Nestled along the Willamette River, Eugene must be visited when exploring Oregon. Boasting incredible nature, it’s a favorite destination for those who dream of having the ultimate nature retreat and who are into outdoor activities. Mount Pisgah should be your first stop. Hiking here is easy and when you get to the top, you will be presented with a 360-degree view of Eugene. There’s also a living tree museum here named Mount Pisgah Arboretum, which features riverside woods, don’t miss it. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is another must-visit attraction. Enjoy the artsy time when observing an extensive collection of Asian art pieces and artwork. You can also stay in the best of tiny houses or Vrbo vacation rentals. Your vacation, of course, will not be perfect without good food. What are the best restaurants in the city? Keep reading to find out the must-try restaurants in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
1. Lion and Owl
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to bite into the most delicious grilled lamb steak, you have to visit Lion and Owl. The creek lamb is braised with chickpeas, pumpkin quince, roasted cauliflower, and tahini purée. Paired with soft scrambled eggs, roasted beets, frittata of braised greens, scallion, aged cheddar, and field salad, it will make you want to come back for more.
There’s a salmon on the menu that you must not miss. A signature dish of this restaurant, the salmon is marinated in beet juice, gribiche potato salad, carrot slaw, celery root slaw, red onion, capers, soft eggs, horseradish, and rye toast. Deviled eggs are served with crispy ham, shallots, chives, and hot sauce. Smoked Potato roasted with maitake mushrooms, cauliflower cream, and herbs also makes for a great dinner spread.
For dessert, you can get blue cheesecake. Wash it down with delicious cocktails and seasonal mimosa.
Lion and Owl
Address: 60 E 11th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Website: Lion and Owl
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 3pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
2. Claim 52 Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are craving tacos during your holiday in Eugene, you must visit Claim 52 Kitchen. Located in the busy city hub, it serves the best tacos on white corn tortillas plated with delicious chips and salsa.
If you love your plate of fish, you can try the beer-battered white fish garnished with smoked paprika aioli, citrus slaw, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro. For salad lovers, you must try the lemongrass chicken salad mixed with spring greens, cucumber, carrot, and radish with a dressing of blue cheese. You can enjoy a full pour of beer during happy hours.
Claim 52 Kitchen
Address: 1203 Willamette St #140, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Website: Claim 52 Kitchen
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 10pm
3. Chula's Restaurant and Cantina
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Perfect for this cold weather! Winter is here!
Posted by Chula's Restaurant and Cantina on Sunday, November 6, 2022
This place is a must-visit if you like Mexican cuisine. With recipes handed down from generation to generation, Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina serves the most delicious spreads made with fresh ingredients.
How about a sizzling hot fajita served with rice, beans, cheese, and lettuce? Or a super yummy quesadilla stuffed with cheddar cheese, onions, and tomatoes, and garnished with sour cream and guacamole? You will find all this and so much more on your platter. For people who have an appetite for pork, you can try Chile Verde - a sumptuous pork dish in which tender chunks of the meat are slow-cooked in green jalapeño chile sauce, garlic, and tomatillos and topped with cheese. Another must-try item is the shrimp roll wrapped in bacon.
Don’t miss the fried ice cream for dessert and the Mexican rice milk horchata with cinnamon and vanilla for drinks.
Chula's Restaurant and Cantina
Address: 610 E Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Website: Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 09:30pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. El Sitio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by El Sitio Food Cart on Friday, January 28, 2022
With its objective to share the beauty of Colombian snacks, El Sitio is a food truck that offers a variety of homemade Colombian dishes. Some of these snacks and dishes include arepa with cheese, veggie arepa, patacón, empanada, fried yucca, Colombian ajiaco, passion fruit mousse, fried plantain, horchata water, and salpicón. Thanks to the restaurant’s chefs using homemade seasoning and traditional Colombian recipes, visitors are guaranteed authentic and delicious Colombian food.
