If you look up “best Eugene restaurants” you’re sure to get the classics like Sabai, McMenamins, Hop Valley. And those are great, but that’s where the tourists are going. You want to know where the locals go, so I made this handy-dandy guide to Eugene’s actual best restaurants (in my opinion) as of January 2025, from wake-up to sun-down.
- Lox, Stocks and Bagels – This beloved spot is baking up the most legit bagels I have had outside of NYC. Pretty sure they’re actually the only boiled bagel shop in town. It’s tucked up in the Southeast Eugene neighborhood and you wouldn’t know it’s there unless you knew it was there. For reference, it’s situated by what the locals call the “Secret Safeway”. Go early, they sell out quick. (Hint: you can also get the days leftovers for a little discount at the wine shop next door)
- Provisions South – A lively cafe with my favorite breakfast sandwich in town. Also serving up cute little quiches (made daily), fresh granola, delicious pastries and whatever coffee drink your heart desires. We take the kids here all the time because the patio is huge and they can run around while we sip coffee and nom chocolate croissants.
- Santo de la Torta – Moving on to lunch, Santo de la Torta is a bit newer to the Eugene food scene but she knocks it out of the park every time and is quickly becoming a staple. All organic, made fresh to order, FULL of flavor and the vibe is just lovely. Bonus: its basically on campus.
- B2 Bar & Grill – A North Eugene spot with great atmosphere. They do sandwiches and salads, but everything is just a little zhuzhed up. For example, the ham and cheese comes with an apricot dijon spread. Also their fries are the best.
- Silver Falls Brewery – You’d be remiss to not check this spot out. While we all miss Tap & Growler, I am welcoming Silver Falls with open arms. They’ve got a bunch of taps, enormous salads, and great sammies. Plus it’s in the 5th street Market District so you can bop around some shops before grabbing a bite.
- Scribles Bistro & Deli – This is my friend Jeff’s favorite spot and he is from New York so he knows his way around a deli. Please, please I beg you, get the buffalo turkey sandwich. Cute spot, great if you’re not looking for as much of a sit-down vibe as the other options I have listed above.
- Gordon Tavern – This is actually my favorite restaurant in town. It’s the Tavern situated inside the Gordon Hotel. The food is actually phenomenal, the cocktails are perfect, and there is a big ol tv over the bar when you need to keep your eye on the game… I always get the pasta; I should branch out but I’m also a creature of comfort. DO NOT MISS cocktails before dinner in the Janitor’s Closet.
- Osteria D.O.P – If you can sit at the chef’s table, do that. Here is your order: To start, the burrata and one suppli. Next, an order of the ricotta gnocchi and a margherita pizza. To finish, the DOP coffee. You’re welcome. Pro Tip: While you wait for your seat just pop around the corner to Lemon and Olive and have a cocktail (or mocktail!).
- Cafe Med – My husband and my’s favorite date night spot. Teeeeeeny tiny little Italian restaurant next to a laundromat in a very un-assuming building. Make a reservation if you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday. Or, do as we do and sit at the bar. They make a mean Negroni here. The family is from Bologna, the grandmother runs the kitchen and it seems to me like she doesn’t allow anyone else back there.
- Rye – I’ll be honest, I have lived here since 2017 and I just went to Rye for the first time last year. I had no idea what I was missing. French inspired but not as heavy and rich as I find most french foods to be. The dinner menu is diverse and the starters they offer are fun and absolutely delicious. They do a little post-dinner chocolate & whiskey pairing which is so charming. This is a sexy little spot.
Congratulations to you, you now have the inside scoop. Enjoy!
