The dining scene in Washington is wonderful, especially since we’re lucky enough to live in a place where fresh produce, good quality meat and fresh seafood are abundant. And since the majority of us love to support local businesses, it’s nice to see so many family-owned restaurants thriving here. These are 11 (of many) that happen to be exceptional.
- Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine, 621 W Mallon Ave., Ste 426, Spokane
Vanessa K / Yelp
Almaz A. / Yelp Spokane’s first Ethiopian restaurant is located in the Flour Mill and owned by Almaz, who was born and raised in Ethiopia but has traveled all over the world, and her husband. The food served here is 100% authentic, and it’s absolutely delicious.
- Antojitos Mexicanos, 3512 Summitview Ave., Yakima
Chelsea M / Yelp
Melinda C / Yelp The Yakima Valley has quite a few options for family-owned Mexican restaurants, and this one has a reputation for serving consistently tasty authentic meals. Since the restaurant is in a former DQ building, you’ll often hear it called the “Mexican Dairy Queen,” but there’s definitely no fast food ambiance here.
- Ammar’s Mediterranean Grill, 409 E 26th St., Tacoma
buttrdish b. / Yelp
Emmalouise B. / Yelp Owned by the always polite Ammar and family, this little Mediterranean restaurant serves delicious and affordable food. Try the tasty Greek fries, which are just $4.50 during happy hour.
- Company Creek Pizza, 502 Manson Hwy, Chelan
Heidi N / Yelp
Company Creek Pizza / Yelp Although Company Creek also serves savory burgers, sub sandwiches and deli-style breakfasts, it’s the pizza that has put this family-owned gem at the top of locals’ and tourists’ lists for over 30 years. They deliver everything but breakfast, and the food is outstanding.
- Perché No Pasta & Vino, 1319 N 49th St., Seattle
Nalini G / Yelp
Elizabeth L / Yelp Perché No Pasta and Vino is located Wallingford and is owned by David and Lily Kong, who came to us from San Francisco in the early 90s. They serve fresh, authentic pasta in a romantic setting.
- Tropical Salvadorean Restaurant, 119 Palouse St., Wenatchee
David V / Yelp
Amy D / Yelp This family-owned restaurant is tiny, but the flavors in the food are enormous. If you’ve never tried Salvadoran food before, this is definitely the place to introduce yourself to it.
- Beacon Rock Cafe, 33001 State Rd 14, Skamania
Beacon Rock Cafe / Yelp
Beacon Rock Cafe / Yelp Located inside the Skamania General Store, this tiny restaurant is owned by a couple who was born in Iran and moved to the United States as teenagers. The menu includes items like lamb burgers and baklava, but you’ll also find classic hearty breakfasts served daily. We recommend taking an early morning hike at Beacon Rock State Park and then swinging in here for a meal.
- Thai Little Home, 3214 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver
Michele R / Yelp
William / Yelp Whether you order takeout or enjoy your dinner at this restaurant, you’ll be treated to some of the best Thai food in the area… and trust us, that’s saying a lot.
- Giuseppe’s Al Porto, 21 Bellwether Way, Ste 112, Bellingham
Howard L / Yelp
Angie C / Yelp This little gem is owned by Giuseppe Mauro and his family, and the mouthwatering Italian food served here is second to none.
- Smokey’s Bar-B-Que, 801 Milwaukee Rd., South Cle Elum
Linda H / Yelp
James J / Yelp James Jones and his wonderful family own this locally loved BBQ joint, and their menu reads like a meat-lover’s dream. They also stay busy catering private events.
- Portofino Restaurant & Bar, 1306 Olympic View Dr., Edmonds
Matthew V / Yelp
Rita W / Yelp Not only is this neighborhood gem family owned, but the staff will make you feel like family when you’re here. The pizza and pasta served here also happens to be phenomenal.
These are just a few of the many wonderful family-owned restaurants you’ll find in Washington. And in case you want to eat somewhere with history, check out this list of long-standing gems.
Vanessa K / Yelp
Almaz A. / Yelp
Spokane’s first Ethiopian restaurant is located in the Flour Mill and owned by Almaz, who was born and raised in Ethiopia but has traveled all over the world, and her husband. The food served here is 100% authentic, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Chelsea M / Yelp
Melinda C / Yelp
The Yakima Valley has quite a few options for family-owned Mexican restaurants, and this one has a reputation for serving consistently tasty authentic meals. Since the restaurant is in a former DQ building, you’ll often hear it called the “Mexican Dairy Queen,” but there’s definitely no fast food ambiance here.
buttrdish b. / Yelp
Emmalouise B. / Yelp
Owned by the always polite Ammar and family, this little Mediterranean restaurant serves delicious and affordable food. Try the tasty Greek fries, which are just $4.50 during happy hour.
Heidi N / Yelp
Company Creek Pizza / Yelp
Although Company Creek also serves savory burgers, sub sandwiches and deli-style breakfasts, it’s the pizza that has put this family-owned gem at the top of locals’ and tourists’ lists for over 30 years. They deliver everything but breakfast, and the food is outstanding.
Nalini G / Yelp
Elizabeth L / Yelp
Perché No Pasta and Vino is located Wallingford and is owned by David and Lily Kong, who came to us from San Francisco in the early 90s. They serve fresh, authentic pasta in a romantic setting.
David V / Yelp
Amy D / Yelp
This family-owned restaurant is tiny, but the flavors in the food are enormous. If you’ve never tried Salvadoran food before, this is definitely the place to introduce yourself to it.
Beacon Rock Cafe / Yelp
Located inside the Skamania General Store, this tiny restaurant is owned by a couple who was born in Iran and moved to the United States as teenagers. The menu includes items like lamb burgers and baklava, but you’ll also find classic hearty breakfasts served daily. We recommend taking an early morning hike at Beacon Rock State Park and then swinging in here for a meal.
Michele R / Yelp
William / