Medford, Oregon is nestled in the heart of the scenic Rogue Valley and offers a culinary scene as diverse and vibrant as its landscapes. From charming vineyards and bustling markets to cozy cafés and upscale eateries, this Southern Oregon gem caters to every palate.
Medford’s dining establishments promise unforgettable experiences. I was on a group trip when I visited Medford and we enjoyed dining in so many great places. While it wasn’t easy picking favorites, I narrowed it down to seven must-try restaurants in Medford.
Dos Mariposas Vineyard and Lavender Farm
3976 Bellinger Lane / 541-224-7881
I had to start with a vineyard because Medford – and Oregon in general – is well-known for its flourishing wine scene. The most scenic of them all is Dos Mariposas Vineyard & Lavender Farm. This charming and peaceful spot combines three things you didn’t know you needed together—food, wine and lavender. They only serve small bites, so it’s a great spot for a snack but not a full meal.
My group and I enjoyed our wine tasting in a serene setting on their patio overlooking the lavender field. We sipped wine and nibbled on small bites while admiring its shades of vibrant purple. While sampling their latest wine or cider, I recommend snacking on a charcuterie board. Served with three different meats, two local cheeses, and a variety of accoutrements it’s the perfect companion to a wine tasting.
This family-run vineyard offers a warm, laid-back atmosphere perfect for sipping a glass of their estate wine while soaking in views of nearby Table Rocks and Mount McLoughlin. In summer, the lavender fields bloom in full color, adding a relaxing, aromatic touch to the already scenic landscape. It was in full bloom when I visited Dos Mariposas in June and the views were spectacular.
With weekend live music, shaded patios, and a kids’ play area, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger. They also host live music events on weekends, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and entertainment. And bring along your canine companion because they’re also dog-friendly.
310 Genessee Street / 458-226-2650
Ruby’s is a beloved local eatery specializing in locally sourced, lovingly prepared food at reasonable prices. Known for its wide variety of breakfast burritos and eclectic lunch sandwiches, Ruby’s offers a cozy atmosphere with friendly staff and games to play, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM, it’s the perfect place to start your day, which is exactly what we did. Knowing that we were about to spend the day rafting on the Rogue River, we needed to fuel up with a hearty breakfast. I had Ruby’s famous Breakfast Burrito and it hit the spot. Filled with ham, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, taters, onions, tomatoes and cheese, it was decadent and delicious. I opted to get mine mild, but they also offer a spicy version.
If you have a smaller appetite, I suggest trying their Little Devil. This housemade English muffin comes with a fried egg and your choice of ham, bacon, sausage, or tomato. Ruby’s also offers a selection of burgers and sandwiches for lunch, including lots of options for vegetarians. Next time I go, I’m ordering the Hippie Speedball smoothie with espresso, chocolate, banana, peanut butter, and milk – it sounds like a delicious jolt of energy.
404 East Main Street / 541-500-1349
For a cozy and elevated night out in Medford, Jefferson Spirits brings an old-school vibe with a modern twist. The dimly lit atmosphere and curated cocktail menu make it a standout for an evening with friends over great cocktails. I can attest to their Old Fashioned being both proper and delicious. Served with a bourbon-soaked cherry, it was exactly how I like it.
While their drink list is more extensive than their food offerings, Jefferson Spirits is not just a bar. With options including their Signature Crispy Dumplings, Jefferson Tacos, an Asian Fusion Sandwich, and an Italian Panini, there’s truly something for every taste. If you manage to save room for dessert, order their Oregon Wild Berry Cheesecake for a taste of something local. This light and creamy cheesecake is whipped, then topped with Jefferson Spirits Wild Berry Compote.
Open daily from 11 AM to midnight, Jefferson Spirits offers brunch on weekends and hosts events including open mic nights and trivia. Stop in during their happy hour to score a bespoke cocktail for just $5. With its cool vibe and extensive drink menu, Jefferson Spirits has become a must-see destination for a lively and enjoyable evening.
410 East Main Street / 541-779-4162
Pomodori Osteria and Bar brings traditional Italian cuisine to downtown Medford. The rustic yet sophisticated environment provides an inviting atmosphere for a delightful dining experience. Open for dine-in and takeout from Tuesday to Saturday evenings, it offers a menu filled with fresh, homemade Italian dishes complemented by craft cocktails and an extensive wine list, many of which are local, Oregon wines.
With so many items we all wanted to try, we decided to dine family-style and share so we could enjoy several dishes. I highly recommend this if you are with a group because everything we had was delicious. While the menu isn’t set up this way, if you don’t mind sharing, it’s the best way to sample several dishes.
