Must-see restaurants in Washington

  • Rumba

    Seattle

    With its bright turquoise seating booths and sunny interior, Rumba exhibits a breezy Caribbean vibe. Indeed, you might just think you’ve died and gone to…

  • Voila!

    The CD, Madrona & Madison Park

    This cozy Gallic bistro has an old French flag in the window that looks like it got left behind by some romantic revolutionaries. Half the deal here is in…

  • Rose's Bakery & Cafe

    San Juan Islands

    Go where the locals go for fresh baked goods and French-influenced dishes like baked eggs with Gruyère, pain perdu (French toast) or a thick slab of…

  • Bimbo’s Cantina

    Seattle

    Bimbo’s slings fat burritos, overstuffed tacos and juicy quesadillas until midnight. The space is bordello kitsch with velvet matador portraits, oil…

  • 42nd Street Cafe

    Washington Coast

    The menu is small, but there's something for everyone here, from great burgers to grilled salmon and bouillabaisse. Classy country-style decor, an…

  • Bayou on Bay

    Bellingham

    A Bellingham favorite, especially when the sun comes out and the dining area spills out onto the sidewalk. Start with breaded okra or hushpuppies (savory…

  • Caffè Torino

    Queen Anne & Lake Union

    Those in the know have Turin (Torino) pegged as a temple of good food and coffee, which is why you may want to decamp here for a Lavazza cappuccino, a…

  • Gracia

    Ballard & Discovery Park

    Gracia may have the sleek sheen of a modern restaurant, but its food is totally unpretentious. You can get Mexican entree favorites like carne asada …

  • Little Conejo

    Washington Coast

    This bright and airy corner restaurant serves street tacos with intensely flavorful fillings, like choriqueso (chorizo and cheese), lengua (beef tongue)…

  • 5 Spot

    Queen Anne & Lake Union

    Top of the hill, top of the morning and top of the brunch charts: the queues outside 5 Spot at 10am on a Sunday are a testament to its popularity. The…

  • Mee Sum Pastry

    Downtown, Pike Place & Waterfront

    This little storefront window is famed for its giant hum bao – eminently portable meat- or vegetable-filled steamed buns that make a great snack or small…

  • Green Leaf

    Pioneer Square, International District & SoDo

    Popular Green Leaf, located in Chinatown, shoots out rapid-fire dishes from its tiny kitchen that abuts a dining room not much wider than a railway…

  • Mighty-O Donuts

    Seattle

    If you have a hankering for something sweet and glazed, get yourself some vegan donuts from this light-filled cafe in 'Tangletown' on the cusp of Green…

  • Biscuit Bitch

    Pioneer Square, International District & SoDo

    Biscuit Bitch proudly bills itself as trailer-park cuisine, which will only be off-putting to those who haven't experienced the nirvana of tucking into an…

  • Intermezzo Carmine

    Pioneer Square, International District & SoDo

    Lights that twinkle when they catch your eye, comfy bar seating, high-end furnishings and, of course, delicious pasta give Intermezzo Carmine a plush, New…

  • Manolin

    Seattle

    Sit at the horseshoe-shaped counter for a theatrical food experience, as quality seafood is cooked in an Argentinian-style stove stoked with applewood…

  • Portage Bay Cafe

    Ballard & Discovery Park

    This bright, cheery location of the popular local cafe chain serves an extensive brunch menu made with mostly organic, sustainable ingredients. It's known…

  • Main Market Co-op

    Spokane

    Spokane's organic grocery co-op is also a great place to get a healthy meal on a budget. The menu changes weekly, but there are always hearty soups (meat…

  • Pintxo

    Belltown & Seattle Center

    Say the word Basque and you might as well be saying ‘gourmet’ – the Spanish autonomous region has collected a constellation of Michelin stars. Pintxos are…

  • Itto's

    Seattle

    Settle in at this tiny and well-decorated restaurant and get ready to taste plate after plate of authentic Mediterranean and North African food, such as…

