Dining (Area Code 541)

Fine dining is taking off in Bend and getting better with every change of seasons. You'll find many choices among Bend's 100-plus restaurants, where the cooking varies from basic to high-end and prices are fair.

One of the best places to eat is the ski area. Scapolo’s ($–$$), in the Pine Marten Lodge at Mt. Bachelor, serves pizza, soups, chili, salads and daily specials.

We also have enjoyed the food at Sunriver Resort, where the featured restaurant is The Meadows at the Lodge (593-3740; $$; below). The elegant Crossings at the Riverhouse (389-8810; $$–$$$), specializes in steak (and we always say, if you go to a steakhouse, order the steak). Watch out for the inflated wine prices! Good seafood is moderately priced at McGrath's Fish House (388-4555; $–$$), which has several unusual entrees, especially those from Northwestern waters.

We enjoyed the elegant food and ambiance at the Broken Top Club Restaurant (383-8200; $$$; above), on Bend's Westside. You can make a meal of anything on their appetizer menu; we did just that on one visit. Their specialty is contemporary Northwest cuisine.

Staccato at the Firehall (312-3100; $$-$$$), recently awarded "Best New Restaurant" & "Best Italian Restaurant" in Gusto Magazine, blends traditional Italian food with eclectic presentation. Try their clams and mussels, bruschetta or gnocchi as appetizers, then move on to an exotic pizza or Bucco, Cioppino or Veal Piccata. Don't miss their bar scene with the most ridiculous and fabulous drink on the menu - the Framboise Balsamic Martini. It's made from raspberry puree, balsamic vinegar, vodka and garnished with basil.

The Grove (318-8578; $$-$$$) and Blacksmith are high-end class joints with lots of vegetable options as well as the usual steaks, curries, chickens and pastas. Merenda (330-2304; $$-$$$); with a lavish, rustic ambiance, French/Italian contemporary and classic plates, also serves 60 wines by the glass. Reservations recommended.

Giuseppe's (389-8899; $$) is excellent for homemade pastas, plus an array of meat entrees We love Pine Tavern Restaurant (382-5581; $$) for its location next to Mirror Pond, the twin pine trees shooting out of the dining room roof, and its great steak, ribs, lamb and prime rib.

Locals say that Jake's Diner ($) serves a good, hearty breakfast 24 hours a day. A group of eight readers fell all over themselves recommending The Original Pancake House ($) for breakfast. It's on the way to the mountain from Bend and has a "total passion for freshness and highest-quality ingredients."

Dining Legend: $$$–Entrees $20+; $$–$10–20; $–less than $10