Everybody knows you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. And that’s not just true for books, it’s also true for restaurants! Some of the very best restaurants are unassuming little spots; places you might drive by and not even notice. But any faithful foodie will tell you that it’s these hidden gems that will totally blow you away. Case in point: these 11 unassuming restaurants in Oregon may not look like much, but their food is downright delicious — some of the best in the state!

1. The Waffle Window
The Waffle Window/Facebook
The Waffle Window/Facebook
Everyone knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so our list kicks off, naturally, with The Waffle Window. This Portland institution is famous for its spin on Liege-style sugar waffles, decked out with a variety of sweet or savory toppings. And if you thought you couldn't get killer chicken and waffles in Oregon, The Waffle Window will prove you wrong.
2. Morning Thunder Cafe
Kim Ragone/Google Local
Morning Thunder Cafe/Google Local
This groovy little cafe is peak Oregon -- a little hippie, very unassuming, and yet totally mind-blowing. This is PNW cuisine at its best: fresh, colorful, and flavorful. Morning Thunder Cafe's fare is Instagram-worthy, but also downright delicious. Their country-fried steak will convert you.
3. Tony's Crab Shack
Tony's Crab Shack
Tony's Crab Shack
If you associate 'crab shacks' with the *other* coast, Tony's Crab Shack will blow your mind. This charming little crab shack serves up some of the very best seafood in the PNW. Their pan-fried oysters (local, of course) are sublime, and Tony's take on New England Clam Style gives all those Yankees a run for their money!
4. Du's Grill
Willis Anderson/Google Local
Michael Asay/Google Local
Du's Grill is billed as the "Best Korean Teriyaki In The Known Universe," and we don't disagree. This is a classic example of an unassuming restaurant you could easily drive right by. But take a u-turn, and go visit this place! This is simple food that's absolutely perfect. And, sorry vegetarians -- but the chicken here is a must-try!
5. La Fondita 2
John Fitzwater/Google Local
Juan Arriaga/Google Local
It's pretty much a known fact that you'll find the every best Mexican food in the most unassuming places. La Fondita 2 is no exception. Their enchiladas are extraordinary, and even the simple beans and rice will blow your mind.
6. Pacific Sushi & Grill
Pacific Sushi and Grill/Facebook

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Pacific Sushi and Grill/Facebook
Pacific Sushi & Grill is sustainably caught, fresh fare that's about as authentic as it gets. (Their dishes are also almost too beautiful to eat!) Pacific Sushi & Grill lives up to its namesake, too -- their Pacific Burger features Oregon kobe beef that's been perfectly charbroiled, and you'll be floored to find yourself enjoying an incredibly delicious burger at this unassuming little sushi restaurant.
7. Pure Spice
Pure Spice
Pure Spice
For the absolute *best* Chinese food in Oregon, go to Pure Spice. This is the real deal, folks -- Pure Spice has chefs from different regions of China who prepare the original Chinese dishes to perfection, using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Their Five Spice Duck is the stuff of foodie dreams -- savory, crispy, mouthwateringly delicious.
8. Zola's On The Water
Zola's Pizzeria/Google Local
Gayle Hawkes/Google Local
If pizza is your love language, we understand. Zola's specializes in wood-fired pizzas and their Insta-worthy pies are colorful, flavorful pizza perfection. Zola's nails the whole crispy-yet-doughy crust middle ground, and if you're not a fan of pineapple on pizzas, their So-Pac Gone Wild 'za will convert you.
9. Northwest Wild Products
Facebook/ Northwest Wild Products
Facebook/ Northwest Wild Products
For the absolute freshest seafood in the state, Northwest Wild Products is really your only choice. This adorable little market sells whole fish and seafood, and also has a cafe with oysters and clam chowder. Get some grub and sit back and watch the fish mongers do their thing on the deck -- it's an essential PNW experience!
10. Screen Door Restaurant
Mike M/Google Local
Mike M/Google Local
Screen Door Restaurant is Southern-style food, elevated -- and with a PNW twist. They started with fried chicken, and it remains one of the best things on the menu. Screen Door Restaurant is basically the best of both worlds: crave-worthy Southern comfort food, but right here in beautiful Oregon!
11. Justa Pasta Co.
Willis Anderson/Google Local
Willis Anderson/Google Local
Justa Pasta Co. is as unassuming as they come -- but inside this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant, you'll be transported to Italy. This is real, Italian-style cuisine. Think olive oil, seafood, tons of fresh herbs, seasonal produce -- all simply, perfectly executed. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu; however, the seafood linguine here is fresh, light, and divine -- just as it should be.

How many of these unassuming restaurants in Oregon have you been to? Did you know you could get killer chicken and waffles in The Beaver State? After eating all this delicious food, be sure to take a long walk at these beautiful Main Streets in Oregon.

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Unassuming Restaurants In Oregon

Sarah | February 11, 2021

What kind of cuisine is Oregon known for?

All over the country, Oregon is known for its bountiful produce and culinary artistry. Of course, we're known for fresh, locally caught seafood, as well as farm-to-table kind of cuisine that really showcases the state's bounty. In terms of restaurants, Portland is of course known for Voodoo Donuts, and Pok Pok's chicken wings are legendary. Tillamook Cheese and Stumptown Coffee both hail from Oregon, and the state is also known for Dungeness crab and marionberry pie.

What are the best restaurants in Oregon?

Well, we certainly think the above list of unassuming restaurants in Oregon are some of the best in the state! But you're probably asking about more iconic, must-visit kind of restaurants. Here are 11 of the very best restaurants in Oregon, which feature a mix of casual and fine dining, and will give you a good overview of the culinary landscape in The Beaver State.

What's something I may not know about Oregon?

Oregon is the only state with an official state nut. It's a hazelnut, by the way.

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Featured Addresses
3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
619 NE 3rd St c1, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
Tony's Crab Shack, 155 1st St SE, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
5365 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213, USA
3330 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
613 Chetco Ave, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
2446 SE 87th Ave, Portland, OR 97216, USA
Zola's on the Water, 16374 Lower Harbor Rd, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
1335 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103, USA
Screen Door Eastside, 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
1326 NW 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA