Get recommendations from a local! Save my list of the best restaurants in Willamette Valley including Newberg, Dundee & McMinnville restaurants!
The secret of Willamette Valley wine country, my hometown, has slowly been getting out. It's become a popular alternative to Napa Valley for wine lovers looking for something a bit more budget-friendly and authentic. Oregon wine country offers visitors world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and tasting experiences at a fraction of the cost.
As expected, the surge in tourism has created a flourishing restaurant scene. You will find that many restaurants focus on using locally sourced ingredients and offer changing menus with the season. As I visit my family in Oregon several times a year, I find myself coming back to my favorites over and over again. Save my list of the best restaurants in Willamette Valley including Newberg, Dundee, and McMinnville restaurants for your next trip!
Continue reading the best restaurants in Willamette Valley - the TOP Newberg, Dundee & McMinnville restaurants or save it for later!
Recipe - Newberg
One of the best Newberg Oregon restaurants for wine country cuisine
Recipe recently reopened after a two-year renovation resulting from a fire back in 2016. The restored Victorian home makes for a charming setting and the food is thoughtfully prepared wine country cuisine. Chef Paul is a truly talented chef using only the finest ingredients for a seasonally fresh menu. This is easily one of the best Newberg Oregon restaurants.
SEE ALSO: OREGON WINE COUNTRY – A WEEKEND IN WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Recipe Part Deux - Newberg
ONE OF THE BEST NEWBERG OREGON RESTAURANTS FOR tapas style dining
Recipe Part Deux opened shortly after the fire at the original Recipe. It was originally meant to be a temporary pop-up restaurant offering a more economical menu made of small plates and items to share. The restaurant performed so well they quickly switched from a temporary plan to a permanent one.
Part Deux is known for its French bread pizzas, charcuterie boards, and house-made pasta. The Spanish octopus is perfectly prepared and any fresh pasta on the menu will be incredible. The burger is one of my favorites as well. This is one of the best Newberg restaurants for tapas style dining and affordable prices.
Bistro Maison - MCMINNVILLE
One of my favorite McMinnville restaurants for a gourmet dinner and outstanding service
Bistro Maison is a classic French bistro and one of the BEST McMinnville restaurants located in the historic downtown area. It's one of my personal favorite restaurants in Willamette Valley. I make a point to come here at least once for brunch or dinner each time I visit. Husband and wife team Chef Jean-Jacques and Deborah have created a delicious French menu in a quaint and welcoming atmosphere.
This is a wonderful option for brunch or dinner. Some of my favorite items for brunch are the quiche du jour and croque monsieur. Bistro Maison also offers a killer burger made from NY strip steak ground to order. Ask to sit in the garden patio if the weather is nice. If visiting for dinner try the roasted hazelnut crusted pork chop, confit de canard, and their locally sourced mussels.
Thistle - MCMINNVILLE
One of the best McMinnville restaurants for locally sourced ingredients
Thistle is an outstanding Farm-to-Table restaurant that was named Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian. All ingredients are sourced from local farmers and ranchers within 20 miles of McMinnville. The atmosphere is dimly lit and cozy. Thistle is one of the most accommodating restaurants in McMinnville Oregon for dietary restrictions. Last time I went I was on a strict diet for autoimmune issues and they went above and beyond for me with a smile.
Photo: La Rambla
La Rambla - MCMINNVILLE
One of the best McMinnville restaurants for shareable plates
La Rambla offers a menu of Spanish tapas and expert cocktails with a lively atmosphere. Try the chili shrimp, roasted cauliflower gratin, and piquillo peppers!
The Sage - MCMINNVILLE
One of the best restaurants in Mcminnville Oregon for hearty sandwiches
The Sage is a longtime favorite of locals. This lunch spot is known for its creamy broccoli soup, sandwiches made on thick homemade bread, and salads. The Sage is located upstairs inside a boutique shop on 3rd street.
Valley Commissary - MCMINNVILLE
One of the best McMinnville restaurants for a super casual breakfast or lunch
The open concept at Valley Commissary makes for a very casual environment. The kitchen is completely open so you can watch the chefs work their magic. The menu is smaller, but every item is prepared very well. Outside of the specials, I recommend the pork hash, chicken and waffles, and beet salad.
The Painted Lady - Newberg
One of the best Newberg Oregon restaurants for a special occasion and multi-course menu
Husband and wife team offer an exquisite fine dining experience in the heart of wine country in Newberg, Oregon. World class wine country cuisine is offered in a 5 or 7 course menu. The Victorian restaurant is Oregon’s only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond dining experience and has the price to prove it. The Painted Lady is one of the best restaurants in Willamette Valley for a special occasion.
Peirano & Daughters Market - MCMINNVILLE
One of the best McMinnville restaurants for picnic supplies
If you’re looking for sandwiches or charcuterie items to take with you for wine tasting, Peirano & Daughters is a wonderful option.
Crescent Cafe - MCMINNVILLE
One of the best McMinnville restaurants for a local crowd
Crescent Cafe is a family owned and run restaurant focused on locally sourced ingredients and is known most for their brunch. The setting is casual and typically filled as the space is small. Try their famous coffee cake, breakfast hash of the day, or caramelized banana pancakes.
Community Plate - McMinnville
One of the best McMinnville restaurants for an "Oregonian vibe"
Community Plate is an ultra-casual breakfast and lunch spot in downtown McMinnville. The vibe has a definite casual Oregonian vibe. You won't find dressed up diners or stuffy service here. There is a steady flow of patrons and the specials are always very good, most notably the soup and quiche of the day. The burger is very popular along with the giant breakfast burrito. A full coffee menu is available using Flag & Wire beans along with Steven Smith teas. Grab a gluten-free muffin on your way out...you would never guess it was gluten-free... and save room in your suitcase for several bags of their granola. It's my favorite!
Photo: The Joel Palmer House
The Joel Palmer House - Dayton
One of the best restaurants in Willamette Valley for gluten free fine dining
The Joel Palmer House if perfect for those looking for a fine dining experience. Choose from a 3, 5, or 7 course menu. The cooking revolves around wild mushrooms and truffles which they gather themselves and much of their produce comes from their own culinary garden. The menu can be made entirely gluten-free which makes this is one of the best restaurants in Willamette Valley for gluten-free diets.
Photo: Red Hills Markets
RED HILLS MARKET & Red Hills Kitchen - Dundee & McMinnville
One of the best willamette valley restaurants for a snack between wine tastings
Red Hills Market is located conveniently in Dundee and close to many wineries. It's the perfect stop for a snack between tastings or for to-go picnic items. They offer hearty sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, soups, and charcuterie items.
A second location, Red HIlls Kitchen, just opened in the Atticus Hotel in Downtown McMinnville. The concept for this location combines upscale food in a casual setting. The beef tartar is some of the best I've had and the wild mushroom risotto was excellent. Stop by for breakfast and order their famous mini donuts! The menu uses the freshest ingredients and will change with the season.
Pizza Capo
The best restaurant in Willamette Valley for wood-fired pizza
Pizza Capa is one of the newest restauants in Willamette Valley. The Napoletana style pizza became an instant hit with lines constantly out the door. This thin crust pizza will have you reminscing of Italy in no time!
In Summary
These are my top picks for the best restaurants in Willamette Valley. Whether you're craving an Italian style pizza in a casual setting or an elegant multi-course affair, Oregon wine country will not leave you hanging. Now is the time to visit as this region is quickly gaining popularity.
See my other California and Oregon posts!
Which do you think are the best restaurants in WIllamette Valley? Let me know in the comments below your favorite newberg, dundee, and mcminnville restaurants!
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