Some people make to-do lists. We make to-dine lists. While COVID-19 challenges continue to stall some new restaurant openings in Seattle, there are still many places on the horizon for 2022 that we can’t wait to check out — from Indian street food to vegan donuts and beyond. Grab your knives and forks.
MariPili Tapas Bar
📍1117 12th Ave.
🗓️ Late spring
🍽️ Don’t you just love saying patatas bravas? Rising chef Grayson Corrales will give her own spin on classic Spanish dishes, like “brothy” prawn and saffron rice, inspired by her grandmother and time spent in Galicia. On the drinks side, expect lots of sherry + gin.
Vivienne’s Bistro
📍2441 76th Ave. SE, Mercer Island
🗓️ Early 2022
🍽️ A hot Mercer Island dining destination? You better believe it. This new Asian fusion spot comes from China Harbor owner Thomson Zhao + executive chef Danna Hwang, who recently helped revitalize the longtime SLU restaurant’s dim sum menu. By the looks of things, the attention to elegant details for comfort food is in full effect here, too. (FYI, China Harbor is temporarily closed to fix some of the building’s structural issues, but Hwang is still exec chef over there; this restaurant is named after Zhao’s daughter.)
Dough Joy
📍1316 E. Pike St.
🗓️ Thurs., Jan. 20 (soft opening was this past weekend)
🍽️ Here’s an ode to Dough Joy and its delectable vegan doughnuts. The popular food truck is setting down roots on Capitol Hill, serving up sweet playful delights like PB & Hayyy (with strawberry jam) and S’more Plz in an adorable brick + mortar cafe. Wash ‘em down with Fulcrum coffee or a latte with dairy-free whipped cream.
Khushi
📍595 106th Ave. NE, Bellevue
🗓️ Early 2022
🍽️ The owners of highly acclaimed Pioneer Square restaurant Nirmal’s have been working on an Eastside project for the past two years. It’s finally at the finish line, with a menu influenced by street food from all regions of India + a chill vibe.
TacoOx
📍903 19th Ave. E.
🗓️ This month
🍽️ Talk about animal magnetism. Khampaeng Panyathong from Capitol Hill’s excellent Cambodian restaurant Taurus Ox joins forces with the teams behind Hangry Panda and pop-up Expat Supper Club for this Asian-influenced restaurant. They’ve also planned an adjacent bar called MoneyFrog for March.
BOCA Bakery & Pizzeria
📍426 Broadway E.
🗓️ March
🍽️ Capitol Hill + Belltown diners no doubt know BOCA Grill as a lively Argentine steakhouse. Now, the owners plan to expand their repertoire with a daytime bakery, serving up sandwiches, empanadas, desserts + Argentinian pizza (known for its gooeyness and elevated crusts).
Arleana’s
📍312 Central Way, Kirkland
🗓️ Summer
🍽️ For those looking for a staycation, the Eastside is about to get some serious Caribbean soul food. The owners of Columbia City’s popular Island Soul have been planning this sibling restaurant with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. Look for a menu heavy on seafood dishes, and a drinks menu soaked in rum.
Benbow Room
📍4210 SW Admiral Way
🗓️ TBD
🍽️ West Seattle’s iconic space is known for its nautical theme and has changed hands quite a bit over the years. Now, local restaurateur Mark Fuller — known for the popular Hawaiian fried chicken restaurant Ma’ono — has taken over. If history is any guide, he’ll make the old vessel a jumpin’ joint.
