Frommer’s Seattle day by day

Aqua WATERFRONT SEAFOOD From a seasonal variety of local oysters to crispy-skinned salmon to king crab legs in truffle aioli, Chef Wesley Hood’s seafood is always fresh and delicious. And, being the sister restaurant to El Gaucho steakhouse, this is one seafood spot where landlubbers are just as happy. One favorite signature side dish: lobster mashed potatoes. 2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70.

206/956-9171. www.elgaucho.com. Entrees $28–$89. Dinner daily. Bus: 99.

Assaggio DOWNTOWN ITALIAN From the Michelangelo-inspired art (look up!) to the personal welcome by gregarious owner/chef Mauro Golmarvi to the melt-in-your-mouth veal dishes, there’s no doubt you’ve entered a world where food is a passion. The boisterous back room is a fun place to meet friends; the front room has more private spaces. Everything from the simple Margarita pizza to the sophisticated osso buco is fresh and memorable. Don’t pass on dessert. 2010 4th Ave.

206/441-1399. www.assaggioseattle.com. Entrees $15–$29. AE, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. Bus: 1, 13, 15, 16, 17. Map p 120.

Bastille BALLARD FRENCH The best choices at this fasionable Parisian-style brasserie are the plats du jour, such as tender-crisp boneless quail. Or come for Sunday brunch when the Ballard Farmers’ Market adds spice to the scene and you can people-watch from the enclosed patio while enjoying a fluffy omelet. 5307 Ballard Ave. NW.

206/453-5014. www.bastilleseattle.com. Entrees $15–$25. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily, Sun brunch. See map p 122.

BOKA Restaurant + Bar DOWNTOWN NEW AMERICAN Food is art, and art is food for the soul at this stylish cafe in the ultra-hip Hotel 1000. It’s hard to decide whether to take a bite or a picture—take a bite! The flavorful, inventive menu shifts with the season. The petrale sole is fabulous. 1010 1st Ave.

206/357-9000. www.bokaseattle.com. Entrees $14–$31. AE, MC, V. Breakfast daily, lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. Bus: 12, 16, 66, 99. Map p 120.

Café Campagne PIKE PLACE MARKET FRENCH Come here for a casual, oh-so-French bistro experience. You won’t find a better croque-monsieur outside Paris. 1600 Post Alley.

206/728-2233. www.cafecampagne.com. Entrees $15–$23. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat–Sun, dinner daily. Bus: 10, 99, 113, 121, 122. Map p 119.

Café Paloma PIONEER SQUARE MEDITERRANEAN At this intimate Turkish cafe, you’ll find the Mediterranean standards, plus some creative choices—think gorgonzola panini. 93 Yesler Way.

206/405-1920. www.cafepaloma.com. Entrees $6–$12. MC, V. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner Tues–Sat. Bus: 99, 143, 157, 158. Map p 120.

Canlis DOWNTOWN NORTHWEST Dining here is more an experience than a meal. The food is fabulous—fresh and inventive—and the wine list outstanding. The seasonal salad features creative pairings—mango with prawns; beets with pears—and the lamb chops with couscous are among my favorites. But it’s the service, impeccable without being stuffy, that makes Canlis perfect for a special occasion. Plan to spend longer than usual for dinner, because you won’t want the pampering—or the view of Lake Union—to end. 2576 Aurora Ave N.

206/283-3313. www.canlis.com. Entrees $36–$68. AE, DISC, MC, V. Dinner Mon–Sat. Bus: 5, 16, 28. Map p 122.

Dahlia Lounge BELLTOWN NORTHWEST The menu at this quintessential Seattle restaurant never fails to enchant with unique flavor combinations. Think five-spice Peking duck with curry fried rice and orange chili dip. Beautiful and classy, the Dahlia is owned by legendary chef Tom Douglas, who runs a steadily growing number of Seattle establishments, including a bakery. Desserts are memorable. 2001 4th Ave.

206/682-4142. www.tomdouglas.com/restaurants/dahlia-lounge. Entrees $27–$38. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat–Sun, dinner daily. Bus: 1, 13, 15, 26, 202. Map p 120.

Dick’s Drive-In CAPITOL HILL BURGERS Seattle’s iconic burger joint still has the orange awnings from the ’50s, though the drive-up service has ended. Many locals won’t eat burgers anywhere else. 115 Broadway Ave. E.

206/323-1300. www.dicksdrivein.com. Entrees $1.50–$2.85. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 8, 43, 49, 60. Map p 120.

El Gaucho BELLTOWN STEAK The steaks are perfection, the service attentive at this upscale, supperclub-style steakhouse. For a special occasion, order the chateaubriand for two. 2505 1st Ave.

206/728-1337. www.elgaucho.com. Entrees $17–$75. AE, DISC, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 19, 24, 81, 99. Map p 120.

Elliott’s Oyster House WATERFRONT SEAFOOD This is an oyster-lover’s nirvana, with a huge selection of local oysters, raw, steamed, or pan-fried. The seafood is fresh and local, with standouts including the salmon (always non-farmed) and the Dungeness crab with chili-lime sauce. If it’s a nice day, dine outside on the deck overhanging Elliott Bay. 1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56.

206/623-4340. www.elliottsoysterhouse.com. Entrees $18–$38. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 12, 99, 113, 121. Map p 120.

Etta’s Seafood PIKE PLACE MARKET SEAFOOD Casual but classy, Etta’s caters to the tourist crowd (you can even get a burger) but also has a loyal local following. Owned by chef Tom Douglas, Etta’s is my favorite destination for salmon. Another sure bet: Tom’s famous Dungeness crab cakes. 2020 Western Ave.

206/443-6000. www.tomdouglas.com. Entrees $16–$36. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, brunch/breakfast Sat–Sun, dinner daily. Bus: 19, 21, 99, 113. Map p 119.

Seattle: A Locavore’s Dream

Washington state’s temperate climate is ideal for growing everything from apples to zucchinis. Small farms grow such a wide variety of fresh produce throughout the year that the locavore movement (eating locally as much as possible) has rapidly gained ground among chefs at top restaurants like Tilth.

Seafood Silvery salmon, hefty Dungeness crabs, clams, mussels, and dozens of varieties of oysters are the seafood stars in this city on the shores of Puget Sound. Salmon, although not always local, is a Northwest icon that shows up both fresh and smoked on Seattle menus. Wish you could take some home? Not a problem. Pike Place Market fishmongers will pack fresh salmon for you to take home on the plane, and some vacuum-packed smoked salmon doesn’t even need to be refrigerated.

Chocolate Seattle’s Theo Chocolate ( 206/632-5100; www.theochocolate.com), a company that gives tours of its chocolate factory, roasts its own organic and fair-trade cocoa beans. Finally, guilt-free chocolate!

Coffee Of course, as nearly everyone on the planet knows, Starbucks got its start in Seattle, and espresso here has been raised to an art form. Even espresso stands around town have jumped on the wagon, serving organic, fair-trade, and shade-grown coffees.

Wine & Beer Many of Washington state’s best and biggest wineries are in the town of Woodinville, just a 30-minute drive north of Seattle. Washington wineries are best known for their cabernet sauvignon and merlot, but you should also keep an eye out for excellent syrahs and semillons. Seattle is also home to quite a few craft breweries. Check out Big Time Brewery & Alehouse ( 206/545-4509; www.bigtimebrewery.com) and the Elysian Brewing Company (p 140).

—Karl Samson

Hunt Club FIRST HILL NORTHWEST/MEDITERRANEAN Inside the elegant Sorrento Hotel, this warm, sophisticated restaurant delivers classic cuisine with imaginative touches, especially in its sauces. The duck with huckleberry sauce is a standout, and the black truffle mashed potatoes are not to be missed. Do yourself a favor and order the croissant bread pudding for dessert. 900 Madison St.

206/343-6156. www.hotelsorrento.com/food-drink/hunt-club. Entrees $23–$49. AE, DISC, MC, V. Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily, brunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 12, 60. Map p 120.

Il Fornaio DOWNTOWN ITALIAN By exploring a different region of Italy each month, this stylish eatery keeps things fresh. The breads, baked on site, are divine; the sauces scrumptious; and many of the wines come from Il Fornaio’s own vineyard in Tuscany. My favorite: the ravioli stuffed with butternut squash and walnuts. The bakery and cafe are downstairs; climb up the spiral staircase to the classy dining room. 600 Pine St., Ste. 132.

206/264-0994. www.ilfornaio.com. Entrees $14–$40. AE, MC, V. Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 10, 11, 14, 43, 49. Map p 120.

Ivar’s Acres of Clams WATERFRONT SEAFOOD This iconic Seattle establishment, perched on Pier 54, has been in business in various forms since 1947. The clam chowder is arguably the best in the universe. It’s a charming place to eat fresh seafood and watch the ferries cross the sound. 1001 Alaskan Way.

206/624-6852. www.ivars.com. Entrees $15–$50. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Sat, brunch Sun, dinner daily. Bus: 16, 66, 99. Map p 120.

Jade Garden INTERNATIONAL ASIAN In a town blessed with a number of good dim sum spots, this is one of the best for variety, freshness, and ambience. If you’re new to dim sum, start with some basics like humbow (steamed buns stuffed with sweet barbecued pork), ha gao (shrimp dumpling) and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves. 424 7th Ave. S.

206/622-8181. Entrees $5–$13. MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 7, 14, 36, 99. Map p 120.

Joule WALLINGFORD KOREAN/FRENCH FUSION Though Asian influence is common in the Seattle culinary world, there is nothing common about the cuisine at Joule. The owners blend French, Korean, and American flavors in delightful ways. The names are exotic—black bean and squid pancake, Kabocha rice grits, octopus and smoked pork belly salad—the tastes divine. On a chilly day, don’t miss the roasted apple bisque with curry. 1913 N. 45th St.

206/632-1913. www.joulerestaurant.com. Entrees $17–$30. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Brunch Sat–Sun, dinner daily. Bus: 16, 44. Map p 122.

Kabul NORTH SEATTLE AFGHAN Kabul transforms the humble eggplant into a dish so flavorful, I come back here again and again. Finish the night with a cup of cardamom tea. 2301 N. 45th St.

206/545-9000. www.kabulrestaurant.com. Entrees $10–$25. AE, DISC, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 16, 44. Map p 122.

Lark CAPITOL HILL INTERNATIONAL This trendy bistro has earned a name for service and quality. The eclectic menu ranges from scrambled eggs with truffles to caviar with potatoes and cream, served on small to medium plates for sharing. 926 12th Ave.

206/323-5275. www.larkseattle.com. Entrees $16–$25. MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sun. Bus: 2, 9, 12. Map p 120.

La Carta de Oaxaca BALLARD MEXICAN Seattle’s most authentic Mexican restaurant is known for its yummy, hand-mashed guacamole with house-fried tortilla chips and the tender chicken in Oaxaca’s signature sweet-spicy black mole. 5431 Ballard Ave NW.

206/782-8722. www.lacartadeoaxaca.com. Entrees $13–$18. Lunch Tues–Sat, dinner Mon–Sat. Map p 122.

Le Pichet PIKE PLACE MARKET FRENCH This casual bistro serves a classic French menu that would make a Parisian feel right at home. The ingredients are simple and fresh, the sauces superb. 1933 1st Ave.

206/256-1499. Entrees $12–$20. DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 10, 99, 113, 121.Map p 119.

List BELLTOWN TAPAS/ITALIAN There’s a nice, relaxed vibe to this affordable wine bar and tapas spot. Share a few small plates—maybe the delectable gnocchi with black truffle cream, or the sea salt and pepper calamari—with a bottle of your favorite vintage (they also have good and inexpensive bottles of house red and white) and go on from there. During Happy Hour (all day Sun–Mon, 4–6:30pm & 9pm–midnight Tues–Thurs, 4–6:30pm Fri–Sat) many dishes are half price. 2226 1st Ave.

206/441-1000. www.listbelltown.com. Tapas $6–$14. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. See map p 120.

Lola BELLTOWN GREEK If you love Greek food, you probably love lamb, and if you’re a lamb fan, well, you’re going to love Lola. Try the lamb ravioli with yogurt, Aleppo pepper, and pine nuts; lamb kebab with caramelized garlic and red wine; lamb burger; or the slow-cooked and succulent lamb shank. And if you’re just hankering for a fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, this is the place to find it. 2000 4th Ave.

206/441-1430. Entrees $17–$37. Breakfast Mon–Fri, brunch daily, lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. AE, MC, V. Map p 120.

Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant BELLTOWN MOROCCAN This cozy spot has the exotic feel of an Arabian tent. Diners sit on cushions or benches at round tables as tantalizing aromas and belly dancers (Wed–Sun) drift through the room. 2334 2nd Ave.

206/956-0500. Entrees $12–$15. MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 1, 13, 15, 19, 24. Map p 120.

Matt’s in the Market PIKE PLACE MARKET NORTHWEST Chef Shane Ryan doesn’t have far to go to get market-fresh produce and seafood. Matt’s expanded location is right above Pike Place Market. 94 Pike St., Ste. 32.

