Finding a memorable meal in Vancouver, Washington, often surprises first-time visitors. Located just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, this city has quietly transformed into a genuine culinary destination. The dining scene here is defined by its Pacific Northwest roots, a commitment to local sourcing, and a refreshing lack of pretension.
Unlike sprawling metropolises where top restaurants are scattered across vast distances, Vancouver offers a highly walkable and accessible downtown core. Here, historic architecture houses modern bistros, waterfront patios offer river views, and the surrounding agricultural bounty of the Clark County farmland dictates the menu. It is a city where the quality of the ingredients often speaks louder than the décor.
For locals and travelers alike, the challenge isn’t finding a place to eat—it is choosing between the diverse array of exceptional options. From wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and expertly butchered steaks to innovative vegan fare and authentic global cuisine, the city covers every craving. Whether you are looking for a quick, casual lunch or a multi-course dinner experience, Vancouver delivers.
This guide focuses on the establishments that define the city’s current food culture. We have prioritized restaurants that demonstrate consistency, use high-quality ingredients, and provide a dining experience that adds value to the community. You will find a mix of long-standing local institutions and exciting newer concepts that have quickly become neighborhood staples.
Because the dining landscape is always evolving, we have curated a list that balances timeless favorites with current buzz. Each entry has been selected for its distinct voice in the culinary conversation of the city. If you are planning a trip or simply looking to rediscover your hometown, this list is your starting point.
Below is our curated selection of the best dining rooms, casual eateries, and hidden gems that Vancouver, Washington has to offer right now.
Cecilia
| Address | 2520 Columbia House Blvd #108, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 360-4884 |
Great service I recommend making a reservation I was a walk-in but I got lucky because there was a table available I love the way their drinks are and the straws everything is really nice. The reason why I gave the food a two-star is because I told the server that I was allergic to Peppers all Peppers even bell peppers and my food had bell peppers in it I had to rush out to my vehicle and use my EpiPen. I want to return back to the restaurant but I will definitely be calling ahead to let them know that I will be eating here just so we don't have another incident.
I had the BEST experience at Cecilia’s tonight! I sat at the bar top since I was dining alone. I had two lovely ladies taking care of me. Right when I sat down they were very welcoming with drink & food suggestions. I ended up ordering their Fried Chicken Cobb salad. 10/10 experience and I’ll definitely be coming back very soon 🙂
This was our first time visiting the restaurant and we cannot wait to come back. We ordered the chicken and waffles , tres leches French toast and the chefs omelette. All 3 were fresh and unique. In addition, we received a complimentary order of donuts since it was our first visit. Service was great as our server Senecca stopped by routinely to ensure everything was fine.
Thank-you for remembering my birthday with a card and Abuelita Donuts. Because we just wanted to show off Cecilia to my east coast residing daughter, husband, and her friends from Seattle, I didn’t point that out on the reservation. So it was very much a surprise. Our server, Dany, was terrific. All of us were happy with our salads, entrees, drinks and the artichoke dip with crab. My second drink was the sangria and I was blown away that despite the ice melting, it did not water down the drink! Cecilia remains our go to for all special occasions.
My family and I have been eating at Cecilia’s since it opened. I’ve hosted a dinner party here and experienced great service. The last few times we’ve done pick up, the service has been incredibly rude. On their site it allows you to select curbside pick up (they bring it to your car) but Brittany a hostess, has practically argued with my husband about coming inside versus her just walking a few steps outside the door to drop the food off. I clarified with another employee to be sure we weren’t mistaken, and he confirmed they do indeed offer curbside and are to bring it to our car. On top of that, a dish I ALWAYS order when going to Cecilia’s was visibly burnt, hard, and like they just threw it in the box. It’s unfortunate, that the service would be so different for pick up versus sitting inside. To be clear, my other experiences have been pleasant & I appreciate the other workers and managers we’ve interacted throughout the years. As a long time patron, I’m simply disappointed in the last few interactions we’ve had.
Update: AJ, a manager at Cecilia’s, reached out to me personally and we were able to talk about what happened. This is the reason why we love Cecilia’s & want to continue being customers. Super appreciative of their willingness to go the extra mile to rectify issues. I changed my review from 2 to 4 stars.
The Cove Restaurant
| Address | 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 360-5000 |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars – An Outstanding Dining Experience
My family and I had the pleasure of celebrating my 56th birthday at The Cove on July 1, 2026, and it was one of the most memorable meals and experiences we’ve had in a long time.
From the moment we arrived, Jamie, Maria, and the entire staff made us feel genuinely welcome. The service was exceptional—attentive, professional, and warm without ever feeling overbearing. Every member of the team worked together seamlessly, creating the kind of hospitality that truly stands out.
The food was absolutely delicious. Every dish was well-prepared, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Combined with the stunning views of the river and the inviting atmosphere, it made for a perfect evening and a birthday celebration I’ll always remember.
As a restaurant owner and Executive Chef, I understand the level of dedication, teamwork, and leadership required to deliver this type of dining experience consistently. It is clear that Maria and Jamie have created a culture of excellence, and that commitment is reflected in every member of their staff.
If you’re looking for outstanding food, exceptional service, beautiful waterfront views, and a dining experience that exceeds expectations, I highly recommend The Cove. Thank you to Jamie, Maria, and the entire team for making my birthday so special. We look forward to returning soon!
EDIT: Quite spectacular!!! Special shout out to Chelsea, Kylie, and Gwen for going so far above and beyond to make our celebration just perfect! The Cove is not just an excellent restaurant with fantastic food and fabulous service, it is owned, run and staffed by just the very best people of all! ❤️😘
Great location, great food, really great service. Jennifer is a gem, friendly and helpful, the cocktails are unique and the food is yum! Pretty decorations for Christmas at the moment!
