food

top picks

BEST AMBIENCE

Pink Door

Cozy, beautiful, and during Christmas, magical. Check out the live jazz band or trapeze artist while you eat.

BEST INDIAN

Thali House

The most authentic Indian food I've had in Seattle, served Thali style by the hippie owner who lived in India for 20 years! The samosa chaat is a must.

BEST DESSERT

Pie Bar

Sweet and savory pie by the slice. Don't leave without trying the Deserted Island a la mode.

brunch

Cafe Petirosso (Capitol Hill)

Rustic/hipster feel, love the chicken/onion marmalade sandwich

Terra Plata (Capitol Hill)

Wins the best biscuit award

Coastal Kitchen (Capitol Hill)

Banana pancakes and gingerbread waffles!

Hi-Spot Cafe (Madrona)

Quaint little brunch place converted from an old craftsman style home

Boat Street Cafe (Downtown)

Feels like a cozy kitchen (with food you probably wouldn't cook at home)

Revel (Fremont)

Brunch with a Korean twist

quick

Homegrown (Capitol Hill)

Warm baked bread, seasonal creative sandwiches like pumpkin or cranberry turkey, fresh ingredients

Kadai Makan (Capitol Hill)

Malaysian street food in Cap Hill. Menu always changing but it's always spicy and yummy.

Old School Frozen Custard (Capitol Hill)

I'd never heard of this before Seattle, but it's great. In between frozen yogurt and ice cream, but a bit eggier.

Paseo's (Fremont)

Top-rated yelp in Seattle (and among top 10 in the US). A lot of food and very messy. Go early or else bread runs out, or call ahead to pick up your order in person, no wait (!).

Un Bien (Ballard)

Even better than Paseos, and run by its original management. Sketchy location but best Cuban sandwiches ever.

Aladdin's (University District)

Best gyro in Seattle.

Cedar's (University District)

Oldest Greek restaurant in U district, owned by an old Greek woman. She'll recommend some great dishes.

Rocco's (Belltown)

Pizza by the slice, perfectly crispy.

cafes

Volunteer Park Cafe (Capitol Hill)

Cozy communal feel. Get the pear cardamom muffin!

Roy's (Capitol Hill)

The perfect atmosphere to work or socialize, with a variety of seating for both

Ada's (Capitol Hill)

Café adjoined to a science and technical bookstore - my favorite

Fremont Coffee (Fremont)

An old house, each room with personality

Espresso Vivace (Capitol Hill)

Has a "quiet room" in the back for complete silence

sit-down

Petra (Belltown)

Get the Taste of Africa, a garlicky Jordanian goodness with imported spices. Belly Dancer on Saturday nights!

Kylie's Pizza (Fremont)

Deep dish deliciousness with a sweet, chunky tomato sauce. Best pizza in Seattle.

Din Tai Fung (Bellevue)

One of the top 10 restaurants in the world by the New York Times - justifiably. Bonus: watch the cooks make dumplings from scratch through the window while you wait (go early!)

Mamnoon (Cap Hill)

Modern Middle Eastern cuisine, fresh unlimited warm pita bread. Try the Muhammara (pomegranate/walnut/cumin)

Machiavelli (Capitol Hill)

Intimate setting, excellent Italian!

Vios Café (Capitol Hill)

Authentic family-owned Greek food

Nue (Capitol Hill)

Street food from around the world. Try the Caribbean-spiced goat curry

Barrio (Capitol Hill)

An entire wall of 100+ candles that takes 1 hour to light each night - gorgeous

Fogon (Capitol Hill)

Go-to place for margaritas and a good serving of guac

8oz Burger Bar (Capitol Hill)

Super hipster, super delicious. Love the Portland ketchup.

Terra Plata (Capitol Hill)

Paella Mondays, 3 varieties, each $30