As vacation enthusiasts, we know that traveling is not just about a change of scenery; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local flavors that make each destination unique. In this blog post, we'll take you on a culinary journey through three distinct destinations: Bend, OR, San Diego, CA, and Santa Fe, NM.
A quick Foodie's Guide to Bend, San Diego, and Santa Fe best restaurants
These cities are not only renowned for their stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures but also for their diverse and delicious food scenes. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a plethora of delectable dishes and unique culinary experiences.
Bend is a haven for food lovers who value sustainability and creativity. Its farm-to-table restaurants celebrate the region’s agricultural roots with fresh, locally sourced dishes.
Known as the craft beer capital of the Northwest, Bend offers countless breweries where visitors can sip and savor innovative brews. For a casual bite, the city’s bustling food truck scene brings global flavors to the heart of Oregon, ensuring every palate finds something to enjoy.
919 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97701
541-312-2899
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Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails is a must-visit and true local favorite! This restaurant has dishes like blackened redfish, jambalaya, and creamy risotto that will keep you coming back for more. The menu at this restaurant is known for being gluten-free friendly as well, which means those with dietary restrictions can feel safe when visiting this establishment.
937 NW Newport Ave #130, Bend, OR 97703
541-390-0946
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Spork is another Bend favorite with Asian, Latin American, and African-Inspired eats. The menu pulls in flavors from around the world, offering dishes like spicy pork noodles, green curry, Korean-style ribs, and their well-known popcorn. Spork makes every visit feel fresh and exciting with its unique take on comfort food!
211 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701
541-318-0588
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The Blacksmith Restaurant is built inside an old smithy, it brings a sense of history to every meal, with standout dishes like the surf & turf, Northwest ribeye, or a hearty Tomahawk steak—all paired with absolutely out-of-this-world sauces. There's also plenty of cocktails, wine, and even beer flights to match your meal or help you unwind during happy hour. Rounded out by attentive service and a setting that feels refined without being intimidating, The Blacksmith is a natural choice when you want a memorable yet relaxed night out.
1005 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703
541-241-2727
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BOSA Food & Drink is a chef-owned neighborhood gem inside the historic Bakery Building on Bend's westside, inspired by the food and wine culture of Italy and France. The house-made pasta is hand-crafted throughout the day in their dedicated pasta room; the bigoli cacio e pepe and mushroom spaghettini with black truffle are standouts. Pair your plate with a thoughtfully curated list of Pacific Northwest, Italian, and French wines, and don't skip the famous focaccia with whipped butter. Reservations are recommended.
5 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, OR 97703
541-728-0334
Brickhouse is an upscale-casual steakhouse in downtown Bend's historic Firehall Building, right across from the Oxford Hotel. The menu centers on USDA Prime steaks (the highest grade of beef produced in the U.S.), Northwest-raised natural beef, and fresh wild seafood, backed by an award-winning wine cellar that's one of Central Oregon's most comprehensive. Come early for the three-course dinner specials from 4 to 5 PM, and there's a second location in downtown Redmond too.
1304 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97701
541-330-5539
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Tucked inside a cozy Craftsman bungalow on Bend's westside, Ariana offers one of the best fine dining experiences in Central Oregon. The intimate menu features bold plates like scallops over uni risotto, albacore tataki, and filet mignon with wild Oregon mushrooms and chive bearnaise, plus a six-course, seasonally inspired chef's tasting menu with optional wine pairing. Reservations are accepted up to one month in advance, and this little gem books out, so plan ahead.
163 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, OR 97703
541-241-2735
Bos Taurus is Bend's boutique steakhouse, a repeat winner of local “Best Steak” awards, with an open-kitchen concept in the heart of downtown. The team sources exceptional cuts from around the world and walks you through the selection tableside, steakhouse theater done right. It's an intimate room that fills up nightly, so book well ahead for a special-occasion dinner.
San Diego’s coastal setting makes it a seafood lover’s dream, with fresh catches served daily in dishes like fish tacos and ceviche. The city is also famous for its taco culture—whether from food trucks or hidden taquerías, authentic Mexican flavors shine here.
Beyond the beachside fare, San Diego’s cultural enclaves like Little Italy and Old Town offer a world of international cuisine, from hearty pasta to traditional Mexican plates.
2571 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
442-303-8245
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Lilo opened in April 2025, and this 22-seat spot serves a multi-course tasting menu that showcases seasonal California ingredients with hints of Japanese and French influences. Standout dishes include dry-aged Japanese kinmedai with ragout of geoduck and bone marrow, and a caviar-topped orgeat ice cream! Talk about truly new and innovative flavoring. The experience earned Lilo a Michelin star just two months after opening, now making it the only Michelin-starred restaurant in San Diego!
2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
619-269-9036
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Juniper and Ivy was founded by acclaimed chef Richard Blais, and this restaurant is known for its constantly changing menu. Diners rave about the “In-N-Haute” burger, house-made pastas, and imaginative small plates designed for sharing. With its sleek warehouse setting and a menu that always keeps you guessing, Juniper and Ivy has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking for a meal that feels both refined and fun.
1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
619-269-3033
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Ironside Fish & Oyster is the city’s go-to for fresh, trendy seafood. Located in Little Italy, this spot is known for its raw bar, buttery lobster rolls, and oysters that are as fresh as it gets. The menu ranges from creative crudo to hearty mains like whole roasted fish, making it a place where seafood shines in every form. Pair it with one of their craft cocktails, and you’ve got a dining experience that captures the best of San Diego’s dining scene in a single meal.