Had a wonderful time tonight with a very attentive server (Antonio) who made sure our experience tonight was timed to perfection. He presented the special which was the Salmon cooked on a wood fired grill with a balsamic glaze with two seared scallops, grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and served with a mushroom sauce. My partner happily ordered and enjoyed it very much.
I ordered the seafood bucatini which was also very delicious.
We unfortunately had too much of a good time with the appetizers and couldn’t finish our entrees
I highly recommend the seafood chowder and Spanish muscles.
The drinks were also well made 💕
We made a dinner reservation at The Cove and walked in to a lively, welcoming atmosphere that immediately set the tone for the night. The service was attentive from the start, making us feel well taken care of throughout the evening.
The cocktails were great and a perfect way to start the meal. When the food arrived, it did not disappoint. The Dijon maple cedar plank king salmon was absolutely delicious — rich, flavorful, and memorable. While the restaurant is definitely on the pricier side, the quality of the food, drinks, and overall experience made it worth it.
We visited in December, and the cold weather meant we missed out on fully enjoying the marina view. Still, it was easy to imagine how perfect this place would be in the summer, sitting outside, enjoying a great meal with beautiful views of the water. It’s definitely a spot I’d love to return to when the weather warms up.
Great food with a great view! I was in Portland for a work conference and this was the perfect spot to get out of the city and enjoy a delicious meal. It was cool to sit on the patio and watch the planes come and go to PDX.
Amaro’s Table Downtown
| Address | 1220 Main St #100, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 718-2942 |
We visited as a family and had a wonderful experience from start to finish. As soon as we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and given a choice of tables, which was a nice touch.
The menu offers excellent value for the quality of the food. There were plenty of great options for kids, and we especially appreciated the grilled chicken and vegetables from the children’s menu—it was fresh, healthy, and our kids really enjoyed it.
The ribeye steak was enormous, perfectly cooked exactly as requested, and full of flavor.
Since we were just passing through, the staff surprised us with complimentary dessert at the end of our meal. It was such a thoughtful gesture and made the experience even more memorable, especially for the kids.
Great food, warm hospitality, and exceptional service—we would definitely stop by again if we’re in the area.
Absolutely loved this restaurant and the food was amazing. Service was quick and helpful and friendly. I got the citrus glazed salmon and it was the best I’ve ever had. The salmon was perfectly cooked, served at a perfect temperature and it was tender and juicy. The citrus glaze compliment the dish incredibly well and tasted amazing. The mashed potatoes that were included were very well made as well. Highly recommend this spot for anyone wanting a great dining experience without the hefty price tag.
We get the hype!
Cozy restaurant, with a warm, intimate vibe. We were seated in a booth (by a window) so we could gaze outside.
Amy and Tana were our servers and they were delightful!
We shared the pretzel fondue appetizer - worth ordering!
Mr. Wonderful ordered the fried chicken, coleslaw and mashed potatoes. I had the cheeseburger with housemade chips, chips are *not to be missed! For dessert we had the ricotta donuts, which are a ridiculously good indulgence!
Everything was delicious and wonderful and the service was the best. We had the fried chicken plate, shrimp Alfredo. Soup of the day chicken and dumpling and Brussel sprouts. The server even gave us these delicious doughnut bites at no charge since it was our first time there. We will definitely be back to try different things on the menu.
The food was amazing, every single appetizer and meal ordered was superb and the service was excellent, fast and friendly. My husband and I had 2
different salads with PERFECTLY cooked, tender
Salmon. My daughter had a side of salmon and side of Noodles and ate every last bite.
My boys had the steak sandwich and the prime rib French dip. The house chips dangerously good.
Everyone was happy
Elements Restaurant
| Address | 907 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 258-0989 |
Love this place! Great food, great service, great vibe!! I can’t remember the name of the dish I got but it was so flavorful and delicious!! I also got the beet mocktail which was really good as well! My husband got the steak and eggs, and we shared lemon pancakes! Everything was amazing! Our server was awesome, very sweet and accommodating and gave us great suggestions on what to order! I’d recommend this place for sure! 🥞🍳
Elements made our 9th anniversary feel special from start to finish. I had the pork shoulder and my fiancée had the rigatoni with sausage, and both were incredible. Rich, beautifully plated, and full of flavor. You can tell every dish gets real care and attention.
The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, perfect for a date or a big celebration. The service was warm and attentive the whole night. If you’re a foodie in the Vancouver area, this place is a must. We’ll definitely be back. Thank you for making our night memorable!
We had salmon Benedict and ham Benedict both with avocado on the Portuguese biscuit. Both were excellent! Our server, Jordan was exceptional! Everything was perfect. We were there for a birthday and it did not disappoint
We had the most wonderful experience dining here! The food was absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was full of rich flavor and beautifully presented. The service was equally fabulous; the staff was warm, attentive, and made us feel so welcome from the moment we walked in.
We were celebrating a birthday, and they truly went above and beyond. A handwritten birthday card waiting on the table when we arrived was such a thoughtful and personal touch. To top it off, the crème brûlée we enjoyed for dessert was delicious, perfectly creamy with that classic crisp caramelized top.
Overall, an exceptional evening from start to finish. Highly recommend for any special occasion or a memorable night out!
Have walked by Elements so many times but never had a chance to come in - when I was looking for where to grab brunch this morning I was happy to see Elements had a brunch menu.
Service was so great - everyone was kind, friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. The menu options were great - I ended up getting the steak & eggs and my dad got the chilaquiles verdes. We both also got mimosas - they do something different with their grapefruit mimosas and I love it!! So many times the grapefruit mimosas are sickly tart but this one was not.
Food, drinks, and service were all great. I look forward to having brunch here again in the future.
Kismet Restaurant
| Address | 909 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (360) 798-9874 |
We had a wonderful first experience at Kismet this past weekend. They were able to change our reservation from 2 to 3 people at the last minute to accommodate our teenage daughter which was very nice of them! They are very welcoming and kind and do everything they can to make sure that you have a wonderful dining experience.
