My top 3 favorite restaurants in Pacific City
- littlefieldmarly
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
My Top 3 Favorite Restaurants in Pacific City (2026 Local Guide)
One thing people underestimate about Pacific City is how good the food scene is for such a small coastal town.
No, it’s not Portland-level variety.
But that’s kind of the point.
The best restaurants here lean into what the Oregon Coast does well:
* Fresh seafood
* Relaxed atmosphere
* Local ingredients
* Views that make you stay longer than planned
These are my three favorites when friends or clients ask where they should actually eat in Pacific City.
1. Pelican Brewing - Pacific City
Pelican Brewing - Pacific City
Address: 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
Phone: +15039657007
You can’t make a Pacific City restaurant list without Pelican.
Is it touristy? Sure.
Is the location still incredible? Absolutely.
Sitting outside with a beer while looking at Haystack Rock and Cape Kiwanda is one of those classic Oregon Coast experiences that honestly lives up to the hype.
What I like most:
* Direct beachfront location
* Great post-beach atmosphere
* Reliable seafood and pub food
* One of the best sunset spots on the coast
The clam chowder and fish dishes are consistently solid, and the beer lineup is what made Pelican famous in the first place. ([Toast][1])
If you’re new to Pacific City, start here.
2. The Riverhouse
The Riverhouse
Address: 34450 Brooten Rd, Pacific City, OR 97135
Phone: +15034831255
This is the spot I recommend when people want something a little more intimate and local-feeling.
Right on the Nestucca River, The Riverhouse has that slower, tucked-away atmosphere that feels very “old Oregon Coast.”
What stands out:
* Riverside setting
* Strong seafood menu
* Cozy dinner vibe
* Better for date nights or slower evenings
The crab mac and cheese gets talked about for a reason. ([Tripadvisor][2])
It’s one of those places where you end up lingering longer than expected.
3. Beach Walk
Beach Walk
Address: 6320 Pacific Ave, Pacific City, OR 97135
Phone: +15034831234
Beach Walk feels the most like a hidden gem.
It’s casual, creative, and very Pacific City in the best way.
Their menu mixes Asian fusion, seafood, tacos, sandwiches, curry, and comfort food in a way that somehow works really well. ([Pacific City][3])
Why locals love it:
* Relaxed, unfussy atmosphere
* Huge variety on the menu
* Great after-surf or rainy-day spot
* Feels more local than tourist-focused
If Pelican is the iconic Pacific City meal, Beach Walk is the place people quietly keep going back to.
Honorable Mention: Dew Restaurant
Dew is probably the most surprising restaurant in Pacific City right now.
A high-end Japanese omakase experience is not something most people expect to find in a tiny Oregon Coast town, but that’s exactly why it stands out. ([Restaurant Guru][4])
It’s small, intentional, and much more of a special-occasion dinner than a casual beach stop.
What Makes Pacific City’s Food Scene Different?
The best restaurants here aren’t trying to feel trendy.
They lean into:
* Fresh local seafood
* Casual coastal atmosphere
* Scenic locations
* Small-town hospitality
That’s why people keep coming back to Pacific City in the first place.
It still feels like the Oregon Coast before everything became overdeveloped.
Thinking About Moving to Pacific City?
Restaurants are honestly one of the underrated parts of choosing where to live on the Oregon Coast.
Every coastal town has a completely different feel:
* Cannon Beach feels more upscale and tourist-heavy
* Manzanita feels quieter and more residential
* Pacific City sits somewhere in the middle, surf town energy with surprisingly good food
If you’re exploring different Oregon Coast towns, I’m happy to help break down the lifestyle differences locals actually care about.
Let's work together!
Marly
KW Coast Life
971.227.5140
Comments