If you have ever driven down Hilyard Street in Eugene and missed the unassuming building with the warm glow spilling from its windows, it is time to slow down and take a closer look. Inside, you will find Café Med, a family-run Italian restaurant where nearly a hundred years of culinary heritage meet Pacific Northwest charm. The aromas of simmering tomato sauce, fresh basil, and garlic butter drift through the air long before you step inside, promising something extraordinary.
Café Med is the heartfelt creation of two Milanese families whose friendship and love of food have spanned generations. Their collaboration, now led by the fourth generation, carries forward traditions that began in 1926. With guidance from the world-renowned BiCE Group, the families have infused authentic northern Italian flavors with a Eugene sensibility that feels both elegant and familiar. The result is a dining experience that feels as warm and personal as sitting down to a meal in your grandmother’s kitchen, yet refined enough to impress even the most discerning palate.
The atmosphere is cozy, softly lit, and filled with the hum of laughter and conversation. Guests often describe it as feeling like home, a place where you are welcomed as family from the moment you walk in. The intimate space may be small, but that is part of its charm. Whether dining indoors surrounded by the scent of baking bread or outside under twinkling lights, the setting feels timeless.
The food, of course, takes center stage. Café Med’s menu pays homage to the culinary traditions of Milan and beyond, with thoughtful nods to local ingredients.
Starters like Fritto Misto, with its golden fried seafood and saffron aioli, or the Polenta Fritta with gorgonzola fonduta, showcase the kitchen’s finesse.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
The pastas are the kind that make you close your eyes for a moment after the first bite. Tagliatelle Bolognese, rich with hanger steak and sausage ragu, balances perfectly with the light touch of cream in the Pappardelle Funghi. For something indulgent, the Gnocchi Gorgonzola with candied walnuts delivers a sweet and savory contrast that lingers long after the plate is cleared.
Seafood lovers are drawn to the Halibut with Parmesan foam and braised greens or the Oregano Crusted Salmon Oregonata, both masterclasses in balance and presentation. Those craving comfort might find bliss in the Piccata di Pollo, where tender chicken meets a bright caper lemon sauce over delicate potato pave. Even the pizzas, from the traditional Margherita to the spicy Diavola with Nduja paste, have earned passionate fans. One reviewer called it the best pizza they had ever tasted, while another swore by the bread alone.
Café Med’s bar program is just as thoughtful as its cuisine. A Limoncello Martini infused with lavender bitters has become a favorite, while the Espresso Martini with Caffè Corretto liqueur makes for a perfect ending to the night. Wine lovers will appreciate the curated list that spans Italy’s most celebrated regions, from Chianti Classico and Valpolicella Ripasso to Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino, along with Oregon favorites like Brigadoon Pinot Noir. Whether you are sipping Prosecco or enjoying a honey lavender mocktail, every drink feels like part of the story.
What truly sets Café Med apart is the experience. Guests consistently describe evenings here as memorable, heartfelt, and full of connection. One diner shared that celebrating her partner’s birthday here moved them to tears as the atmosphere reminded her of her Italian grandmother’s cooking and family dinners long past. Others call it a hidden gem, a place where kindness and craftsmanship are served in equal measure. The staff is praised for their warmth and attentiveness, with many guests noting how the owners personally check on tables to make sure everything is perfect.
For those in search of gluten free or vegetarian dining, Café Med goes above and beyond. Dishes are clearly labeled, and gluten free pastas and even calamari are available without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. It is the kind of inclusive care that makes everyone feel welcome, just as it should be at an Italian family table.
In a city full of dining options, Café Med stands out for its authenticity, heart, and the simple joy it brings to every guest. Nearly a century after its roots were planted in Milan, the legacy of timeless Italian dining is alive and well right here in Eugene.
Café Med
3443 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR 97405
[email protected]
(541) 653 9507
Monday through Thursday 5 PM to 9 PM
Friday through Sunday 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Reservations available by phone, email, or online
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafemedeugene
Official website: https://www.cafemedeugene.com/