Then there is the food! Everything we had was amazing. Apologies that I forgot to take pictures of the appetizers but they were delicious. We had the steak tartare, the crab cake and the gazpacho and all three were amazing. Each of us had the tenderloin which was cooked perfectly with the most delicious sauce. To end the meal we had peach cobbler which came with gelato, the chocolate hazelnut cake and my personal favorite the local red cherry and blackberry galette. We will be coming back for sure.
We had a wonderful experience at Kismet! Amazing food, served by staff that have a lot of passion for what they do. We enjoyed everything we ordered so you really can't go wrong here. Our waiter gave really great suggestions too.
Check these guys out, I think the street construction is hindering their business so it was really easy to get a reservation. Once construction is done and people discover this place, I'm sure it will be hard to snag a table.
Kismet Restaurant absolutely saved our Valentine’s Day—and then proceeded to exceed every expectation we had.
After another restaurant overbooked and left us scrambling, Kismet graciously accommodated a late reservation and turned what could have been a disappointment into an unforgettable evening. From the moment we walked in, the entire staff set a warm, vibrant tone that carried through the whole night. The space itself is beautiful—modern fine dining with an inviting warmth that feels elevated yet comfortable, never stuffy.
Every plate, from appetizers through dessert, was expertly prepared and thoughtfully plated. Portions were just right, ingredients were clearly high quality, and the execution was spot on across the board. The U10 scallops were perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. The tenderloin steak was tender, rich, and cooked with precision. The crab cake was incredible—easily one of the best we’ve had—and dessert was truly outstanding, the kind you talk about long after the table is cleared.
To cap off the night, we asked the bartender if they could make an off-menu Nirvana bourbon cocktail. Not only did they say yes—they delivered the best version we’ve ever had, perfectly balanced and expertly crafted.
Service was exceptional throughout. Our waiter, Kevin, was polished, professional, and genuinely attentive. Lacy, the manager, was warm and welcoming, clearly running a tight ship with care and pride. The bartender was fantastic, and the rest of the staff made the entire experience feel seamless and special.
Kismet didn’t just rescue our Valentine’s Day—they made it memorable. Exceptional food, outstanding cocktails, beautiful ambiance, and a team that truly understands hospitality. We’ll absolutely be back.
If I lived in Vancouver Washington this would be one of my goto Fine dining restaurants!!! Loved the Appetizers of asparagus soup crabcakes, the mains were perfectly prepared and presented. Rainbow, trout and lamb chops desert equally tasty. Crème brûlée and chocolate hazelnut cake with a dollop of moose on top
I had a great experience at Kismet. The three-course menu was thoughtfully prepared, from the amuse bouche and raviolis to a fresh spring soup and perfectly cooked lamb and scallops.
Dessert (bread pudding and chocolate hazelnut cake with crème anglaise) was excellent, and the behind-the-scenes tour made the evening even more memorable.
Highly recommend.
Ondus on the Waterfront
| Address | 333 W Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (360) 360-5291 |
We enjoyed a delightful Mother's Day brunch, and the buffet offerings were all quite delicious. The salmon and French toast were particular favorites of mine. I did feel that the service at our table may have been overlooked at the beginning, as I needed to seek out our server. Aside from that, the food and atmosphere were truly wonderful.
We love everything about Ondus. Tanner, the chef, is awesome and very kind to our pups, also Kara is very helpful and very thoughtful, too. They love my pups and very nice to them every time we come here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The best view of the Columbia River and the food is always excellent- freshly made amd tasty. My most favorite is cherry whiskey salmon on black rice. Wonderful service consistently. Thank you!
My husband and I have enjoyed our dining experience at Ondus on the Waterfront. We wanted to try Dine the Couve 2025 (3 for $33) menu. All dishes were very tasty and portions were generous for the value. We were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t have to share an appetizer - we both got an individual one! Our entrees of Romesco Salmon were excellent - well seasoned, perfectly prepared. We had to take desserts to-go, as we were quite full after our appetizers and entrees. Head chef Tanner stopped by our table, checking on how everything was. His welcoming and friendly demeanor added to our enjoyment of dining here. Service was prompt and pleasant. We are planning to return to try more of their regular and seasonal dishes.
I have over 950 nights in various Marriott properties and can honestly say hands down this is the best food I have had the pleasure to enjoy in any of the properties. The breakfast chorizo hash was so good I thought I died and went to heaven. The chef deserves serious recognition! Thank you Marriott.
My wife and I had a great experience at Onedus on the Waterfront and will definitely be coming back.
Right from the start, Dakota (our host) set the tone. He greeted us immediately, was very kind, and got us seated quickly out on the patio. It was a warm day (around 80 degrees), so when we asked if the outdoor heaters could be turned off, he handled it right away with no hesitation. Small detail, but definitely appreciated.
We chose to sit outside, and it was absolutely worth it—the fresh air, plus the views of the river and bridge, made for a really relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
⭐ Sonia Made the Experience
Sonia, our waitress, was fantastic.
She was friendly, welcoming, and really knowledgeable about the menu. We came in during happy hour (which runs until 6 PM), and she helped guide us toward items that fit exactly what we were in the mood for. Every recommendation she made was spot on.
What We Ordered
We ended up sharing a variety of items, and everything hit:
* Burger (added cheese, lettuce, and onion): juicy, flavorful, and perfectly put together
* Fried pickles with chipotle aioli: crispy, tangy, and paired perfectly with the sauce
* Parmesan fries with crispy prosciutto: easily one of the standout items—first time having crispy prosciutto and it was incredible. Salty, crunchy, and paired so well with the fries
* Brussels sprouts with pineapple, ginger, red chili, and hot honey: a great balance of sweet, spicy, and savory—super unique and really well executed
We also had a couple of mocktails, and by the end, we were completely full and satisfied.
