13 Underrated Washington Restaurants That Deserve Way More Love
Washington is packed with incredible eats that don’t always make the headlines. Sure, Seattle’s big-name spots soak up the spotlight, but tucked away in towns and neighborhoods all over the state are restaurants serving dishes you’ll never forget.
Think cozy Lebanese cafés, vibrant Malaysian kitchens, and plenty of family-run places where the food speaks louder than any hype. These overlooked treasures might just serve up your most memorable meal in the Pacific Northwest.
1. Cafe Munir – Candlelit Lebanese Magic
Family recipes shine at this intimate Ballard gem where Lebanese mezze plates arrive in perfect succession. The arak collection (anise-flavored spirit) rivals any in the country, with staff guiding you through regional varieties you won’t find elsewhere.
Golden light from dozens of candles creates an atmosphere that makes even Tuesday feel special. The hummus transcends what you thought possible from chickpeas, while the lamb dishes showcase generations of culinary wisdom.
This place feels like being welcomed into someone’s home.
2. The Shambles – Seattle’s Butcher-Bar Paradise
Tucked away in Seattle’s Maple Leaf neighborhood, The Shambles combines a full-service butcher shop with a restaurant that meat lovers dream about. Their in-house charcuterie program produces some of the most flavorful cured meats in the city.
The steaks here aren’t just good – they’re transformative. Order the bone-in ribeye and watch your dinner companions go silent with food bliss.
Remember, this spot is 21+ only, but they thoughtfully keep bar seats available for walk-ins every night.
3. Kedai Makan – Malaysian Street Food Revelation
My first bite of their nasi goreng transported me straight to the night markets of Kuala Lumpur. The chef somehow captures authentic Malaysian flavors using Pacific Northwest ingredients, creating a magical fusion that respects both traditions.
The roti canai comes with a curry dipping sauce that people regularly dream about. Their sambal dishes deliver that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and funky that defines great Malaysian cooking.
Under new ownership but still maintaining the culinary magic, this Capitol Hill spot remains criminally underrated.
4. Paju – Korean Small Plates with Big Flavor
Paju bridges traditional Korean techniques with Seattle’s innovative culinary spirit. Their seafood-forward menu features dishes like charred octopus with gochujang that somehow tastes both familiar and completely new.
The compact dining room creates an intimate experience where you can watch chefs work their magic. While their Korean fried chicken gets deserved attention, don’t miss the seasonal banchan that showcases what’s fresh at local markets.
Located in South Lake Union at 513 Westlake Ave N, it’s worth seeking out.
5. Over the Moon Cafe – Tacoma’s Hidden Romance
Wandering down Opera Alley feels like stepping into another era, and this tiny bistro enhances that time-travel sensation. I once celebrated an anniversary here and still remember the mushroom soup that made us both fall silent in appreciation.
Flickering candlelight bounces off brick walls while classic European comfort food arrives on mismatched vintage plates. The wine list punches way above its weight for a restaurant this size.
Family-owned for years, the care shows in every detail from the hand-written specials to the perfect temperature of each butter pat.
6. Indo Asian Street Eatery – Tacoma’s Flavor Explosion
Bold doesn’t begin to describe the flavors at this Stadium District standout. Their crispy garlic chicken should be illegal – somehow both light and intensely satisfying with layers of flavor that keep revealing themselves with each bite.
Curry lovers will find nirvana in their rotating selection that spans multiple Southeast Asian traditions. The space itself feels energetic without being chaotic, perfect for both quick lunches and lingering dinners.
No reservations means occasional waits, but the staff manages the flow masterfully.
7. Italia Trattoria – Spokane’s Pasta Paradise
Pasta made fresh daily transforms this Browne’s Addition restaurant from good to extraordinary. The chef’s dedication to authentic Italian techniques, paired with Eastern Washington ingredients, creates dishes that would impress even the most discerning nonna.
During my last visit to Spokane, I dreamed about their carbonara for weeks afterward. The silky egg sauce clung perfectly to each strand of house-made pasta. Their Sunday brunch has developed a cult following among locals who guard reservation times like precious secrets.
Dog lovers appreciate the patio where four-legged friends receive the same warm welcome as their humans.
8. Carnal – Bellingham’s Fire-Kissed Wonder
Flames dance in the open kitchen where chefs transform simple ingredients into complex flavor symphonies. Every protein gets the wood-fire treatment, creating caramelized exteriors while maintaining perfect internal temperatures.
Their signature black cod emerges from the flames with crispy skin protecting butter-soft flesh beneath. The seasonal vegetable sides receive equal attention, often stealing the spotlight from their meaty companions.
Downtown Bellingham’s dining scene has evolved dramatically in recent years, with Carnal leading the charge toward destination-worthy experiences.
9. Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen – Walla Walla’s Spice Haven
Wine country deserves restaurants that match its vineyards’ quality, and Saffron delivers spectacularly.
Operating since 2007, this downtown Walla Walla institution creates Mediterranean magic using valley produce and house-made sausages that would make old-world butchers proud.
The mezze platter provides a perfect starting point for wine-tasting-weary palates. Their harissa brings welcome heat while the house-baked bread serves as the perfect vehicle for every sauce and spread.
Each dish demonstrates why Mediterranean flavors pair so beautifully with Washington wines.
10. Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar – Olympia’s Shellfish Shrine
Few restaurants connect so directly to their ingredients as this Market District pearl. Owned by second-generation shellfish farmers, the knowledge behind each bivalve becomes apparent with your first slurp of their signature Chelsea Gems.
The geoduck ceviche transforms this challenging ingredient into an accessible delight. Their seafood tower showcases the Puget Sound’s bounty with artistic presentation that makes everyone in the room experience order envy.
The bright, airy space features a horseshoe bar where solo diners can watch shuckers work their magic while chatting with knowledgeable staff.
11. Cowiche Canyon Kitchen – Yakima Valley’s Seasonal Star
Central Washington’s agricultural abundance shines through every plate at this stylish downtown Yakima establishment.
The kitchen transforms local harvests into sophisticated dishes that honor their origins while elevating them through thoughtful preparation.
The adjacent Icehouse bar crafts cocktails featuring local fruits and herbs that perfectly complement the restaurant’s offerings.
During apple season, their pork chop with heirloom apple compote creates flavor memories that last until your next visit.
The modern interior manages to feel both contemporary and perfectly at home in this historic agricultural community.
12. Little Conejo – Vancouver’s Taco Revolution
Corn gets the respect it deserves at this downtown Vancouver taquería, where each tortilla begins as heirloom masa before being pressed and griddled to order. The difference between these tortillas and standard versions becomes immediately apparent with your first bite.
Their mezcal program educates palates about this complex spirit through thoughtfully curated flights. The al pastor taco, pork sliced from a vertical spit topped with pineapple, transports you straight to Mexico City streets.
Sister location Little Conejo Norte offers the same quality with a slightly different menu worth exploring on return visits.
13. Ba Sa – Bainbridge Island’s Vietnamese Gem
Ferry rides should always lead to food this good. The Nguyen siblings have created something special on Winslow Way where traditional Vietnamese flavors meet Northwest ingredients with spectacular results.
Their dry-aged ribeye pho elevates the humble soup to fine-dining territory without losing its soul-warming comfort.
The restaurant’s name comes from basa, a type of catfish central to a beloved family dish. This connection to family heritage infuses every dish with meaning beyond mere flavor.
The bright, modern space feels both sophisticated and welcoming, much like the food itself.