3 Best Restaurants in The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Portland's wildly popular modern Scandinavian restaurant, Broder, has a branch just off the lobby of downtown's historic Hood River Hotel, serving hearty breakfasts and lunches. You may have to wait a bit for a table, especially on weekend mornings, for the chance to sample abeleskivers (Danish pancakes) with lingonberry jam and lemon curd or the open-faced gravlax (salmon) sandwich with mustard sauce. Kick off the day with an aquavit bees knees cocktail or a cup cardamom latte.

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.

This popular downtown bistro-bakery-dessertery, which also has branches in Portland, serves delicious eggs, crepes, and croissants for breakfast; hot and cold sandwiches and salads for lunch, and fresh-baked pastries and breads (you can take a loaf home). The sparkling display case tempts with a good selection of napoleons, éclairs, tarts, and mousses.