💛 Thoughtful Service
What really stood out was Sonia’s attentiveness and kindness. We mentioned we were out that day in remembrance of a friend who had passed recently, and she handled that with genuine care and compassion. It didn’t go unnoticed and really meant a lot to us.
Overall
* Excellent service from both Dakota and Sonia
* Beautiful patio with waterfront views
* Great happy hour selection with solid pricing
* Unique, flavorful food that stands out
Our total came out to around $45, which felt like a great value for everything we got.
Highly recommend this spot—we’ll absolutely be back.
–Dr. Rick
DEDIKO
| Address | 210 W Evergreen Blvd #700, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (360) 314-4370 |
Enjoyed the searing outdoors with heater! Service was impeccable! Food is 4/5 a bit flat, lacked flavor but well presented. We’ve eaten at various Georgian restaurants while in different countries and states, this one is still worth a visit! Pass on mushroom dumplings and lula Kabab. Turned out dry and again lacked flavor even when I dunked it in the salsa like sauce. The Khachapuri was great! Perfect saltiness, while other restaurants can make this a bit salty, they did it with just the right amount of saltiness & it was rich! Overall, enjoyed the meal, recommended trying it at least once!
I’ve never had Georgian food before, and first impression was Wow! 🤩
Highly recommend trying out all of their bread. They’re delicious 10/10
Mtsvadi is great! Flavorful meat with great sauce.
Making sure to try the Georgian soda. They’re both refreshing.
Overall it’s a great dining experience. If you’re exploring a new cuisine, this one will not disappoint!
Aesthetically pleasing date night spot & great food. My first experience with Georgian food, and Dediko exceeded all expectations.
Every dish was well balanced and super light on the tummy. The dumplings were such an interesting take on the genre, speaking from an Asian person’s POV.
We left no crumbs in all 4 dishes, and we will be back.
I just back home and have decided to do a Google review of this amazing upper-end Georgian eatery! We had the Tiflis salad, the Satsivi, and the Georgian Dip Tour. The food was absolutely delicious and out of this world! The entire wait/server staff is very attractive but they were also kind and did an excellent job! Although the price at the end was not cheap, you definitely get what you pay for! We will all definitely be back!
We stopped by Dediko for lunch as soon as we arrived in Portland, and it was the perfect way to kick off our trip. There were seven of us, so we ordered a variety of shared dishes along with individual entrées, which gave us the chance to try almost everything on the menu. Every single dish was delicious!
A special shoutout to our server, Ashlynn. She was friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable about the menu, and always had a great smile that made the experience even better.
The atmosphere is absolutely outstanding—warm, inviting, and full of character.
Overall, we had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend Dediko to anyone visiting Portland. We’ll definitely be back!
Twigs Bistro
| Address | 801 Waterfront Wy Suite 103, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 726-4011 |
Came for lunch on a weekday and there was no wait, but it was busy. We got a spot in the bar near a window with a great view of the river. Ahi appetizer was great… but the best part was the soup. Best chicken taco soup I’ve ever had. It was incredible. I got it as my side with the chicken bacon avocado sandwich and that was great too. It’s about $20 minimum per person to eat a single entree but it’s good.
Cool bar on the water front in Vancouver. We met my business contact and his wife there for dinner. We got there a bit early and sat the bar and had some drinks while we waited for them. The bar area was good and the drinks were fine and the bartender was very attentive and she knew how to make an incredible hulk which I had to have since they had the ingredients haha. We moved to the outside for seating which has heaters as the sun was starting to set by the time we finished and it was getting cold so if you eat late on a nice day, be sure to take a jacket. We had many types of food and like Drake said on his new album...Mid Mid Mid...Skip Skip. I'd say to skip the Mahi Mahi. I was stationed in Hawai'i for a while and know what good Mahi Mahi is like and this was very stringy and dry, definitely not as flaky as I like it and it had too much stuff on it which can be telling. Nothing like a good peice of fish with nothing on it. The sauce was good though and so was the veggies that came with it. My lady had the scallops and rissotto dish and I stole a scallop and they were ok as they didn't have a crust, but was too soft. I also had the Ahi Tuna appetizer and it was pretty good so recommend that. Oh and there was a reservation for this place which I thought was strange...it's not high end so just seems odd to me.
Wonderful views of the Columbia Riverfront. And had the great fortune of sitting by the window and also close to the fireplace. Ordered the pesto margherita chicken, and a drink with fig. Everyone enjoyed their food. It was delicious and I could not finish my entree. It was kind of a lot, but leftovers always welcome!
Amazing environment! Gorgeous location. Daniel's service was spot on. Very real and enjoyable. 10/10 on Daniel!
I eat A LOT of fish tacos, all over the country. I try to rate based on two lists; fried-fast-foodie and fresh/grilled-flavor. I'd place these on the latter and give them about a 6/10.
Stopped in here as I was carb loading before my marathon! The waitress was so kind enough to accommodate my gluten free needs and even offer more gluten free bread! Impeccable service and hearty meal!
Loved sitting outside with the view of the water!
Waterfront Taphouse
| Address | 801 Waterfront Wy Fl 2, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 719-2043 |
I gave 4 stars only because we had dinner before going there. The service was excellent. Tina was accommodating and very pleasant. Great view of waterfront. Love the cocktail- Sugar, Spice and Everything nice. Big selections for beer.
My family had a wonderful lunch today celebrating my husband's birthday. We sat on the patio and it was lovely. Service was fantastic, food was delicious and the atmosphere was nice. We will for sure be going back.
Pretty disappointed in this place. We asked to be seated on the railing for the views and sunshine and they said nothing was available despite there being multiple open tables and seating all down the railing area outside. The funniest part being after they sat us inside at a booth we watched the same person who said there was no room for us to sit outside seat a young couple in one of the many empty tables on the railing. But for some reason they told us no. Honestly it ruined the whole experience for me. We got 2 cocktails and shared a flatbreat for a total of 60 dollars. I will say the food and drinks were very good. However, the poor servive was sadly not worth it at all in my opinion.
