Just as I did in 2024, I kept a list with notes of all the restaurants that I’ve eaten at (2024 first half, 2024 second half). Here’s a compilation of the memorable meals. These are not restaurant reviews. They’re just my private notes that I polished up a bit. I made a Google map of these notes that you can follow which captures favorites from this year and past years.
In my shortlist, I gave them 1-4 stars.
4 stars - This blew my mind. I feel so lucky to have experienced this. Everything about this was impressive and exceptional. I’ll be thinking about this for months.
3 stars - This was very good. I can’t wait to tell my friends about this. There were a few things that weren’t perfect, but I’m still looking forward to coming back.
2 stars - I’d look forward to stopping by if I’m passing through the area.
1 star - I liked it, but I’m not in a rush to come back.
4 stars
Mariposa Taqueria - Came here after oysters from Taylor Shellfish. Cute little town that's lucky to have this restaurant, which feels a bit like a California bungalow. Perfect PNW summer vibe. Food was exceptional, especially anything with corn. Pure focus on food, no website and barely any social media. Not cheap but the quality is on par with pricier restaurants.
Deep Sea Sugar And Salt - Still the most impressive cakes I’ve ever tasted. All the flavors feel intentional and balanced. Order ahead for pickup if you already know what you want since they often sell out, and note that one slice easily feeds two. The London Fog is incredible and remains my favorite. The Vanilla Bean Custard is simple but deeply satisfying. The Chocolate Blackout was Leah’s favorite and I liked it, though it was a bit too rich for me. The Cardamom Rose was interesting and worth trying once but not one I’d order again. They also make cupcakes.
Panda Noodle Bar - Excellent noodle spot with deeply flavorful broth and tender beef that falls apart with chopsticks. The medium spice level is perfect (i.e., it’s spicy), and the large bowl is the best value for more noodles and beef. The space is clean and simple with QR code ordering, and while it’s a little pricier than expected for the area, the quality easily justifies it. The beef stew bowl is outstanding, but also get the wontons in chili oil. Went back a second time after bouldering and it is indeed worthy of the rating. Also tried their dried noodles with the pork sauce, excellent (and I make less of a mess on my clothes).
Joule - One of the most creative restaurants in the city. Sitting by the fire outside is the move. The short rib steak is perfect—get it medium rare and share it if you can. The spicy rice cakes with crisped chorizo are excellent, and the Kalbi burger is superb. The scallop fried rice and uni noodles are solid but not must-orders. The scallion pancake with smoked roe was fun to try once. Chinese broccoli and kung pao squash weren’t worth it for me. For dessert, the pandan coconut cheesecake was great, but skip the Joule Box. If you want cake, go to Paper Cake up the street instead.
Lupo - Dark, dimly lit, and cozy. Ideal for a date night. Pizzas take a while because of the small oven, so get two for two people. It’s run by the same folks as Stevie’s Famous, and they provide a bottle of chili oil, which I loved. The chicory, hazelnut, and pear salad was good but not something I’d rush to order again. The Hot Coppa pizza was our favorite: great balance of fatty meat, spice, sweetness, and burrata. The cacio e pepe pizza was too cheesy for both Leah and me. The delicata squash special pizza was good, and we enjoyed it. Mushroom pizza was excellent, would do it again. The sourdough special ice cream was an experimental flavor: delicious and malty, served at the perfect soft ice cream temperature. The salted chocolate chip cookie and the pistachio ice cream flavors were incredible. No bad choices. No surprise, as Stevie’s Famous has incredible ice cream, too.
Revel - Same owner as Joule. Came here for my surprise group birthday dinner. The Sunday feast is a pre-fixe menu of 4 courses is a steal at $33. The menu changes monthly. Everything we had was excellent, but everyone’s favorite was that spicy Korean chicken w/ rice. Also loved the miso napa cabbage.
3 stars
Naan and Curry Issaquah - Came here with Patrick after a Raging River ride and was pleasantly surprised. Dumb name, great food. Pakistani spot with legit, authentic dishes. The naan is excellent. The achari boti chicken was incredible, and the lamb biryani was one of the better ones I’ve had, super fragrant and light. The tandoori paneer was fine but not worth getting again.
