Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Washington Cascade Mountains and Valleys Restaurants
Olympia and especially Tacoma have increasingly hip and sophisticated dining scenes, with everything from laid-back cafés to seasonally driven restaurants with water views. After those cities, Gig Harbor and Bellingham have the best food scenes—they’re not terribly big, but support fine little crops of notable restaurants. You’l
Olympia and especially Tacoma have increasingly hip and sophisticated dining scenes, with everything from laid-back cafés to seasonally driven restaurants with water views. After those cities, Gig Harbor and Bellingham have the best food scenes—they’re not terribly big,
Olympia and especially Tacoma have increasingly hip and sophisticated dining scenes, with everything from laid-back café
Olympia and especially Tacoma have increasingly hip and sophisticated dining scenes, with everything from laid-back cafés to seasonally driven restaurants with water views. After those cities, Gig Harbor and Bellingham have the best food scenes—they’re not terribly big, but support fine little crops of notable restaurants. You’ll also find good brewpubs and indie coffeehouses in most of the larger towns in the area. Edmonds also has a growing bounty of exceptional eateries.
On the road, refueling takes place at country-style cafés, farm stands, and kitschy or specialty shops like the ’50s-style sweets shops of Port Gamble and Snoqualmie or the Norwegian bakeries of Poulsbo. None of these is in short supply, and many eateries, however small, pride themselves on using local ingredients.
Long a top venue in downtown Bellingham, both for sampling distinctive, well-crafted microbrews and enjoying big portions of delicious pub fare...
Long a top venue in downtown Bellingham, both for sampling distinctive, well-crafted microbrews and enjoying big portions of delicious pub fare, this convivial spot occupies a vintage former garage—the huge central door is rolled open in warm weather, and there's also a good-size side patio. Boundary garners high marks among beer lovers for its ruby-red Scottish ale, smooth oatmeal stout, and rotating seasonal ales. From the food menu, you won't go wrong with the Bavarian-style pretzels (served with spicy brown mustard), smoked-clam chowder, beer-barbecue-sauce pizzas, and char-grilled lamb burger.
1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Simple seafood dishes and classic European fare are beautifully presented in this cozy, glass-fronted setting at the base of Harborview Drive...
Simple seafood dishes and classic European fare are beautifully presented in this cozy, glass-fronted setting at the base of Harborview Drive and the Gig Harbor bay. Dinners are elaborate affairs that feature seafood—perhaps Thai curry and coconut-steamed mussels—and rich classics such as grilled filet mignon with pink-peppercorn sauce. Tempting desserts include an array of sugary cakes, sorbets, and cobblers, and there's a fine wine to match every course. Seasonal events include chef-hosted, multicourse dinners, and great deals on food and drink are offered during the daily (except Saturday) happy hour in the bar.
7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, Washington, 98335, USA
You'll find everything from thoughtfully curated aritsanal groceries and prepared foods to a selection of creative contemporary American and...
You'll find everything from thoughtfully curated aritsanal groceries and prepared foods to a selection of creative contemporary American and international fare in the cheerful dining room of this stylish market set inside a retrofitted auto repair shop a short walk from the Port Gamble Museum and General Store. Try the fried chicken and waffles at breakfast. Later in the day, specialties include grilled-pork banh mi and the deceptively simple but flavorful bowl of local clams with garlic butter and white wine. Stock up on scones, cookies, and pecan sticky buns in the bakery.
4719 Hwy. 104, Port Gamble, Washington, 98364, USA
This good old-fashioned roadhouse, with rough-hewn fir floors and knotty-pine walls, is nestled beneath soaring pine trees along the main road...
This good old-fashioned roadhouse, with rough-hewn fir floors and knotty-pine walls, is nestled beneath soaring pine trees along the main road to Mt. Rainier from Eatonville. It's been a favorite lunch and dinner stop since it opened in the 1940s, and these days parkgoers still come by in droves to fill up on hearty, straightforward American comfort fare, such as biscuits and gravy in the morning, and bacon-and-blue-cheese burgers and wild Alaskan salmon with blackberry vinaigrette in the evening. Be sure to save room for the blackberry pie à la mode. The restaurant is part of a rustic inn with standard rooms and cabin rentals.
One of several popular seafood restaurants along Ruston Way, overlooking Tacoma's picturesque Commencement Bay, Duke's is part of a regional...
One of several popular seafood restaurants along Ruston Way, overlooking Tacoma's picturesque Commencement Bay, Duke's is part of a regional chainlet that can be counted on for serving some of the freshest and most creative fare of the bunch—it's not just about the view here, although the tables on the patio do offer dazzling panoramas. Chowder fans having a tough time deciding what to try might want to order the "full fleet" sampler, with small servings of clam, lobster, crab bisque, chicken-corn, and Northwest seafood varieties. Other notable dishes include the greens with crab cakes and Laura Chenel goat cheese, and pan-seared wild salmon with a balsamic-infused beurre blanc.
