The 8 Best Restaurants in Eugene

  • Guides
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on MAY 16, 2016
  • 12889
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It’s not a very big city, but a large population of college kids and artists lends Eugene a sense of quirk that makes it unique. The restaurants of town show off this heritage of experimentation and local pride: while many pull some inspiration from the continent, all the best eateries on this list prize equal parts of sustainability and eccentricity.

1
Restaurants / Eugene

Marche

Marche is a polished restaurant that combines fine French dining with the farm-to-table culinary traditions from the Pacific Northwest. Many of the ingredients used in the restaurant’s delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are bought in the bustling downtown markets, just nearby. The chefs want you to watch them cook, so the dining room has a full view of a giant wood-fired oven.

Insider Tip

The Pacific Northwest is known for its oysters. Order a dozen of the shellfish fresh from Oregon coast, served with some black pepper mignonette sauce.

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2
Restaurants / Eugene

Sabai Cafe & Bar

Sabai Café & Bar goes a bit farther than the Oregon coast for its culinary inspiration – the menu is focused on Thai and Pacific Rim cuisine, all made fresh with local ingredients. Splashed with purple and blue light, the bar area has a sophisticated yet trendy aura, and there is also a giant patio outside if you need a bit more space from the hungry crowds who fill this popular restaurant most nights.

Insider Tip

The bar is very simpatico with the menus—your server will be able to suggest great cocktails to pair with any Thai dish.

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3
Restaurants / Eugene

Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria

This classic Italian joint is likely the best Italian restaurant in the region. Set inside an old house from the Victorian era, Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria specializes in heaping plates of pasta, made in-house. The full bar is great for classic cocktails, and an in-depth wine list of local favorites is curated by expert bartenders.

Insider Tip

The homemade pasta is fantastic, but save room for dessert: the Death by Chocolate cheesecake is, as the name would suggest, totally worth dying for.

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4
Restaurants / Eugene

The Bier Stein

For a few small bites, a full-on German feast, or several hefty pints of craft beer, The Bier Stein has you covered. The food is more Black Forest than pub grub, but is still utterly satisfying with favorites that include beer cheese soup and fresh-made sandwiches. Open until midnight almost every day, this restaurant is a cheerful place to wind down after a day in Eugene.

Insider Tip

The sauerkraut—cut, brined, and seasoned at the restaurant—is easily the best in the city. A pile comes with the sausage plate appetizer.

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5
Restaurants / Eugene

Sweetwaters on the River

Sweetwaters on the River serves up American classics like steak or prime rib for an unstuffy-but-refined dining experience. The real draw, however, is the amazing panoramic view of the Willamette River – the restaurant has a sprawling deck, so request a table outside if the weather is agreeable for a quiet, comfortable dining experience.

Insider Tip

Get there early on Sunday for the Champagne brunch (or ditch the bubbly for a few spicy Bloody Marys).

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7
Restaurants / Eugene

Cafe 440

The rustic setting of Café 440 will relax you while the upscale French fusion cuisine will amaze. Like many Pacific Northwest eateries, Café 440 focuses on meat and produce grown locally. The handcrafted cocktails are worth looking over, too—the modern royale, made with vodka, elderberry liqueur, grapefruit juice, and Champagne is a favorite. The restaurant is a great stop for lunch to get more comfort food favorites like meatloaf sandwiches.

Insider Tip

For an appetizer, nab some fried green tomatoes with buttermilk dipping sauce.

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8
Restaurants / Eugene

Off the Waffle

Waffles aren’t just for breakfast, if Off the Waffle is to be believed. Of course, the traditional variety – topped with fresh fruit or chocolate chips – is delicious at this cozy, counter-service eatery. But don’t be afraid to dig into the savory waffles, adorned with unexpected flavors like bacon or avocado. These selections are great for lunch or dinner – just the excuse you need to nosh on a delicious waffle, well after 12 p.m.

Insider Tip

For a waffle that balances savory and sweet, get the Be Brie-Peared, topped with brie, pears, and a maple-balsamic glaze.

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