Bend’s Best Restaurants

Flamingo Room-The Flamingo Room is one of those places you walk into and immediately start mentally redecorating your house. Vintage wallpaper, velvet booths, moody lighting, and all the retro Palm Springs vibes. The cocktails are just as fun as the space, with creative seasonal drinks and plenty of classics done right. Pair one with a few snacks like the whipped feta, warm olives, or tinned fish boards, and you've got one of my favorite spots to settle in for the evening.

Bos Taurus -If you're celebrating something, or just pretending you are, Bos Taurus is my pick. The space strikes that perfect balance between elevated and relaxed, with an open kitchen, warm wood, and an intimate dining room that still feels like Bend. Order a great steak, don't skip the crispy potatoes, and absolutely save room for dessert. The cocktails are thoughtful, the wine list is excellent, and if you can snag a patio seat for fried chicken and champagne happy hour, even better.

Kusshi- Kusshi is one of those places that reminds you Bend's food scene keeps getting better. They specialize in Nikkei cuisine, a fresh mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, with some of the prettiest plates in town. I always recommend ordering a few things to share. The tiradito, ceviche, poke wontons, and scallops are all incredible. Grab a seat at the sushi bar, order a pisco cocktail or sake, and settle in. It's one of my favorite date night spots in Bend.

Dear Irene, Dear Irene is where I go when I want a meal that actually feels like an experience. Tucked away in Brooks Alley, the space is intimate, moody, and incredibly well designed without feeling stuffy. The menu changes with the seasons, so every visit is a little different, but if you see the scallops or Dungeness crab arancini, order them. The cocktails are some of the best in Bend, and the bourbon selection is seriously impressive. It's the perfect spot for a date night or celebrating something special.