Indigo Cow - Made with milk from Hokkaido and unbelievably creamy without being overly sweet. The matcha swirl is my favorite. Skip the add-ons and always get the black waffle cone. I'd go so far as to say it's better than what I had in Hokkaido at the top shops.
Wilmott's Ghost - Located under the Spheres, which might turn off some. Was a convenient location to impress a tourist but I ended up impressing myself with the food. Pricey, but the pan pizza is excellent. The one I remember most is the sausage with preserved lemon. The entire menu looks excellent, stellar staff as well. I need to try the tiramisu.
Hey Bagel - The everything bagel with the spicy scallion schmear was excellent. The bagels have a crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior when fresh. The Fresno pepper bialy was light, slightly smoky. Avoid the line and go at odd hours. I went back recently to see if it was really worth such a high rating, and indeed it is. Tried the sea salt bagel this time. The raspberry curry w/ hot honey schmear and the chili crisp were both well done, but I still love the spicy scallion.
Tam Tam Pizza - Great outdoor seating and perfect after a ride at Galbraith. The stracciatella margherita was the standout, followed by the cherry guanciale. The mushroom pizza was a miss since the “garlicky greens” turned out to be broccoli, which threw it off (i.e., would've been better w/o).
Taylor Shellfish Farms - Perfect for a summer day after mountain biking in Galbraith. The scenic drive adds to the experience. Get the dozen oysters. I especially liked the Sumo Kumo and Fat Bastard varieties, but the Sunseeker was a standout. Avoid visiting during busy times.
Mas Cafe - Not open for dinner, which is a shame because the food’s great for the price. The tacos are the move, especially the chicken mole. The red salsa is excellent. The chicken mole burrito was just okay, and I wouldn’t get it again. The chorizo breakfast burrito was fine, maybe worth trying the veggie version next time. The mango mojito smoothie was refreshing but not sure I need all that sugar.
Larb Thai - Came here while waiting on car maintenance and was blown away. Super legit Thai food with Thai music playing and a big menu full of interesting dishes. The larb moo with sticky rice was excellent. The grilled squid (Pla Muek Yang) was perfectly cooked with a sharp, flavorful dipping sauce. Definitely a place to come back to and keep exploring the menu.
Thai Tom - Eat in person since takeout doesn’t do it justice and you get to watch the wok flames in action. Cash only. Pad Thai is always excellent, with smoky, crispy egg. Pad See Ew was just okay both times I tried it, sadly. Drunken Noodles are incredible. Swimming Rama was great even as leftovers. Basil chicken was forgettable. Spice level 4 is the sweet spot for me.
Saint Bread - Nice covered patio by the marina, set in a former motorboat repair shop. Great for breakfast meetings or slow mornings. Skip the orange miso cake, cardamom knot, and beef kare. The cardamom croissant and school bun are the move, especially the pineapple school bun which was fantastic. The canelé was solid, and the chocolate chip cookie was excellent (always get one). The gochudoodle cookie is slightly spicy, nicely savory and sweet, with crunchy seeds. The burger sounded better than it tasted, a little heavy on the sweet mayo. They also accept InKind payments if you want a small discount.
La Marea - Incredible tostadas, though pricey at around $17 each and the food takes a while to come out, so plan for that. The Ahi Tuna with XO sauce and salsa macha was my favorite, followed by the Cured Hamachi with smoked albacore and habanero. The Aguachile de Callo with scallops, passionfruit, and aji amarillo was excellent, though I wished for an extra plain tostada since two wasn’t enough. They were sold out of chips, which I’ll have to try next time because the salsas are phenomenal. They do $10 tostadas on Thursdays, so I’ll definitely be back. Skip the oysters.
Olympia Coffee Roasting - Beautiful interior and usually easy to find a seat even when it’s busy. They have a small but solid pastry selection, including a chocolate chip cookie made in a muffin tin which was great. The Wi-Fi is not reliable depending where you sit , and the password is “sweetheart” in all lowercase. Good for hanging out or getting a bit of work done.
FY Malatang - Everything here is super fresh, and the $16-per-pound pricing feels fair for the quality. You grab a big bowl and fill it with whatever looks good—meats, vegetables, mushrooms, noodles—and the spread is restocked often. It’s easy to go overboard; mine came out to 1.6 pounds. After weighing your bowl, you pick a soup base. The spicy beef bone broth was rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cold day. There’s a great sauce bar to mix your own dipping sauces while you wait. I’d skip the marinated chicken next time, but everything else was excellent. Save your receipt for a free mini Häagen-Dazs at the end.
Ciudad - Came here after climbing and it’s best with more than two people so you can try a bit of everything. The space is small but airy, with an open industrial feel and a big skylight overhead. Started with the flatbreads and dips. The flatbreads were just okay, but the baba ghanoush was incredible and worth getting on its own next time. The brussels sprouts were skippable, while the beets with yogurt and pistachios were good, and the chicory salad with delicata squash was amazing and big enough to share. From the grill, both the chicken and pork collar were excellent. The side sauces (burnt honey, harissa, and mojo rojo) were all great, but the mojo rojo is the one to always order. Take the leftovers of the sauce home.
2 stars
Good Luck Bread - Another non-restaurant. Every Saturday afternoon, you can pick up the best frozen pizza you’ve ever tasted. The pro move is to grab a pizza or two, drive over to Deep Sea Sugar for desert and have an easy and spectacular dinner at home. Follow on Instagram to be notified about interesting new toppings.
Indian-Nepali Kitchen - Located on Aurora, so not the nicest area. Did a big group dinner at their new location. It's not as great as before, but the standouts are still the naan, tandoori chicken momos, potatoes and mustard greens, and the sadheko chicken. I've tried nearly everything on the menu at this point.
Miss Pho - Came on a cold Sunday evening and had about a 15-minute wait, so write your name on the list when you arrive. The Phở Sa Tế was superbly flavorful with high-quality cuts of meat. I got spice level 4 out of 5 and will go for 5 next time. The owner mentioned a secret menu with dumplings and other dishes, so it’s worth asking about on a return visit.
Ben's Bread - The blue corn cookie is still one of my all time favorite cookies. The wait is perpetually long, but if you just want a loaf you can just grab one and venmo them. I always will try whatever savory pastry they have. Given the crowds, don’t expect a warm and welcoming staff since they have to keep the line moving.
Mezzanotte - Would be as highly regarded as Spinasse if it was in a better location. Tajarin al Coltello with sage butter is excellent. The outdoor covered patio is nice, but not if you’re bothered by the sound of planes overhead. I really should get their house-made focaccia next time.
Nasai Teriyaki - Came here while getting the car serviced and was impressed. The spicy chicken and gyoza combo is excellent. The gyoza were very good, and the chicken was grilled perfectly with nice char. Paying $1 extra for spicy was worth it, with chili flecks in the sauce and a level 4 out of 5 that felt just right. On a second visit, 3 out of 5 might have been better. The chicken breast is leaner but not as flavorful or smoky.
Paseo - Super savory and juicy Caribbean roast pork sandwich. Order online to skip the line, but don’t be late picking it up. Very messy, so be prepared for sticky hands. I’d get it again but would like to try other sandwiches. Priced well, considering its popularity. Definitely needs the hot sauce. Doesn’t hold up well as takeout.
Tacos Tacalitlan - Easy parking and a convenient stop in North Burlington without straying far from the highway. The tacos are very affordable but small, classic street-taco size. Three tacos and a pork tamale made for a perfect meal. I had the adobada, chorizo, and fish, all tasty and well-seasoned. They also sell a variety of Mexican snacks, and the outdoor seating is nice for a casual stop.
La Tortuga Loca - Stopped in just before closing and got great service from a friendly waiter. The Azteca taco with steak, cactus, onions, and avocado was one of the best tacos I’ve had all year. The sope was solid, though I wouldn’t get the Al Pastor again. The mixed tostada had excellent seafood, but the tostada base itself could have been better.
Bongos - Fun, lively spot with a great casual vibe. Parking can be tricky, but it’s worth it. I’ve only ever had the West Indies plate since the citrus pork keeps selling out, but everything on the menu looks good enough to come back for and I’d like to try it all.
