Where to Eat & Drink This Winter Near Caldera Springs

Published on December 14, 2022

It seems like only yesterday we were dining on the patio at Zeppa Bistro. Now, with fall’s foot out the door and winter nearly here, culinary adventures at Caldera Springs are moving from lakeside and al fresco to indoors and fireside at a host of nearby restaurants. From cozy, ranch-to-table spots at Sunriver Resort to a diverse collection of eateries in Bend, here are eight restaurants to experience this season just beyond your doorstep.

Close to Home

Lodge Kitchen

Framed by sweeping views of the Cascade Range, including Mt. Bachelor, Lodge Kitchen at Sunriver Resort is a mainstay for Caldera Springs families. The restaurant embraces a rustic, chic feel that pairs perfectly with Executive Chef Josh Hedrick’s creative, seasonally focused dishes, including buttery, tender steaks that are dry-aged right onsite. Responsibly farmed ingredients are the star of the show here, many of which are sourced within 50 miles of your table, offering a truly unforgettable dining experience with views to match.

Owl’s Nest

Warm up this season with an old fashioned by the fire at Owl’s Nest, a Sunriver staple since 1969 — and for good reason. With a bird’s eye view of the snow-covered meadow and Mt. Bachelor in the distance, the upscale bar and lounge pairs a cozy interior aesthetic with pub bites like their Owl-sized pretzel with Northwestern beer cheese, delicious entrees like the braised beef sando and an extensive selection of craft beer, wine and cocktails.

The Grille at Crosswater

Step inside what feels like a true Pacific Northwest family dining room and sit down to the perfect locally sourced comfort meal at The Grille at Crosswater. Open Friday and Saturday by reservation at Sunriver Resort, the quaint restaurant is helmed by Chef Jason Greene who offers New American favorites like smoked double cut pork chop and red wine demi glaze short rib. Talk about an idyllic warm winter meal.

And Beyond in Bend

Wild Rose Thai

Explore beyond Sunriver and journey on over to Bend for a rich culinary scene that has something to satisfy everyone and every craving. If Thai does the trick, look no further than Wild Rose Thai — the best Thai restaurant in Bend. The neighborhood hotspot offers traditional Northern Thai cuisine, meaning nearly every dish is accompanied with “khao niew” — sticky Jasmine rice meant for eating with your hands. With its ceiling dappled in dried roses and quaint ambiance, Wild Rose is a must-try nearby.

(Courtesy of Wild Rose Thai)

900 Wall

Set within the heart of downtown Bend, 900 Wall is a modern New American eatery serving locally sourced plates, wine flights and hand-crafted cocktails. Built in the 1920s, the restaurant is located in a charming, two-story brick building that’s loaded with history, offering the perfect, homey complement to dishes like sourdough crust pizza, fresh seafood and more.

(Courtesy of 900 Wall)

Ariana Restaurant

Set within a quaint craftsman bungalow on the westside of Bend, Ariana is helmed by Chef Andres and Ariana Fernandez who have mastered Oregon’s farm-to-table cuisine. Come here for their seasonal à la carte menu that’s offered in addition to a daily six-course chef’s tasting menu, complete with elevated Pacific Northwest fare and signature cocktails.

(Courtesy of Ariana)

Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails

A Bend favorite, Zydeco offers fine Northwestern cuisine with a Southern twist from the ever-esteemed Chef Steve Helt. Made with only quality, hormone and pesticide-free, organic ingredients, the menu features hearty favorites like artichoke corn fritters, shrimp andouille and crawfish jambalaya and so much more.

(Courtesy of Zydeco)

Bos Taurus

A contemporary steakhouse offering high-end, thoughtfully sourced cuts, Bos Taurus is dishing out delicious modern American cuisine in the heart of Bend. The restaurant’s chef is committed to sourcing the best quality beef and inventive ingredients from around the world, and offers a curated list of wine and spirits to complete the perfect steakhouse experience.

(Courtesy of Bos Taurus)