We started with the Stuffed Mushrooms and the Burrata, which came with prosciutto and melon. I highly recommend ordering the Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese Wedge Salad. This romaine wedge salad is elevated with Caveman blue cheese crumbles from local, award-winning Rogue Creamery. Their blue cheese is positively divine and an absolute must-try when visiting Medford.
For my main dish, I ordered the Meatballs Bolognese, made with house-made beef, pork, and veal meatballs in a bolognese sauce and served over al dente linguine noodles. The Ravioli San Remo and Chicken Carbonara were also delightful.
315 South Front Street / 541-973-2336
This is one delicious stop you won’t want to miss. This cozy Medford staple is a go-to for breakfast and lunch lovers craving hearty, homemade fare. Known for their buttery, flaky biscuits, Buttercloud serves creative sandwiches stacked with everything from savory brisket to roasted veggies.
We popped in for breakfast on our way to Crater Lake National Park. Knowing we would be hiking, we wanted something hearty to start the day. I opted for the Farmhouse Biscuit Sandwich, served on their legendary Buttercloud Biscuit. With its fried egg, bacon, tomato and basil aioli, it was the perfect breakfast sandwich to fuel me for an adventurous day.
I can see why their biscuits are a signature item and star in many of their dishes, they’re scrumptious. They also serve a Buttercloud Benedict and French toast on their signature biscuits.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. They bake a rotating selection of scones, sticky buns, and mini cream pies from scratch. Every month, they switch up their offerings, so no matter when you visit, there’s always something new to try. Buttercloud Bakery is comfort food with serious craft behind it. It’s a must-visit restaurant in Medford for breakfast and lunch enthusiasts.
4477 South Stage Road / 541-245-1133
DANCIN Vineyards offers award-winning wines and wood-fired fare in a stunning garden setting. It was a lovely summer day when we visited for a wine tasting and a bite to eat, so we sat outside on their picturesque patio. Set on the forested foothills of Southern Oregon, their patio overlooks the Rogue Valley with magnificent views of Table Rocks and Mt. McLoughlin.
Not only does DANCIN Vineyards offer food and wine, but they also cook some of their food with their own wine. To try the best of both worlds, start with their Stuffed Mushrooms made with Taylor’s Italian sausage, DANCIN’s Chardonnay cream sauce, and then drizzled with a balsamic reduction. For the perfect pairing, order a glass of Emboîté Pinot Noir 13. We also devoured their House Meatballs made with DANCIN Pinot Noir marinara sauce.
After our appetizers, we ordered two of their Artisan Pizzas to share. My favorite was the Soppressata & Asparagus, which came with San Marzano tomato sauce, soppressata, shaved asparagus, whipped citrus herb ricotta, and arugula, and was topped with a calabrian hot honey drizzle. If you’ve never drizzled hot honey over your pizza, you don’t know what you’re missing!
Whether you’re sipping Oregon’s famous Pinot Noir under twinkling lights or sharing small plates on the patio, this scenic spot is perfect for a leisurely afternoon or golden hour gathering. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—and the wine keeps flowing.
Hawthorne Park 501 E. Main Street
The Rogue Valley Growers Market is a seasonal favorite where you’ll find everything from organic produce to handcrafted soaps and street eats. With a strong community vibe, it’s a great place to meet local makers, sample regional goodies, and grab picnic supplies for your next Southern Oregon adventure. With several locations, we visited the Medford Thursday Market, which is open from March 6 through November 20.
We stopped by first thing in the morning to peruse the stands. I enjoyed a local iced coffee from one vendor and an Egg Muffin from another. The savory muffin contained roasted mushrooms, green onions, cheddar and parmesan cheeses, and the best part – a whole soft-boiled egg in the center. It was the most unique and delicious muffin I’ve ever tried.
Operating outdoors from March through November and offering an indoor winter market from December through February, it provides the freshest seasonal produce, flowers, plants, cheeses, meats, baked goods, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods available within 200 miles of the Rogue Valley. Named one of the 10 best farmers markets in the nation by USA Today, the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market boasts over 150 local growers, crafters, and artisan food makers. It’s a vibrant hub for those seeking local and sustainable products – and I can see why.
Medford, Oregon, offers a rich and diverse culinary landscape that blends innovation with tradition. Whether you’re craving fresh farm-to-table eats, a decadent brunch, handcrafted cocktails, or a glass of local wine with a spectacular view, Medford’s culinary scene offers something for every kind of foodie.
These standout dining experiences showcase the best of Southern Oregon’s food and wine scene, making Medford a must-visit destination for discerning palates. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and can’t wait to go back and explore more of what Medford has to offer.