For the ultimate Colombian food fix in Eugene, come visit El Sitio!
El Sitio
Address: 4190 Barger Dr, Eugene, OR 97402, United States
Website: El Sitio
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11:30am - 6pm; Sat: 11:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
5. Sabai Cafe & Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
THAI PUMPKIN CURRY
Posted by Sabai Cafe & Bar on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sabai Cafe & Bar is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Eugene that has a menu composed of a variety of Thai and Pacific Rim dishes for visitors to enjoy. It features a modern, sophisticated room and a large patio that creates a wonderful atmosphere and ambiance.
This complements the restaurant’s menu which is divided into appetizers, salads, soups, stir fry, fried rice, and sabai. Some examples of the delicious dishes served here are lava catfish, pineapple fried rice, Thai steak frite, khao pad, pad ga prau, calamari salad, Vietnamese wings, and tempura green beans.
Sabai Cafe & Bar
Address: 27 Oakway Center, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Website: Sabai Cafe & Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 4pm - 8pm
6. The Vintage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Good morning! We are open for brunch! Come enjoy a crepe-style eggs Benedict on our back patio. And as always, we are open for takeout!
Posted by The Vintage on Sunday, December 6, 2020
Situated in a converted house, this American restaurant and wine bar is one of the best places to eat in Eugene, Oregon. It serves what we all love eating: crepes, both savory and sweet ones. But, there is more to this restaurant in addition to crepes. It is also famous for its fondue and unique cocktails. The best thing is that they offer weekly specials, so if you come on Monday and then you come again on Wednesday, you can enjoy different kinds of the special menu.
The Vintage
Address: 837 Lincoln St, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Avg. Price for two: 30-50 USD
Website: The Vintage
7. Agate Alley Bistro
Agate Alley Bistro is one of the must-eat places in Eugene, Oregon. A pleasant dining experience can be enjoyed at this eclectic and easygoing bar that serves tasty dishes with a touch of both Latin and Asian flair. Satisfy your appetite by ordering your favorite menu from small plates to larger plates. The popular menu includes Northwest mac & cheese and fish tacos for small plates, whereas, for larger plates, you should try their Autumn Salmon and Chef’s Steak. Sandwiches and pizzas are also available along with a selection of beverages such as sodas and lemonade.
Agate Alley Bistro
Address: 1461 E 19th Ave, Agate Alley, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
Avg. Price for two: 30-50 USD
Website: Agate Alley Bistro
8. Grit Kitchen and Wine
Duck confit and perigord truffle- leek carbonara, chanterelle, bacon, celery leaf. We are lucky to be able to work with...
Posted by Grit on Tuesday, 27 November 2018
Located in the historic Shamrock House, Grit Kitchen and Wine is the place for you to indulge in dishes that are made only from fresh and local ingredients. As every served menu depends heavily on the availability of local ingredients, do not be surprised if the menu changes quickly from time to time. The restaurant is known for its four-course meal that features only the best meats and produce from local farms. This menu is updated monthly, but no worries because whatever menu is served, it is going to be delicious. In addition, you can also enjoy starters, snacks, salads and desserts. Wine pairings are also available.
Grit Kitchen and Wine
Address: 1080 W 3rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97402, USA
Avg. Price for two: 50-100 USD
Website: Grit Kitchen and Wine
9. Cornbread Café
If you are a vegetarian, there is no eatery better than this one. Serving homestyle vegan grub that is made from organic ingredients, the cafe is best enjoyed with family or friends as it features a colorful atmosphere and comfortable booths and counter stools, which makes it a great place to hang out. What if you are not a vegetarian? There is no harm in eating vegan food, you may be addicted to them after visiting this cafe. Popular dishes include deluxe fries, chili & cornbread and The Eugenewich.
