Spokane’s burgeoning food scene is finally forging its own identity in the Pacific Northwest, and for Trending Northwest Restaurant Month, we wanted to celebrate it in style. Every year, there are waves of new restaurants bringing fresh flavors to town. There are also long-established restaurants that are maintaining popularity by adapting with the times, being inventive and keeping diners hungry for more. 

Spokane’s culinary scene is diverse and impressive, offering a range of restaurants that can satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. With so many phenomenal spots scattered throughout the city, it can be overwhelming to choose which to visit. And when it comes to food, everyone has an opinion. That’s what makes it one of the most commonly searched topics in our local area, and our three top articles are all related to local restaurants! It can be hard to find the best options with just a simple search either online or on social media, and because we are out in the community all the time, we have a lot of knowledge about the spots that you don’t want to miss. (You’ll want to bookmark this one.)

With all of the challenges they’ve faced in the last five years, some of our most beloved spots have been struggling more than ever. When the team thought about how we could help local restaurants get a much-needed and well-deserved boost, we came up with a plan together – why not give them free coverage for our very own Trending Northwest Restaurant Month? So, we came up with a list of 30 can’t-miss restaurants that we think offer some of the best experiences in town on any occasion.

Trending Northwest’s Restaurant Month

There are plenty of lists of the best restaurants in Spokane, but this one has always meant something a little different to us.
Restaurant Month began as a way to celebrate our founder, Erin Peterson’s, birthday in the most Erin way possible: by turning the attention toward other people. Instead of simply sharing a list of places we love, we wanted to create something that could actually give back to the Spokane restaurants, chefs and small business owners who make our local food scene what it is. So throughout September, we’re celebrating with restaurant features, HUGE giveaways and plenty of extra love over on our Instagram, where more than 33,000 people now follow along with us.
And September has been a whirlwind in the very best way.

Every day during Trending Northwest Restaurant Month, we’re introducing you to another restaurant we think deserves a place on your must-try list. Some are longtime Spokane favorites we’ve returned to again and again. Others are newer restaurants that have quickly given us a reason to come back. You’ll find cozy neighborhood spots, date-night restaurants, incredible brunches, casual places worth crossing town for and chef-driven dining experiences that remind us just how much culinary talent we have here in the Inland Northwest.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive directory of every great place to eat in Spokane, but a guide to our top recommendations in the food scene right now in this moment. These are the spots that are worth a special trip to explore and discover one at a time. Think of this as a list made by a friend who has incredibly discerning taste and who has eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world, because it is. When you’re searching for the best date-night restaurants in Spokane, somewhere new for dinner, a great local brunch, an affordable hidden gem or simply wondering where you should eat next, make sure you’ve bookmarked this list or go analog and print it out and keep it somewhere special. These are the spots you’ll be racking your brain to remember if you forget to plan ahead.

We’ve included a wide variety of cuisines, neighborhoods, dining styles and price points because the best meal in Spokane doesn’t necessarily mean white tablecloths and a special occasion. Sometimes it’s an incredible plate of sushi. Sometimes it’s a burger you’re still thinking about three days later. Sometimes it’s a beautiful chef-driven dinner, and sometimes it’s the neighborhood restaurant where everyone at the table immediately starts passing plates around because you ordered too many things and somehow still want to try everything. Ultimately, we want each of you to have a spot that you can access at a price point you’re comfortable with, but can still have a spectacular experience.

We’ve also added something new this year. You’ll see a 🏆 next to restaurants that have been named to our Best Restaurants in Spokane list in consecutive years. We think consistency matters. Opening a great restaurant is one thing; continuing to deliver the kind of food and experience that makes people want to return year after year is another. If you’re looking for our repeat standouts, follow the trophies. Make sure you’re following along on Instagram to join in the fun! We’ll be giving away opportunities to experience many of these restaurants yourself while introducing you to the people, dishes and stories behind some of our favorite places to eat in Spokane.

Without further ado, here are the best restaurants in Spokane according to those of us who spend an arguably unreasonable amount of time thinking about where to eat next.

Restaurant Month is made possible with the support of our friends at Pacific Northwest Organic Week, who stepped in as the title sponsor of this year’s celebration. Their partnership helped us turn an idea we care deeply about into a month of meaningful promotion for local restaurants, while opening up a larger conversation about where our food comes from, how it is grown and the choices we make when we eat. We are incredibly grateful for their support of this project and our local food community.

Fine Dining

Our first restaurants on the list are always fine dining, which we classify for a couple of reasons. When we expect an experience that truly reflects the best restaurants in Spokane, we want not only a chef-driven menu, but also service to match. It’s anticipatory, not just reactive. I find that the servers ask me what I need first rather than having to flag someone down, which often takes away from the company I’m wanting to enjoy. The environment is beautiful, thoughtful and comfortable, and I’m able to have a great conversation without bumping into the person at the table next to mine. It’s a place you go to celebrate the most beautiful moments, and the quality is unmistakable.

