Experience the rich history, culture, and flavors of Mexico's Tequila region at Agave Cocina & Tequilas! Siblings Julian, Faviola, and Federico Ramos opened the restaurant's flagship location in 2009, serving authentic Mexican dishes with a contemporary flare alongside a menu featuring over 150 tequilas. The Ramos' fare is hand-crafted with fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients. 

Join them for a tasting tour and sample a curated selection of their finest tequilas - each is 100 percent agave, ensuring a smooth, sophisticated flavor. You can also choose to drink your tequila mixed into one of their specialty cocktails or margaritas made with fresh juices and natural purees. Make sure to check out their other locations in Issaquah and Queen Anne! 

Bonus: The siblings also own a sister restaurant, Agave Cocina & Cantina, with locations in Redmond and Kent!

In 2022 Krista Nelson opened the all-day cafe in Uptown, Bake Shop. Krista is dedicated to keeping her business low-waste through sourcing in bulk, working with local farms, and not using single-use plastic in her kitchen. At Bake Shop, you'll find a menu full of house-made pastries and savory treats like sandwiches and salads. Not looking for coffee or tea? Bake shop also serves beer and wine!

Bonus: If you bring your own cup you get $0.25 off your coffee or tea. 

Belle Coelho and Dave Ryer opened Bambino's Pizzeria because they wanted a place to call home — a place where their customers will be their extended family and friends. Belle and Dave say their service is unceremonious because their restaurant is run the Italian way — passionate and homely with a little flair. Bambino's Pizzeria features classic Italian cuisine (there's nothing eccentric about it) of pizza, calzoni, and salads. The menu has signature pizzas that have become much-loved classics, but Belle and Dave are also constantly dreaming up new ones. All are rustic and will take you on a journey through local farms to Italian curiosities.

Chef and owner Thiraphan Suttabusya has created a menu featuring an array of classic Thai dishes at Basilic Essentially Thai — a converted house-restaurant near Seattle Center. Thiraphan learned Thai cuisine from his grandmother and has been cooking her delicious recipes since he was young. He brought his grandmother's recipes to Seattle and combined them with his culinary style inspired by his experiences around the world. At Basilic Essentially Thai, you'll find delicious food and drinks, friendly staff, happy to work with dietary restrictions and requests.

Brian Durbin, designer Judy Boardman, and chef Chris Linker created a cozy gastropub specializing in international shareable plates: Black Bottle. The gastropub has a full wine bar, specialty cocktails, and natural wines. Although the menu features high-end eats, Brian, Judy, and Chris have designed Black Bottle to be more flavor than flash. The casual environment and unfussy rustic dishes let the meat, seafood, and vegetables speak for themselves.

Bonus: Black Bottle also has a location in Bellevue.

If your mouth waters at the thought of juicy tacos or flavorful al pastor burritos, stop by one of Blue Water Taco Grill's six locations. Owners Jana and David de Varona have created a menu inspired by the taquerias of Coastal Mexico and Southern California. Want to serve their award-winning Mexican food at your next meeting or event? Five words: Blue Water Taco Grill Catering.

This farm-to-fork restaurant boasts the freshest produce for its organic vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based dishes. When Li Sun opened Broadfork Cafe, she was intent on building partnerships with other small, organic vendors. From Stumptown coffee to Happy Valley Sprouts, there are over a dozen businesses that contribute to Broadfork's wholesome ingredients. Whether you order a savory jackfruit carnitas burrito or a crunchy Broadfork salad, you're sure to leave nourished and satisfied!

Bonus: Broadfork Cafe has another location in University District.

When Café Hagen owner Maria Beck settled in Seattle from Scandinavia, she wanted to share the best elements of "hygge" — a term meaning coziness, comfort, and warmth, and being kind to yourself. For Maria, this means sharing specialty coffee and home-baked pastries in an elegant neighborhood space. Each item on the menu showcases Café Hagen's passion to deliver an indulgent and European experience in Seattle's Queen Anne.

Bonus: Check out the original Cafe Hagen in South Lake Union!

Just steps away from the Space Needle, Tony Chu's coffee shop, CAFFEINATED provides a relaxing atmosphere to sit and enjoy your caffeination. From beans sourced from Fidalgo to the La Marzocco espresso machine, everything is Washington-made.

Fun Fact: There's plenty of evidence of Tony's passion for plants throughout the coffee shop, including the CAFFEINATED organic, fair trade "Monstera" blend.

