Dining In Depoe Bay: Restaurants in Depoe Bay

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – When it comes to food and wine, even tiny Depoe Bay has a distinctive take on dining. Even if a restaurant there isn’t overlooking the water directly, on the western side of the road, it’s still looking out over the water.

A few stunning upscale examples of cuisine dominate here, but there are eateries for every taste and budget crammed into this diminutive burgh. There is at least one outstanding wine retailer, which augments any dining experience. Nearby, within a 15-minute drive, lay other food and drink standouts whose grub will stick to your ribs on your coastal jaunt – and often stay embedded in your memory.

Mo's West (Depoe Bay). The views are astounding here, looking out over dramatic vistas of Otter Rock and the Devil’s Punchbowl. Begin with appetizers, like baked oysters or shrimp cocktail), Major dinners come with the signature Mo’s Chowder or salad, and include grilled scalloped oysters in butter and cream, grilled oysters, a monster cioppino or shrimp casserole ($9 - $15). Seafood sandwiches (about $7) feature grilled oyster, shrimp, clam fritter or tuna. There’s a sizable menu of other non-ocean goodies like grilled chicken sandwich, chilli dog, hamburgers or quesadilla and some vegetarian specialties $5 - $9). Enormous stews boast oysters, clam chowder with shrimp and even chilli, and some can be had in a giant sourdough break bowl (around $9). Salads a desserts are aplenty as well. Many dishes can be served family style with extra helpings for the whole bunch. Open seasonally. 122 1st Street. Otter Rock - just south of Depoe Bay, Oregon. 541-765-2442. www.moschowder.com.

Depoe Bay Winery

Depoe Bay Winery. The fun overflows inside the “cave de vin” as they have called it, with more quirky frivolity from the folks who bring you the Nehalem Bay Winery. Forget the uneasy pretensions of most wine tasting scenarios: here you relax, giggle and take in the sights of Depoe Bay’s wild waves. Don’t worry about the deep analysis of wine – simply live it up. Like their north coast sister winery, enjoy a large variety of reds and whites, as well as dessert wines. Guests can enjoy year round tasting, every day. The fun never stops at this varietal merry-go-round. Write your name on the cave walls as well. Highway 101, downtown Depoe Bay, Oregon. (541) 765-3311. www.depoebaywinery.com

Village Bistro and Deli, near Depoe Bay. Gleaming and resplendent is the fare at this cozy but sleek bistro-style eatery in the middle of history-smothered Nye Beach, about ten miles from Depoe Bay. With a partial ocean view to accompany this culinary adventure, it is still a bit of a hidden secret in this intricate and charming section of Newport that is itself a little off the beaten path.

The shop is owned by former Northern Californians Bob and Deborah Trusty. The family, already well versed in the realms of food and the wine fields of the region, left the corporate world to "live on the edge" in the distinctly non-urban surroundings of Newport.

This little wonder opened up in December of 2003, specializing in fine food and a "small but proud" wine shop. Their menu boasts expertly done and innovative around $7 for lunch. A variety of heady gourmet sandwiches of varied layers and subtleties are on hand to consistently wow you, with loads of innovative concoctions that contain elements such as wasabi, a spicy and vibrant turkey and many other surprises. A barbecued pork sandwich and a homemade pate that is out of this world are other highlights.

Specially made “beach baskets” can be ordered, with gourmet foods, cheeses, wine, etc. Open Wed – Sun, 11 a.m. to around 7 p.m. Village Market Bistro & Deli - 741 NW Third, Newport, Oregon - 541-574-9393. www.beachconnection.net/village_bistro_newport

Dining Near Depoe Bay

Fathoms Restaurant. Breathtaking views, several stories above the surf. Breakfast: various griddle classics like pancakes, waffles, French toast to pigs in a blanket around $7, along with a large array of omelets around $10 - $13. Plenty of seafood specialties, pastas, salads and sandwiches for lunch. At dinner: steaks, clams, fish, chorizo, pastas and dozens of intricate, gourmet dishes, often in the $20 - $30 range. 4009 SW Highway 101. Lincoln City (just north of Depoe Bay, Oregon). 541-994-1601 or 800-452-8127. www.spanishhead.com/site/restaurant.html (Fine dining, family, lounge)

Mo's Lincoln City. On Lincoln City's Siletz Bay, where seals and other marine life play. Appetizers like oyster shooters or in the half shell, skewers, seafood cocktails, fries ($3 - $10). Salads. Sandwiches (around $7): tuna melt, cod, sole, deep fried shrimp, clam fritter, or various hamburgers. Mo’s famous clam chowder in various sizes; plus chili and a scrumptious slumgullion (chowder w/ shrimp). BBQ ribs, chicken strips, grilled chicken and country fried steak. Large seafood dinners. 860 SW 51st Street. Lincoln City (20 mins north of Depoe Bay, Oregon). 541-996-2535. www.moschowder.com.

CONTACT / ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION