Wild Rye

Bend, Oregon’s Best New Restaurants: Spring 2025 | Eater Portland

"About 20 minutes outside of Bend, Wild Rye sits atop the hill at Brasada Ranch Resort with a refined dining experience and an immaculate view of sunsets over the cascades. Chef Karl Holl takes inspiration from the surrounding high desert. His signature juniper braised lamb over rye berry risotto perfectly reflects the desert. He starts by crushing whole juniper branches with garlic, shallots, bay leaf, and other aromatics, which is rubbed into a cut of loin and shoulder to cure. Many dishes are torched or charred (rather than barbecued). Don’t miss the sumptuous smokey rolls topped with a pile of juniper salt. Holl’s creativity shines in the roasted beets and smoked yogurt with seasonal citrus, basil, lime leaf, and pistachio rose rubble that’s best eaten when mixed and distributed throughout the salad. Popular, too, is the Fifty-Dollar Burger that earns its price tag as it includes fois gras and is sprinkled with edible gold dust." - Barb Gonzalez