Cairde Public House & Bar in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne neighborhood is the vision of Martha Fletcher. Caidre is a sister restaurant to The Blarney Stone in Downtown Seattle, offering a fun atmosphere with great food and drinks. There are 14 TV screens and a projector for guests to watch their favorite sports. The pub welcomes dogs and will happily stay open past closing time if people are enjoying themselves. 

Fun Fact: "Cairde" means "Friends" in Gaelic.

Cairde Public House is the brainchild of Martha Fletcher, who has owned other pubs in Seattle. The friendly bar with an Irish twist offers a great selection of food, spirits, and beer is your home for watching sports on one of the 14 TV's, or just hanging with your friends. Martha encourages you stop by Cairde Public House and raise a pint (with your dogs in tow).

Fun-fact: Cairde means "friends" in Gaelic.

Cinnamon glazed almonds and pecans don't have to be reserved for the holidays. In fact, they're a year-round affair for Karen Bainbridge and Nathan Bainbridge, owners of Ceres Roasting company. They churn out their delicious nuts for hungry customers at the Seattle Center Armory (as well as at CenturyLink Field and Key Arena). Every batch is roasted in copper kettles for the public to watch.

Bonus: Ceres Roasting Company serves espresso beverages and sources their fair trade coffee beans from local Seattle roasters.

Cherry Street Coffee House owner Ali Ghambari is a pivotal member of Seattle’s Iranian-American community, having organized an annual Iranian festival for over 10 years. Cherry Street has four different locations around Seattle, serving sustainably-sourced Counter Culture Coffee.

Bonus: Check out the other locations here: Pine & Melrose, 1st & Cherry, and 5th & Olive.

Coba Viet Kitchen and Ales is an ambient setting to enjoy Saigon street food just steps away from the Space Needle in Seattle's Uptown neighborhood. Owner Jane Nguyen's menu includes an assortment of snacks like garlic butter chicken wings and fresh rolls along with bánh mì sandwiches (the pork belly is a favorite), vermicelli noodle bún bowls, cơm rice plates, and a variety of phở options. alongside beer and craft cocktails.

Bonus: Many of the restaurant's ingredients are locally sourced.

Cyclops Cafe & Lounge has been a Belltown institution since it opened in 1990. Artists and current owners Gina Kaukola and John Hawkley have kept the vibe of the space. Visit Cyclops Cafe & Lounge for casual dining and drinks (kid friendly) in an eclectic, art filled lounge. Cyclops has been a favorite hangout for local grunge stars, painters, actors, and more. Gina and John's food is the perfect pub food, delicious fries, well-seasoned burgers, shrimp tacos, and, of course, refreshing drinks.

Sergio and Mariana Villasenor opened Dos Chamucos Taqueria in 2021 to serve Seattle delicious Mexican food. Their specialty? Street tacos and margaritas. Choose between carne asada, al pastor, achiote grilled chicken, and roasted poblano peppers. If you want something other than tacos, Sergio and Mariana can dish your choice of protein into a burrito, rice bowl, quesadilla, and more.  

Bonus: Not only are the tacos delicious, they're affordable!

Raised in Bombay, Geogy Chacko is the owner and chef of Queen Anne's Far Eats Cafe, where his team makes Indian street food with a Seattle twist.

From snacks like meaty or vegetarian dabeli (hot sandwiches) and delicious breads (topped tadka roti and pav dishes) for the lunch crowd, to signature dishes like the Far Eats biryani and silky stews for evening customers, this restaurant will become your new favorite spot. 

Pro tip: Far Eats is open for breakfast, too! Don't miss their veggie-stuffed deshi omelettes.

Fulcrum Cafe delivers responsibly sourced, high quality coffee in a modern space that features contemporary art and design.  Fifth-generation Costa Rican coffee farmer Blas Alfaro, together with founding partners Lee Falck and Brian Jurus, build lasting relationships with farmers around the world and hand-selects the coffee for Fulcrum Coffee.

Fun fact: Fulcrum provides the coffee for a variety of Seattle coffee shops and cafes including The Station and Hood Famous Cafe + Bar.

Owned by Michal Gola and Osiris Navarro, Golas Kitchen is a boutique hospitality company that offers catering, event coordination, and consultation services. Michal immigrated to the United States from Czech Republic and Osiris immigrated from the Philippines — together, the two fuse their passions for global cuisine and good company to imagine and execute creative events.

