The Best Hood River Restaurants to Try This Year

Whether you’re looking for a wintry destination packed with opportunities for adventure or a secluded, romantic spot to whisk your sweetheart off for some quality one-on-one time, few destinations in the Pacific Northwest compare to the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. This winter, find the perfect excuse for a couple’s getaway at our cabins in Washington, where you can relax, enjoy high-quality Hood River restaurants, breathe in the crisp, fresh air with breathtaking views, indulge in local wines, crafts beers, and artisan spirits, and otherwise enjoy the charms of our riverside communities. 

Whether you’re up for a scenic hike or prefer to kick back and savor the slower pace, the Gorge in winter offers something special for everyone. Ski enthusiasts will also love being within easy reach of Mount Hood’s snow-covered slopes. Meanwhile, the town of Hood River beckons with its vibrant energy, festive holiday events, unique boutiques, and an exciting food scene. From elegant fine dining to casual waterfront eateries, Hood River restaurants showcase the region’s bounty with menus that highlight fresh, local ingredients. No matter what you’re craving, these eateries are guaranteed to fuel your winter adventures and add a touch of indulgence to your getaway.

Our Washington cabins are just the ticket for couples seeking a romantic retreat. Our luxury cabin rentals are situated in a quiet community in the Columbia River Gorge, just outside Hood River. They combine style, comfort, and hospitality to create the ultimate retreat. Whether you’re enjoying the cozy interiors, exploring the beautiful grounds, or planning your next excursion, you’ll feel perfectly at home. And with the best Hood River restaurants just a short drive away, your getaway is sure to be as delicious as it is relaxing. Book your Cabin today and experience the magic of winter in the Columbia River Gorge!

Couple enjoying a beer at one of the best Hood River Restaurants

These are the Best Hood River Restaurants

Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge offer nearly limitless adventures for the avid outdoor enthusiasts—but they also offer so much more than that. Like other major destinations in the Pacific Northwest, including Portland to its west, Hood River has also garnered a reputation as a hotspot for food lovers. Offering everything from creative small plates to hearty comfort food, chefs at local Hood River restaurants know how to turn heads. 

Add to this incredible slate of Hood River restaurants an exciting number of wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and you’ll have a flavor-packed adventure easily at your fingertips. You’ll find something for every palate among Hood River restaurants, too. Whether stopping in for a quick bite or indulging in a multi-course dining experience, the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients shines through. From cozy cafés to refined dining spots, Hood River is ready to impress even the most discerning palate.

If you plan to visit the Columbia Gorge this season, exploring the Hood River food scene should be high on your list. Below, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Hood River restaurants to try this year.

  1. If you’re looking for an elevated experience with your sweetheart this February, consider having dinner at Stonehedge Gardens Wine Country Bistro. It’s one of the most romantic Hood River restaurants, offering a welcome ambiance to wine and dine with your sweetheart during your romantic getaway. 
  2. Another unforgettable spot for a meal is Hiyu Wine Farm. The farm focuses on natural, organic wines, and the chef, who has been nominated for a James Beard Award, serves a tempting array of small and large plates, most of which have been sourced from this small, working farm. 
  3. Embrace the Columbia River Valley’s agricultural bounty at Celilo Restaurant and Bar. It’s one of the best Hood River restaurants, featuring delicious, hyper-local cuisine for an elegant and romantic dining experience.
  4. If you’re exploring all the adventurous things to do in Hood River this winter, end your day with a delicious wood-fired pizza at Solstice Wood Fire Cafe and Bar. This Italian-inspired spot is one of the most popular Hood River restaurants – and for a good reason!
  5. If you’re looking for a gourmet delicatessen and a quicker but delicious meal, don’t miss Boda’s Kitchen. This Hood River restaurant offers a range of made-to-order sandwiches, salads, soups, and more.
  6. Embrace your inner Scandinavian and head to one of the Broder Ost – one of the newer and most exciting Hood River restaurants on our list. 
  7. There are some great menu options at Ferment Brewing, not to mention great beer – making it a fantastic place to embrace the delicious taste of the Columbia River Gorge.
  8. If you’re looking for elevated gastropub and delicious beers with waterfront views, don’t miss Pfriem Family Brewers. They operate one of the best breweries in town, and make the list as one of our favorite Hood River restaurants, too. 
  9. If you love Portland’s food truck carts, don’t miss Hood River’s Waterfront Park. There, you’ll find Grasslands Barbecue, one of the best food trucks in town. 
  10. If you’re looking for Hood River restaurants on the water, head to Riverside. The views of the Columbia River are unmatched, and the food is fantastic. 
Enjoy gorgeous views of the river and mountains alongside the best things to do in Hood River

More Fantastic Things to Do in Hood River

If you’ve been itching to shake off cabin fever this winter, there’s no better time to visit the Columbia River Gorge. Not only are delicious meals at Hood River restaurants – and even a few fantastic Stevenson, WA restaurants– waiting for you, but it’s a destination packed with activities. There are plenty of things to do in Hood River, which makes it an excellent retreat year-round. 

This vibrant destination strikes a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and laid-back charm. Spend your days exploring the stunning Columbia River Gorge, and as evening rolls in, treat yourself to the area’s exceptional dining and local craft beverages. From world-class wineries and breweries to a lively downtown packed with unique shops, this is a place where boredom simply isn’t an option. Whether you’re here for the adventure, the food, or just a change of pace, Hood River delivers.

To help you plan your visit, we’ve rounded up eight must-try things to do in Hood River that showcase the best of what this remarkable town has to offer. 

  1. Hood River is a hiking and biking paradise – and hitting the trails is one of the most popular things to do in Hood River. There are well over 30 trails around Hood River, not to mention the vast hiking and biking wilderness areas in the Columbia River Gorge as a whole. 
  2. Don’t miss your chance to visit the top Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls, including the famed Multnomah Falls. These impressive waterfalls represent one of the top things to do in Hood River, and they are worth visiting no matter the season. 
  3. While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to sample local breweries. Like other major Pacific Northwest cities, beer is a way of life here. Popular Hood River breweries to consider include Pfriem Family BrewersDouble Mountain BreweryFull Sail Brewing, and Ferment Brewing Company.
  4. If wine is more your scene than beer, you’re in luck! There are also some sensational Hood River Wineries worth checking out while in town. Here’s a list of some of our favorites.
  5. As we head into spring and summer, one of the best things to do in Hood River is to explore the Hood River Fruit Loop Trail.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in Hood River this winter – as the months warm up, there are even more fantastic ways to enjoy your time in the Columbia River Gorge. If you’re ready to experience the best of this area, book your couple’s getaway to our romantic cabins in Washington today! 

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