Seasonal Flavors: Top Eats in Portland and the Willamette Valley
“People always ask me, ‘When is the best time to visit the Willamette Valley?’ Yes, the weather is better in the summer months, but a visit in the winter provides a unique and inside-the-ropes kind of experience. There are fewer people here and thus you get much more direct interaction with the winemakers and vineyards. Restaurants are easier to get into and hotels are cheaper. Have I made my point? Come on out and see us!
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Wine and food are perfect partners, each making the other better. Most wine regions around the world are magnets for creative and talented chefs. Portland and the adjacent Willamette Valley are no exception. Here are some of my favorite spots to eat.” – Jay Boberg
Coquine
6839 SE Belmont St, Portland
A charming, 30-seat jewel box of a restaurant features the precise and creative cooking of Chef Katy Millard. With her husband, Ksandek Podbielski, who expertly curates the wine list and front of house, Coquine has remained one of the best tables in the city for nearly a decade. The menu changes with the season – and every visit unveils new “favorites.” Worth the effort to book ahead.
photos courtesy of Coquine
Luce
2140 E Burnside St, Portland
A small neighborhood Italian eatery from Chef John Taboada features the freshest seasonal vegetable plates alongside some of the best pasta you will find anywhere. The ingredients speak for themselves at this gem – simple and flavorful. The wine list is mostly Italian, is well chosen and reasonable. Their no reservations policy can make for long waits at dinner, but it is easy to argue it is worth it.
photos courtesy of Luce
Don’s Favorite Foods
12500 SW Broadway St, Beaverton
Launched in 2024 by one of our former harvest interns, Adam Galbraith, this restaurant tucked away in an old section of Beaverton is totally worth seeking out. Very high-end cooking in a casual atmosphere with a strong wine list makes for a great evening. Again, you need to book in advance.
photos courtesy of Don’s Favorite Foods
Ken’s Artisan Bakery
338 NW 21st Ave, Portland
Early every Saturday morning that I can, I drive up from Jean-Nicolas and my house in Dundee to Portland to roam the Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University and go see my favorite farmers. Part of the ritual is the post-market visit to Ken’s Artisan Bakery. A bit of a legend in Portland, Ken’s always has a line and always has the best bread in town. They serve great sandwiches, coffees, cookies, and other bakery items, too. We try to make the bread last the whole week.
photos courtesy of Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Hayward
1140 NE Alpine Ave, McMinnville
James Beard nominee Chef Kari Shaughnessy marches to her own beat. Super creative as she mixes flavors and ingredients you do not often see; she and her team have a true destination restaurant in McMinnville. The wine list is eclectic and leans Natural. The service is excellent. Book ahead.
photos courtesy of Hayward
Tina’s
760 OR-99W, Dundee
Set in what feels like an old house in Dundee, Tina’s offers refined cooking and a great wine list.
photos courtesy of Tina’s
Jory
2525 Allison Ln, Newberg
Set inside the higher-end Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Jory is a modern restaurant offering wood-fired dishes that are terrific. The wine list is one of the best in the Valley and includes some older vintages.
photos courtesy of Jory
Joel Palmer House
600 Ferry St, Dayton
One of the pioneers of fine dining in the Valley, the Joel Palmer House is known for their focus on mushrooms – all foraged from the local forested areas. The chef is the son of the founder, who is now making his mark in a new and innovative manner. The wine list is very good and deep.
photos courtesy of Joel Palmer House
Humble Spirit
411 NE 3rd St, McMinnville
One year new, this farm-to-table eatery on Third Street in McMinnville is part of the growing Brenda & Frank Foti food and hospitality empire. All sourced from local farms (some of which they own), the food offerings are fresh and delicious. The wine list is local and well-chosen.
photos courtesy of Humble Spirit
Lunch Spots
In between your winery tastings and hikes, these are the spots to grab lunch.
- Dos Mundos: Former fine dining chef starts a food truck with gourmet street food (do those words go together?). Just awesome tacos, burritos, and salads in Newberg. Not to be missed.
- Red Hills Market: The most popular lunch in the Willamette Valley; wood fired pizzas and great salads; nice selection of local wines as well. Located in Dundee.
- Trellis: Former staffers at Red Hills started their own hearty, American food spot with great pizza, pasta and sandwiches. Lovely outdoor dining area. Located in Dundee.
- Park & Main: Maybe the best pizza and a truly terrific selection of local and international wines are featured at this casual spot in Carlton.