Find out just how hot you like your food at Golden Singha Thai Cuisine. Visit Samphan Phuphanich's restaurant for fresh, healthy, and delicious traditional Thai food. In the heart of Belltown, Golden Singha Thai Cuisine is the perfect and convenient lunch or dinner destination. The menu is full of soups, noodle dishes, rice dishes, curries, and more, so if you need some help deciding Samphan and his team are happy to make some recommendations.

Pro-tip: Don't forget to pair your meal with a refreshing Thai ice coffee or tea.

GoldinBlack, owned by Jeen Kim, embodies the idea of a friendly neighborhood restaurant. Customers are consistently impressed with the service, overall atmosphere, and food, from the seafood pancakes to the spicy pork bibimbap. To go along with your food GoldinBlack has beer and wine, as well as sake, soju, and makgeolli (a milky and lightly sparkling rice wine).

Bonus: GoldinBlack also has gourmet sandwiches.

During lunchtime, the smell of Karaage Setsuna's famous fried chicken fills the 2nd Avenue sidewalk. Owner Yoshinao Matsumoto used to run a traditional Japanese restaurant near Northgate Mall but wanted a change of pace. Welcome to his second act: a delicious Japanese-Hawaiian mash-up.

Rony and Renee Brown, the owners of Queen Anne's Konvene Coffee, are beloved by their customers. This charming couple cares about their community and serves up steaming lattes, hefty sandwiches in a warm and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect place to get some work done or catch up with a friend.

Aldo Góngora, his wife Angelica, and sister-in-law Roxana Martin are passionate about preserving traditional corn seeds by creating, eating, and spreading non-GMO heirloom corn. In 2021, they opened Maíz in a tiny space at Seattle's Pike Place Market. The menu features classic recipes of sopes, gorditas, tamales, and tacos with their house-made nixtamalized masa.

Building on their success, Maiz Molino in Belltown offers a more spacious dining experience, including lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Yuthana and Nopparate Chathanathum are serving up fried rice, noodles, curry, and other classic Thai dishes at Mantra Restaurant & Bar. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a full dinner, Mantra Restaurant & Bar has the perfect dish for you. Not sure what you're looking for? Yuthana, Nopparate, and their incredible staff are happy to help you.

Bonus: Don't forget to try one of their signature cocktails!

Husband-wife duo Chef Moon Chun and Jinhee Chun first opened Moon Tree Sushi and Tapas in Everett in 2015. Three years later, they settled into Queen Anne and have been bringing fresh Asian tapas to the neighborhood ever since. Moon is cooking up modern sushi in a trendy space, which has been accented with elements from nature. Those looking for a full sushi experience should order the Moon Tree omakase, and let the chef curate a dinner specially for you.

After establishing themselves as an iconic duo in Seattle's bar scene, Anu Apte and Chris Elford decided that they would fill the city's need for a tiki bar. At Navy Strength, they turn inauthentic tiki on its head with an eclectic menu that celebrates multiculturalism.

Bill Jeong offers inventive takes on traditional Korean cuisine at his restaurant Paju. The clean, minimalist atmosphere makes Paju the perfect place for a relaxing date night, celebratory evening out among friends, or even an upscale dinner before a night at the opera. Bill, along with the rest of the staff at Paju, use their years of experience to provide unique food at the highest standard. Customers say they are blown away by every dish, but rave about the chicken wings and the Paju fried rice.

Plaza Garibaldi in Lower Queen Anne is named after the historic plaza in Mexico City - an iconic place where Mariachi bands play day and night and people gather for good music, good food, and lively energy. Located just blocks from some of Seattle's most popular attractions and venues, the family-owned and operated restaurant has been supplying freshly-muddled margaritas and classic Mexican dishes based on family recipes to Seattleites and tourists alike since 2012. You'll often find Plaza Garibaldi's friendly hands-on owners Libier Sandoval, Camerina Morales, and Rodolfo Vega-Gutierrez taking you to your seat, preparing your drinks, or bringing out your chips and salsa.

Pro tip: Pop in on a Friday or Saturday night for their Absolute Karaoke Nights and a guaranteed good time!