Gander and Ryegrass 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
• Setting: Fine dining
• $$$-$$$$

The current dinner menu is exactly the kind of food we love Gander and Ryegrass for. There are oysters with citrus granita, grilled prawns with chili aioli and salsa verde, burrata with basil-raisin pesto and cherry tomatoes, and several handmade pastas. Larger plates currently include King Salmon, Pork Tenderloin and Hanger Steak. And yes, Gander itself promises there will always be a steak on the menu – something we certainly aren’t going to argue with.  Chef and owner Peter Froese brought a much-needed style of dining to Spokane’s food scene: tasting menus. Visitors can always look forward to house-made pastas, bread and Italian-inspired fare, but the dishes themselves change rapidly, sometimes daily, based on the season or the chef’s discretion.

One of the tasting options is a three-course service where guests can choose their own dishes. An illustration of this offering would look something like this:

If you truly want the full experience Gander & Ryegrass has to offer, The Marathon is the way to go. The six-course chef’s choice tasting dinner is intentionally a surprise, with a menu that changes daily and additional courses and upgrades available. At $155 per person, it gives the kitchen the freedom to showcase what Gander does best: seasonal ingredients, creative preparations, handmade pasta and the kind of small, thoughtful details that make this one of Spokane’s most interesting special-occasion restaurants. 

You absolutely don’t have to commit to The Marathon to experience Gander, though. The restaurant describes itself as contemporary Italian fine dining, and its current à la carte menu really reflects that evolution. House-baked bread and handmade pasta are at the heart of the restaurant, alongside whole-animal butchery, seasonal ingredients and an emphasis on minimizing waste. Chef/owner Peter Froese leads the restaurant, while Chef de Cuisine Shaun Ratty runs the kitchen and writes the menus, and Pasta Sous Chef Erica Stone oversees a pasta program that has become one of our favorite reasons to return. 

Lunch is a beautifully approachable way to experience the restaurant. Served daily from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., the current menu includes shareable plates, handmade pastas and incredible gourmet sandwiches alongside larger dishes. If you’re headed to a show, Gander also now offers The Early Curtain, a four-course pre-show experience Tuesday through Saturday designed to get you through dinner with enough time to comfortably walk to your seats. 

Located at 404 W. Main in downtown Spokane, Gander & Ryegrass is an easy choice for a special occasion, date night, dinner before a show or simply an excuse to spend a few hours eating very, very well. 

What to order?

The Marathon – Six courses chosen entirely by the chef, with the menu changing daily and additional courses and upgrades available. $155 per person.

Campanelle – House-made pasta with mushroom ragout, Parmesan and egg yolk. Simple on paper, but exactly the sort of dish that shows off how seriously Gander takes its pasta program. 

Hanger Steak – Served with onion, turnip and red wine sauce. A beautifully straightforward combination that lets the steak and preparation do the talking. 

Luna 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: New American
• Setting: Fine dining
• $$$

The longevity of this beloved local restaurant is reflected in the ownership and staff. Owners Aaron and Hanna DeLis were Luna regulars before they took over from the original owners in 2015. Executive Chef Joe Morris started as a dishwasher at Luna in 2012 and worked his way through the stations for a few years before becoming the leader of the kitchen, and now is one of the top chefs in town. Patrons that have flocked to the South Hill staple for decades, including our entire team. With a newly renovated garden bar, it has even more reasons to visit for any kind of occasion.

Images by Erin Peterson

The naturally lit, French-inspired decor, the beautiful outdoor terrace, and the impressive open kitchen, create an environment that feels both upscale and comforting. The menu is seasonally inspired and deeply influenced by the restaurant’s commitment to serving fresh locally sourced products and ingredients. The resulting dishes are familiar yet ultra luxurious.

If you are feeling ritzy, then there is a $40 Martini (pictured above) made with Elyx Vodka, Cinzano 1757, and Castelvetrano Olives. It is accompanied with spicy cashews, Dauphinoise Potatoes, PNW caviar and creme fraiche. Because why not? Luna offers patio seating when it’s warm enough, as well as an intimate setting for dates, plus bigger, spacious tables for larger groups. 

What to order?

Seared Sea Scallops – Seared scallops with pearl couscous, pancetta, snap peas, shallots, baby carrots and pea purée. A beautiful balance of sweet scallops, salty pancetta and fresh summer vegetables.

Crab Pasta – House-made fettuccine with butter-poached Dungeness crab and a creamy shellfish nage. Rich and luxurious while still allowing the sweetness of the crab to be the star.

