Discover Exquisite Dining at Larks Restaurant: A Culinary Gem in Ashland, Oregon
Are you searching for the most exceptional places to eat in Ashland, Oregon? Look no further than Larks Restaurant, where fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, Southern Oregon wines, and innovative cocktails converge to create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Ashland, Oregon, is a charming town that beautifully blends diverse influences – from its vibrant arts scene to its thriving business community, from its laid-back atmosphere to its sophisticated offerings. This sunny haven is renowned for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and a rapidly expanding community of talented food artisans.
Nestled just north of the Oregon-California border, Ashland offers diners an abundance of fresh, local ingredients. Within a short drive, you’ll find artisan creameries, bountiful produce farms, family-owned ranches, award-winning wineries, craft breweries, artisan distilleries, and a wealth of culinary artisans. Fresh seafood from the Pacific coast is also readily available. With so many dining options in Ashland, choosing the perfect spot can be a challenge.
Enter Larks Restaurant, an elegant establishment located within the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. Larks elevates the region’s finest ingredients with sophisticated style, artful presentation, and culinary creativity, offering a dining experience unlike any other.
Larks Restaurant: A Culinary Destination
It’s important to note that there are two locations for Larks Restaurant: the original location in Ashland and another a short drive north in Medford. Both offer the same commitment to quality and locally-sourced ingredients.
The Ashland location is ideally situated on Main Street, a short walk from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, unique shops, and the serene Lithia Springs Park. This makes Larks the perfect spot for a pre-theater dinner or a relaxing meal after exploring the town’s attractions.
Prepare to be impressed by the culinary creations of Executive Chef Damon Jones, who masterfully crafts dishes that showcase the best of Southern Oregon’s bounty. Below is a sampling of the exquisite dishes you can expect to find on the menu.
A Culinary Journey: Exploring the Menu at Larks Restaurant
Larks Restaurant’s menu is a celebration of Southern Oregon’s diverse agricultural landscape. From farm-fresh produce to locally-raised meats and poultry, each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. The chefs at Larks are committed to sustainability and work closely with local farmers and producers to source the highest quality ingredients possible.
The beet salad, priced at $13, is a visually stunning and flavorful starter. Featuring bay-roasted beets, a vibrant beet-green pistachio pesto, delicate lemon charcoal chevre dust, and fresh sorrels, this salad is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the beets is perfectly balanced by the earthy pesto and the tangy chevre dust, creating a truly memorable dish. It’s a fresh, bright salad that you’ll want to savor again and again!
Another standout starter is the Fried Green Tomatoes, priced at $11. These perfectly coated and crispy tomatoes are served with a smoky corn aioli and delicate pea shoots. The combination of the crispy tomatoes, the creamy aioli, and the fresh pea shoots creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Larks Restaurant.
Seafood lovers will delight in the White Wine & Garlic Steamed Mussels, priced at $16. These plump and juicy mussels are steamed in a fragrant broth of white wine, garlic, and herbs, and served with crispy pommes frites, fennel pollen aioli, and crusty baguette slices. The broth is perfect for dipping the bread, and the pommes frites add a satisfying crunch to the dish. This is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for sharing.
In addition to the regular menu, Larks Restaurant also offers a selection of daily specials, including both starter and main entree options. These specials are a great way to experience the chef’s creativity and sample some of the freshest seasonal ingredients.
One memorable starter special featured succulent prawns paired with tender chickpeas and fresh greens. This dish was not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor, showcasing the chef’s ability to create harmonious combinations of ingredients.
The fish special was truly exceptional! Served atop a bed of fresh squash and accompanied by dressed pea shoots, the fish was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The combination of textures and flavors was a delight to the senses, making this a truly unforgettable dish.
For a main entree, consider the duck breast special. This dish features perfectly cooked duck breast served with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and roasted carrots. The duck is tender and flavorful, and the sweet potatoes and carrots provide a perfect complement to the richness of the meat. This is a satisfying and delicious dish that is sure to impress.
Dine at Larks Restaurant – Ashland: An Unforgettable Experience
Larks Restaurant offers fine dining at its best in Ashland, Oregon. While the atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, the dress code is relaxed and casual. You’ll find that many diners are dressed to attend the theater after dinner, but comfortable attire is also perfectly acceptable. After all, this is still Oregon!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious and memorable meal, Larks Restaurant is the perfect choice. The attentive service, the elegant ambiance, and the exquisite cuisine will create an unforgettable dining experience.
Address:
Ashland Springs Hotel
212 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone:
541.488.5558
Hours:
BRUNCH Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 2:00pm
LUNCH Daily: 11:30-2:00pm
SUPPER Sunday – Thursday 5:00pm – 8:00pm; Friday & Saturday 5:00pm – 9:00pm
BAR 5:00pm to closing
Which dish would you be most excited to order from Larks Restaurant?
Explore More of Southern Oregon: Travel Ideas Beyond Ashland
Southern Oregon is a region rich in natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary delights. If you’re planning a trip to Ashland, be sure to explore some of the other hidden gems in the area.
Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites offers comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities for travelers exploring the area.
Abacela Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers. Located in nearby Roseburg, Abacela is known for its exceptional wines and beautiful vineyard setting.
Explore Jacksonville, Oregon, a charming historic town with unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. Experience the history and beauty of this hidden gem in Southern Oregon.