There is much to be excited about here if you enjoy eating food. Click through for more information or to write a reader-review.
⢠PINTO THAI BISTRO & SUSHI BAR on Capitol Hill: Super Dave Nakamura is the sushi chef in the sleeked-up former Ali Baba space on Broadway, and he really is super. If Pintoâs owners let Super Dave do his thingâcreate greatness with the highest quality fish (never mind the goofy, saucy rolls on the menu)âthis is gonna be excellent. For best results, order omakase (chefâs choice).
⢠STAPLE & FANCY MERCANTILE in Ballard: Ethan Stowellâs Anchovies & Olives was just named one of Bon Appetitâs 10 best new restaurants in the country. A&Oâs been open for a year and a half. People hereabouts are more excited about S&F, which (besides being actually new) looks less ground-floor-condo slick, more all-around great.
⢠THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER in Ballard: Renee Erickson of the lovely Boat Street CafÊ runs this pub-like Ballard oyster bar, the first victim of the ampersand shortage, located adjoining Staple & Fancy. The Walrus also serves locally harvested clams and mussels, house-smoked fish, frites, and specialty meats, all very likely very tasty.
⢠LA BĂTE on Capitol Hill: The former Chez Gaudy spaceâa beautiful 1927 brick building tucked away on Bellevue Avenueâgets a renovation and what looks to be a very worthy tenant with La BĂŞte. The pretty beastâs Northwest-ingredient-focused cuisine is made by Aleks Dimitrijevic (a.k.a. âThe Vapor,â with experience at Bouley, Harvest Vine, and Licorous) and Tyler Moritz (âThe Beastmaster,â of Earth and Ocean, Lark, and Union).
⢠WHERE YA AT MATT around town: New Orleans native Matthew Lewis brings his home cooking (po-boys, muffulettas, beignets, etc.) to the streets in a food truck he considers the âhippestâ and âhottestâ in Seattle. Early reports say the food is really good.
⢠SEATOWN SNACKBAR downtown: Tom Douglasâas known as T-Doug, local culinary kingpinâdoes it again with Seatown Snackbar, which serves âsophisticated snacks,â âCrab, Crab, Crab,â sandwiches, and seasonal stuff from nearby Pike Place Market. Seatown Snackbar To Go is next door, and both are next door to Douglasâ Ettaâs. Coming soon: T-Doug world domination.
⢠ON THE FLY in South Lake Union: On the Fly is the take-out adjunct to Christine Keffâs longtime seafood favorite Flying Fish.
⢠BERNUâS FINE INDIAN CUISINE in Ravenna: According to tipster Marguerite, Bernuâs Indian Restaurant serves âthe best Indian foodâ and âis an asset to the city of Seattle.â
⢠THE STATION on Beacon Hill: Owner Luis Rodriguez is extra-proud of the mocha Mexicano at his new cafe. Also: pastries by Makari Catering.
⢠3.14 BAKERY in White Center: Located in a former kickboxing studio, 3.14 Bakery serves as many baked goods as there are digits in pi. Try a buttonâtheir take on the muffin top, served without the connotation.
⢠CASA PATRON in Ravenna ⢠THE ICEBOX on Queen Anne (reopened) ⢠KING FALAFEL GRILL in Greenwood (reopened) ⢠PHO AROMA in West Seattle ⢠PHO BIG BOWL in Ballard ⢠ZPIZZA on Capitol Hill
NEW BRANCHES OF EXISTING PLACES: EL CAMION in Ballard ⢠JIMMY JOHNâS on First Hill ⢠GRAND CENTRAL BAKING COMPANY in Burien ⢠MR. GYROS in Ballard ⢠RANCHO BRAVO in Greenwood ⢠STEAMERS SEAFOOD CAFE in Kirkland
NOW CLOSED: FIGHTING COCK ROASTER in Interbay ⢠I LOVE WASABI and PHO 900 on Capitol Hill ⢠NOODLE KING in the ID
Assembled with the valiant assistance of most excellent Chow intern Matthew Bathan.