Ōra King Salmon – Sustainably raised New Zealand salmon with sautéed poblano and red bell peppers, leeks, roasted baby carrots and forbidden black rice, finished with carrot purée and ginger-pickled carrots. This one has so many layers of flavor and texture, with just enough acidity from the pickled carrots to bring everything together.

Wiley’s Downtown Bistro 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: New American
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

Michael Wiley spent most of his food industry career in the front of the house before becoming the chef and owner of Wiley’s Downtown Bistro. He quickly won over the diners of Spokane with both his approachable menu of modern classics, and with his heartfelt dedication to the community. Here, service is their signature.

Clockwise from top – Duck confit, beef Wellington, Michael Wiley, and ahi tower at Wiley’s Bistro in Spokane, Washington. Images by Erin Peterson

Wiley has been known to go out of his way to provide food and service to customers by going to extremes that are unorthodox for one so in demand. Think Wiley’s doesn’t have something for you? Think again! From vegetarian options to understanding and accommodating dietary restrictions, Wiley’s has become known for his commitment to excellent service. That kind of genuine commitment to hospitality is why “hearts wide open” has become his tagline, and why he is such an easy person to support.

The success of his namesake restaurant has led to Wiley becoming an impressive restaurateur with three establishments under his banner, but his Bistro is still the most loved.

The cozy, intimate atmosphere matches the menu full of comfort foods. The appropriately named Love Bun is a tasty twist on cream cheese bread. It is made with boule French loaf, whipped cream cheese, garlic, butter, bacon and jalapeno. Hungry guests love the hearty plate of Portobello Ravioli served with a cream sauce and topped with chicken breast and bacon.

Other savory specialties like the Braised Short Ribs and Duck Confit have been known to leave guests full and content. Wiley’s Downtown Bistro is a rare gem that can bring the comfort of a home-cooked meal and refine it for an upscale dining experience.

What to order:

Ahi Tower – Start here and share it with the table. Sashimi yellowfin is layered with avocado, red onion, tomato and tobiko, then finished with wasabi aioli and soy aioli. It’s colorful, beautifully composed and oh so delicious.

Beef Wellington – This is one of Wiley’s ultimate signature dishes that you cannot miss. Rich, indulgent and perfectly executed every time, it is a showstopper at the table and so memorable for a special occasion.

Duck Confit – Served with huckleberry reduction, heirloom carrot, orange zest and everything Yukon. The huckleberry brings that unmistakably Northwest touch to a classic French preparation, balancing the richness of the duck with a little sweetness and acidity.

Churchill’s Steakhouse 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: Steakhouse & Seafood
• Setting: Fine dining
• $$$-$$$$

Churchill’s Steakhouse one of the most luxurious dining experiences in the city. Cozy booths with white linens and a big sparkly crystal chandelier are just the beginning of what you’ll enjoy. The service here feels genuinely attentive, with a level of care that turns dinner into a bespoke occasion. Even choosing your steak becomes part of the experience! Before ordering, servers present the available cuts tableside on a platter, walking you through everything from the filet mignon to the porterhouse and explaining what makes each one different. It’s a little bit of theater, a little bit of education, and exactly the kind of thoughtful detail that makes a truly great steakhouse dinner.

The nationally acclaimed prime beef is certainly a major attraction on Churchill’s menu, but the award-winning wine selection and array of high-caliber seafood, are sure to impress as well. There is a Seafood Tower available with a whopping six jumbo Gulf shrimp, five Maine lobster claws, 12 Pacific oysters, 3-ounce Lump Crab and 6-ounce Alaska King Crab. There are many entrée options available beyond steak, including a Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Duroc Pork Rib Chop, Stuffed Free-Range Chicken and Stone Crab Claws. In addition to being one of the best restaurants in Spokane, Churchill’s is a delicious option for any kind of date night. 

Bone-In Tenderloin – The massive 16-ounce USDA Prime bone-in tenderloin is always our go-to, served with garlic mashed potatoes and the day’s vegetable. You get the incredible tenderness you expect from a filet with the extra flavor that comes from keeping it on the bone, and it’s a masterpiece of a steak.

Cougar Gold Mac & Cheese  – Rich, creamy mac and cheese made with Washington State University’s iconic Cougar Gold cheese. The sides are ample for two people, but if you want it all to yourself we won’t judge you.

Escargot – Go full classic steakhouse and start with the escargot. Available by the half-dozen or dozen, this is exactly the kind of appetizer that fits the Churchill’s experience. It’s one of the only places in the city you can order them.

Chocolate Sack – Whatever you do, SAVE ROOM for my favorite dessert in the city. Churchill’s famous Chocolate Sack is the ultimate treat. Dreamy chocolate mousse and whipped cream layered with fruit and cake makes it so decadent.

