Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new Seattle restaurants have opened over the past several months, from familiar names making comebacks to intriguing new kids on the block.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several more Emerald City restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
Meliora, 534 15th Ave. E. | New American | Reservations: Yes
Medieval Times meets the PNW in an intimate lounge that opened in the former Canterbury Alehouse space, keeping some of its Knights of the Round Table-like aesthetics. Our mouths are watering at the game hen with pomegranate molasses and short rib tagliatelle.
Onibaba, 515 S. Main St. | Japanese | Reservations: No
The owners of popular Tsukushinbo opened a playful spot that specializes in Japanese onigiri rice balls. Here you’ll find 18+ creative versions of the convenience store snack, filled with the likes of salty salmon and shrimp tempura.
CheBogz, 2710 Beacon Ave. S. | Fast-casual Filipino | Reservations: No
It’s a homecoming for the family that used to own Kusina Filipina down the block and a popular food truck. Grab a bowl of chicken adobo or pork sausage with garlic rice washed down with mango juice.
Ludi’s Restaurant & Lounge, 120 Stewart St. | Filipino breakfast + brunch | Reservations: No
Hope you saved room for ube pancakes. This longtime diner favorite opened a new downtown location just a couple of blocks from its old outpost that closed in 2019. There’s more space now and the friendly vibes are still around.
Layers, 7900 E. Green Lake Dr. N.| Sandwiches | Reservations: No
One of the most sought-after food trucks in the city now has a full-fledged restaurant. On the menu are old standbys like the Notorious P.I.G. with slow-roasted pork belly and biscuit-y breakfast items — plus wine, beer + coffee.
Jerk Shack, 2301 E. Union St. | Caribbean | Reservations: No
Gotta love this shack, which expanded to the Central District’s Midtown Square from Belltown. The jerk chicken is always a sure bet, but don’t sleep on that soft shell crab sandwich on fry bread.
Alder & Ash, 629 Pike St. | Seafood | Reservations: Yes
Hospitality group Apicii opened this airy downtown destination restaurant with a heavy emphasis on PNW fish. We’ve been eyeing the pan-seared halibut and chilled Dungeness crab with guajillo aioli.
Bombo Italian Kitchen, 1600 Ninth Ave. | Pizza + pasta | Reservations: Yes
Ethan Stowell’s new restaurant has landed in the Seattle Convention Center’s Summit building and is open for the general public. Look for breakfast pizza, hearty pastas, salads, and an adjacent bar with a late-night menu.
Mt. Bagel, 801 26th Ave. E. | Bakery | Reservations: No
Welcome back, old friend. After Oregon relocation plans fell through, Seattle’s hugely popular small-batch bagel purveyor is open again serving the classics as plump and deliciously chewy as ever.
Darkolino’s, 300 Occidental Ave. | Italian deli | Reservations: No
Grab a spritz and a mortadella sandwich at this cafe from renowned restaurateur Marcus Lalario. You can even do some shopping for sneakers and threads in the same space at Hometeam.
The Jilted Siren, 1802 Bellevue Ave. | Mediterranean | Reservations: No
Hear that call? Look for Greek epic poem-inspired cocktails, witchy vibes, and light snacks like paneer curry pot stickers inside this intimate Capitol Hill lounge.
The Fonté Bar, 401 Union St. | European-style bistro | Reservations: No
You may have already gotten a morning coffee boost from Fonté’s cafes, but the roaster now has a slick new spot for sit-down lunch and dinners inside Rainier Tower. Fancy entrees include a saffron lobster risotto and duck carbonara.
Ben’s Bread, 216 N. 70th St. | Bakery | Reservations: No
Run by award-winning baker Ben Campbell, the Phinney Ridge bakeshop serves biscuits, pies, and more goodies with coffee, wine, and local beer to drink. A portion of proceeds goes to local community organizations and other charities.
Qiao Lin Hotpot, 1510 Seventh Ave. | Chinese | Reservations: No
You can never have enough hotpot restaurants. This acclaimed international restaurant has opened its first-ever West Coast location in the Emerald City. Don’t be afraid of the spicier broth options — just have some water handy.
Doce Donut Co., Address | Bakery | Reservations: No
Shortly after opening, the family-owned Fremont shop specializing in Latin American flavors regularly sells out of its brioche creations. However, waiting in line for the Mexican hot chocolate and guava con queso donuts is worth it.
E-Jae Pak Mor, 504 Fifth Ave. S. | Thai | Reservations: No
Tucked in the Publix Building next to Hood Famous Cafe + Bar is a promising new spot that serves staples like beef noodle soup. The rice flour dumplings are the real stars, though, and already a hit on Tik-Tok.
Coming Soon
Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro, 2000 23rd Ave. S. | PNW soul food | Projected opening: November
Two decades after the original Helen’s Diner’s was destroyed by an earthquake, the beloved soul food joint is back. Can’t wait for that oxtail.
Atoma, 1411 N. 45th St. | Upscale contemporary | Projected opening: Fall
Wallingford’s about to get a fancy new destination from chef Johnny Courtney and his wife Sarah in the spot formerly occupied by famed organic restaurant Tilth. The menu will take influences from Johnny’s time working in Australia, California, and here in Seattle at Canlis.
Beast & Cleaver 49th Street, 936 NW 49th St. | Burgers | Projected opening: Late August
Those who’ve sampled butcher shop Beast & Cleaver’s pop-up patties will rejoice that they’re about to be made on the regular at Fair Isle Brewing. Get a saison to pair with the meaty meal.
Kilig, 710 Eighth Ave. | Filipino | Projected opening: Late summer
Star Seattle chef Melissa Miranda is following up her hit restaurant Musang with a joint focused on comfort food dishes like beef soup and fried pancit noodles.
Paper Cake, 4106 Stone Way N. | Bakery | Projected opening: Late summer
Award-winning chef Rachel Yang is opening a sugar-lover’s dream with Gabby Park of Saint Bread. Look for decadent concoctions like chocolate with truffled potato chips and lemongrass lychee cake.
Sophon, Address | Khmer | Projected opening: TBD
Phinney Ridge cocktail bar Oliver’s Twist is raising funds to open a restaurant influenced by owner Karuna Long’s Cambodian family roots. Expect lovingly prepared comfort food dishes like curried fish with thin rice noodles.