We went here last night before the Benson Boone concert! I got the martini mocktail and my friend got the blackberry mojito. The drinks were gorgeous and to die for! So was the view 😍 We sat right at the window, overlooking the gorgeous Columbia River and sunset. Highly recommend! The customer service was very attentive and great despite it being so busy and the manager, Mimi, checked in on us and made sure we were completely happy. Overall 10/10 experience.
My husband and I went on Sunday around 4
We were greeted at the door and chose to sit outside. However, a lot of the tables needed to be cleaned. It looked like they had just finished a rush and were short staff. We ended up eating at the bar since it was too hot outside and there weren’t any tables available in the shade. Our server was kind and attentive even though she was really busy. The food was delicious. Will be coming back.
Amaro's Table Hazel Dell
| Address | 816 NE 98th Cir, Vancouver, WA 98665 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 718-7046 |
The hostess was so sweet and welcoming and the lighting and atmosphere was so neat. I got a lemon drop martini and the shrimp linguine and they were both fantastic. Our server Anne took great care of us. She was kind and funny and had awesome recommendations!
The staff is wonderful if I could give them higher than a five star I would. We had to be moved to a different table because my son got home from camp early and they got us a bigger table immediately. They gave us new drinks too because when we were being transferred to the table they all got mixed up. We all enjoyed our meal. My sister-in-law like her lavender drink as. The kids enjoyed their natural flavored root beer too.
Their fried chicken did not disappoint! It was battered and seasoned well. It was extra delicious if you dipped or poured the sauce it comes with. It was honestly such a large portion that I had leftovers.
On a side note, an absolute must try appetizer is the ricotta and jam!
It’s the perfect place for casual or fancy dinner date.
When it gets busy don't expect on the spot service. Just like with all restaurants they seat you in the next spot. No spacing. You have to request another table if they seat you next to a loud table. Last time I was there the coffee was perfect. This last time not so good. They need to wash and scrub out the coffee pot. The ladies working the tables are the best but they need more. My suggestion is to pay attention to the small details such as cleaning out the coffee pot. Look at the coffee after it is poured to make sure nothing is floating on top. The coffee last time is why I returned this time. Not sure when I will go back over this small detail. Great restaurants strive always to up the game and pay attention to small details. I have been to restaurants in Las Vegas where the most simplest dish was done with so much passion, attention to detail I will remember it for the rest of my life. It was rice with salmon. Simple affordable but I will never forget it. That is the problem these days with American cooking. Money first quality last. It should be high quality first money will follow. This restaurant is just one step away from being great. I want them to succeed that is why I wrote this. That is why Nvidea is number one. They always improved their product. Every year the product is better not the same.
Amaro’s Table is consistently incredible. The food is truly top‑notch and every single dish on the menu is delicious, flavorful, and clearly crafted with intention. I'd highly recommend the fried chicken sandwich that comes with a drizzle of caramel sauce. All the flavors will make your tastebuds do a happy dance! I'd also recommend going during their happy hour for discounted apps, such as their hush puppies which are another delicious treat!
If you want to have a happy belly, and dine at a place you can order anything and know it’ll be amazing, this is it. Amaro’s never misses.
Kabob City Grill
| Address | 316 SE 123rd Ave Ste D3, Vancouver, WA 98683 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 467-7777 |
Finally had the opportunity to try Kabob City Grill. We were not disappointed at all. Our server Gaga was excellent. He recommended a plate for us to share we added Sarma & left room for dessert. I meant to take pictures of everything but the food was so good I forgot. We got the mixed plate which was definitely enough food for 2. I wasn't a huge fan of the lamb chop it was a bit gamey for my taste but it was moist & the seasoning was so good. The Sarma were delicious. We ended with Baklava & ice cream. The Baklava was flaky & moist..so good!
We want to try to go at night when they have some entertainment as well. Thanks Gaga for the great experience. We will be back!!
The food was absolutely amazing and the service was great! Viktoria was very attentive and wonderful. We got the hummus appetizer. It was so tasty and the pita was warm and fresh. For our entrees we ordered the lamb chops, lamb kebobs, and the beef and chicken kebobs. They were very flavorful, especially the lamb. The portions are large, definitely enough food for you to take home for leftovers. The desserts are excellent too. I would absolutely go back to this restaurant again.
Genevieve was such a kind and attentive server and made our experience that much more memorable. She immediately greeted us with a compliment and was never annoyed whenever we asked for anything for our table. My husband and I went here for our anniversary and ordered the eggplant appetizer, Armenian salad, combo plate, and gyro plate. One thing to note here is that the entrees are LARGE - which absolutely makes it a great bang for your buck. We could have just ordered the entrees and been completely stuffed. Food was very flavorful and delicious, would definitely come back and recommend.
Beautiful restaurant, great food, amazing service. Kristine the manager helped us out and she was so sweet. It was my first time having Armenian food and it did not disappoint. We let our server pick out our food & drinks & im glad we did! We tried a Little bit of everything but my favorite plate was the lamb kabob. 10/ 10. Definitely try this place out if you're looking for great food & service.
We loved it here. . Food is amazing. Soups are great, bread is awesome. Beef cabob i liked better than chicken, but its just me. Oh and the green salad is very very tasty. I recommend 💯
Salty's on the Columbia River
| Address | 3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97211 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (503) 288-4444 |
Four of us went for the Sunday brunch. We mainly focused on the seafood. Everything was very fresh ( clams, oysters, crab). The prime rib was very good as well. Anything cooked was also fresh, didn’t taste like it had been under a heat lamp for hours, which I doubt it was. Desert bar had a very good assortment. Yes, it is pricey. But the service, views and quality of food was worth it.
I have been here multiple times for different events(father’s days, birthdays, retirement parties, etc). Every time we come we always have great service, knowledgeable staff, and fantastic food. I could not recommend this restaurant more, and the location is beautiful. We had absolutely fantastic experiences with Zach and Danelle this week and look forward to recommending to friends and family.