My secret bonus menu item that is great to order all on its own – the impressive seafood tower. Its price varies, but the current menu lists it at $160 and for the amount of gorgeous, fresh seafood, it’s a great deal, especially when shared with friends. Husband for scale.

Wild Sage Bistro 🏆

• Cuisine: Contemporary American / Northwest
• Setting: Fine Dining
• $$$

Wild Sage Bistro describes its approach as “comfortable fine dining,” and that really is the sweet spot. The dining room is warm and intimate, the service is polished without hovering, and the kitchen leans heavily into seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, high-quality meats and locally sourced produce. It’s equally at home on the itinerary for an anniversary dinner as it is for dinner before a show downtown. 

What has always made Wild Sage particularly interesting, though, is that the menu doesn’t rely on the usual fine-dining suspects. There is a distinctly Northwest sensibility here, but the kitchen isn’t afraid of big flavors. Start with the Yukon Taquitos, filled with Yukon Gold potato and white cheddar and served with chile-lime sauce, avocado and salted cabbage, or the Palouse Chickpea Cakes, made with green garbanzo batter and paired with spiced tzatziki and tomato-caper relish. The Polenta Fries are another fun shareable plate, finished with spiced red pepper jelly, cotija and cilantro. 

Entrées show off the kitchen even more. The Wild Pacific Halibut is pan-seared and wine-poached with herb beurre blanc, wild rice, pesto, Meyer lemon and seasonal vegetables. The Meyer Lemon Chicken pairs a fontina-stuffed chicken breast with Granny Smith apple, Parmesan-rosemary polenta and shoulder bacon, while the Snake River Farms Flank Steak takes a less traditional steakhouse route with harissa, spiced hummus, fingerling potatoes, feta and pickled onion. There are also thoughtful plant-forward entrées, including lion’s mane mushroom and house-made black bean tempeh. They’re hearty and flavorful for our veggie friends.

And then there’s the BLB – Bucket List Burger, which might be one of the most wonderfully over-the-top burgers on a fine-dining menu in Spokane. Australian Wagyu is topped with smoked gouda, bacon jam, roasted garlic aioli, greens, tomato and red onion on brioche, with garlic fries alongside. Wild Sage is also unusually accommodating for diners with dietary restrictions: the restaurant says its entire menu can be made gluten-free upon request, with several vegan or vegan-adaptable dishes available as well. 

What to order:

Yukon Taquitos  – Yukon Gold potato, white cheddar, chile-lime sauce, avocado and salted cabbage

Wild Pacific Halibut – Herb beurre blanc, wild rice, pesto, Meyer lemon and seasonal vegetables

BLB (Bucket List Burger) – Australian Wagyu, smoked gouda, bacon jam, roasted garlic aioli and garlic fries

Upscale Casual Dining

Outsider 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: Fusion
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

Outsider is one of the best restaurants in Spokane right now, and for good reason. Chef Ian Wingate is a Spokane legend, and this stunning spot is tucked away on an unassuming corner across from the Spokane Arena (which is super convenient if you’re going to a concert or a show). Their pizza is made with a fermented dough with a sourdough-esque tang, and with some cheeky toppings like pickles that totally work. The menu is eclectic as can be, but well thought out. You can pretty much close your eyes and point to order and have a great experience.

What to order?

Cacio E Pepe Pizza – parmigiano reggiano, cream, rotisserie chicken, garlic confit and freshly cracked pepper

Hearty Oven Feta – roasted peppers, confit garlic, country olives, basil, olive oil, zhoug and country French bread

Ribeye Poké – berbere spiced ribeye steak, seared rare, sea asparagus, Walla Walla sweet onion, tomato, spring onion, avocado, shoyu

Française 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: French
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

Française is a modern French bistro located in Spokane’s historic Perry District. If you’re looking for a solid date night option, it’s got ambiance to spare. This is one of the best restaurants in Spokane to have on your list!

If you’re looking for a little slice of France in the Perry District, Française is IT. The vibe is chic but approachable, with a warm, inviting dining room and a patio that’s especially lovely when Spokane finally gives us patio weather. Part of chef Adam Hegsted’s Eat Good Group, the kitchen is currently led by Executive Chef Chris Belke, who brings classic French bistro cooking together with seasonal ingredients and a distinctly Northwest point of view.

The menu is all about French comfort food done beautifully. Expect familiar bistro favorites, rich sauces and thoughtful details without anything feeling overly formal or fussy. It’s the kind of place where you can order a beautiful entrée and a bottle of wine for date night—or stop in for truffle fries and cocktails and be equally happy with your decision.

What to order?