206/467-7909. www.mattsinthemarket.com. AE, MC, V. Entrees $28–$39. Lunch & dinner Mon–Sat. Bus: 99, 113, 121, 122. Map p 119.

McCormick & Schmick’s LAKE UNION SEAFOOD With a spectacular view of Lake Union and an outside deck, this elegant restaurant is a great spot for dinner. But it’s also popular at lunchtime, when you can watch the seaplanes take off. Seafood is the star, and the “fresh list” is impressively long. Don’t miss the bay shrimp cake appetizers. 1200 Westlake Ave. N.

206/270-9052. www.mccormickandschmicks.com. Entrees $16–$34. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 17, 30. Map p 122.

Metropolitan Grill DOWNTOWN STEAKS This historic Seattle restaurant could make a beef-eater out of anyone. If you’re in the mood for extravagance, order the prized wagyu beef. But the steak on the regular menu is so flavorful, and cooked to such perfection, there’s no need to look further. At lunchtime, it’s very popular with the business crowd. 820 2nd Ave.

206/624-3287. www.themetropolitangrill.com. Entrees $20–$74. AE, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. Bus: 143, 157, 158, 159. Map p 120.

Miller’s Guild DOWNTOWN PACIFIC NORTHWEST A giant mesquite-burning stove in the open kitchen grills ribs, steaks, chops, and seafood at this spot, which opened at Hotel Max in 2014. Whet your appetite with a craft cocktail and an appetizer like the coal-roasted beets with dill, mint, caraway salt and horseradish. Then try the melt-in-your-mouth short ribs with a couple of sides, accompanied by a glass of local beer or wine. 612 Stewart St.

206/443-3663. www.millersguild.com. Entrees $18–$63. AE, MC, V. Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. Map p 120.

MistralKitchen DOWNTOWN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN/GLOBAL They say you can’t please everyone, but chef/owner William Belickis does his best, mingling influences from Africa, France, Spain, Japan, and the U.S. Food is prepared at four stations: a wood-fired/tandoor oven, traditional kitchen, pastry kitchen, and a high-tech kitchen. Don’t miss the heavenly foie gras or the tropical baba dessert. Both the wine and cocktail lists are excellent. 2020 Westlake Ave.

206/623-1922. www.mistral-kitchen.com. Entrees $21–$38. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat–Sun, dinner & happy hour daily. Bus: 25, 98, 250, 252, 257. Map p 120.

Morton’s The Steakhouse DOWNTOWN STEAKS This classic steakhouse is reminiscent of a glamorous era of crisp, white linens, rich cherry wood, and tuxedoed waiters. The service is excellent without being obtrusive; the steaks divine. My favorite? The melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon. The lengthy wine list includes an unusually interesting by-the-glass selection. 1511 6th Ave.

206/223-0550. www.mortons.com. Entrees $33–$64. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 10, 11, 14, 306, 312, Map p 120.

O’Asian Kitchen DOWNTOWN CHINESE The best thing at this stylish restaurant is the dim sum, popular with the office lunch crowd, which comes delicious and steaming-hot from the kitchen on traditional carts. 800 5th Ave.

206/264-1789. Dim sum $3–$6. AE, MC, V. Lunch, dinner & dim sum daily. Bus: 250, 252, 257, 260. Map p 120.

Pagliacci Pizza CAPITOL HILL PIZZA The pies here come with thin, crunchy crusts and bold, tasty toppings. Pies come in three sizes to accommodate your group—or appetite. 426 Broadway Ave. E.

206/726-1717. www.pagliacci.com. Entrees $14–$24. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 9, 49. Map p 120.

Palisade NORTH SEATTLE NORTHWEST/POLYNESIAN This landmark Seattle restaurant has a Polynesian influence. The panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Mt. Rainier, and the city are stunning, and the seafood is fresh and expertly prepared. Start with the lemongrass calamari and finish with a clever bento box dessert, packed with goodies such as jasmine rice and mango tapioca “sushi.” 2601 W. Marina Place.

206/285-1000. www.palisaderestaurant.com. Entrees $20–$43. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily, brunch Sun. Bus: 19, 24, 33. Map p 122.

Place Pigalle PIKE PLACE MARKET FRENCH You can’t beat the mussels at this romantic spot perched above the Sound. Dine to the strains of Edith Piaf. 81 Pike St.