  • Osteria La Spiga

    Seattle

    La Spiga describes itself as 'Emilia-Romagna,' specializing in the food of the Bologna and Parma region – arguably Italy's finest. The food – tagliatelle…

  • Graham's

    North Cascades

    Here's your perfect modern-day Western saloon, with a clunky piano at the back, Willie Nelson on the stereo and rusty tools on the walls. The old…

  • Lime Kiln Cafe

    San Juan Islands

    Perched on the end of the Roche Harbor marina wharf, this simple but pleasurable establishment serves up mouthwatering American breakfasts that feature…

  • Cafe Soleil

    The CD, Madrona & Madison Park

    Surprise! It looks like an American diner and serves a hearty American brunch, but Cafe Soleil's real specialty is Ethiopian food – it's like a becalmed…

  • Kitchen

    San Juan Islands

    Given that the food here is only vaguely Asian and the service slow, this cafe's tagline of 'Fast Asian' deserves a giggle. The food, however – from…

  • Citizen Coffee

    Queen Anne & Lake Union

    Citizen serves breakfast until 4pm and it's a good one. There are plenty of options at this popular red-brick joint near the Space Needle, where you can…

  • Graze

    Southeastern Washington

    Amazing sandwiches are packed for your picnic or (if you can get a table) eaten in at this simple cafe. Try the turkey-and-pear panini with provolone and…

  • Shelter Lounge

    Seattle

    Shelter's wood and glass facade is pleasingly modern, while also calling back to the days of '60s-cocktail-bar cool. Inside you'll find serene views of…

  • Dough Zone

    Pioneer Square, International District & SoDo

    The gooey soup dumplings at this bright and modern restaurant are quite literally bursting with flavor. They've become a bit of a local sensation – visit…

  • Mountain Goat Coffee

    Washington Cascades

    While cops eat doughnuts, park rangers seem to prefer muffins. Stop in at this cozy morning spot for the best coffee in town (they roast their own beans),…

  • Pam's Kitchen

    Seattle

    The ultra-spicy and ultra-delicious food at Pam's hails from the Caribbean island of Trinidad and will have metaphoric flames coming out of your ears in…

  • TMACS

    Southeastern Washington

    Contemporary TMACS (aka T-Maccarones) with its Italian inflections is guaranteed to reignite your tired palate after a tough day in the wine-tasting rooms…

  • Brunswick & Hunt

    Ballard & Discovery Park

    Brunswick & Hunt is synonymous with one thing: its incredible fried chicken, smothered in Dijon mustard cream and served on a soft bed of mashed potatoes…

  • Cafe Demeter

    San Juan Islands

    A local's secret for the best and most affordable sandwiches to take out for a picnic – think perfect fresh bread, aioli mustard and plenty of fillings…

  • Old Town Cafe

    Bellingham

    Very popular for its casual, artsy atmosphere, this bohemian breakfast joint cooks up tasty dishes such as custom omelets, egg tortillas and whole-wheat…

  • Doc's Marina Grill

    Olympic Peninsula

    With a great location by Port Townsend's marina, Doc's offers something for everyone. There are burgers, sandwiches, fish-and-chips, various salads,…

  • Oddfellows Cafe

    Seattle

    You can expect a wait for brunch at Oddfellows Cafe, but when you finally do sit down to your smorgasbord of flaky biscuits, fluffy eggs and well-dressed…

  • Cougar Grill

    Washington Cascades

    Before or after your hike, load up with a green-chili Cougar Burger or a slab of chicken-fried steak smothered in gravy at this divey little roadside cafe…

  • Café Flora

    The CD, Madrona & Madison Park

    A longtime favorite for vegan and vegetarian food, Flora has a garden-like feel and a creative menu, with dinner treats like fried avocado, yam fries, a…

  • Hardware Store

    Around Seattle

    Occupying a historic building oozing '50s Americana charm, Hardware Store's menu aims for 'upscale diner favorites' and knocks it out of the park. Many…