Duck à L’Orange – slow-cooked duck confit, white wine-orange glaze, parsnip purée, hazelnuts, greens and pickled onion

Poulet Rôti – poached and roasted chicken, wild mushrooms, cream, herb oil and whipped potatoes

Black Truffle French Fries – crispy potatoes with black truffle sea salt and garlic aioli

Durkin’s Liquor Bar 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: Gastropub
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

Durkin’s Liquor Bar is located in the heart of downtown. It is owned by long-time Spokane restauranter Deb Green and her children, Ben Poffenroth and Megan VanStone.

The street front is welcoming with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the inside has a vintage aesthetic that appeals to the masses. The upstairs features one wall lined with leather booths and on the opposite side is a long bar that expands past the drink station to the kitchen. Guests seated at the barstools have front row seats to watch food being cooked and prepared.

Downstairs is the basement bar with more booths and tables, couches and an intimate, speakeasy vibe. A hallmark on the menu is arguably the best burger in Spokane. The Durkin’s Famous Double brags two ground chuck patties, American Cheese, shaved pickles, red onion and dill mayo, on the house bun with a side of house cut fries.

However, Durkin’s serves much more than the usual gastropub fare and also features lavish dishes like Mussels Escabeche or the hand-chopped NY Steak Tartare with cured yolk. New executive chef Jarrott Moonitz works wonders with seafood, so be sure to find out what the rotating market fish is when coming in for a visit! Finally, even though this is a review about the best restaurants in Spokane, I would be remiss to ignore the full-service bar Durkin’s offers. Get what you want – or choose from the wide range of cocktails, you can’t go wrong either way!

What to order?

Grilled Pork Chop- Pure country harvest pork, apricot glaze, grilled local stone fruit, fregola sarda, cherry tomato and gremolata

Airline Chicken Breast- White bean-Tahini purée, local in-season vegetables and allium butter

Filet Au Fish- Panko crusted Alaskan cod, shredded iceberg lettuce, pickled fresno chilies, Durkin’s cheese on a Madeleine’s Brioche Bun

Vieux Carre 🏆🏆

Cuisine: American / Cajun-Creole Setting: Upscale Casual $$

Vieux Carré, tucked near the Spokane County Courthouse, brings a little slice of New Orleans to the Inland Northwest. Whenever I want to feel like I’ve gone back to New Orleans for a quick little visit, this is IT. From the food to the cocktails to the wonderfully moody space, there really isn’t another restaurant in Spokane quite like it.

The restaurant is tucked inside a historic building on Broadway, with exposed brick, warm lighting and the kind of intimate atmosphere that makes you forget you’re still in Spokane for a minute. The bar is a huge part of the experience here, too, with a cocktail menu inspired by New Orleans classics—including, naturally, its namesake Vieux Carré. It’s an especially fun choice for date night or dinner with friends when you want somewhere that feels a little more interesting than the usual night out.

But the reason I keep coming back is the food. The Fried Catfish is still my personal favorite, served with cheesy grits, herbs, grilled lemon and hot sauce. It’s exactly the kind of deeply comforting Southern food I want when I come here. The menu goes well beyond catfish, though, with everything from gumbo and jambalaya to red crab beignets, rabbit étouffée and bacon-wrapped shrimp and grits. If you’re looking for one of the most distinctive places to eat in Spokane, Vieux Carré absolutely deserves a spot on your list.

What to order?

Fried Catfish – Herbs, grilled lemon, hot sauce and cheesy grits. This is the dish that keeps me coming back over and over again.

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp & Grits – Bacon-wrapped shrimp with stone-ground cheesy grits and red-eye gravy.

Red Crab Beignets – Washington red crab, herbs and fried dough – a savory spin on one of New Orleans’ most recognizable classics.

Kismet 🏆🏆

• Cuisine: Latin American
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

Hidden in the up-and-coming Hillyard Neighborhood is a gem of a restaurant named Kismet. The unassuming building hosts a cozy dining room with a large, brightly-painted mural on the wall and an open kitchen. In the summer, there is extra seating on the pet-friendly patio. This is by far one of the best restaurants in Spokane if you’re looking for a new spot to visit!

Chef Dan Gonzalez has been a familiar face around Spokane for years. He has worked for several restaurants, including the popular Eat Good Group. Since he opened Kismet in 2021, he has delighted diners with his Latin-inspired menu. Gonzalez serves mouth-watering, traditional items such as tacos, arepa cakes, tostadas and ceviche.

There are also fusion dishes where he creatively flexes his toolbox of techniques; like the house-made pasta with braised pork cheeks, ricotta cilantro pesto and harissa-roasted fall vegetables, or the crispy, confit duck leg with mole caramel, heirloom bean cassoulet, house-made chorizo, and roasted vegetables. These creative dishes are perfect for the adventurous foodie!

With such a flavor-forward menu, Kismet is certainly a foodie destination worth going out of the way for!

What to order?

