Happy new year, Washington! It seems like new restaurants are popping up all over the Evergreen State, and not just in our major cities. Between the tempting new additions and our tried-and-true favorites, it’s tough to decide where to go when you’ve got a free evening to go out and splurge.
While this is by no means a complete list (and we highly encourage giving any restaurant you’re curious about a try), it’s a great place to start. Every restaurant on this list has proven itself to be worthy of a recommendation in 2020 and beyond.
- The Pink Door (Seattle)
The Pink Door
The Pink Door If you’ve ever been to The Pink Door in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, you know how incredible it truly is. Not only does it offer stellar views and surprisingly affordable Italian cuisine for the quality, but on most nights, you can catch live entertainment in the lounge.
- Frank’s Diner (Spokane)
vegasrugbyref / TripAdvisor
Frank’s Diner Facebook Frank’s Diner is a tried-and-true train car restaurant that serves some of the best (and largest) breakfast entrees in Spokane. It’s a local icon, and it’s always worthy of a visit – but go on a weekday if you want to skip the line.
- Annie’s Pizza Station (Concrete)
orioncreative / TripAdvisor
Annie’s Pizza Station Facebook We’ve previously stated that Annie’s serves some of the tastiest pizza in Washington, and we stand by that claim. Concrete isn’t exactly an easy venture for most Washingtonians, but if you find yourself passing through, grab a pie to-go and see for yourself.
- Salsita Antojitos Mexicanos (Yakima)
Gabe E / TripAdvisor
Jeff M. / FourSquare Please don’t be fooled by this eatery’s outward appearance. Salsita Antojitos Mexicanos is proof that the best Mexican food in the state is found in the most unassuming locations, especially in Yakima.
- The Dining Room at Salish Lodge and Spa (Snoqualmie)
Salish Lodge & Spa Facebook
Salish Lodge & Spa Facebook The Salish Lodge is a beautiful and elegant place to stay, with views of Snoqualmie Falls around every turn. And you don’t have to be a guest of the lodge to enjoy a meal at The Dining Room, which is amazing in every way. If you go for breakfast, try the coffee service… you’ll never be satisfied with a standard cup of joe again.
- Willows Inn (Lummi Island)
management / TripAdvisor
Willows Inn Facebook Ready for a bucket list dining experience in 2020? Take a ferry to Lummi Island and check out the restaurant at Willows Inn, which is the definition of farm-to-table-dining. Just make sure to make reservations far in advance.
- JuneBaby (Seattle)
JuneBaby Facebook
JuneBaby Facebook JuneBaby was once named one of the best restaurants in the country, and it hasn’t even been open for five years. Go on Fried Chicken Sunday and prepare for some life-changing Southern food.
- Walla Walla Steak Company (Walla Walla)
Walla Walla Steak Company Facebook
Walla Walla Steak Company Facebook You’d think a charming wine city like Walla Walla would have more options for classic steakhouses… but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality here. Walla Walla Steak Company is the perfect way to cap off a day of wine tasting or go on a romantic date.
- Over the Moon Cafe (Tacoma)
Opera Alley Tacoma Facebook
Thurman M / TripAdvisor It’s time everyone in Washington knows about this little gem. Over the Moon Cafe sits nestled in Tacoma’s Opera Alley, serving bistro fare in a romantic, intimate space.
- Yellow Church Cafe (Ellensburg)
montanan_traveler / TripAdvisor
Bluejay444 / TripAdvisor Who wouldn’t love a cheery yellow eatery that used to be a church? Ellensburg’s Yellow Church Cafe is a must-see.
- The Crab Pot (Seattle)
The Crab Pot Seattle Facebook
JenClift / TripAdvisor If you think of The Crab Pot as a tourist trap, think again. The iconic waterfront restaurant has really reinvented itself in recent years with the addition of local chef (and seafood lover) Nick Novello – but you’ll still find the tables piled high with delicious food and lines out the door to get in. It’s worth the wait to dine here.
As we mentioned before, this is far from a complete list of must-try restaurants in Washington. But if you’ve dined at the majority of these spots by the end of 2020, you’ll have had a fantastic year.
The Pink Door
If you’ve ever been to The Pink Door in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, you know how incredible it truly is. Not only does it offer stellar views and surprisingly affordable Italian cuisine for the quality, but on most nights, you can catch live entertainment in the lounge.
vegasrugbyref / TripAdvisor
Frank’s Diner Facebook
Frank’s Diner is a tried-and-true train car restaurant that serves some of the best (and largest) breakfast entrees in Spokane. It’s a local icon, and it’s always worthy of a visit – but go on a weekday if you want to skip the line.
orioncreative / TripAdvisor
Annie’s Pizza Station Facebook
We’ve previously stated that Annie’s serves some of the tastiest pizza in Washington, and we stand by that claim. Concrete isn’t exactly an easy venture for most Washingtonians, but if you find yourself passing through, grab a pie to-go and see for yourself.
Gabe E / TripAdvisor
Jeff M. / FourSquare
Please don’t be fooled by this eatery’s outward appearance. Salsita Antojitos Mexicanos is proof that the best Mexican food in the state is found in the most unassuming locations, especially in Yakima.
Salish Lodge & Spa Facebook
Salish Lodge & Spa Facebook
The Salish Lodge is a beautiful and elegant place to stay, with views of Snoqualmie Falls around every turn. And you don’t have to be a guest of the lodge to enjoy a meal at The Dining Room, which is amazing in every way. If you go for breakfast, try the coffee service… you’ll never be satisfied with a standard cup of joe again.
management / TripAdvisor
Willows Inn Facebook
Ready for a bucket list dining experience in 2020? Take a ferry to Lummi Island and check out the restaurant at Willows Inn, which is the definition of farm-to-table-dining. Just make sure to make reservations far in advance.
JuneBaby Facebook
JuneBaby was once named one of the best restaurants in the country, and it hasn’t even been open for five years. Go on Fried Chicken Sunday and prepare for some life-changing Southern food.
Walla Walla Steak Company Facebook
You’d think a charming wine city like Walla Walla would have more options for classic steakhouses… but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality here. Walla Walla Steak Company is the perfect way to cap off a day of wine tasting or go on a romantic date.
Opera Alley Tacoma Facebook
Thurman M / TripAdvisor
It’s time everyone in Washington knows about this little gem. Over the Moon Cafe sits nestled in Tacoma’s Opera Alley, serving bistro fare in a romantic, intimate space.
montanan_traveler / TripAdvisor
Bluejay444 / TripAdvisor
Who wouldn’t love a cheery yellow eatery that used to be a church? Ellensburg’s Yellow Church Cafe is a must-see.
The Crab Pot Seattle Facebook
JenClift / TripAdvisor
If you think of The Crab Pot as a tourist trap, think again. The iconic waterfront restaurant has really reinvented itself in recent years with the addition of local chef (and seafood lover) Nick Novello – but you’ll still find the tables piled high with delicious food and lines out the door to get in. It’s worth the wait to dine here.
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Address: The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, USAAddress: 416 N 2nd Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USAAddress: 111 S Pearl St, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USAAddress: 709 Opera Alley, Tacoma, WA 98402, USAAddress: 1516 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201, USAAddress: 2579 W Shore Dr, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USAAddress: Salish Lodge & Spa, 6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USAAddress: 2122 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115, USAAddress: Annie’s Pizza Station, 44568 State Rte 20, Concrete, WA 98237, USAAddress: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101, USAAddress: 902 S Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, USA