This restaurant is located right by the river and offers a beautiful, peaceful view. After a busy day of exploring, we really needed some relaxation by the water, and this spot was perfect. We had such a wonderful time here. The food was absolutely delicious, and our server was fantastic—so helpful and friendly. Highly recommended for a relaxing dining experience in Portland.
My first time here, hubby and I celebrated our 20 year anniversary here and it was amazing! The service was top notch they made us feel so special for our anniversary. I cannot remember his name but our waiter was awesome, it was an "at your service" type of atmosphere. He did a wonderful job. I asked for a window seat for the view when I made reservations and they accommodated with no issue. The food was excellent, I had the Best Friends (seared scallops with pork belly and a pomegranate balsamic drizzle that was so dang good) and of course some crab legs! My husband had the crab mac and cheese and no doubt I had to try a bite it was fantastic. We had oysters that were so fresh and delicious, the calamari and clam chowder...all soooo good!! Dessert was complimentary for our special occasion and we chose the creme Brulee which did not disappoint it came with this cookie that was divine, I could've eaten like 12 of them. Overall super pleased I had such a wonderful time. Thank you Saltys for making our night so special!
Beautiful dining experience... Right off the water, this restaurant has gorgeous views.
The crab spinach dip was AMAZING. I had the halibut with asparagus which we split, and everything was all cooked to perfection. Sever was Danielle(I think) was quick and attentive.
Lil Pig Lil Pig
| Address | 2014 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 729-9007 |
What are your new to the area?Or lived in the community for a long time, i can highly and strongly recommend Lil Pig Lil Pig. When walking up the steps, you can smell the aroma from the smoker of the amazing meats being tended to. I had the privilege of meeting the owner Brendan(very nice guy). Here's an amazing man with lots of knowledge and the taste for good food. I myself ordered the little pig burger. The meat literally melts in your mouth and a brioche bun or a house made and are perfect pairing with the burger. The pulled pork is delectable tender, soft in the burnt edge pieces give you alot of flavor and smoked tastes. The house cut fries are perfect, crisp and golden. The ancho sauce that comes with the fries is sweet and perfect and even better when you soak your pulled pork into it. The ciders on tap pair, wonderful with anything you will order. I have yet to try it.But they have their own distilled house whiskey. Whether you're dining alone, out on a date or out with the family. This place is perfect for a terrific night out. They even have waygu on the menu on the weekends.But if you want that get her early because it sells out quick. I can guarantee you that I will be back hungry for more.
Ate lunch here for the first time. Food was delicious, albeit, pricey for the salad portions, but they were very good. My son absolutely loved the pulled pork sandwich! Overall great atmosphere, yummy food, and kept cool inside.
Lil Pig is the a new restaurant by Brandon and Marci Rush who also own Hungry Sasquatch and 3 Howls Distillery in Battle Ground. It's an order at the counter joint that's super popular. One reason for the lines is chef Ryan Slattery who worked at Lardo and Bluto's across the river.
The bar is geared for those who like spirits neat or old fashioneds. I ordered a Hog Wash (bacon fat washed bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura and orange bitters). It was ok but I hope they expand their bar to be able to make other craft cocktails.
Based on a recommendation I went with their Wagyu Brisket. The portion was smaller than I expected but I have to say it was the most tender I've ever had. Lil Pig sources all their meat locally and butcher it in-house.
My step son had the Lil Pig Burger (2 patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, Pimento cheese on a house made molasses brioche bun).
Street parking is catch-as-catch-can. -VanPort Insider
My wife and I tried this place out for the first time and got the "2 meats 2 sides" for lunch. We did the Waygu Brisket, Smoked Chicken, Cornbread, and Tallow Fries. Aside from the cornbread being a little dry, all the food was delicious! Portions were great as well and my wife and I were reasonably full after splitting the meal. We will definitely be back to try the other meats and sides. Best BBQ in Vancouver I would say!
This place is great. Got a Porchetta sandwich and a pulled pork sandwich and also tallow fries at lunch they were fantastic. You order at a counter and they give you a buzzer it works fine. Can also get a drink from a big selection. At lunch and dinner they also have a lot of specials. This place is awesome we will be back
Willamette Valley Vineyards - Vancouver Waterfront
| Address | 801 Waterfront Wy Suite 205, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 718-7312 |
This is a frequent spot for us when we travel between Tacoma and Oregon. We are club members and owners of WVV and enjoy stopping here for lunch. The culinary team is fantastic and I love the creative seasonal menu changes. Today we had the cauliflower starter, kohlrabi salad, and fish and chips. All were delicious. Our server Liana is the best that WVV has on staff! She is very customer focused and knowledgeable about the wine and menu. A great experience!
I love living in Vancouver and having such amazing options to go and visit to enjoy the beautiful weather and views that we have here. They have a shaded and covered patio with heaters and fireplaces. When the sun goes away, they can open it up to really experience being outside.
The wine is absolutely delicious and the service was fantastic as well.
It is a perfect place to relax and watch the views and unwind for a couple hours.
The food is definitely priced a bit high for what you get, but it is still good. I’m not sure I would return for the food alone.
Went here for Mother’s Day. We’re owners and frequent visitors at many Willamette Valley Vineyards locations, so we were excited to share this location with our moms. We did a wine tasting, shared a meat and cheese board, and ordered a side of fries. Everything was delicious. The deck seating overlooking the Columbia River made the whole experience feel extra special with such a beautiful view.
The only downside was the portion size of the fries. It honestly seemed like you get more fries as a side with a meal than when ordering them as their own dish, so it didn’t quite feel worth the price. Other than that, we had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the atmosphere, wine, and food.
We had an amazing experience. The wine tasting was absolutely incredible and the filet mignon was delicious. Dietrich was so helpful, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the wines. He made our experience even more enjoyable and really went above and beyond. We had such a wonderful time and will definitely be back!