Grilled Queso

El Cubano

Prawn Paella

Lorén

• Cuisine: French inspired
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$-$$$

Lorén is quickly becoming one of the hottest restaurants in town, and is positively oozing with ambiance. Downstairs in the Papillon Building near the iconic butterfly from Expo ‘74 on the North side of Riverfront Park, it feels very much like an opulent speakeasy. The menu is clever – lots of unexpected twists and turns will make sure you are never too steady on your feet and can’t help but wonder what they did to make it so unique.

What to order?

Grilled Filet Mignon – gorgonzola stuffed pappardelle, black garlic butter, herbes

Kale Caesar – croûtons, manchego, Dijon dressing, glazed pork belly

Manila Clams – soppressata, white wine butter, grilled fougasse, herbes

Wooden City 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: American
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

Chef and owner, Jon Green, knew it’d be risky opening a restaurant in the doomed year of 2020, but that is exactly what he did. That risk paid off because Wooden City was an instant hit with Spokane, regularly topping lists of the best restaurants in Spokane, Washington.

When you enter the front door, you’ll be greeted by the blue-tiled, wood-fired oven that is baking the neo-Neapolitan-style pizzas to perfection. In addition, Wooden City has some of the most exceptional service in all of Spokane, so if you want to be treated well and promptly, this is a surefire bet.

Whether you are seated in the bar area, the booths or the mezzanine, you’ll be handed a menu full of American classics, with an upscale twist. Can’t decide? Don’t forget: Wooden City has some of the best burgers in Spokane!

Fan favorites include the caesar salad with croutons fried to order, the Tavern Burger that has all the right fixings (super tasty with the house-made veggie patty, too), and the sweet-sausage-and-cheese-stuffed Hungarian peppers that are still so popular, they often sell out!

Green’s attention to detail is obvious in the smallest ways: Pizza and pasta doughs are made in-house along with countless other items, dishes are altered or rotated to keep up with the seasons or supply demands and the service team is dedicated to delivering a consistently great experience to guests.

The magic of Wooden City is not only in the simplicity of serving such recognizable items, but in the high-quality execution.

What to order?

Salmon Toast – beet relish, egg mousse, pickled red onion, whipped creme fraiche, and dill

Beet Ravioli – goat cheese, chive cream, fresh basil, endive, lemon & caper butter sauce

Blistered Hungarian Peppers – sweet sausage, aged cheddar, chive oil and toasted ciabatta

Rüt Bar and Kitchen 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: Global
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

RÜT Bar and Kitchen is a modern, plant-based restaurant offering an insightful approach to their menu. With a creative menu focused on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, RÜT caters to both vegans and non-vegans alike, delivering bold flavors in every dish. The inviting ambiance and attention to detail make it a go-to spot for those seeking elevated plant-based dining in Spokane.

What to order?

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings- Served with assorted vegetables and ranch dipping sauce

Lion’s Mane Shawarma- Sliced braised mushrooms, tabbouleh,  cucumber, tomato, amba, tahini, and pistachio

Peaches n’ Cream Cheesecake- Toasted pecan and date crust with caramelized peaches, bourbon peach coulis topped with candied pecans

Dodo’s – NEW!

• Cuisine: Eclectic
• Setting: Upscale Casual
• $$

Ok, ok – we know this one is out in the Spokane Valley, but we just had to include it on our list. Every once in a while, a restaurant catches us completely by surprise, and Dodos at The High Spot did that in spades. Located in the Greenacres area of Spokane Valley, it is the kind of restaurant you could easily drive past without realizing what’s happening inside, so we went in curious, and were absolutely delighted.

Chef Joe Absolor describes his cooking as Modern American, but what makes Dodos especially interesting is that there really aren’t many rules. The menu pulls inspiration from all over the place, with bold flavors and combinations that sound unexpected on paper and then make complete sense when they arrive at the table. Everything is made from scratch with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the preparation across the board was excellent. This is thoughtful, chef-driven food without the restaurant ever feeling stuffy or overly serious.

Our favorite way to experience Dodos is to order for the table and share everything, because the menu is made for it. We always order a few smaller plates because some of the most interesting bites here come from trying something you might not order upon first glance. I usually consider myself a bit of a “menu whisperer”, but I’ve been caught off guard more than once with a sleeper favorite.

What to order?

Halibut: Miso, Cucumber Kimchi, Coconut Potato Puree

Bucatini: Crab, Pesto, Crispy Prosciutto, Orange Jam, Buratta

Calamari: Crystal Buffalo Sauce, Celery, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Nori Ranch

Casual Dining

Chowderhead 🏆🏆🏆

• Cuisine: American
• Setting: Casual
• $

This spot has everything you’ll be looking for (especially if it’s comfort food) as the cozy fall season rolls in. The menu centers around rich, flavorful chowders and soups, with hearty sandwiches that are chef-driven and pack a flavorful punch. Featuring local ingredients and scratch-made fare, Chowderhead has our hearts for any time of the day. 