Darkly lighted, smartly furnished, and urbane, this hip spot in the heart of downtown serves seasonally driven Mediterranean food with plenty...
Darkly lighted, smartly furnished, and urbane, this hip spot in the heart of downtown serves seasonally driven Mediterranean food with plenty of Northwestern influences. It's very easy to make a meal here of several tantalizing small plates, like sautéed brussels sprouts with bacon, chili, and garlic and Penn Cove mussels with saffron, orange, and leeks. But there are plenty of tasty main dishes to consider, too, including braised-beef short rib with garlic-mashed potatoes. Wood-fired pizzas are another stellar option.
It's a scenic 20-minute drive east from downtown to reach this intimate but lively contemporary bistro near the north shore of Lake Whatcom...
It's a scenic 20-minute drive east from downtown to reach this intimate but lively contemporary bistro near the north shore of Lake Whatcom, where chef-owners John and Gina Russell emphasize local, seasonal ingredients in creating some of the most creative and artfully presented fare in the region. In the evening, you might start with an heirloom-tomato-and-lump-crab salad with chèvre, mizuna greens, and balsamic vinaigrette, before continuing on to a perfectly grilled hanger steak with roasted-garlic-and-cauliflower puree, kale "lollipops," and a cherry-shallot demi-glace. Breakfast and lunch are served on weekends—try the North Carolina–barbecue pulled pork with eggs and a biscuit, accompanied by a Sparkling Fork cocktail (prosecco, aromatic bitters, raw-sugar cube, and lemon).
2530 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham, Washington, 98226, USA
This decidedly offbeat breakfast and lunch spot in a quiet neighborhood just north of downtown stands out both for its prodigious portions of...
This decidedly offbeat breakfast and lunch spot in a quiet neighborhood just north of downtown stands out both for its prodigious portions of rib-sticking all-day breakfast fare and its funny (and often freaky) decorative elements, from dozens of clown paintings and figurines to its psychedelic color scheme. Prepare for a wait, especially on weekend mornings, and if you can possibly save room for dessert, the seasonal fruit (peach-blueberry, for example) bread puddings are to die for.
521 Kentucky St., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
The elegant, pan-Asian conglomeration of sounds, scents, and sights takes place in a sleekly modern yet darkly cozy space. The taste-dazzling...
The elegant, pan-Asian conglomeration of sounds, scents, and sights takes place in a sleekly modern yet darkly cozy space. The taste-dazzling array of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese cuisines includes curries, stir-fries, soups, and seafood. Standouts include coconut and galangal chicken soup and the Oceans Five seafood platter.
Fans of Michoacán-style Mexican food have been known to schedule their Portland–Seattle road trips to hit this festive but unfussy family-run...
Fans of Michoacán-style Mexican food have been known to schedule their Portland–Seattle road trips to hit this festive but unfussy family-run restaurant for dinner. Authentic meals start with pickled carrots instead of chips and salsa, and favorite dishes include classic chicken mole and carne en su jugo, a heady soup of steak strips, bacon, onion, and cilantro, served with tortillas. Save room for the capirotada, a rich and spicy bread pudding.
1001 W. Main St., Centralia, Washington, 98531, USA
In a vintage redbrick building in downtown Chehalis, a 10-minute drive south of Centralia, you'll find the region's most sophisticated restaurant...
In a vintage redbrick building in downtown Chehalis, a 10-minute drive south of Centralia, you'll find the region's most sophisticated restaurant, where chef Laurel Khan produces consistently imaginative, fresh Pacific Northwest fare at reasonable prices. The seasonally driven menu changes daily but might feature a starter of grilled flatbread topped with Dungeness crab, herbed goat cheese, and tomato-pepper jam, followed by Parmesan-crusted whitefish with a light lemon-dill sauce, or sliced duck breast with a black-cherry-and-walnut reduction—it's pretty urbane fare for this laid-back, down-home part of Washington. The beer and wine lists are commendable, too.
545 N. Market St., Chehalis, Washington, 98532, USA
Locally sourced, sustainable ingredients take center stage in the artfully plated dishes at this otherwise simple-looking downtown restaurant...
Locally sourced, sustainable ingredients take center stage in the artfully plated dishes at this otherwise simple-looking downtown restaurant popular for its affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare. Fluffy house-made biscuits with sausage gravy and the hangtown fry with local fried oysters, bacon, and house-made hot sauce are among noteworthy morning dishes. In the evening, tuck into plate of crisp pork belly with green lentils and a pickled-grape gastrique, or duck-and-root-vegetable pâté with smoked onion jam and pickled figs. The chocolate mousse dessert is fluffy and delicious.
Above the shore on a steep, wooded bluff, this intimate restaurant in the village of Bow is regionally famous for what may be the best marine...
