5 Best Restaurants in The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

After a day of skiing, windsurfing, or hiking, head to this inviting, family-run restaurant in downtown Hood River for a hearty, soul-warming bowl of ramen along with some shareable plates of izakaya-style appetizers, like fried oysters, tempura shrimp, and seasoned edamame. These richly complex ramens burst with flavor, from the duck chintan with scallions, corn, and stir-fried wood ear mushrooms to the miso clam with corn and cabbage (and optional Carlton Farms chashu pork as an add-in). The chicken katsu curry is delicious, too. 

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.

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.