8 Best Restaurants in The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

With an angular, contemporary taproom on the Columbia River, pFriem (pronounced "freem") is all about the marriage of Belgium's brewing traditions and Oregon's distinctive, often hoppy, styles. But the kitchen serves stellar pub fare, too, including mussels and fries, veggie burgers with apple-onion chutney, and homemade bratwurst—it's a legit dining option even if you're not a big fan of craft beer. The brewery has quickly vaulted to the top echelon of Northwest craft beer makers, earning accolades for its heady Belgian Strong Blonde and one of the best IPAs in the state.

This snazzy, high-ceilinged space along the Hood River waterfront is wildly popular for its wood-fire-grilled pizzas with unusual toppings—such as the Cherry Girl, layered with local cherries, spicy chorizo, goat cheese, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. There are several tasty salads, apps, and non-pizza entrées, too, as well as tantalizing wood-fired s'mores for dessert.

Hikers, boaters, and others exploring the Gorge gather at this laid-back, funky brewpub located in striking contemporary building overlooking the Columbia River, the Bridge of the Gods, and the little island for which the brewery is named. Order a glass of hoppy Pacific Crest Trail Pale Ale or malty Scotch Porter, and enjoy it with a wild-salmon bowl or a kimchi Reuben sandwich. Wine and hard cider are also served.

Portland's wildly popular modern Scandinavian restaurant, Broder, has a branch just off the lobby of downtown's historic Hood River Hotel, serving hearty breakfasts and lunches. You may have to wait a bit for a table, especially on weekend mornings, for the chance to sample abeleskivers (Danish pancakes) with lingonberry jam and lemon curd or the open-faced gravlax (salmon) sandwich with mustard sauce. Kick off the day with an aquavit bees knees cocktail or a cup cardamom latte.

Refined and relaxing, this high-ceilinged restaurant in a contemporary downtown building is popular both for dinner and enjoying a glass of local wine in the bar. Notable examples of the kitchen's deftly crafted Pacific Northwest fare, which emphasizes seasonal ingredients, include homemade gnocchi over cauliflower puree, roasted delicata squash, and parsnips and pan-roasted black cod with Asian greens, roasted radishes, and a huckleberry-sherry sauce.

Sunshine fills the small dining room and outdoor seating area of this airy, contemporary downtown coffee bar that serves fine espresso drinks as well as local wines and craft beers. It's great for light snacking—there's a nice selection of baked goods and fine chocolates—but there are also substantial grilled panini sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, and exquisite views of Multnomah Falls are complemented by friendly service and reliably good American fare at this landmark restaurant. Consider the salmon chowder bread bowl; the Wagyu burger with bacon, cheddar, and mozzarella; and Thai peanut–glazed slow-braised pork shank. Breakfast favorites include chicken-fried steak, and the pancakes, available with marionberries, blueberries, or huckleberries.

This popular downtown bistro-bakery-dessertery, which also has branches in Portland, serves delicious eggs, crepes, and croissants for breakfast; hot and cold sandwiches and salads for lunch, and fresh-baked pastries and breads (you can take a loaf home). The sparkling display case tempts with a good selection of napoleons, éclairs, tarts, and mousses.