Savor Global Flavors Around Grants Pass

A couple is dining at Cultured Palate, sitting across from each other, in the background there are teal and yellow shelves full of bottles of wine.

Over the years, Grants Pass has blossomed into a Southern Oregon foodie destination, presenting a wide array of international fare. Whether you’re hankering for sushi, pad thai, or tandoori chicken, you’ll discover dozens of locally-owned restaurants offering food from the old country. Take a culinary tour around the world without leaving Grants Pass city limits and plan to dine at some of these mouth-watering eateries.

Japanese: Musashi

Sushi isn’t the only fresh thing you’ll find here, Musashi has also got some fresh digs. After relocating to the heart of the Historic District, the locally-owned and operated Japanese restaurant has found its new home on H Street and is better than ever. Since opening its doors in 1999, this O.G. sushi bar was the first in Grants Pass and remains a local favorite. Here, guests will find creative specialty rolls, Japanese noodle soups, & teriyaki BBQ along with daily specials. With some of the freshest fish  in Southern Oregon, catch one of their rare specialty offerings like toro, blue fin, and urchin, or go for a tried and true JD roll. Whether you’re sharing a booth with a date or flying solo at the bar , Musashi’s ambience is hip and casual with vibrant murals and pachinko games adding a splash of color to the walls. Dine with them Tues- Sat for dinner.


 

Indian: Taste of India

If you’re craving ethnic food, you’re in for a treat. Taste of India is a locally owned Indian/ Pakistani restaurant  tucked away in a strip mall on the North end of town. So many pass by it and don’t know it’s here! However, as one of the most authentic Indian restaurants in the valley, its not to be missed. Known for their curries and tandoori, you’ll find classics like lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka marsala, and saag paneer. Not only that, but they have one of the largest vegetarian and vegan menus in town. If you have a sweet tooth, try their mango lassi! Visit them lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday.


 

Vietnamese: Saigon Xich Lo

If you’re in the mood for pho or a banh mi sandwich- you’ve stumbled upon the right place. Owners Kim and Yung love sharing authentic Vietnamese cuisine with the community- to the point that they will greet you at your table and give you tips on the best way to devour it! SaigonXich Lo has a intimate cafe feel, where you order at the window and then choose to sit indoors or at a table outside. While there, try their fresh salad rolls, flavorful pho (pronounced Fa), coconut chicken curry, or combo meals.


 

Cuban: A Cultured Palate

Located in the heart of downtown Grants Pass, A Cultured Palate focuses on family recipes and homestyle Cuban flavors made with organic and natural ingredients. Their authentic cuban fare is served in a casual and vibrant atmosphere nestled amongst boutiques and specialty shops on 6th street. As a popular place for date nights, you’ll find their cuban cocktails and Spanish wine to-die-for, including mojitos, homemade sangria, and decadent daiquiris. When it is time to dine, their classic Cubano is perfect for lunch, while their sauce sampler with tostones and bread paired with their Completa Cubana Plate leaves plenty to share with a friend. Don’t leave without trying owner, Angela Padilla’s famous cheesecakes!


 

Mexican: Taqueria El Charro Viejo

With dozens of great Mexican food options in Grants Pass, it can be hard to choose where to go. From incredible food trucks like Tacos Don Goya, lunch joints like Lupitas, family-style restaurants like Casa Amiga, or Mexican brunch at Frida’s Cantina, the options can be overwhelming. While not downtown, El Charro Viejo off of Allen Creek Road serves up some of the best chili Rellano, mahi ceviche, and carne asada around. Don’t leave without trying one of their margaritas! While many restaurants close Sunday or Mondays, this is one of the few spots that serves lunch and dinner 7/days a week.


 

Thai: Ban Mai

Whether you like spicy food or just enjoy the colorful flavors of Thailand, Ban Mai offers some of the most authentic Thai food in the Southern Oregon region. Made with the finest and freshest ingredients, all of their sauces are made from scratch, and most meals can be prepped dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian. You can also customize your meal to your desired spice level. Regardless if you’re vegan, pescatarian, or a meat eater, you’ll find options for the whole family here. For a healthy meal, try their papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, or ribeye salad. If you’re craving soup, order their coconut and chicken based Tom Kah. Their pad thai, drunken noodle, or their panang and pumpkin curries are also perfect for lunch or dinner. Find them at the top of 7th street near I-5 Thursday-Monday for lunch and dinner.


 

Hawaiian: Mayjah Flayvah Food Truck

For a town of only 40,000 people, you might be surprised to hear that Grants Pass has a thriving Hawaiian scene. From family-style restaurants to the local hula school, you’ll meet your ohana here.

Picture Courtesy of Mayjah Flayvah

While the town offers amazing brick-and-mortar restaurants like Orchid Grill and 808 Ohana Grindz, for those looking for something quick and delicious, Mayjah Flayvah Food Truck on Redwood Avenue lives up to their name. Here, you’ll find rotating grindz like poke bowls, kalbi ribs, kalua pork, Hawaiian mac, garlic chicken, and spam musubi. They are only currently open for lunch Wednesday-Friday. Make sure to add it to your Grants Pass foodie bucket-list.


 

Columbian/Cuban Fusion: House of Glory

Last but certainly not least, it wouldn’t be a trip to Grants Pass without a stop at House of Glory on Historic G Street. Manny and Zach Velazquez, the husband and wife team behind House of Glory love sharing their Columbian and Cuban cultures with their patrons. While they might be better known as a dessert destination, with specialties like Italian gelato, pavlovas, house-made cakes, passionfruit mousse, and their legendary Bubble Waffles— their savory menu always hits the spot. Try their scratch-made chorizo and Cuban pulled-pork empanadas or one of their pressed croissant sandwiches, which are made from only locally sourced ingredients. Pair your meal with one of their Spanish or Italian style espresso drinks, including the Bom Bon, Colada, Cortadito, or order their delectable Affogota- an espresso shot poured over a single scoop of gelato.


 

Interested in learning more about the Grants Pass food scene? Check out our recent blog about local food trucks!