The spring pea risotto was the most flavorful dish I’ve tasted in a long time. The recommended Rose pairing created an exceptional combination. Patio views are great ambience, especially if there’s a lively scene on the water. Would definitely go back.
Nostra Tavola
| Address | 8070 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 433-9315 |
Nostra Tavola was outstanding from start to finish. We began with the burrata appetizer, served with creamy pesto, pine nuts, fresh basil, tomato, and focaccia bread with olive oil—absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. The beet salad with goat cheese elevated what could be a standard dish into something truly memorable.
The bolognese was incredible—rich, flavorful, and perfectly finished with Parmesan and a creamy sauce. We ended with cheesecake topped with Marionberry sauce, which was beautifully balanced and not overly sweet.
Every dish was presented beautifully and seasoned so well that not a single thing needed salt. The service was equally impressive—Mars was our server and absolutely excelled throughout the evening.
A fantastic dining experience all around. We will definitely be back!
Nostra is located in a strip mall area of Vancouver. It’s not as big as I thought. Lightening may be more pleasant in the evening. Upon arrival 6:30, they had only one waitress. She was trying very hard to be attentive. We ordered the calamari (fantastic), and risotto meatballs (good, but not as hot). Entree’s were bolognese and penne with sausage. Flavor was bland. We asked for salt and pepper. So the food was average. I ordered a Hennessy lemon drop martini. That was fantastic!!!! Final thought— our experience was ok. Not a restaurant that we will choose again. One and done🤷🏽♀️
Tl;dr: food is decent, seems overpriced for what we got. We were seated quickly and our server did great at checking in on us throughout our dinner.
Cute local "discovery". We originally came to eat at BYH across the lot, but had to check out this spot upon seeing it when we parked.
The Burrata appetizer was pretty good, although I recommend eating it with just the tomatoes and not with the bread. The bread is great on its own or with some butter, but it's too thick to have with the burrata, and kinda drowns out the taste of the burrata.
I got the Rigatoni Bolognese, which was kinda sweet. I didn't mind that too much; it was just unexpected. The beef was tasty and fresh. My partner ordered the Cacio e pepe with marinated shrimp. He claims his homemade cacio e pepe tastes better, but said the shrimp was really good and that the pasta tasted really fresh.
For dessert we got the tiramisu, which he also really liked. (I have a huge sweet tooth, but tiramasu is not one of my faves; however, I thought the texture and flavor were good for a tiramisu).
We'll be back to try the pizza and other pastas. And maybe try to decipher what the mural means. 🤔
Good food and great service. The restaurant is clean, including the restrooms. High ceilings and a very open interior. Peter took care of us both at the bar and the table—he was stellar and kept things moving smoothly.
The focaccia, eggplant parmesan, and rigatoni bolognese were all delicious. They have a solid draft beer and wine list. The antiquato cocktail was really well made and balanced. The crème brûlée cheesecake is also a must-try. Definitely worth a visit.
Wouldn’t change a thing! Nice cozy atmosphere with dim lighting which I absolutely LOVE! We got the eggplant parm which had a nice crust on it (some places are soggy), fettuccine Alfredo was perfectly cooked, shrimp was worth the upgrade and the salted butter on the bread was a nice surprise! Prices were reasonable, our waitress was really nice, the hostess was nice and the bathrooms were clean! We will be back!
La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop
| Address | 1905 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 571-5010 |
Very solid lunch spot. Carefully layered sandwiches with depth of flavor. Great wine selection. Picked up some pasta to take home. Deli items looked great. Will be back!
Food was AWESOME! Make sure to try the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. Great way to start the meal. Lamb was cooked perfectly and was melt in your mouth tender. The lasagna was subtle but special. And the Apple Rhubarb Crisp was to die for.
But the best part of the evening was the service. We were celebrating our 20th anniversary. Every person we encountered, even the busboy, wished us a Happy Anniversary.
And I cannot say enough great things about our server, Tara! She made great suggestions on things to try, did a phenomenal job of pacing our meal and overall just made dinner a special event.
If you are looking for a great Italian dinner spot, make sure you put La Bottega at the top of your list!
Lovely dinner. Paid $68 per person including an appetizer and a bottle of wine. I wouldn't say food was outstanding but service was good and we had a nice time.
This is one of the best places to grab a sandwich, meats , cheeses and when housemade pastas. Their wine selection is also very top notch. Highly recommend.
Had the best service today thanks to Jessica! The chicken and bacon on focaccia is literally the best sandwich in town, and I get the gluten free version of the bread and cannot tell the difference. It is absolutely heavenly and all I was craving when I was away for some military training. I love this place so much. They also unexpectedly have the most delicious iced caramel latte. Anyways, this place doesn’t miss with service, quality, prices and the absolute delicious items they serve. Highly recommend!
WildFin American Grill - Vancouver
| Address | 777 Waterfront Wy #101, Vancouver, WA 98660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 718-7701 |
We were in town just for one night and this spot was recommended by a friend. All of us were very pleased with our choices and the whole experience!
From the get-go, the hostess and bartenders were very attentive. It was Memorial Day and they were busy with an hour wait for a table, but the bar accommodated us just fine.
My rhubarb lemonade (I guess the flavor changes seasonally) was delicious, and the beer selection was solid according to my friends.
The real star of the show!? The French onion soup - hot daaammmnnn. I am a self-proclaimed French onion soup connoisseur and this is in contention for first place - you can quote me on that. We are talking: solid portion, *not TOO salty*
FANTASTIC!! Incredible views, beautiful atmosphere, very friendly staff and the food was UNREAL!!!! we had the best calamari I have ever had and the seafood alfredo- and for dessert the chocolate pie and wild berry cobbler- all of it was spectacular! Highly recommend- there's indoor and outdoor seating and extensive cocktail list. They have excellent unique lemonade blends too!
