or by contacting Brasada’s concierge or front desk.
10. Lodge Restaurant at Black Butte Ranch
The newly unveiled Lodge Restaurant at Black Butte Ranch has been a long-awaited project for the Sisters, Oregon, resort. Lodge Restaurant epitomizes rustic elegance with its floor-to-ceiling windows in the waterfront dining room, which offers mountain views.
Upstairs, the Aspen Lounge offers unique views in line with the resort’s namesake butte, along with fireside cocktails and apres-ski vibes.
Whether enjoying a 19th-hole Cedar Gin Gimlet or after-dinner Ranch Coffee Nudge, Lodge Restaurant welcomes casual and formal guests for dinner, dessert, wine, and cocktails.
The resort has a curated menu featuring local plates like Painted Hills Natural Ribeye and Carlton Farms Pork Shank.
For dessert, choose from elegant options like sourdough chocolate cake, caramel apple bread pudding, and huckleberry clafoutis. An abundance of wine options grace their wine menu, allowing for the perfect complement to dinner and dessert (or, simply, to sip on its own).
You don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy the panoramic mountain views—visitors and guests can book reservations for dinner, which is offered daily.
Fine Dining in Bend, Oregon, and Beyond
As Central Oregon’s dining scene continues to expand, so does its fine dining options. Explore more fine dining in Bend, Oregon, and beyond at these notable fine dining restaurants.
- The Blacksmith Restaurant, offering hearty entrees and exceptional cocktails
- Luscious Supper Club, a monthly immersive and intimate dining experience
- Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails, a Downtown Bend staple
- The Jackalope Grill, a unique courtyard setting with French-inspired cuisine
our supporters
