You may need a map to find these places, but it's well worth the research. by Lynn Marshall
You may need a map to find these places, but it's well worth the research. What’s more fun than discovering a great restaurant a little off the beaten path?
THE KINGFISH CAFÉ 602 19th Ave E., (206) 320-8757 Cuisine: Southern Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri, 11:30 am - 2 pm, Mon, Wed -Thu 6 - 9 pm, Fri - Sat 6 pm – 10 pm, Sun, 11 am - 2 pm. There’s only one place in Seattle for great soul food – The Kingfish Café. Open since 1996, this Capitol Hill spot still has a line out the door for weekend dinner service. Owned by twins Leslie and Lori Coaston, Kingfish has a warm friendly vibe, which may have something to do with the Coaston family photos that adorn the walls. It’s really hard to go wrong on this menu; the catfish po’ boy, hush puppies, mac & cheese and fried chicken get consistent raves. Dessert favorites include red velvet cake and pecan bread pudding. If you’d rather not spend time waiting for a table, come for lunch. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $25-$30.
STUMBLING GOAT BISTRO 6722 Greenwood Ave N.,(206) 784-3535 Cuisine: New American Hours: Tue – Sun, 5-10 pm. The Stumbling Goat has an air of theater about it, from the heavy red curtains that cover the inside of the front door to the dramatically decorated dinning rooms. The main room is a vivid red, set off with vintage light fixtures and modern art. Don’t miss the crushed velvet ceiling in the smaller room know as the Enchantress Lounge. This drama is all about food. The Stumbling Goat deals with local farmers, ranchers and independent producers, buying organic whenever possible. The menu changes weekly, but if you get a chance try the Oregon braised rabbit, and don’t miss the cheese plate. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $30-$40.
ALKI CAFÉ BEACH BISTRO 2620 Alki Avenue SW., (206) 935-4221 Cuisine: American Hours: Daily, 8 am – 8:30 pm. On a beautiful summer day, it really doesn’t get much better than breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Alki Café. You can’t beat this view of the Seattle skyline through the floor to ceiling windows, even though you are actually across the street from the bay. It’s a casual spot – kid-friendly and laid-back. Service can be a little off when the place is busy, so don’t stop here if you are in a hurry. Breakfast is what put the café on the map but lunch features a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches and at dinner the seafood, like the coconut crusted halibut, really shines. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $25-$30.
AGUA VERDE CAFÉ 1303 NE Boat Street, (206) 545-8570 Cuisine: Mexican Hours: Mon - Sat, 11 am - 9 pm. Agua Verde is one of Seattle’s great treasures. Not only do they have some of the city’s best Mexican food but the paddle club in the same building rents kayaks so you can explore Lake Union before or after your meal. Agua Verde is in the University District and during the school year it can be tough to get a table. There is always a line at lunch time when food is served cafeteria style, but it moves along quickly. For a quieter experience come for dinner. The margaritas are outstanding, and the nine different types of house tacos (our two favorites are the yams with chilies, cheese and guacamole, and the spicy catfish) are sure to please. The mole burrito is another can’t miss choice. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $15 - $25.
SZMANIA 3321 W McGraw St, (206) 284-7305 Cuisine: New European Hours: Tues – Fri, 11 am – 2 pm, Tues – Sun, 4:45 – close. Chef Ludger Szmania and his wife Julie brought fine German dinning to Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood in 1990, and their restaurant has been thriving ever since. An extensive remodel in 1997 brought the décor in line with the food, adding an elegant bar, twelve kitchen-view seats and a gorgeous stone fireplace. The menu changes seasonally and offers much more than the sauerkraut and schnitzel (though both are excellent) that you might expect. Recent standouts include the seared scallops on a bed of stewed beets and the mahi mahi with lobster-mashed potatoes. Szmania has a special kid’s menu and if you are looking for a bargain, the three-course happy hour is hard to beat. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $60-$100.
