In a significant affirmation of Oregon’s dynamic culinary landscape, two of the state’s distinctive restaurants, Yardy Rum Bar in Eugene and The Paper Bridge in Portland, have been celebrated on The New York Times’ prestigious annual “The Restaurant List 2025,” recognizing the 50 best restaurants across the United States. The announcement, made on September 9, 2025, places these Oregon establishments among the nation’s elite dining destinations, highlighting their unique culinary visions and execution.
Yardy Rum Bar: A Taste of the Caribbean Rooted in the Pacific Northwest
Yardy Rum Bar, a vibrant Caribbean restaurant and rum bar located in Eugene, has earned a spot on the esteemed list for its innovative approach to West Indian cuisine, artfully integrating seasonal ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Chef and co-owner Isaiah Martinez, whose heritage includes Puerto Rican and Grenadian roots, crafts dishes that are both authentic and inspired by his surroundings. The restaurant, which transitioned from a successful food truck to a brick-and-mortar location in February 2024, is lauded for offerings such as “doubles,” curried chickpeas served on fried flatbread, and the “Jibarito No. 2,” featuring griyo pork nestled between twice-fried plantains. Martinez’s culinary skill has also been recognized with a James Beard Award nomination as a semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific in January 2025, underscoring his impact on the regional food scene.
The Paper Bridge: Northern Vietnamese Authenticity in Portland
Joining Yardy Rum Bar on The New York Times’ list is The Paper Bridge, a Northern Vietnamese restaurant in Portland celebrated for its dedication to house-made rice noodles and meticulously crafted chili sauces. Co-chefs and co-owners Quynh Nguyen, who hails from Hanoi, and Carlo Reinardy, opened their doors in November 2023, aiming to introduce diners to the less commonly explored flavors of Northern Vietnam. The restaurant’s menu features traditional dishes such as phở chiên phồng (fried rice noodles with a light gravy) and Vân Đình-style grilled duck, offering a deep dive into Vietnamese culinary heritage. The Paper Bridge is noted for its detailed annotations on the culinary and cultural history of each dish, providing an educational as well as gastronomic experience.
The New York Times’ Annual Accolades: A Mark of Culinary Excellence
The New York Times’ “The Restaurant List” is compiled annually by a team of reporters and editors who travel extensively, sampling more than 200 meals across numerous states to identify the nation’s top dining establishments. The list recognizes restaurants that demonstrate not only delicious food and mastery of craft but also a generosity of spirit and a singular point of view. For 2025, the list spans 28 states and the District of Columbia, with California leading the representation with six restaurants. This recognition is a significant achievement, drawing national attention to the featured establishments and their contributions to the culinary arts.
Oregon’s Flourishing Culinary Scene
These accolades for Yardy Rum Bar and The Paper Bridge arrive at a time when Oregon’s food scene is increasingly recognized on a national level. With a strong emphasis on hyper-local sourcing and a growing embrace of global fusion, Oregon’s chefs and restaurants are pushing creative boundaries. The inclusion of these two distinct establishments on The New York Times’ list signifies the depth and diversity of culinary talent thriving in Oregon, from Eugene’s innovative Caribbean fare to Portland’s nuanced Northern Vietnamese offerings. The recognition also aligns with broader culinary trends, such as the appreciation for authentic, culturally rich dining experiences.
A Milestone for Oregon’s Restaurants
The presence of Yardy Rum Bar and The Paper Bridge on The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants list marks a significant milestone, celebrating their dedication to culinary excellence and cultural storytelling. Their success not only elevates their individual profiles but also further solidifies Oregon’s reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts across the country, highlighting the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of its restaurants and bars.