Many Bennies - I had the sweet cream and strawberry on a waffle cone. The cone was thin and tasty but got soggy fast. The ice cream started melting almost immediately, though the portion size was generous. The sweet cream was good but not quite on the level of Alice & Brohm in Squamish. Nice space overall and good for hanging out after bouldering.
Blackbird Bakery - If all quiches tasted like this, I'd make them once a week. Some day I'll try their other offerings.
Flora Bakehouse - A perfect neighborhood bakery that’s worth going out of your way for. The pastries are phenomenal, with plenty of savory options too. The rooftop deck is a great spot to sit, and the place has a family-friendly feel with lots of kids around.
Mexican Seoul - Tried the Al Pastor and Kalbi tacos. The pricier Gringa taco is definitely worth it since it’s packed with more filling. The salsa bar is phenomenal, super fresh, and full of flavor. The spicy poblano and bibim sauces were my favorites. I even ordered chips just to try more sauces—the chips themselves were fine, nothing special. Would absolutely come back. The negative reviews mostly seem to be about the ordering system, so just order on the website from your phone before you arrive.
Fang's Noodle House - Stopped in for lunch after a doctor’s appointment and was surprised how busy it was on a weekday. Tried the Mala Spicy Beef Rib Dry Mix Noodle, their signature dish. The noodles are thick, heavy, and chewy in a satisfying way, and the wagyu beef short rib was high quality. I got spice level 5, which was flavorful but intense, probably better to stick with 4 next time. The heat is more about depth of flavor than pure spice. I’d like to come back with a group to try the wontons, dumplings, and string beans. A bit pricey, but the quality matches.
Tacos La Cuadra - The hype is real, but I wouldn’t wait in a long line for these. These are excellent al pastor tacos. Tried the Rainier Ave S location next to a Safeway. Sketchy af area and at one point needed to eat in my car at night. Don’t make the mistake of ordering at the wrong taco stand, as I did. Check the sign to make sure it’s La Cuadra or you’ll regret it. Thinly sliced and charred, but juicy and full of flavor. Ideal as tacos but great as a burrito as well.
Fortuna - Came for weekday lunch and people were already lining up half an hour before opening. Someone handed out samples of their schiacciata bread, which is thinner and crispier than focaccia. We split the Bambino (mortadella) and the Soprano (capicola). The Bambino was good, but the Soprano was on another level with its marinated onion and red pepper paste, fragrant gorgonzola, and rich, melty pile of meat. I almost didn’t want to share it. Planning to try the Tonno next. It’s a pricey sandwich, but the quality and friendliness of the staff make it feel worth it. There’s covered patio seating too.
Bajon en Seattle - Hidden inside a grocery store in South Park, a neighborhood most people overlook. I came for the lomo al jugo sandwich, which the Seattle Times listed among the city’s top ten. The pork loin is cooked in white wine and grilled until juicy and savory, served with avocado, tomato, and a generous spread of garlic aïoli (I asked for it light since it can get messy). The housemade bread is okay, though I kept thinking the pork would be amazing over rice too. The owner is warm and genuinely kind, and the place feels like something special that deserves more attention.
Ba Bar - The convenience is hard to beat at the Uvillage location. The broth is very good and complex. Had the Pho Tai Lan and enjoyed it. Happy hour is 2-5pm on weekdays. Had the Pho-rench dip or w/e they call it. Superb. Delicious. Loved it and only wished it was spicier. Really clever idea executed well.
Osteria La Spiga - Came here with Alessandro and let him take the lead since he’s a regular. Had a glass of Lambrusco and Barbera, great. The full prosciutto board was incredible and possibly the best I’ve had. The lasagne verdi was excellent and perfectly cooked. We split a crostata alla pesca with pistachio gelato, which was a standout finish. The only miss was the post-dinner espresso, which tasted like an overextracted pull. We spent about three hours over the meal in a spacious, pleasant room. The owner is from Emilia Romagna and the menu reflects that, though parking in the area is a major hassle.
Marugame Udon - Easy stop for a late Sunday lunch before an airport visit. Set in a mall with ample parking. I had the signature Nikutama udon, and while I ordered a large, the regular would be plenty for a hungry person. The noodles were thick and springy, the broth had a delicate sweet and savory balance, and those perfectly thin beef slices showed up in every bite. I also tried the pumpkin tempura, which wasn’t fresh from the fryer but still tasty enough to order again. My only gripe is that it’s far from home.
