The Blackfish Cafe is a premier dining spot in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast. The menu is constantly changing in response to the seasons and whatever fresh seafood and vegetables the chef can get his hands on. However, the one thing you can count on is getting one of the most inventive and well-prepared dishes no matter what.
Rob Pounding is the founder and owner of the Blackfish Cafe which he started back in 1999. Prior to this he was the executive chef at the renowned Salishan Lodge. He’s spent decades on the Oregon Coast cultivating relationships with local fishermen and growers, working directly with them whenever possible to get the absolute freshest ingredients for his menus. Throughout this time, he’s won countless awards and was even chosen to prepare a dinner at the legendary James Beard House in New York.
Some regular items (always done in new and creative ways) include fresh or fried oysters, creamy pastas with fresh seafood, salmon, steaks, pork chops, fish and chips, Manila clams, halibut, and although Blackfish is primarily a seafood restaurant they have a killer burger! Two other crowd favorites they almost always have on the menu are the clam chowder or their Cioppino of Northwest Seafood made with a mix of fresh scallops, salmon, prawns, clams, mussels, dungeness crab, and other fin and shellfish braised in a red wine, tomato and herb broth, served with grilled rustic bread crostini.
And though they’ve already outdone themselves for dinner, they also knock it out of the park with their desserts. Try the key lime pie or the Blackfish Ding Dong (yes, like the iconic Hostess Ding Dong, but much, much better) with mixed Berry Sauce & Whipped Cream.
The drink menu is also spectacular with original cocktails and in true Oregon fashion they always have a nice selection of local beers on tap. The wait staff is also incredibly knowledgeable about wine pairings for your meal and will never lead you in the wrong direction. They feature both northwest wines and varieties from around the world and always strive to offer reasonably priced, interesting, and tasty wines. The motto at Blackfish is, “The best wine is the wine you enjoy."
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The restaurant itself is rather small, but once you step into the dining room you’ll be greeted and treated like an old friend by the always amazing staff. There aren’t any options for outdoor seating, but with the near-constant rain on the coast, this small detail shouldn’t stop you from stopping in next time you’re in town. Blackfish is able to take some reservations, so call ahead if you know you’re planning a special night out for a birthday or anniversary. This is definitely a fancier restaurant, but the prices aren’t too high and the quality that you get for your money is well worth it.
Hours:
- Lunch: Friday - Sunday, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
- Dinner: Wednesday - Sunday, 5:00 pm - CLOSE
Address: 2733 NW Highway 101, Lincoln City, Oregon
Phone: 541-996-1007
