Dear Irene — Restaurant in Bend

If you’re in Bend, Oregon and haven’t yet dined at "Dear Irene", you're missing out on an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. This place should be at the very top of everyone’s list. Having dined at Michelin-starred establishments, I can confidently say that "Dear Irene" surpasses even the best of them. It’s rare to find a restaurant where every element is flawlessly executed, but this place nails it—every single time.

From the moment we walked in late Thursday night, we were swept away by the ambiance. The attention to detail in the decor is something you don't often see. Every piece of artwork, every element of the interior design, felt carefully curated to create an atmosphere that was both welcoming and sophisticated—a vibe that perfectly set the stage for the night ahead.

The service was impeccable, starting with the bartender, who was not just a master of his craft but also a genuine connector. He took the time to understand our preferences and crafted drinks that were not only delicious but perfectly tailored to our tastes. It felt like he was creating a personalized experience just for us, which made the evening all the more memorable. It’s this kind of thoughtful service that makes you feel less like a customer and more like a welcomed guest in someone’s home.

And then, of course, there's the food. Oh, the food! Each dish was a revelation, a perfect balance of flavors that left us speechless. From the appetizers to the main courses, and right down to the desserts, every bite was a reminder of why we love food in the first place. It wasn’t just about eating; it was about experiencing something memorable. The dishes were creative and innovative, yet they had a comforting familiarity that made you feel at home. It's no wonder that even professional chefs are raving about this place in their reviews—you can taste the passion and expertise in every bite. The M's bakery sourdough and kalamata olive butter was hands down the best bread I've ever had. We also had the King Salmon Tostada, Japanese Hamachi Crudo, Heirloom Tomato/Peach/Buratta and Short Ribs which were all to die for. If we had more room, we would have ordered everything off the menu!

We were fortunate enough to have a chance to chat with Chef Jonny at the end of the night, and what a delight that was. He's not just a chef; he's an artist, a true master of his craft. His dedication to his art and his humble, welcoming nature made the experience all the more special. If there’s anyone who deserves recognition, it’s Chef Jonny—happy birthday to a truly talented individual!

If I could, I’d eat here every day. It’s rare to find a place where every single detail—from the ambiance to the service, to the food—is handled with such care and precision. "Dear Irene" isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, one that leaves a lasting impression and makes you want to return again and again.

Michelin or James Beard needs to add this gem to their map because "Dear Irene" is a cut above the rest. For those seeking the pinnacle of dining in Bend, Oregon, this is it. Trust me; there’s no other restaurant that even remotely...

In the interest of full disclosure, my Wife is a private Chef, and I am spoiled; Going out to eat, for me, is always a sacrifice. That being said, prodigy Chef Wife aside, Dear Irene was 9/10.

First off, the food was absolutely perfect. Second, the wait staff was on-point. Third, the atmosphere was great. And, last but not least, the drinks were excellent.

We had no reservation… We tried but they were completely booked… We drove there instead, hoping to get a seat at the bar, but we actually got a table outside! Exactly what we wanted.

For our starter, we had the Chorizo Prawns and it was spectacular. A high-class first impression.

We sat outside, and the decor was gorgeous… We prefer to sit outside.

I had the short ribs, and I savored them until the last drop. Every bite was “pure”.

For drinks we had the Dear Irene, the Comfortably Numb, and the Al Pastor Mezcalita.

To be fair, the drink menu was a bit confusing for me, since I do not normally drink… You may want to study it before you go, if you are a non-drinker, just so that you are not “shooting in the dark” like I was… Every drink we had was delicious, though. Not a bad sip at all.

For dessert, I had the chocolate and cheese… Now honestly, with the cheese, it was a bit savory, so do not think “chocolavacake”… If you like a coffee and something simple to end your meal, this was an amazing choice. I was actually surprised. I thought to myself “Every bite or sip from beginning to end was perfectly thought out and matched. The entire experience was a complete work of art.” #seriously

In my opinion, there is no possible way that you could be disappointed if you go to Dear Irene.

I thought that it was excellent. #9outof10

Update: Oh, man, I had to come back and add this after I added pictures...

IF you have ever ate at a great place in the big city, like SF or NY or LA, there is one thing I (personally) judge the management by, to see if they actually know what they are doing... That is the towel quality napkin hand drying basket in the restroom.

A quality place, in the "big city", will always have a beautiful clean restroom with a basket of thick, cotton-like, napkin/towels to dry your hands with. Dear Irene has that!

They actually know what they are doing, they have true class, they care, and it shows.

Why is it that all "quality" dining in Central Oregon is backwoods, investor-driven, "they clearly don't care" gross???

I do not know.

What I do know is that Dear Irene cares, and it shows.

Every "t" is crossed and every "I" is dotted.

...Down to the towels in the bathroom.

This place truly stands out, especially in the tourist-trap "we don't care" downtown of Bend Oregon.

You need to go.

Actually, EVERY Bendite needs to go, just so they can see what Downtown "could be". #truestory

Dear Irene was a perfect culinary...

I was brought here for my birthday dinner. From the moment we walked into Dear Irene, it felt like stepping into a warm hug wrapped in warm lights and cozy charm. The ambiance is vibrant with pops of gemstone colors, but what truly sets this gem apart is the incredible staff. Our server Serena was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about the menu—it felt like being hosted by old friends who just happen to be culinary experts.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Oh. My. Goodness.

Starters: The Oregon crab arancini balls were golden, crispy on the outside, with a creamy, dreamy center that oozed with the delicate sweetness of crab. The prawn dumplings were juicy, tender, and swimming in the most luscious, creamy red curry sauce. Every bite was a perfect blend of delicate seafood sweetness and rich, velvety goodness! The Calabrian style clams with bread were a standout—plump, tender, swimming in a tomato broth so good I would’ve sipped it with a straw. An indulgent delight and surprise to me was their seared foie gras. Buttery, rich, and very melt-in-your-mouth. Nestled atop a delicate, golden pancake that added just the right touch of sweetness and texture. The citrus, burrata & prosciutto salad: creamy luscious burrata surrounded by prosciutto, and vibrant citrus accompaniments that made every bite feel like a little celebration. Entrée: The seared diver scallops were seared to absolute perfection—crispy golden on the outside and buttery-soft on the inside, each bite melting like a savory dream. The braised short rib? Utterly divine. Fall-apart tender & richly flavored. The pork chop milanese was juicy and full of character and flavor - even more so with a squeeze of lemon.

Dessert: Just when we thought things couldn’t possibly get better, along came the cannoli tiramisu—the perfect (luxardo) cherry on top of an already spectacular evening. Light, fluffy, and beautifully layered. It was the dreamy finale I didn’t know I needed.

In short, Dear Irene is a delightful love letter to flavor, hospitality, and good vibes. Run—don’t walk—and prepare to...