2 Best Restaurants in The Willamette Valley and Wine Country, Oregon

Nick's Italian Cafe

$$$

One of the oldest spots in town, this upscale venue is a popular destination for a special evening. Modestly furnished but with a voluminous wine cellar, Nick's serves spirited and simple food, reflecting the owner's northern Italian heritage—in fact, many of Nick's dishes are made from old family recipes. Along with wood-fired pizzas, you'll find pasta dishes, meats, salads, and a wide variety of desserts. 

521 N.E. 3rd St., McMinnville, Oregon, 97128, USA
503-434–4471
Known For
  • handmade pastas
  • family-owned since 1977
  • signature profiteroles filled with anise gelato
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Reservations recommended, Closed Sun.–Wed.

Serendipity Ice Cream

$

Historic Cook's Hotel, built in 1886, is the setting for a true, old-fashioned ice-cream-parlor experience. Try a sundae, and take home cookies made from scratch. If you don't feel like ice cream, the homemade soup is a great choice on a rainy day.

502 N.E. 3rd St., McMinnville, Oregon, 97128, USA
503-474–9189
Known For
  • locally made ice cream (dairy- and sugar-free varieties)
  • old-school self-playing piano
  • the shop provides workplace experience and job training for adults with developmental disabilities