2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
619-255-2001
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Kettner Exchange brings progressive American cuisine to Little Italy from acclaimed chef Brian Redzikowski, whose resume runs through Le Cirque 2000 in New York. A four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand pick, the menu covers everything from duck meatballs and salmon belly skewers to a standout bone-in ribeye. The two-level space is topped by the neighborhood's only rooftop lounge with views to San Diego Bay, making it as much a scene as a supper.
4529 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
858-880-8778
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Don't let the Pacific Beach strip mall fool you: Sushi Ota is widely considered San Diego's temple of sushi. Master chef Yukito Ota built its legend on impossibly fresh fish, and the uni nigiri (sometimes topped with raw quail egg yolk) is a rite of passage for local seafood lovers. Grab a seat at the bar for the omakase, and book ahead; it's closed Mondays and busy every other night of the week.
1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-4244
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A La Jolla landmark for decades, George's at the Cove stacks three experiences into one clifftop address: the fine dining California Modern downstairs, the casual Level2 bar in the middle, and the famous Ocean Terrace rooftop overlooking La Jolla Cove. The modern California menu leans hard on local ingredients, but the Pacific view is the co-star at every table. Sunset reservations on the terrace are some of the most requested seats in San Diego.
2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
619-795-3299
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Born from the Juniper and Ivy team next door, The Crack Shack helped kick off the national fried chicken sandwich craze from this open-air former mechanic shop in Little Italy. The SoCal fried chicken is made with free-range Jidori Farms birds, the deviled eggs get gastronomic upgrades, and the kale-kimchi coleslaw has its own fan club. With a full bar, lawn games, and a line that moves fast, it's the casual counterweight to the neighborhood's fine dining.
Santa Fe’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of its Native American and Mexican influences, with signature dishes like green chile stew and enchiladas. Known as a true chile paradise, the city invites visitors to explore bold red and green chile sauces that define New Mexican cooking.
Adding to its charm, Santa Fe’s farmers markets and cozy cafes showcase fresh local produce and a warm southwestern coffee culture.
724 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-1500
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Geronimo is set inside a historic adobe home on Canyon Road. The menu blends global influences with regional ingredients, featuring standout plates like mesquite-grilled elk tenderloin, wasabi caesar salad, and decadent soufflés for dessert. Known for impeccable service and a warm, elegant setting, Geronimo consistently ranks among the best fine dining restaurants in New Mexico. It’s the kind of place perfect for a special night out, where every detail—from the plating to the wine list—feels carefully considered!
72 W Marcy St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-3433
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La Boca brings a taste of Spain to the heart of Santa Fe. This award-winning tapas restaurant is known for its shareable plates like grilled octopus, jamón ibérico, and paella, all paired beautifully with an extensive Spanish wine list. Chef James Campbell Caruso creates a dining experience that feels vibrant and communal, encouraging guests to linger over multiple courses. Whether you’re sitting at the bar with a glass of Rioja or gathering with friends for a long table full of tapas, La Boca captures the joy of dining together.
100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-5511
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La Plazuela at La Fonda is located inside the iconic La Fonda on the Plaza hotel, the restaurant sits in a charming courtyard filled with hand-painted windows and natural light. The menu features regional favorites like enchiladas smothered in red or green chile, tamales, and blue corn specialties, alongside hearty breakfasts and classic Southwestern desserts. With its blend of tradition, flavor, and warm service, La Plazuela is a place where visitors can experience both the heritage and the heart of Santa Fe dining.
113 1/2 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-9030
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Owned by the Carswell family since 1953, The Shed is the classic place to test Santa Fe's famous red chile, tucked into a rambling 1692 hacienda just off the Plaza. The blue corn enchiladas smothered in their legendary red are the order, alongside posole, green chile stew, and a margarita on the patio. Expect a wait at lunch, because generations of locals and visitors alike consider this the gold standard of New Mexican cooking.
905 Alarid St, Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-982-0909
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La Choza is The Shed's sister restaurant, set in the old adobe headquarters of the turn-of-the-century Mercer Ranch near the Railyard, and many locals will tell you it's their pick of the two. The award-winning red and green chile, sopaipillas, and margaritas draw crowds, so join the digital walk-in list and sip a margarita while you wait (they don't take small-party reservations). The colorful dining rooms and dog-friendly patios keep the vibe relaxed and true to Santa Fe. Closed Sundays.
132 W Water St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-1615
A Santa Fe institution since 1987, Coyote Cafe helped put modern Southwestern cuisine on the national map, and the kitchen still delivers with dishes built around regional chiles and bold border flavors. The elegant dining room is the special-occasion move, while the seasonal rooftop Coyote Cantina upstairs offers a livelier, more casual scene with legendary margaritas. Either way, it's one of downtown's essential dining experiences.
221 Shelby St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-983-8604
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Sazon is where Chef Fernando Olea, winner of the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Southwest, showcases contemporary and traditional Mexican cuisine, most famously his moles. His New Mexican Mole, created for Santa Fe's 400th anniversary with apricots, pinons, Chimayo red chile, and white chocolate, is immortalized in a mural in the dining room. Come for the multi-course Degustacion menu or simply for dessert and a pour from the deep tequila and mezcal list.
The best food trips need a good home base,Book your stay in Bend, San Diego, and Santa Fe, through The 100 Collection™ and you'll be working with vacation rental managers who actually live in these cities and know them well. That means a place minutes from the restaurants on this list, a full kitchen for cooking your farmers market haul or reheating last night's leftovers, and room to linger over coffee before you head out to eat again.
From Bend's brewery patios to San Diego's raw bars and Santa Fe's chile-smothered plates, these three cities will keep your fork busy for every meal of the trip. Pack your appetite, book your home base, and go eat. Enjoy your culinary journey!