Above the shore on a steep, wooded bluff, this intimate restaurant in the village of Bow is regionally famous for what may be the best marine view from any Washington restaurant. People come here to dine and watch the sun set over the islands to the west or to watch the full moon reflect off the waters of Samish Bay. The menu changes regularly, so it's hard to predict what you might find, but the oyster bar, along with the refined seafood dishes (including a delectable oyster fry with Parmesan–bread crumb crust and sour-apple aioli), wild game, and pastas never disappoint—and there are well-chosen wines to complement every dish.
2578 Chuckanut Dr., 22 miles south of Bellingham, Bow, Washington, 98232, USA
The first thing you notice upon walking inside this bustling tavern and hot-dog joint are the dozens of beer taps hanging from the ceiling,...
The first thing you notice upon walking inside this bustling tavern and hot-dog joint are the dozens of beer taps hanging from the ceiling, each one representing a particular ale that's been poured here. Indeed, this quirky spot is a must for beer lovers, with plenty of interesting varieties on tap and available by the bottle, from Northwest craft brews to Belgian Trappist tripels. But it's the dogs and brats that set Red Hot apart—the kitchen here serves up the classics, like a Chicago-style beef version topped with mustard, relish, and celery salt, as well as unusual versions, like the Hound Dog, which is slathered in peanut butter and crowned with crispy bacon. German-style bratwurst and vegan dogs are served, too.
Sure, it's awfully far north to be specializing in down-home Southern cooking, but this bustling, casual spot on Tacoma's north side, a little...
Sure, it's awfully far north to be specializing in down-home Southern cooking, but this bustling, casual spot on Tacoma's north side, a little west of Wright Park, serves remarkably authentic and absolutely delicious soul food. In the morning, regulars swing by for heaping plates of chicken-fried steak with grits and eggs, or homemade biscuits and gravy. Later, move on to fried catfish strips with a side of hush puppies, Texas-style hand-trimmed brisket, and hot-links sandwiches. Dinners come with corn cakes and lots of tasty sides—and do save room for the sweet-potato pie. Note that the restaurant closes on the early side most evenings, usually around 8 pm.
A couple of blocks from the river on a bluff with expansive views of the village, this homey restaurant with a rustic dark-wood interior serves...
A couple of blocks from the river on a bluff with expansive views of the village, this homey restaurant with a rustic dark-wood interior serves some of the best seafood in the area, plus a few well-prepared French classics, such as cassoulet with duck confit and house-cured bacon, and fall-off-the-bone pork shank with wild-mushroom risotto. Simpler fare—caramelized-onion flatbread, shepherd's pie—is served in the adjoining pub.
Drop by this spacious, modern café to kick off the day with a well-crafted espresso drink and breakfast sandwich, or linger later in the day...
Drop by this spacious, modern café to kick off the day with a well-crafted espresso drink and breakfast sandwich, or linger later in the day over a naan flatbread pizza and a pint of craft beer or local wine. Tall windows let in plenty of sunlight, and on warm days you can stroll across the street and enjoy your coffee on a park bench in verdant Pioneer Park.
210 W. Pioneer Ave., Puyallup, Washington, 98371, USA
Tucked into chic Marina Village, this elegant waterfront outlet of a popular Washington-based seafood chain has large windows opening to a panorama...
Tucked into chic Marina Village, this elegant waterfront outlet of a popular Washington-based seafood chain has large windows opening to a panorama of Port Gardner Bay. The specials, which change daily, might include meaty Dungeness crab, wild chinook salmon, and other sea creatures caught just offshore, and the clam chowder is justly renowned. Desserts are fabulous, especially those crafted from the state's succulent berries and fruits.
1726 W. Marine View Dr., Everett, Washington, 98201, USA
Although it's a couple of miles east of downtown in a strip mall, this trendy place has quickly established itself as a hot spot for creative...
Although it's a couple of miles east of downtown in a strip mall, this trendy place has quickly established itself as a hot spot for creative, often complex modern Asian fare, with an emphasis on local ingredients. The early-evening and late-night happy hours are hugely popular, with great bargains on food and drinks. Pork-belly ramen and fried soft-shell crab with tuna poke are stars among the noodle bowls, but also consider the grilled lemongrass chicken with a white wine–oyster sauce. Save room for the banana tarte tatin. There's a popular brunch on weekends.
At this deliberately rustic waterfront restaurant diners share a casual, seaside camaraderie as they slurp up clam chowder, steamed clams, and...
At this deliberately rustic waterfront restaurant diners share a casual, seaside camaraderie as they slurp up clam chowder, steamed clams, and mussels, plus larger plates of creatively prepared seafood grills and pastas—cioppino, wasabi-spiced fresh halibut, and smoked-salmon linguine are some of the best bets. Sailors, who enjoy free boat moorage, arrive early for the famed Sunday brunch.
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
