Looking for one of the best places to eat in Ashland? Fresh ingredients from local farms, Southern Oregon wines, and herb‑infused cocktails are at the heart of the refined dining experience at Larks Restaurant.
Ashland is a charming Southern Oregon town where eclectic character meets cultural sophistication: sunshine, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and a thriving community of food artisans define the scene.
Situated just north of the Oregon–California border, Ashland diners enjoy easy access to creameries, produce farms, ranches, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other local food producers. Fresh seafood from the coast is available within reach as well. With so many excellent options, it helps to have a standout recommendation.
Enter Larks Restaurant. Located inside the historic Ashland Springs Hotel, Larks showcases the region’s bounty with creative preparations, elegant presentation, and a strong sense of place.
Larks Restaurant
Larks operates two locations: one in downtown Ashland and another a few miles north in Medford. During a recent Travel Oregon press trip, I dined at the Ashland venue, conveniently located on Main Street within walking distance of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, local shops, and Lithia Park.
Executive Chef Damon Jones focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Here are several standout dishes we sampled during the visit.
The beet salad ($13) was a bright, elegant starter: bay‑roasted beets topped with beet‑green pistachio pesto, lemon‑charcoal chevre dust, and fresh sorrels. It balanced earthiness and acidity beautifully.
My favorite starter was the Fried Green Tomatoes ($11). Crispy and well‑seasoned, they arrived with smoked corn aioli and tender pea shoots—comforting, crunchy, and full of flavor.
The White Wine & Garlic Steamed Mussels ($16) were served with pommes frites, fennel‑pollen aioli, and crusty baguette slices for sopping up the savory broth—a classic, well‑executed dish.
Larks also features daily specials that highlight seasonal produce and local proteins, changing with availability and inspiration from the kitchen.
One special starter featured prawns with chickpeas and fresh greens—vibrant, balanced, and full of texture.
The fish special was exceptional, plated over a bed of heirloom summer squash and accompanied by dressed pea shoots. The preparation let the fish shine while celebrating seasonal produce.
For my main course I chose the duck breast special. It came with mashed sweet potatoes and roasted carrots—rich, tender, and expertly paired with complementary sides.
Dine at Larks Restaurant – Ashland
Larks offers a refined dining experience without being overly formal—you can dress up for an evening out or arrive more casually. Many guests head to the theater after dinner, so you’ll often see theater‑ready attire. The bar features craft cocktails and a thoughtful wine list focused on Southern Oregon producers.
Ashland Springs Hotel
212 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
541.488.5558
HOURS
BRUNCH Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 2:00pm
LUNCH Daily 11:30am – 2:00pm
SUPPER Sunday – Thursday 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Friday & Saturday 5:00pm – 9:00pm
BAR 5:00pm to closing
Which dish would you like to try?
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