Wayland Mill - Finally open 7 days a week so I came for breakfast. Gorgeous, warm-glassy interior that reminds you that they also do dinner. Yasuaki was there, friendly as ever. Had the hojicha canelé, which completely changed my opinion on this pastry. So glad I didn't skip it. Camber coffee was excellent. Also great, and different, was the biscuits w/ miso-chashu gravy. Looking forward to coming by more often.
Cafetal Quilombo Cafe - Came by for lunch after bouldering at Momentum. So glad I did. Easy parking. Inside there's traditional Mexican music playing and it really felt like I was in a cafe in cdmx, and not one of the gentrified area ones. Got the green salsa chicken tamal which was so good. Delicious masa. Tried to eat it slowly because I liked it so much. Tamal plate came w/ rice and beans, which were good but might've been better if they'd warmed it up. Would get again still. Horchata is a must. They use real rice, not powder. Normally I never get this because it's too sweet. This was perfect. Don't bother with the esquites, which was a special on the menu. Friendly owner who really gives a damn about coffee, so I'll have to try that next time.
Obutekim - Stopped by for lunch after an appointment. The buffet, kept warm in covered dutch ovens, was well-stocked despite an empty restaurant. So many options to choose from, all for $26. Didn't opt for the $4 upgrade to get steak but I was more than happy with the feijão marrom, beef stew, chicken stew, fried pork, corn, mashed potatoes, and the corn. Ate too much and cleared my plate. Every item was a hit, felt like a bargain.
1 star
Los Chilangos - Fortunately there are multiple locations throughout the eastside when I’ve got errands here. Al Pastor taco is very good, and the spicy salsa is excellent.
Mean Sandwich - Tried the steak tartare and it was really nice. Crunchy and meaty. Service is really great too. Chill backyard to eat at.
Chocolat Vitale - Good spot for a date (limited seating). There’s a record shop inside as well. The hot chocolate is what they're known for. Ask about the chocolate and the owner, Janet, will talk to you forever about the origins of the beans. Lots of different bars of chocolate that’d make good gifts for a chocolate lover. She’s likely to give you a free sample of whatever drink she’s making for someone else. She also carries other goods like dried pasta, olive oil, antique bowls, etc.
Gainsbourg - Happy hour pricing runs all day on Mondays. The $7 burger is great, and it’s worth adding gruyere or blue cheese for a dollar more. The small roasted beet salad on the happy hour menu is also good. The place has a relaxed dive bar vibe.
Joe’z Bayside Market and Cafe - Fries are excellent, super salty, and come in a huge portion. The pizza is great too, with flavorful dough; I had the spicy ruga and loved it. The staff bros are really friendly. On another visit I tried the smash burger, a double with jalapeños. It was indulgent and tasty, though a single would’ve been plenty. The tater tots were also good, and portions overall are very generous.
Other Coast Cafe - Had the detonator sandwich after spin class with Eric. Spicier version of their popular Rajun Cajun. Very delicious. Perfectly toasted baguette. Also had a very good coconut curry soup. Bathroom is in the back past the counter. It does take a while for your order to be ready.
Secret Fort - Super friendly and chill staff. Salmon carpaccio was excellent, as were the skewers. Mochi bacon was unique and worth getting again. Very legit coal yakitori. BBQ Eel chirashi bowl was excellent, as was the hokkaido chirashi sushi. Would not recommend the sushi rolls though.
Metropolitan Grill - Bourbon dry aged steak from Snake river farms (NY strip 14oz) may be the best steak I've had. Got it medium as I shared it with Leah and Luke. Slightly cheaper with a Costco gift card.
Due Cucina - Good pasta in a fast-casual setting. Almost feels like the Chipotle-fication of pasta dishes, which is a great thing. I’ve seen Costco do gift cards, which would make sense if you come often.
Tanoor - There aren’t many good options in South Lake Union. Came in out of desperation and was pleasantly surprised. Great Lebanese food. Convenient for large groups and families with kids. Seems perpetually full, and the service has always been generous and friendly.