206/624-1756. www.placepigalle-seattle.com. Entrees $26–$31. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 99, 113, 121, 122. Map p 119.

Poppy CAPITOL HILL PACIFIC NORTHWEST/INDIAN A foodie mecca in Capitol Hill, this innovative, award-winning restaurant created by Chef Jerry Traunfeld presents a fresh local take on the Indian thali, a compartmentalized platter holding various dishes with many different tastes. The extraordinary medley of textures, herbs, and spices is surprising and satisfying. 622 Broadway E.

206/324-1108. www.poppyseattle.com. Thalis $24–$28. AE, MC,V. Dinner daily. Bus 8, 49. See map p 120.

Racha Thai & Asian Kitchen QUEEN ANN ASIAN Sure, you can get a delicious pad Thai at this elegant spot, but with so many more inventive items on the menu, consider branching out. The catfish Panang and Golden Duck with ginger sauce are real standouts. 23 Mercer St.

206/281-8883. Entrees $10–$14. AE, M, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 1, 8, 13, 15, 18. Map p 120.

Ray’s Boathouse NORTH SEATTLE SEAFOOD An iconic seafood restaurant in the Ballard neighborhood, Ray’s menu is as fresh and delicious as ever. The view, looking out over Puget Sound, is jaw-dropping. Families with kids may opt for the more casual cafe. 6049 Seaview Ave. NW.

206/789-3770. www.rays.com. Entrees $24–$50. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily cafe, dinner daily Boathouse. Map p 122.

Sazerac DOWNTOWN AMERICAN/SOUTHERN The focus at this New Orleans–influenced spot in the beautiful Monaco Hotel is as much on fun as it is on food; Sazerac gets them both right. You won’t get better catfish this side of the Mississippi. And order whatever bread pudding is on the menu. 1101 4th Ave.

206/624-7755. www.sazeracrestaurant.com. Entrees (small & big plates): $11–$26. AE, DISC, MC, V. Breakfast & lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat (lounge service Sun), brunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 7, 39, 124, 202, 554. Map p 120.

Serious Pie DOWNTOWN PIZZA Chef Tom Douglas is serious about food, and that includes pizza. His applewood-burning oven turns out artisan-quality pies. My mouth waters for the Yukon gold potato pizza with rosemary and pecorino. Of course, you can order a gourmet appetizer and wine. 316 Virginia St.

206/838-7388. www.tomdouglas.com. Entrees $15–$17. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 1, 13, 15, 16, 17. Map p 120.

Shiro’s BELLTOWN SUSHI Try to get a seat at the sushi bar, where you can watch legendary sushi Chef Shiro Kashiba work his genial magic. 2401 2nd Ave.

206/443-9844. www.shiros.com. Entrees $6.25–$17; assortments $17 & up. AE, DISC, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 19, 24, 116, 118. Map p 120.

Sitka & Spruce MELROSE PACIFIC NORTHWEST The lunches are great at Matt Dillon’s locavore hotspot, where the focus is on fine, local foods accented with North African, Spanish, and Persian seasonings. A good choice for vegetarians. 1531 Melrose Ave.

206/324-0662. www.sitkaandspruce.com. Entrees $13–$32. AE, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat–Sun, dinner Tues–Sun. Map p 120.

Six Seven WATERFRONT SEAFOOD Located in the historic Edgewater Hotel (where the Beatles once stayed), the Six Seven feels like a cozy lodge. It showcases the best of the region’s seafood. My favorite entree is the sea bass, cooked to juicy perfection with a crispy skin. Holiday brunches are spectacular. The view of Elliott Bay is dramatic; in the summertime you can eat outside. 2411 Alaskan Way.

206/269-4575. www.edgewaterhotel.com/edgewater_dining. Entrees $26–$48. AE, DISC, MC, V. Breakfast & dinner daily, lunch Mon–Sat, brunch Sun. Bus: 19, 24, 99. Map p 120.

Steelhead Diner PIKE PLACE MARKET SEAFOOD/NEW AMERICAN This lively spot features the cooking of Kevin Davis, who brings together influences of New Orleans, France, California, and the Northwest, making for a unique and exciting dining experience. Don’t miss the crab and bay shrimp tater tots, or tortellini with truffle cream sauce. Other standouts: kasu-marinated Oregon black cod, and a fabulous veggie “meatloaf.” 95 Pine St.

206/625-0129. www.steelheaddiner.com. Entrees $17–$42. AE, DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily, brunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 10, 99, 113, 121, 122. Map p 119.

