Farm Country Restaurants in the Pacific Northwest

The best restaurants are often found in big cities, a rule that’s typically true of the Pacific Northwest as well. But in Washington and Oregon, there’s a wonderful phenomenon wherein the region’s rich farm country is also home to spectacular farm-to-table restaurants that draw chefs with big city pedigrees.

Among the best is the esteemed Willows Inn on Lummi Island, where James Beard Award-winning chef Blaine Wetzel crafts stunning meals of local ingredients. It’s best to reserve a spot in advance; reservations fill up months ahead of time for this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

Nearby, the Camano Island Inn offers a similar, albeit more accessible experience. Using regional meat and produce as well as herbs and edible flowers grown on site, the inn’s tiny dining room makes for an intimate experience.

Thistle, in Oregon, takes a farm-to-table and nose-to-tail approach to its food. The food here is reasonably priced for being so elegant, and you can pair your meal with wines from nearby Oregon wine country.

Though mostly known for its exceptional beer, Pfriem Family Brewers in Hood River also serves tasty plates that pair well with its beer. Local ingredients feature heavily.