Local Tide - It's a good fish sandwich. Very light. I would've liked some more spice though. I'd get it again. I think it's a bit overhyped but the friendliness of the staff is second to none. A bit dark inside, somewhat limited seating.
Ba Sa - Dry Aged Eye of Ribeye Beef Pho is the signature dish. It’s good, buy you’ll pay for it. Not sure if I’d get it again but it’s worth trying once if you want to treat yourself.
Violet - Greeted us with a free sparkling red, which was a fun way to start and genuinely tasty. The room feels more casual than the menu suggests, but in a comfortable way. The salted burrata with strawberry, basil, and balsamic was interesting with the bread and had an almost ice cream vibe. Not sure I would repeat it. The mixed green salad was simple but priced well, and I would order it again. The Joel Robuchon potato puree smooth, silky, and a great pairing for the mains. For the price, I would get it every time. The steelhead salmon was cooked perfectly, and the brown butter and miso cauliflower came in little bits that worked well. Leah even loved the skin, which she never eats. The roasted chicken was great with the corn, and the jus under the chicken was delicious along with more of that potato puree. We skipped dessert and walked to Molly Moon's before wandering through Elliott Bay Books.
Sea Wolf - Still the best or second-best baguette in the city, especially nice to have the option of a smaller one. The chocolate croissant is solid but the chocolate could be better. The savory pastry with sliced peaches, vanilla cream, and cornmeal streusel was good. Always love to try their seasonal brioche. The kouign amann was fine but not memorable, and I wouldn’t get it again. Tipping has started to become a thing here.
DERU - Surprised there was a 20min wait at 1:30pm on a weekday. Unusually located in a residential area, which is nice. Don't bother trying to park in front; instead park at a side street. Even if you saw a spot, it’s awkward. Had the kale and sweet potato salad and it was wonderful, would get again happily. Tried a bit of the pastrami sandwich and the sweet potato fries, also nice. Took a carrot cake slice to go. Absolutely enormous. Found it to be pleasant, Leah says it's the best she's ever had. Will want to try the coconut next time.
Momi Indian Kitchen - Great location on the lake, new as well. The owner lady is real nice. They take pride in their biryani, so I had to try it. I got the Vijayawada chicken biryani, heavily flavored with masala with bits of boneless and lightly fried chicken. Delicious and was happy with the 'spicy' level which even Leah was able to handle. The price is reflective of the quantity and the location. The other chicken biryani's are also boneless, with the exception of the Dum Biryani. She suggested Gongura chicken next time, which is a bit more sour. Not the best biryani I've had in Seattle, but it's good.
Nirmal's - Parking is a pain, sometimes feels sketchy at night. Otherwise I’d come more often. Super friendly owner that immediately treats you like he’s been waiting to host you all day. Samosas were just okay. Saoji Chicken Rassa was fall-off-bone chicken, very fragrant. Enjoyed but wouldn't get again. Chicken Dum Biryani was phenomenal, one of the best I've ever had when I first tried it. It wasn’t as good the second time. The tandoori chicken I still think about. Smoky, juicy, and so well spiced.
Un Bien - The roast pork is the star: tender, juicy, and heavily seasoned, with a sweet-savory citrus vibe. Toasted baguette gives enough structure for five seconds before everything collapses into a messy, delicious pile of aioli, caramelized onions, and pickled jalapenos.
Backyard Bagel - Very good bagel for $5.50 with schmear. Everything bagel was generously seasoned, lightly crisp and airy. Spicy scallion schmear was excellent and balanced. Interior at the University Village location is comfortable for hanging out.
The Shambles - Met up with Jason and Cliff for happy hour (4–5pm) in a warm, wood-filled space that feels like a friendly old pub without the dankness. Started with an excellent rye Manhattan ($9) and had the Shamburger, a half-pound chuck patty with a sharp dill/dijon aioli, aged white cheddar, and a pickle/calabrian chili relish; well salted and absolutely delicious. We split the Steak Frites with a 7oz hanger steak, which was also great, though I’d pick the burger always next time. Fries are generously salted, short, and thin, and not the best.