It's about time you've experienced a proper Scottish pie or devoured a savory shepherd's pie. Premier Meat Pies, owned by Karen Bainbridge, Nathan Bainbridge, and Kavin Haggard, reputably makes the best in town. But they don't just serve the traditional menu items, they're also great at crafting creative flavors like hatch chile & chicken. The pies are baked fresh daily and the recipe has been refined to perfection.

Bonus: You can also find their famous meat pies at Pier 54 Waterfront, and CenturyLink Field events.

When Gary Szeredy took over Queen Anne Beerhall in 2020 he brought his own Northwest spin to the business, which was originally inspired by a beer hall in Czech Republic. The 25 taps that used to exclusively feature European beers, now include local brews, like the Uptown Helles, their specialty brewed logger. 

Gary also revamped the food menu, but kept some classics like their giant, soft pretzel. His expanded menu includes customer favorites like the peanut butter bacon burger and chicken and waffles!

Bonus: Don't leave your four-legged friend behind. Queen Anne Beerhall welcomes dogs!

Selected as a 2023 James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bar, Rob Roy is a classic cocktail bar in the heart of Belltown. Owner Anu Apte has been running Rob Roy with a passion since 2009. Anu's cocktail den celebrates classic drinks with a bit of punk cheek, using ingredients from all over the world. Pair your cocktail with some delicious small plates, like gnocchi and curry. 

Fun-fact: The bar is named after the classic Rob Roy cocktail, which Anu said she had to learn to love.

At Rocco's Specialty Bar & Pizzeria you'll find delicious specialty pizzas entirely made from scratch, including all their sauces, dressings, dough, ricotta, sausage, and more. Owner Jesus Escobar named the pizzeria after his longtime girlfriend's grandmother. Jesus takes great pride in the pizzas at Rocco's, using locally bought meat and greens and offering gluten-free and vegan ingredients. Equal to their pizzas is the bar, which includes approximately 300 spirits, 12 beers on draft, and in-house made Amaretto, Limoncello, and rhum arrangé.

Pro-tip: While at the bar, try some of their baked bread sticks.

Connoisseurs of menudo will know that the dish is a time-consuming labor of love. Sal Y Limon is a Mexican restaurant, owned and operated by Jesus Magaña and Adrian Cayetano. They opened their restaurant in 2018 and make many of the items on the menu (from its soft tortillas to flavorful adobada) "the traditional way."

Bonus: The building is two stories, and features a tertulia room for private events. Sounds like a call for some of their from-scratch margaritas!

Looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after a visit to the Space Needle? Founded in 1981 and owned by He-Soo Chong, Seattle Fudge set out on a mission to create a new Pacific Northwest legacy.

Su Wang wants to give guests guests can get a taste of genuine Japanese Yakitori from an experienced chef who came from one of the best Yakitori restaurants in Tokyo at her restuarant Shinya Shokudo. Shinya Shokuda is the perfect spot for any occasion, from business meals and anniversaries to weeknight dinners with friends where guests will experience the culture of Japanese Izakaya. Enjoy the warmth and tradition of Japanese sake with your meal.

Fun-fact: The name Shinya Shokuda translates to midnight diner in English, and references a well-known manga.

If you're looking for local, fresh, seasonal cuisine, perfectly poured pints, and unpretentious cocktails served with a smile, visit Some Random Bar. Husband-wife duo Michael Maione and Jean Wallace opened the bar in 2013 and can both be found manning the bar. Some Random Bar doesn't specialize in any one thing, but offers a little bit of everything. There are TVs, a cocktail list with fresh juices, extensive wine and beer selections, and a seasonal menu of tasty bar food.

For decades, the Streamline Tavern has served as a place for Seattle locals to kick back. Owners Mike Lewis and Mary McIntyre have cultivated an incredible vibe at the friendly neighborhood dive bar, with great conversation, personable bartenders, and cheap ⁠— but tasty ⁠— drinks. Enjoy pool, darts, and pinball as you savor the company and whatever you're sipping. Don't miss their specialty food nights like Taco Thursday and Slider Sunday. 

Pro-tip: Mike and Mary's tavern is located only two blocks away from the Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle Center. 

Street Bean is a Seattle non-profit serving up fantastic coffee with a cause. Street Bean provides street-involved youth with job training skills, purpose, positive relationships and the chance to discover who they were created to be, all while providing you with handcrafted espresso perfection.

