Prefer to leave the cooking to someone else? When your summer Oregon Coast adventures awakens your appetite, local restaurants from Florence to Astoria are ready to pull out a chair for you.
FLORENCE
The Hukilau (541/991-1071, 185 US-101, hukilauflorence.com): “Hukilau” comes from a Hawaiian word for a festive beach gathering. Florence’s Hukilau brings together Pacific traditions such as sushi and tropical cocktails, along with a fun fusion menu of burgers and plate meals.
Novelli’s (541/639-7689, Boat Slip A13 at Bay St and Nopal St., novelliscrabandseafood.com) Fresh-caught Oregon crab, crab chowder, smoked salmon, and other seafood, served up fresh from a family business in Old Town.
Waterfront Depot Restaurant (541/902-9100, 1252 Bay St., thewaterfrontdepot.com) From the maple leaf duck breast to the grilled sea scallops with capellini and mushroom brandy cream sauce, the Waterfront puts the fine in refined for elegant Central Coast dining.
Also check out: Heceta Beach (Hwy 101 to Heceta Beach Rd., in front of Driftwood Shores Beach Resort in Florence) for a beach walk on a beautiful, wide sandy beach with picnic tables and parking. David’s Chair, a beach-going wheelchair, is available at this location with advance reservations (davidschair.org). Heceta Head Lighthouse is visible from the beach.
YACHATS
Bread & Roses Bakery (541/547-4454, 238 4th St, bnrbakery.com) With an emphasis on sourdough and whole-grain breads (made from organic flour from Camas Country Mill near Eugene), Bread and Roses also creates seasonal pastries perfect for a light meal, snack, or to-go picnic at nearby coastal overlooks.
Luna Sea Fish House (541/547-4794, 153 US-101, lunaseafishhouse.com) The world’s small hole in the walls open up onto some of the best dining for big memories. For over 10 years, the Yachats location (there’s another in Seal Rock) has served up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including fish straight from the owner’s boat.
Ona Restaurant & Lounge (541/547-6627, 131 US-101, onarestaurant.com) Ona brings together innovation and comfort. Seafood delights include crab and shrimp melts, miso butter clams, and the Dungeness crab cake plate. Or, stick to land with the Wagyu burger, maitake mushroom patê, or beet salad.
Also check out: Once your belly is filled with Yachats yumminess, head north 5 minutes to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (Cape Perpetua Visitor Center: 541/547-3289, 2400 US-101). Drive or hike to the top of the Cape for one of the most panoramic views along the entire Oregon Coast.
NEWPORT
Local Ocean Seafoods (541/574-7959, 213 SE Bay Blvd., localocean.net) Along with their renowned market, Local Ocean’s sit-down bayside restaurant aims to delight. The seasonal menu varies based on what’s best and freshest, but keep an eye out for favorites such as the grilled albacore tuna kabobs.
Ocean Bleu Seafoods at Gino’s (541/265-2424, 808 SW Bay Blvd., oceanbleuseafoods.com) Peckish while exploring Newport’s historic bayfront? Pause at Gino’s on the west end for a Yaquina Bay oyster stew, coconut-crusted prawns, or pulled BBQ albacore tuna.
Also check out: Voted a Newsweek Readers Choice Best Aquarium for 2024, the Oregon Coast Aquarium (541/867-3474, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd., aquarium.org) offers an underwater adventure for adults and kids alike. Along with its Passages of the Deep tunnel, where a sheer tunnel makes you feel like you’re wandering the bottom of the sea, wander outdoor exhibits showcasing seals, otters, and a giant Pacific octopus.
DEPOE BAY
Gracie’s Sea Hag (541/765-2734, 58 US-101, theseahag.com) Since 1963, Gracie’s brings together a classic coastal comfy spot, with seafood so fresh, as founder Gracie Strom liked to say, “the ocean hasn’t missed it yet.”
Also check out: The Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center (800/551-6949, 119 US-101, stateparks.oregon.gov) offers an optimal, accessible viewpoint designed to help visitors spot whales. Gray whales with calves may be heading northward, or watch for resident whales as they feast at their own favorite near-shore dining spots.
CANNON BEACH
The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge (503/436- 1108, 1190 Pacific Dr., wayfarer-restaurant.com) Known for its salmon cannery theme and weathered wood decor, the Wayfarer has served up coastal cuisine with views of Cannon Beach’s iconic 23- foot-tall Haystack Rock since 1977.
Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market (503/436-9130, 208 N Spruce St., ecolaseafoods.com) Named after Ecola State Park, Ecola Seafood prides itself on its fish and chips, seafood cocktail, and a hearty Captains Platter.
Also check out: Wander the beach around Haystack Rock for peaceful Oregon Coast beachcombing. Visit at low tide for sublime intertidal zone tidepooling.
GLENEDEN BEACH
Oshens Chophouse (541/764-9026, 7755 N US 101, oshenschophouse.com) Ready for turf after all that surf? This spot inside the Salishan Marketplace is known for its braised beef cheeks and flat iron steak.
Also check out: While inside Salishan Marketplace (salishan.com/marketplace), make a shopping stop at local boutiques, galleries, and even a toyshop.
ASTORIA
Fulio’s Restaurant (503/325-9001, 1149 Commercial St., fulios.com) Given that Italy has 4,900 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that Italian and Mediterranean fine dining can find a home on the Oregon Coast. Along with the rack of lamb or salmon alfredo, consider a cioppino to warm up a cool coastal summer night.
Also check out: Before heading back to Eugene, climb 164 steps to the top of the 125-foot Astoria Column (503/325- 2963, 1 Coxcomb Dr., astoriacolumn. org) for views of the Pacific Ocean, the northwest-most point of Oregon, and even Washington State on the other side of the Columbia River.
