It wasn’t long ago that the best options for sophisticated dining were found south of the Columbia River. But now Clark County offers a few neighborhood gems of its own.
These restaurants are distinguished largely by Northwest cuisine made with local ingredients, set in a variety of classy but comfortable atmospheres, in locations from strip malls to hotels to historic homes.
Entree prices typically start at $11 and reach up toward $50.
Roots Restaurant and Bar (19215 S.E. 34th St.) remains committed to using local sources and tailors the menu selections to the season.
Gray’s at the Park (301 W. Sixth St.) has established a customer base apart from the Hilton Vancouver Washington, which houses the restaurant. If you’re ready to drop nearly $7 for a dinner salad, this would be the place to do it.
At the well-established Hudson’s Bar & Grill (7805 N.E. Greenwood Drive), seasonal Northwest cuisine and dessert blend perfectly with the rustic lodge atmosphere.
Vinotopia, the restaurant at the movie-house complex Cinetopia (11700 S.E. Seventh St.), has paired wine with a classy atmosphere.
The unique dining experience offered at The Restaurant at the Historic Reserve (1101 Officers Row) offers a sense of history with simple, elegant meals.
Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro isn’t Northwest focused, but it serves up fine food in an atmosphere where either casual or dressy is accepted attire. At Tommy O’s second location (4101 S.E. 192nd Ave.), the vibe is a bit more upscale, with more room to dine, a sushi bar and an expanded menu that includes signature favorites.
Blackstone American Grill (3200 S.E. 164th Ave., Suite 204) offers traditional American fare, and the bar is a popular gathering spot.
New to our list is the recently opened Shelby’s (419 E St., Washougal). Fine American fare, a three-course $14 dinner, shareable plates and breakfast on the weekends–all prepared by Chef Morris Fenton and Gwyn Manney, formerly of Vesta Restaurant.
K’Syrah (212 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas) brings Friday night prix fixe dining to Camas with three-course meals for $30 plus wine tasting for an additional $10.
Around the Table (316 N.E. Dallas St., Camas) offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features seasonal small plate options that typically range from $3 to $12, perfect for cost-conscious dining.
Bone’s Steak & Chop House has brought some diversity to the dining scene with a modern steakhouse in Battle Ground Village (1207 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd.). Focusing on classic cuts of meat and pairing them with inventive sides, plus a full bar, brings about a sophisticated atmosphere.
Laurelwood (1401 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd.) is just a stone’s throw from Bone’s Steak & Chop House in Battle Ground Village. Providing a place for the whole family to enjoy pub fare, this is restaurant number six for the chain that hails from Portland, known for brewing Oregon’s first certified organic beer.
The Galeotti family purchased Irby’s Fine Dining and spruced it up with an exterior remodel, a new name and a new menu. Now called Galeotti’s (801 E. Main St., Battle Ground), the restaurant features some favorite family recipes.
Duck Tales Kitchen (612 N. Devine Road) is family-owned and operated by the Waddle family, who built a reputation with the landmark Waddle’s restaurant at Jantzen Beach. Made-from-scratch dishes are paired in upscale diner atmosphere.
