Liz Meiers

September 15, 2024

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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 numerous eateries, from Wild Sage Bistro to Italia Trattoria, 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

This was the perfect fit for our founder, Erin Peterson’s birthday, since she loves to give back to celebrate.

September was a whirlwind as we dove into developing and sharing about Restaurant Month at Trending Northwest, spotlighting a new local gem every day with HUGE giveaways that would give extra awareness to these special places that make our local culinary scene stand out. From cozy cafes to elegant dining spots, we dove into a variety of cuisines and dining styles to create a list that would be the ultimate foodie tour in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. It is not a comprehensive list, but a collection of some of our very favorite places to take family and friends to enjoy a delicious, chef-driven meal at a variety of price points.

Without further ado, here is our list of the best restaurants and places to eat in Spokane.

Our friends at Canopy Credit Union offered to help make it a reality and are the title sponsors for the work that went into this promotion. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and care for our community through mindful banking.

The Best Restaurants in Spokane, Washington

Tavolatá

• Cuisine: Italian
• Setting: Casual
• $$

If you’re looking for a chef-driven spot that is as consistent as it is exceptional, you’ll want to make this a regular spot to visit in Spokane, and we’re lucky to have his handmade pasta right here in our city. Celebrity Chef Ethan Stowell has more than 12 unique concepts and 20 locations, he is a bona fide master of replicating a tried and true neighborhood spot that still has room to feel as unique as a fingerprint. Tavolatá Spokane is in the River Park Square block, and has the sophisticated yet casual ambiance to match.

What to order?

Rigatoni ‘The King’ – spicy sausage, tomato, marjoram, parmesan

Gnocchi alla Romana – semolina gnocchi, fresh mozzarella, tomato, parmesan, chili

Bucatini Carbonara – guanciale, garlic, egg yolk, parmesan

Roasted Beets – ricotta, walnuts, basil, sherry vinegar

Inland Pacific Kitchen

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

Inland Pacific Kitchen is a modern establishment located inside of the historical, 119-year-old Washington Cracker Co. building in downtown Spokane. If you’re looking for solid date night option, this is one of the best restaurants in Spokane to have on your list!

The open kitchen and bar are the focal point of the restaurant and are both located in the center of the dining room. Tables are situated around it so no matter where the diners are seated, they can watch the magic happen as they await their meals.

Pro tip: If you’re going here for a casual date, sit at the bar and watch the bartender work magic with inventive craft cocktails!

Chefs Dylan Gilbert, Chong Vang and Allen Wells curate seasonal menus, as well as themed dinners, with local, fresh ingredients and inventive executions. Dishes are packed full of components that come together harmoniously. This is definitely a dining destination!

Their late-winter menu features a starter that is a flavorful parsnip smash with harissa aioli, chili crisp, burnt garlic, picked herbs, and topped with Maldon sea salt.

On the entrée portion of the menu is a perfectly cooked duck breast served with popcorn grits, butternut squash, beet maple jus, chive oil and winter granola.

Perhaps you are a more reserved eater who prefers dishes that sound more familiar, but you want to experience some of the creativity this kitchen has to offer? Inland Pacific Kitchen also offers a brunch service on the weekends! The “dopest brunch” has become a favorite of foodies and industry folk around the city.

Regardless of which service you attend, Inland Pacific Kitchen is an approachable way for diners to experience a taste of fine dining.

What to order?

Prawn Salad –  shaved cabbage, walla walla red onion, tahini, sunflower seeds, picked herbs

Lingcod – charred eggplant purée, bread & butter cauliflower, fig, grilled seabean

Pork Tenderloin – corn purée, baby potato, castelvetrano olive, frisée, caper pangrattato

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

Gander and Ryegrass

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

With the arrival of Gander and Ryegrass, chef and owner Peter Froese brought back 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:

• First course — Frutti de Mare: spot prawn, salt spring island mussel, matsutake and smoked cabbage brodo.
• Second course — Pasta Tortellini or Caramelle served with fresh-baked bread.
• Third course — Entrée could feature a steak with potato, morel mushrooms, asparagus emulsion and beef bacon.