Cornbread Café
Address: 1290 W 7th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402, USA
Avg. Price for two: 20-50 USD
Website: Cornbread Café
10. Marché
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Featuring a full bar and a wood-fired oven, this polished bistro that displays a blend of Northwest farm-to-table and French eating style is perfect for those who want to indulge in a luxurious dining experience. Whether you come for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will find something you like to eat. Smoked trout hash, for example, is an excellent choice for breakfast, whereas for lunch you can order Squid Ink Spaghetti or roasted calamari and oyster on The Half Shell.
Marché
Address: 296 E 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Avg. Price for two: 20-50 USD
Website: Marché
11. Oregon Electric Station
Do you want to experience something unique while on a vacation in Eugene? If yes, make sure to visit Oregon Electric Station, a unique restaurant in Eugene, Oregon, that boasts an upscale atmosphere as it serves food and drinks in a train station from 1912. There are three lounges in total and you can choose whichever spot you like for the best experience. Whether it’s steaks, seafood, or sandwiches, you can enjoy your tasty dishes with the accompaniment of live jazz music performance. Their prime rib is the highlighted menu. A delectable selection of desserts and an extensive selection of wines are also available.
Oregon Electric Station
Address: 27 E 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Avg. Price for two: 50-100 USD
Website: Oregon Electric Station
12. Ninkasi Brewing
Let yourself be familiar with the spirit of Northwest by making your way to one of the most popular breweries in the city, Ninkasi Brewing. You will find yourself in the Tasting Room in which you and your loved ones can savor Ninkasi favorite beers. One glass may not be enough and you will keep asking for more.
Ninkasi Brewing
Address: 272 Van Buren St, Eugene, OR 97402, USA
Avg. Price for two: 10-20 USD
Website: Ninkasi Brewing
13. Cafe Soriah
If you happen to be craving for some Mediterranean cuisine when traveling in Eugene, drop by Cafe Soriah. This eatery is known for its exquisite Mediterranean dishes infused with a Northwest twist for unique and excellent taste. From steak to pasta and fish, you can have them all. Whether you like lamb, beef or tiger prawns, order whichever you like. The best thing about this eatery is that it offers a heated garden patio in which you can indulge in your dishes while relaxing and admiring the surrounding views.
Cafe Soriah
Address: 384 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Avg. Price for two: 20-50 USD
Website: Cafe Soriah
14. Izakaya Meiji Company
If you are well-rested at your hotel in Eugene and craving delicious Japanese dishes in the city, don’t worry! The city has plenty of Japanese restaurants but for the most delicious taste, you should definitely be headed to Izakaya Meiji. The restaurant is unique in that here you can have that special taste where east meets country and western in every dish served. The best time to come is at night, especially after 11 PM when the bar service is open and you can enjoy some cocktails and try their Ramen Shop late-night menu. Moreover, their house-cut french fries and steamed mussels are highly popular.
Izakaya Meiji Company
Address: 345 Van Buren St, Eugene, OR 97402, USA
Avg. Price for two: 20-50 USD
Website: Izakaya Meiji Company
15. Chao Pra Ya Thai Cuisine
Last but not least, Chao Pra Ya Thai Cuisine is the best Thai restaurant you can find in Eugene. So, be sure to drop by and let yourself have some Thai time before carrying on with your adventure. Curries, soups, salads and noodle dishes are among the Thai cuisine served here. What do you think of having a ground pork or chicken with super hot Thai chili sauce as the topping? Sounds yummy, right? And, you can enjoy all those tasty dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.
Chao Pra Ya Thai Cuisine
Address: 580 Adams St, Eugene, OR 97402, USA
Avg. Price for two: 20-50 USD
Website: Chao Pra Ya Thai Cuisine
Immerse into the world of Northwest
If you have not planned your next travel destination yet, you can now choose and decide to spend memorable moments in Eugene. Just pick a hotel or vacation rental first, then immerse yourself into the world of Northwest, marvel at the remarkable landscape and do not forget to try some, if not all, the restaurants discussed above for the ultimate vacation in Oregon. There are also Indian restaurants in the area that are worth checking out.
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