Tavolata BELLTOWN ITALIAN This hip urban space serves up mouthwatering Italian dishes, always with more than a dash of ingenuity. The menu changes daily, so one day you’ll find linguine with mussels; the next, it may come with chili and prosciutto. The mozzarella is homemade, as are the succulent pastas. 2323 2nd Ave.

206/838-8008. www.tavolata.com. Entrees $14–$27. AE, DISC, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 1, 15, 27, 19, 24. Map p 120.

Dining Out of Town

Located in Woodinville, about 30 miles north of Seattle, The Herbfarm ( 425/485-5300; www.theherbfarm.com) is known for its lavish, themed meals that change with the seasons. Wild gathered vegetables, Northwest seafood and meats, organic produce, wild mushrooms, and, of course, fresh herbs from the Herbfarm gardens are the ingredients from which the restaurant creates its culinary extravaganzas. Dinners are paired with complementary Northwest wines.

The restaurant is in a reproduction country inn beside a contemporary Northwest-style lodge. Dinner highlights might include paddlefish caviar on crisp salmon skin; rosemary-mussel skewers with cucumber kimchi; oysters with sorrel sauce; Dungeness crab and wild mushroom “handkerchiefs”; salmon in a squash blossom with lemon thyme; perch on salsify puree with parsley-lovage sauce; lamb served three ways; truffled cheese; and, for dessert, muscat-poached peaches with anise hyssop ice. If you’re a foodie, you need to have a dinner like this at least once in your life.

—Karl Samson

Tilth NORTH SEATTLE ORGANIC/NEW AMERICAN This cozy restaurant in a Craftsman house showcases the organic and wild bounty of the region. Renowned chef Maria Hines whips up a mouthwatering menu of seasonal delicacies. If the savory apple soup with caramelized onion and fried shallots is available, don’t miss it. 1411 N. 45th St.

206/633-0801. www.tilthrestaurant.com. Entrees $15–$33. AE, MC, V. Dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 16, 44. Map p 122.

Tulio Ristorante DOWNTOWN ITALIAN The pasta is painstakingly handmade at this warm, inviting spot, which I love to visit before a show at the 5th Avenue Theatre. Chef Walter Pisano is a maestro at Italian cooking with contemporary flair. One customer comes from Canada just for the sweet potato gnocchi, and when you taste it you’ll know why. 1100 5th Ave. (at the Hotel Vintage).

206/624-5500. www.tulio.com. Entrees $16–$33. AE, DISC, MC, V. Breakfast & lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily, brunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 12, 143, 157, 158, 545. Map p 120.

Urbane DOWNTOWN NORTHWEST Blue lighting accents this chic bistro at the Hyatt at Olive 8, which manages to be both ultra-modern and warmly inviting. The menu features sustainable Northwest bounty, and the chef is not afraid to mix up the flavors. Beets with melted goat cheese and pistachios? Steamed clams with bacon, mint, and jalapeno? Scrumptious! 1639 8th Ave.

206/676-4600. www.urbaneseattle.com. Entrees $18–$38. AE, MC, V. Breakfast & lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily, brunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 10, 11, 14, 49. Map p 120.

Volterra NORTH SEATTLE ITALIAN The rich flavors of a Tuscan village meld with the bounty of the Northwest on Don Curtiss’ inventive menu. The signature dish, wild boar tenderloin with Gorgonzola sauce, is rich and creamy. The polenta with wild mushrooms is a standout appetizer. Don’t pass on the chocolate orange cake. (Trust me.) 5411 Ballard Ave NW.

206/789-5100. www.volterrarestaurant.com. Entrees $18–$34. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Dinner daily, brunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 17, 18, 44. Map p 122.

Wild Ginger DOWNTOWN PAN-ASIAN This wildly popular restaurant is sophisticated, glamorous, and boasts a very tempting menu emphasizing satay. You can’t go wrong with the Wild Ginger fragrant duck. There’s a terrific separate vegetarian menu. 1401 3rd Ave.

206/623-4450. www.wildginger.net. Entrees $7–$30. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 1, 13, 14, 16, 17. Map p 120.

Zeek’s BELLTOWN PIZZA The crust is to die for; the toppings unconventional. Try the Tree-Hugger, with mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, spinach, mushroom, artichoke hearts, broccoli, tomato, garlic, and olives. 419 Denny Way.

206/285-8646. Entrees $14–$29. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 8, 30. Map p 120. •