West - Portland, OR Coast - Best Restaurant?

I'll be in PDX, and have an entire day to drive to the coast... just not sure where. I'd like a restaurant that has:

1) Excellent Coast Views
2) Great seafood
3) Nice (maybe quiet) where I could take my mother-in-law (price does not matter)

(Any city between Astoria and Lincoln City... I think Newport is too far, unless it's worth it)

I'll be in PDX, and have an entire day to drive to the coast... just not sure where. I'd like a restaurant that has:

1) Excellent Coast Views
2) Great seafood
3) Nice (maybe quiet) where I could take my mother-in-law (price does not matter)

(Any city between Astoria and Lincoln City... I think Newport is too far, unless it's worth it)

The Oregon Coast is tough - anything with a view is likely going to be terrible (as is the case in nearly every coastal town) and the food quality in general has been markedly lower than what is available elsewhere in the region. That said, PDX over the past 10 years or so has transformed itself into one of the world's best and most interesting food cities, and some of that has rubbed off on the coast. I haven't been North of Lincoln City for many years but in Newport, there are two places worth mentioning: (1) Local Ocean Seafood, which is right across the street from the harbor but also very casual. I had a crab po'boy there that was just divine. (2) Saffron Salmon, which is on a pier in the harbor and in a very nice space for the coast. This place consistently gets the highest reviews on Chowhound and Yelp. I honestly don't remember anything special about the food there (all local seafood) but I also don't remember anything terrible about it. It probably comes the closest to satisfying all of your criteria (except the 'North of Lincoln City' criteria).

In Lincoln City, I loved Blackfish Cafe but it has been more than 10 years since I have been there. It has no view but I remember the food being remarkably upscale for the coast.

I think you just have to accept that the best at the coast is below average for Portland. There are a couple of better restaurants on the Oregon and Washington coasts but too far from Portland for a day trip, outside your geographical boundaries. I keep hoping to find good food in Astoria, but haven't managed yet in several tries. And Astoria even has an excellent farmers' market, so it is a semi-foodie town. I guess there simply isn't enough business to support a better restaurant year-round.

The Bay House, at the southern end of Lincoln City, is probably the best (and maybe the most expensive) restaurant on the Oregon Coast, with a great view right on Siletz Bay, and an award winning wine list. IMHO The Bay House compares very favorably with the best restaurants in Portland. Other excellent restaurants in Lincoln City include the Black Fish Cafe (not quite as expensive, no view) and the Dining Room at Salishan Resort (decent view, also fairly expensive, and very good wine list).

I agree that Local Ocean in Newport is also very good, but that seems to be a bit far for you, and not much of a view. Note that Local Ocean has recently opened a branch (for lunch) at The Oregon Coast Aquarium. But if you do want to go to Newport, I would also suggest considering Saffron Salmon which is right on Yaquina By.

I'm a big fan of Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay. It's just south fo Lincoln City.

Know anything about Fathoms Restaurant & Bar in Lincoln City?

If you're willing to consider going in the other direction, Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA, has a great view of the Columbia Gorge and a decent dining room. http://www.skamania.com/cascade-room.php

Tidal Raves is indeed very popular, reasonably priced, and a great view. But if you're looking for fine dining, and not too concerned about spending a few dollars extra, The Bay House (or maybe Blackfish or Salishan) are the way to go.

I'd recommend Tidal Raves in Depot Bay - ^ Ate an excellent lunch watching the whales!
A bit of a trek - about 100 miles from Portland and about 15 miles south of Lincoln City.

From Trip Advisor - HERE (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g51838-d518783-Reviews-Tidal_Raves-Depoe_Bay_Oregon.html)
Have a look at the photos as well.

Let us know where you went and how it was :cool:

My favorite (and closer to PDX)

http://thebayhouse.org/

Went with Tidal Raves near New Port. Wow, this place had it all: amazing food and breathtaking view!

The Bayhouse (I heard) isn't that good anymore and the view (when I drove past it) was so-so. I think Tidal Raves is the best on the coast - you know it's good when reservations are a must and you'll still need to wait for a table!

I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner at Tidal Raves. If anybody else is looking for it, it's actually in Depoe Bay, which is some distance north of Newport.

The Bay House is still great (food, wine list, service, and decor)! We ate there just a few weeks ago. The view there is of Siletz Bay rather than the Pacific Ocean. One nice thing about the bay view is that you can see lots of wildlife.

2 that I enjoy, but do not have ocean views, Blackfish Cafe in Lincoln City and April's in Newport @ Nye Beach.