If one truly wants the full experience that Gander has to offer, then the Marathon dinner is the way to go. The six-course presentation is chosen entirely by the chef. Those participating are sure to be pleased as they receive dishes ranging from bite-sized starters to plates of pasta.

A tasting is also available during daytime hours with the Chef’s Leisurely Prix-Fixe menu. For guests wanting a more classic dining experience, the lunch menu has several small plates, pasta and entrée selections.

Located only a block from the Spokane Convention Center and Riverfront Park, Gander and Ryegrass is the place to go for special occasions, date nights or to simply enjoy an exquisite meal.

What to order?

The Marathon – 6+ courses, always a surprise, and they can cater to your unique dietary needs 

Casarecce Pasta – house-made pasta, asparagus pesto, tomato, onion

Hanger Steak – fingerling potatoes, red onion jam, Shropshire cheese

Durkin’s Liquor Bar

• Cuisine: Gastropub
• Setting: 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

Rüt Bar and Kitchen

• Cuisine: Global
• Setting: Fast 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

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.

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

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

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 three day fermented dough with a sourdough-eque 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

Italia Trattoria

• Cuisine: Italian
• Setting: Upscale 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

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

Skewers

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Setting: Upscale 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

Hogwash Whiskey Den

• Cuisine: Eclectic
• 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

The Palm Court Grill

• Cuisine: American
• Setting: Upscale casual
• $$$

The Historic Davenport Hotel Collection offers an elevated dining experience right in the heart of Spokane. Whether you’re indulging in a classic steak dinner at The Palm Court Grill or sipping on craft cocktails at Peacock Room Lounge, every meal feels like a special occasion. This September, the hotel celebrated the grand opening of the Emporium and Lobby Bar, adding even more options to its already impressive lineup. Hop around their properties and explore some of Spokane’s best.

What to order?

The Signature Crab Louie Salad- crisp butter lettuce topped with fresh Dungeness crab leg meat, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and housemade Louis dressing (GF)

Pomegranate Duck Breast- tender duck breast with leek and onion risotto, pomegranate gastrique, dried cherries, balsamic glaze, smoked almonds, crispy leeks, seasonal vegetables

Huckleberry Honey Tart- huckleberry chiffon, salted honey custard, fresh PNW huckleberries, whipped Chantilly, granulated honey

The Boardroom

• Cuisine: American
• Setting: Upscale 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

Ruins

• Cuisine: New American
• 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

Our Editor’s Picks

Kismet

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

Tucked away 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

Wooden City

• Cuisine: American
• Setting: 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

Luna

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

This year, 2023, marks Luna’s 30th year of being one of Spokane’s most beloved establishments. The longevity of the 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. The staff love their restaurant and so do the patrons that have flocked to the South Hill staple for decades.

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 not only seasonally inspired but also influenced by the restaurant’s commitment to serving fresh locally sourced products and ingredients. The resulting dishes are familiar yet luxurious.

There are Oxtail Sliders served with CasoCano Farms beef, house cheese, oxtail aioli, charred onions and barbecue sauce. There is a seafood-packed Cioppino with mussels, prawns, sea bass, king crab and a bright seafood tomato broth.

If you are feeling ritzy, then there is a $40 Martini 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: Butternut squash bisque, Scallops, Crab Pasta

Churchill’s Steakhouse

• Cuisine: Steakhouse, seafood
• Setting: Fine dining
• $$$-$$$$

Churchill’s Steakhouse prides itself on being an experience for diners. The recently updated decor has made the already impressive dining room even more stunning.

The servers go out of their way to provide exceptional hospitality. They make a show of presenting the steaks on a platter for viewing as they explain the different cuts from the filet mignon to the porterhouse.

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. 

The house-made desserts are worth saving room for. Churchill’s decadent 5-layer cakes and the infamous Chocolate Sack are the ultimate way to end a meal at an establishment that encourages indulgence.

What to order: Cougar Gold Mac and Cheese, Bone-in Tenderloin Steak, Escargot

Wiley’s Downtown Bistro

• Cuisine: New American
• Setting: 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.

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: Crab Puff, Beef Wellington, Mud Pie