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.