Little Chinook’s - Went for the Salmon and chips, light coating over generous slabs of fish. Could've eaten several of them. The fries were probably the one of the best in the city, craggy on the outside and fluffy inside. Generous portion there too. The slaw itself was boring. A meal for one might be shareable with two if you're not too hungry. Friendly staff. I should spend more time at the Fisherman's Terminal, especially after a climbing session at VW. Easy parking. The area feels like it's trapped in a time capsule. Great to walk around and admire all of the boats docked there.
Minato - Had their Chirashi bowl (bluefin tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallops, shrimp, ikura). At $25 it's a fantastic deal for the quality and quantity of fish you get. Excellent sushi rice as well. I'd come here more often if they weren't takeout only. Would come back for their non-sushi donburi as well.
Tacos Chukis -Adobada is excellent. So is the nopal. I'm not sure which I prefer more as they're both great. Skip the chicken as it’s dry. Asada is fine. Baby burrito is a way better deal than taco. Paying a few cents extra for a side of the spicy salsa is a great idea. The guac isn't interesting enough to pay extra for. The side of beans is fairly boring, but good filler. Excellent value for the price. Order at the iPad, grab a number. Doesn't seem to be a tipping restaurant.
Banh Town - Had the grilled pork banh mi, which someone on reddit very into ranking sandwiches described as the 4th best sandwich in the city. It was great, very saucy and gelatinized. There are other sandwiches I’d like to check out, so I’ll be back. Interior is kinda dingy, sticky tables and whatnot. Ten percent discount if you pay with cash.
Worth mentioning
For these places, I didn’t have a strong positive opinion, but I liked them enough that I’d come back to them usually because of convenience. Some of them I’d need to go back to before I consider bumping them up on the list.
Pancita - Quality has slipped while prices have climbed. The albacore tuna tostadas are still the standout, with the brisket suadero tacos close behind. The duck in fig mole ($48) was fine but not memorable, and definitely not worth a repeat even if it was half the price. Rice and beans ($19 total) were meager and unremarkable. Desserts and agua fresca are best skipped altogether, but this was true before too. Service felt awkward even though the place wasn’t busy, and the oddly designed tables make for a strange setup, avoid those if you can. No longer a strong recommendation (was formerly a 3 star).
Sunflower Garden - Tried the general tso's lunch special. Hearty serving that'd feed two. Pretty good, wish it was spicier. Really sweet people that run the place. No seating inside or nearby so you'll have to eat in the car. The wontons in chili oil are okay.
Caravan Halal Central Asian Fusion (formerly Fitchi house) - Try the lagman noodles. The vegetable samosa thing wasn't worth getting again. The beef samsa was good, wish it had more filling. Got the lamb stir fry entree which I found a bit dry.
Aroy Mak - Their chicken dishes are the move: tender, juicy, and seasoned like they actually care, whether grilled or fried. The curries are reliably rich and balanced with just enough heat, the kind you finish without realizing you’re halfway through. Portions are big, everything comes out fast, and the whole place feels dialed without trying too hard.
Athena's Enumclaw - Ideal if you’re coming back from Crystal Mountain. Friendly couple. Order ahead as soon as you get service on the road; it can take a while. Traditional gyro is good. Leah enjoyed the garlic chicken gyro. I hear the greek street tacos are good too. Zucchini fries are decent, especially if you're splitting.
Shark Bite Ceviches - Friendly guy. Had the Halibut ceviche and thought it was a great deal. Would try again. Outdoor seating only.
Cafe Suliman - Came here with Ted before a show at Paramount. Suli (owner) is really friendly and I just had him pick items for us. The restaurant is situated in a "nice" food court of sorts. I remember having the tuna butter on toast which was nice, and the squash dip with salsa macha. The grilled cabbage was also given. None if it was particularly impressive, so not in a rush to come back. I wouldn’t be upset if a friend suggested meeting up here though.
Gyro Boss - In Third Place Books. Baklava can be skipped. Didn’t taste fresh. The lamb and beef gyro platter was decent. Falafel was solid. Salad with the platter was very good. Fries were superb. Pretty good spot for after mountain biking St Ed’s.
