Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Manzanita
By Eliza Murray Davis
Published: 06/17/2014  Updated: 06/21/2019
Blackbird Restaurant in Manzanita
Blackbird Restaurant in Manzanita  photo by Gary Hayes

Can't miss spots for a day of dining out in Manzanita

BREAKFAST: Big Wave Café
For travelers looking for an unforgettable breakfast spot, Big Wave Café, on highway 101 in Manzanita, does not disappoint. From the welcoming staff to the wood stove and cozy booths, this unassuming eatery is warm and inviting. The breakfast menu offers sumptuous seafood and egg choices like razor clams and eggs or a fresh seafood omelet filled with Dungeness crab, shrimp and jack cheese topped with zesty chipotle sauce. If you are not a fan of seafood for breakfast, try the stuffed French toast made with two slabs of Texas toast filled with a combination of raspberries, ricotta and cream cheeses, topped with whipped cream. With generous servings and plus size coffee mugs, nobody leaves hungry. Open seven days a week, Big Wave Cafe serves Sleepy Monk coffee and locally sourced produce, seafood and meats. Big Wave Café, 822 Laneda Ave. (503) 368-9283

LUNCH: Bread & Ocean
This self-serve restaurant is a wonderful discovery for visitors and locals looking for a box lunch to dine in or take out. The deli case is full of fresh, assorted organic salads like Moroccan couscous, roasted beet and Thai noodle as well as polenta and quiches. All food ingredients are listed, so there is no guessing about what's on your plate. The menu also features many gluten-free and vegan offerings, using naturally raised, antibiotic and hormone-free meat. Owner Julie Barker has been in business for seventeen years and makes everything from scratch. "We make all our own spreads, including the mayonnaise," she said. In addition to the generous offerings of fresh deli-fare, homemade soups and entrees, Bread and Ocean is, of course, a bakery. Fresh breads and goodies are available daily including cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, tarts, pies, bars and brownies. Bread and Ocean does not accept credit cards. Bread & Ocean, 154 Laneda Ave. (503) 368-5823

DINNER: Blackbird
This new farm to table dinner spot had its humble beginnings serving lamb burgers in nearby Nehalem at the Friday Farmer's Market and reopened in Manzanita on Valentine's Day 2014 to rave reviews. Located in the heart of town, Blackbird is trendy and new, yet cozy and welcoming. The locally inspired cuisine features produce and meats grown on nearby farms, including vegetables from owner-chef Lee Vance's garden. The menu features jazzed-up comfort food like truffle mac-n-cheese, sweet and spicy chicken wings and steak frites with truffle paprika aioli. The lamb burger remains the house specialty, but it is only offered when the farmer can supply the best quality. "I don't buy meat from just anybody," Vance says. Not only is the food locally sourced, the bar and tables are made from wood reclaimed from Nehalem Bay. Blackbird is a must-try restaurant for excellent food, full bar and wine selection. Blackbird is closed Tuesday and Wednesday and reservations are recommended. Blackbird, 503 Laneda Ave. (503) 368-7708
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Manzanita