Nice spot for a little seafood with plenty of locally sourced ingredients, which I love to see. Servings are modest, but the quality and flavor of the food is the best I've had in the area. Everything served was delicious and perfectly cooked. Oysters were a little small, but we're extremely fresh. Deserts were in very generous portions with a lot of whipped cream, and tasted fantastic. Not to mention the view of the waterfront from the restaurant is fantastic, especially during sunset. I will be coming back here again.
First time and it was perfect! The hosts were very kind, we sat outside at a high top with an umbrella and a gorgeous view of the water. I tried a jalapeño blackberry margarita which was delicious. We ordered the corn ribs - super tasty but wish it had maybe an aioli or something on the side. Did the crispy tuna which I recommend. And their burger was incredible. Our server was very wonderful as well. Will be back again 🙂
Group of 8. Everything ordered was very good. The rosemary bread was delicious and the seasonal harvest salad was unique and tasty. Food took a little longer than expected but a very enjoyable meal and experience nonetheless. Thanks! Oh, and the Bedford’s Crème beer was amazing!
Oswego Grill at Columbia Shores
| Address | 1919 SE Columbia River Dr, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (360) 360-7700 |
My first time at this branch, and it is a very nice view. I had been here to celebrate my husband's birthday; however, when the food came out, they were missing my husband's food. I'm pretty upset because I wish my husband had had a good dinner. We decided to cancel the dish that was missing.
We will come back again to give it another try since I like their view.
I am giving this visit 3 stars because the experience fell far short of our previous visits. The service was incredibly slow from the start; we waited over 20 minutes just to receive our water and drinks.The food was also a letdown. The spinach and artichoke dip arrived burnt because there was not enough cream in it, making it dry and unappetizing. Furthermore, we asked for our steaks to be cooked a specific way, and every single one of them came out wrong. I have eaten here before and the quality and service were much better, so I hope this was just an isolated off night.
Here is a polished review you can post:
Oswego Grill at Columbia was a great experience. The food was excellent from start to finish. The burger was really good, full of flavor and cooked just right, and the dessert was the perfect way to finish the meal. Everything else we ordered was also very enjoyable and well prepared.
What made the visit even better was the service. Korre was great, very attentive, friendly, and made us feel well taken care of throughout the meal.
Overall, a very nice dining experience, and I would gladly come back.
Overall, I was honestly a bit disappointed with the food. The steak was overcooked — I ordered it medium, but it came out much closer to well done. The mashed potatoes were just okay and lacked flavor. The chicken marsala sauce was much thicker than expected and tasted more like BBQ sauce than a red wine marsala sauce. The lobster fettuccine also wasn’t anything particularly memorable or special.
That said, the outdoor seating was spectacular and our server was incredibly nice, which definitely helped the experience.
The establishment has no personality, just black walls and dim warm lighting. The menu has a wide variety of different foods, I went with something off of the seasonal menu and it was pretty good. Drinks were great. Dessert was great. Service was weird - our waitress was great and quickly responsive, yet my food came out 20 minutes later than the rest of my party’s food. I’d come back, but only for the dessert & drinks and very sweet birthday card all the staff signs!
Tips for Choosing the Right Restaurant
Navigating a city’s food scene requires a bit of strategy, especially in a city like Vancouver where the downtown waterfront and the uptown neighborhoods offer distinctly different vibes. The best choice for your meal often depends less on the "best" list and more on the context of your visit. Whether you are planning a romantic date, a business lunch, or a family gathering, understanding the local rhythm can significantly enhance your experience.
Consider the Geography: Vancouver is generally divided into the Downtown/Uptown area and the eastern side near the Columbia River. If you want to walk to a show or browse local boutiques before dinner, stick to the Main Street corridor. If you prioritize scenic views, look for spots near the Columbia River waterfront, but be aware these can be busier during tourist season.
Check the Sourcing: The Pacific Northwest is famous for its produce and seafood. The best restaurants in Vancouver proudly list their farm partners and purveyors on their menus or websites. If you see a restaurant highlighting specific local farms or seasonal ingredients like wild mushrooms or Columbia River salmon, you are likely in for a high-quality meal.
Reservations are Your Friend: While Vancouver is generally more relaxed than Portland, the top-tier restaurants fill up quickly, especially on Thursday through Saturday nights. If you have your heart set on a specific steakhouse or a popular bistro, book a table at least a few days in advance. Many places save a portion of their dining room for walk-ins, but waiting times can exceed an hour during peak service.
Look for the Neighborhood Staple: While destination dining is fun, some of the best meals are found in unassuming strip malls or residential corners. These are the restaurants that survive on repeat local business rather than tourist traffic. They usually offer better value, more personalized service, and a menu that has been perfected over years of feedback from regulars.
Don’t Skip the Bar Menu: If you are dining solo or looking for a more affordable way to sample a high-end kitchen, ask to sit at the bar. Many of Vancouver’s finest restaurants offer a separate bar menu featuring smaller portions, unique cocktails, and sometimes off-menu specials that aren’t available in the main dining room.
Plan for Parking: Unlike Portland, Vancouver is very car-friendly, but parking in the downtown core can still be competitive during dinner hours. Most areas offer free street parking after 6 PM, but it pays to arrive early. Alternatively, the city is increasingly bike-friendly, and rideshare services are readily available if you plan to enjoy a full wine pairing.
Vancouver, Washington, has established itself as more than just a suburb of Portland; it is a distinct culinary entity with its own identity. The commitment to hospitality here is palpable, often feeling more personal and community-focused than in larger cities. Chefs know their regulars, servers remember your drink order, and there is a genuine pride in showcasing the best of the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you end up at a bustling taco shop on Fourth Plain or a candlelit table overlooking the river, the goal is to enjoy the distinct flavor of this evolving city. Take your time, explore the different districts, and let the local ingredients guide your choices. The best restaurant in Vancouver is ultimately the one that makes you feel most at home.