Floret - By Cafe Flora (airport) - Probably the best meal in the airport. Servers are always really nice. Go-to now is the crispy tofu sandwich because I got bored of the black bean burger, another solid option. Yam fries are always something to look forward to here.
SheChill Patisserie - What a stupid name, but the pastries are good. Would be happy if this was in my neighborhood. Great stop if you’re biking in Woodinville.
T55 Patisserie - Expect a line. I once waited about 40 minutes because I had nothing better to do. Run by a Singaporean pastry chef with an impressive background, and the pastries show a lot of technique. Even the head chef of Canlis is a fan. I didn’t care for the Curry Crab Scone, but the Peach and Brie financier was a standout. The brown butter almond cake has a crunchy top and a creamy center that works beautifully with the peach and brie. The Lemon Matcha Choux was bright and layered with lemon curd, matcha mousse, and vanilla caramel. The Cinnamon Babka croissant loaf felt too decadent for me. Unfortunately, they stopped making the Pain au Chocolat in 2024, which was one of the most impressive and unique pastries I’ve had in my life. They suggested the very chocolate cookie instead, which leaned more cake-like and wasn’t something I enjoyed.
Pike Place Chowder - Had a sample of their chowder on a work-sponsored tasting tour of the market. I don’t care much for chowder, but I would’ve had a full bowl of this stuff. The many awards tacked to the wall are well-earned.
Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe - Small shop that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. It’s a perfect neighborhood cafe. A great morning would be grabbing a day-old discounted pastry, a coffee, and strolling Ravenna Park nearby.
Corson Building - Came here for our third anniversary and the setting was the highlight. We started in the garden on a warm September evening, then moved inside once the mosquitos got too annoying. The interior is just as charming, so it is worth visiting year round. Service moves slowly by design and our dinner stretched to about three hours, so an early reservation helped. The neighborhood can feel a bit sketchy, so parking close is ideal. Also, the servers are strikingly handsome. Drinks were solid. The peach margarita was done well. The plum house soda was the better of the two, with a great mouthfeel. Food was mixed. Ben's bread with zucchini and eggplant babaganoush was a favorite and a great way to start. The tomato, grilled peach, and dandelion greens plate was good, but the portion of peach felt skimpy. The ricotta dumplings with lobster mushrooms were fine but not something I would repeat. The tomatillo chicken with poblano cream was cooked nicely but leaned a bit plain. Desserts landed at opposite ends. The almond cake was excellent and worth ordering twice. The huckleberry ice cream had frozen huckleberries that were unpleasant to bite into. Overall, the setting is wonderful and the food is good but uneven. It works well for a special occasion, though I probably would not return.
Uneeda Burger - Worth considering for a quality burger. Had the lamb burger, which was remarkable for the lemon curd. Really good bun too. Pricey, but it's a burger that tries to do more and does a good job. Also had the sweet potato fries. Good place to hang out. There's outdoor space, semi-outdoors, and indoors. Apparently used to be a car and boat repair shop and they kept the old signage.
DeLaurenti’s Food & Wine - The $4-5 slice of square pie isn’t amazing but may be the best deal in the area. Also, they were the only shop in the city that sold Taggiasca olives which I needed for a recipe. If you don’t like olives, you should try these.
Cornelly - Came here with Lushen and Ted and waited about 45 minutes on a rainy Saturday. Parking was tough, but there is a connected bar where you can pass the time. The pizzas everyone talks about ended up being the biggest letdown of the year for me. The dough was thicker than I expected and leaned cracker-like, without much flavor. I even skipped the crust, which is unusual for me. We tried the hornet honey and the cherry bomb. The cherry bomb was a miss, with pickled onions and sausage on a white base that never came together. The hornet honey had pepperoni, hot honey, and pineapple. It tasted fine but nothing special for the price or hype. The broccolini appetizer was the clear winner. It was beautifully charred and served with a creamy cured egg yolk sauce that worked really well. I’ve heard good things about their pasta, so I’m not ready to write them off completely, but the pizzas were disappointing.
There are lots of places I’ve eaten at that didn’t make it to this list. Those are always disappointing because I feel like I wasted a meal. Leave a comment if you think I should check out a spot in 2026.
Also if you think we’d get along, shoot me a message and you can help me eat at more places.