Blissful Spoon’s owners Miki and Kamal Bekkari are excited about their win for “Best Gluten-Free Menu” this year.
“We’d like to thank our community from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to vote for us as the best gluten-free menu in Central Oregon,” the couple said.
Located in downtown Bend, Blissful Spoon first started as a farmers market stand popular for its gluten-free baked goods and granolas. As a restaurant, the European-style bistro offers a broader menu, including waffles, quiche and chakchouka (a spicy egg and tomato dish). The menu features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Co-owner Miki Bekkari says that the restaurant’s bestsellers are the gluten-free waffles. There are seven varieties, from sweet to savory. Many dishes can also accommodate vegetarians and vegans.
“Our mantra has always been that everyone deserves good food no matter what,” Bekkari said.
Blissful Spoon features a large display case filled with fresh baked goods. Besides waffles, the Twisted Lemon and Blueberry Crumble cakes are bestsellers, Bekkari said. Granolas and cafe drinks are available for purchase at the front counter.
Blissful Spoon’s gluten-free items come from dedicated gluten-free kitchen equipment and ovens. “That means that any folks dealing with Celiac disease never have to worry about cross-contamination,” Bekkari said. In addition to offering allergy-sensitive foods, it is also one of the only places to take breakfast reservations in Bend, which comes in very handy on busy holidays like Mother’s Day or Easter.
Blissful Spoon also operates Papillon, a Moroccan dinner restaurant, and Cellar 65, a basement speakeasy, from the same location.
Runner up: Active Culture
Blissful Spoon
Daily 9am-2:30pm
65 NW Newport Ave., Bend
blissfulspoon.com
This article appears in Best of Central Oregon 2025 and the Source August 21, 2025.
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