What to order?

Meatball with Burrata and Basil – house made meatballs on a soft toasted roll

Clam Chowder – classic and creamy with a stick to your ribs and spoon quality

Chipotle White Bean Crunchwrap – a twist on a favorite for our veggie friends

Cochinito Taqueria

• Cuisine: Mexican
• Setting: Fast casual
• $-$$

Cochinito brings bold, vibrant flavors to both Spokane and Hayden, offering a fresh take on Mexican cuisine. Their tacos are packed with creative ingredients, and each bite is a burst of deliciousness. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or gathering for happy hour, the laid-back atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for any occasion. I insist that you try one of their handcrafted margaritas. They’re the perfect pairing for your meal.

Chef and owner Travis Dickinson, along with co-owner and manager, Justin Curtis, brought Cochinito Taqueria to downtown Spokane in 2018. The taqueria is now a local favorite, with a second location in Hayden, Idaho. Now, in addition to being one of the best restaurants in Spokane, Cochinito Dos (our nickname for it) is one of the best restaurants in Hayden, too! Dickinson’s approach to the menu is recognizable Mexican fare that is elevated with locally sourced ingredients and fine dining techniques.

The tacos are proof of this effort. Each one is constructed of a house-made corn tortilla and fillings made with a variety of well-orchestrated components. One of the most loved tacos on the menu is the 20 HR Carne Asada made with sous vide, chili-rubbed Tri Tip, grilled corn, onions and peppers, chile garlic oil, and dry cheese.

Other flavorful favorites include the Elote Bowl, Pozole, and the Karina’s Bowl (named after Dickinson’s wife) which features a choice of taco meat, beans, rice, guacamole, queso fresco, crema, pico de gallo and chips or tortillas. Absolutely can’t wait to eat? Cochinito has online availability as well!

The environment itself deserves some credit for the restaurant’s success as well. From the natural lighting, to the walls covered in murals, the vintage fridge stocked full of cold drinks and the always friendly service, Cochinito is the best mix of comforting and cool. The downtown location in particular is a casual spot for meet ups, lunches – really any reason!

What to order?

Birria Torta – Shredded braised beef, telera bun, pepper relish, chile aioli, fried pickled onions, arugula, chile oil, dipping jus, tortilla chips

Asparagus & Smashed Potato Taquitos – Sharp Cheddar, Spring onion soubis, pea shoot salad, vegetable ash

Literally any taco – Seriously.

Baba

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Setting: Upscale casual
• $-$$

Baba is a place where classic Mediterranean flavors shine in new, creative ways (and are absolutely delicious). With a menu that features everything from savory plates to wood-fired meats, it’s a dining experience that transports your tastebuds and makes you crave it all again and again. Their rich, vibrant welcoming atmosphere is a standout in Kendall Yards. Pro tip: order extra pita. It’s LEGENDARY.

What to order?

Mezze Plate – pickled vegetables, cucumbers, hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, roasted garlic, whipped feta, & honey. Served with fresh pita.

African Peanut Stew – slow cooked sweet potatoes, ginger, peppers, tomato & greens in a spiced stew

Persian Spiced Shoulder of Lamb – warm spiced rubbed lamb, slow roasted and served sliced. Served with warm pita, jeweled rice, pickled vegetables, garlic, cauliflower tahini, pomegranate, rosebuds, & green herb sauce

Tokyo Sushi – UPDATE

• Cuisine: Japanese
• Setting: Fast casual
• $-$$

Since opening in 2014, Ruins has been a Spokane staple. The restaurant has been featured on Food Network and Chef Owner, Tony Brown, is a 2023 semi-finalist for James Beard’s Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.

Ruins currently offers two services: lunch and dinner. The fast, casual-lunch service features an array of salads and sandwiches that have been popular since even before the days of Ruins when Brown ran a sandwich shop (RIP Stella’s).

The sandwiches are classics, but have original twists that help them stand out; like the meatloaf sandwich with a spicy ketchup and shallot aioli, or the curried egg salad sandwich. The dinner menu is always rotating, but is certain to feature a creative and eclectic mix of dishes.

An enticing pan-seared cod with smoked tomato and salsa verde is offered alongside vegetarian and gluten-free plates – like the smoked chickpeas with Yukon gold potatoes and vadouvan curry. If you are looking for a variety of options, Ruins is a safe bet with delicious food! Note: Ruins is also on our list of the best mocktails in Spokane, so if you’re looking for non-alcohol drinks, Ruins has some of the best!

What to order?