Korean and Mexican fusion restaurant SZN infuses Korean cuisine with American-style Mexican cuisine to offer owners Jack Cheung and Alton Brown's unique take on fusion food. Look forward to trying the bulgolgi fries platter, kimichi mac and cheese, and SZN burritos when you make your visit! And be sure to check out their craft cocktail menu to try their twists on classic drinks — like the SZN Old Fashion with Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, and maple as well as the Aloha Sidecar with Bulleit Bourbon, Cointreau, lemon juice, garnished with peel of lemon.

Current owners Bill and Paul Taylor’s great great-grandfather founded Taylor Shellfish in the 1890s, and along with their brother-in-law, Jeff Pearson, they carry on the family tradition. Visit their Queen Anne location for fresh, sustainably farmed oysters before heading to the Climate Pledge Arena.

Bonus: Check out their Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill locations!

Originally from a small town in the Fukushima region of Japan, Genki Sushi alum, Shinichiro Takahashi opened Ten Sushi in 2013. A kaiten-sushi restaurant, at Ten Sushi, a conveyer belt distributes sushi rolls, nigiri, and other appetizers. Can't make up your mind? Omakase.

Pro tip: Make a reservation for one of Chef Takahashi's tuna filleting events!

Jasmine Mac's Belltown restaurant, Thai on 1, is a great choice for authentic Thai cuisine whether you're looking for dine-in, take-out, or catering. Thai on 1's master chef draws upon unique flavor palettes from her food expeditions across Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and China to create her own delicious interpretations of Bangkok's favorite dishes. Jasmine and her team are masterful, innovative, and authentic, offering traditional favorites like pad thai, papaya salad, and duck curry as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Cheesecake dipped in chocolate — enough said. Troy Hill, Destiny Sund, and Paul Verano are the masterminds behind The Confectional, a delicious spot that opened its first location at Pike Place Market in 2006. The cheesecake dips and truffles come in many amazing flavors, like the popular "Holy Crack."

Pro tip: Sample the life-changing Columbian hot chocolate, passed down from owner Paul Verano's Abuelita Tutu.

At The Seattle Grind, nestled below the Space Needle, owners Urszula and Grazyna Trudnos and Darick Chamberlin take care in crafting each drink they serve. They focus on cultivating a personal connection with each person who walks through the door, adding warmth to everyone's day.

You can find The Traveling Goat, a small bar run by wife and husband team Tina and Steve Nicoles, conveniently located near the Climate Pledge arena. Steve runs the bar and is happy to greet you with a smile and a drink while chef Tina serves up excellent Asian fusion tacos. While Steve works his magic behind the bar, he is happy to chat with you about Seattle, Kraken games, or your how to spice up your at-home cocktails. 

Bonus: The Traveling Goat is dog friendly.

Ba Culbert's cafe is a true neighborhood gem. The low key atmosphere, amazing food (including legendary dutch babies available for brunch on the weekend), and seasonal menu make Tilikum Place Café a place where locals return time and again.

Before joining forces, Anu Apte and Chris Elford independently established themselves as important figures in Seattle's bar scene. Originally founded in 2016 as No Anchor, Trade Winds Tavern got its new name in 2022 and continues its predecessor's reputation as a beer destination but with a sportier dive bar vibe. The Belltown sports bar is home to an inviting tap room, classic pub fare, and a world class beer selection.

Across from Seattle Center, you can find Tyger Tyger, a Sichuan restaurant owned and run by Garrett Doherty and Benjamin Chew as well as Benjamin's brother and sister. From the minute you walk in the door, you'll be met with the delicious smell of pork dumplings, prawn buns, and so much more. The atmosphere is just as good as the food — Tyger Tyger is the perfect place for date night or for family dinner. 

Most evenings, you can find Yu-Mei Wang making rounds and chatting with her customers at Uptown China. Her restaurant and the attached lounge has a relaxing ambience to dine and unwind over a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine. Then, partake in the savory Chinese cuisine served, which is a combination of Hunan, Szechwan, and a touch of Cantonese. From enticing appetizers and seafood dishes to rice and noodle entrées, Uptown China's meals have become local favorites.

Bonus: Yu-Mei also offers personalized catering service.

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. In addition to experiencing an extraordinary culinary experience, Owner-Chef Hiro Tawara has made Wa'z Seattle an educational and cultural experience. You'll find that every detail at Wa'z Seattle is meticulously looked after from decor to plate presentation.

Pro tip: The chef's counter is highly coveted and is reputably the best seat in the house!