TILTH 1411 N. 45th St., (206) 663-0801 Cuisine: New American Hours: Tues – Thurs, 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, Sat 10 am – 2 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, Sun, 10 am – 2 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm. Tilth is Seattle’s only certified organic restaurant but equally importantly, it is chef Marie Hines’s first solo venture. Hines, who helped put Seattle’s Earth and Ocean on the culinary map, has set up shop in small house in Wallingford and her fans have gladly flocked from downtown to participate in the experiment. The menu changes constantly based on available ingredients. The food is new American in style, and all offerings are available in a small plate size or as an entrée. Recent favorites have included mini duck burgers and mushroom brulee. Tilth’s brunch has already become a neighborhood favorite. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $60-$100.
TYPHOON 1400 Western Ave., (206) 262-9797 Cuisine: Thai Hours: Mon – Thurs, 11:30 am – 2 pm, 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri, 11:30 am – 2 pm, 5 pm – 10:30 pm, Sat 12 pm – 2 pm, 5 pm – 10:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Seattle probably has more Thai restaurants than it does any other type of ethnic cuisine. Typhoon started out with two handicaps – it’s parent establishment is in Portland and it took over a space made famous by the first incarnation of the legendary Wild Ginger. But more than five years later, Typoon is still going strong and it is without question one of the best Thai spots around. The restaurant is literally under the Pike Place Market on Western Ave. and while you may have to work to find it, you’ll be glad you did. For an appetizer try the fresh salad rolls or if you like chilies, the superwild shrimp. The noodle dishes go far beyond Pad Thai and the curries are all standouts. Don’t miss the special tea menu. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $40-$50.
VOLTERRA 5411 Ballard Ave. NW., (206)-789 5100 Cuisine: Italian Hours: Mon – Thurs, 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri 5 pm – 11 pm, Sat 9 am – 2 pm, 5 p – 11 pm, Sun 9 am – 2 pm, 5pm – 9 pm. Volterra is one of those places you can walk by and never notice. It’s hidden in plain sight, in busy downtown Ballard with high walls around it’s outdoor courtyard and a small store front entrance. Once inside though, you might as well be in Italy. That’s exactly what Chef Don Curtis and his wife Michelle Quisenberry are hoping for. One a trip to Tuscany, the pair were enchanted by the city of Volterra. It became the inspiration for the restaurant. The menu changes seasonally and there really isn’t any way to go wrong here. The chef’s little bite antipasti selection is a great starter, as is the wonderful bread salad. The pastas range from wide noodles with duck sauce to risotto with fava beans. Whatever you have, you’ll have sampled some of the best Italian food Seattle has to offer. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $60-$100.
BLUWATER BISTRO 102 Lakeside Ave., (206) 328-2233 Cuisine: American Hours: Mon – Fri, 4pm – 1 am, Sat – Sun, 9 am – 1 pm. The Bluwater bistro in Seattle’s Leshi neighborhood, right on the shore of lake Washington, is one of Seattle’s best spots for great casual seafood. You’ll feel right at home here, with the friendly, fast service. In warm weather, it’s worth the wait for patio seating. One of five BluWater locations, the Leshi setting can’t be beat. The appetizers and small plates offer a huge selection – everything from satays, grilled salmon and gyros. The bartenders make great cocktails too. All of which adds up to a great happy hour experience, but don’t hesitate to order the steak and seafood classics off the dinner menu as well. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $30-$40.
KABUL 2301 N. 45th St., (206) 545-9000 Cuisine: Afgani Hours: Sun - Thurs, 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri – Sat, 5 pm – 10 pm. Kabul, located between the University district and Wallingford proper, is Seattle’s only Afghani restaurant and it is a treat. The elegant atmosphere, with white tableclothes and the traditionally-dressed waitstaff, adds to the experience. Opened in 1992, and named for Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul offers a taste of something unique. If you are an Indian food fan, some menu items will sound familiar – but the spicing and the ingredient combinations are decidedly different, and delicious. The kebab dinners are highly recommended, but really, it’s all good. For dessert, try the firni – a wonderful rosewater pistachio custard. The estimated cost per diner, for dinner is $30-$40.
The Top List of Delicious Hideaways - Seattle, WA