Butter Roasted Wild Cod – pomodoraccio, grilled romaine, shallots, miso butter sauce, basil, preserved lemon

Meatloaf – tomato broth, mashed potato, salsa verde, chili oil, pickled onion, aioli

Heirloom Melon – daikon radish, mint, chili aioli, crispy onions

Arabian Palace – UPDATE

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Setting: Casual
• $-$$

Italia Trattoria is a favorite in Browne’s Addition for its impeccable service and award-winning Italian food made from scratch with love, and is a best-kept secret for some of the loveliest brunch in town – particularly when the patio is open as weather permits. Chef Anna Vogel has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award, and it shows in every dish. Their following ensures that tables are filled regularly, so reservations are highly recommended.

What to order?

Charred Octopus – spicy tomato oil, potatoes, sundried tomatoes, red onion, lemon parsley salad +gf

Agnolotti Del Plin – fresh pasta stuffed with a braised pork, mortadella, and prosciutto stuffing, sauteed in a brown butter sage sauce, parmesan reggiano

Rabbit – white wine braised, pancetta, goat cheese ravioli, carrot butter, chanterelle mushrooms, peas, carrots, parmesan reggiano, chives

Island Style Food – UPDATE

• Cuisine: Filipino Cuisine
• Setting: Casual
• $-$$

Skewers is recognized by locals as one of the best food trucks in town that is now in a downtown brick and mortar as well, it is especially popular. Known for its fresh ingredients and truly authentic kebabs, Skewers delivers an experience that transports diners to the Mediterranean coast. We love their bespoke spice blends and bold combination of flavors in every single dish.

What to order?

Lamb Kebab- Lamb skewer with rice pilaf, toasted nuts, onion slaw, grilled vegetables, pita and sauce

Chicken Shawarma Wrap- with toum, taratour, lettuce, tomato, pickled cucumber, fries, wrapped in lavash

Falafel Wrap- Falafel with fresh veggies with a side of fries, hummus, or salad

Choo Choo Tortas – UPDATE

• Cuisine: Mexican
• Setting: Casual
• $-$$

An absolute must visit, Hogwash Whiskey Den offers a cozy, speakeasy vibe that feels like it’s top secret, but everyone in town knows how phenomenal it is so it is typically packed. The food menu is small but mighty, focusing on elevated bar bites and rich flavors that perfectly pair with their drinks. Hogwash is intimate and seating can be competitive, so be patient and get there early to make sure you can grab a table or a spot at the counter. 

What to order?

Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings – naked, bone-in, juicy chicken in a bowl

Pimento Mac & Cheese – bacon, roasted peppers, sharp white cheddar, fontina, pecorino romano and bread crumbs 

 Whiskey Barrel Aged Shoyu Ramen – pork chashu, soft egg, 72 hour beef bone chintan stock, truffle oil, porcini, togarashi, white paper, spring onions and house noodles

Cascadia Public House

• Cuisine: American
• Setting: Fast casual
• $-$$

Cascadia is a vibrant and eco-conscious eatery that focuses on locally sourced ingredients, creating a community-centered atmosphere. Their menu boasts creative twists on classic dishes, catering to any number of dietary preferences, making it a mega-favorite among foodies who have unique dining needs without sacrificing ANY flavor.

What to order?

Chorizo Queso Nachos – House made queso, chorizo crumbles, onion, cilantro, pickled jalapenos, guacamole, salsa, lime crema. Make this dish vegan with cashew queso

Salmon Caesar – Alaskan sockeye, romaine, parmesan, house made croutons and caesar dressing

Crispy Chicken Sandwich – House breaded chicken, bacon, Tillamook pepper jack, butter lettuce, tomato, pickle, chipotle aioli on an alpine bakery bun. Make it vegan with crispy vegan chick’n & FYH vegan cheese

Queen of Sheba – Update

• Cuisine: Ethiopian
• Setting: Casual
• $$

Can’t decide between virtual golf or an upscale culinary adventure? The Boardroom at Swing Lounge Downtown has both! Whether you’re meeting up with friends or celebrating something special, this modern lounge offers a cozy vibe with a touch of sophistication. Sip on craft cocktails or local brews, and pair them with delicious, elevated bar bites. With its prime downtown location, it’s an easy choice for locals and visitors alike to kick back and enjoy a fun night out.

Black and Bleu Burger & Fries- Double patty with blackened seasoning, bleu cheese and candied bacon, served with a side of their famous fries

Boardroom Chicken Wings- Six jumbo bone-in wings with choice of blackberry BBQ, lemon pepper dry rub, sweet chili, or buffalo. Served with celery and carrots, with ranch or bleu cheese

Charred Brussels Bacon & Bleu Flatbread- Brussel sprouts, candied bacon, bleu cheese with fresh mozzarella, balsamic reduction on our rustic flatbread. Topped with bleu cheese crumbles and feta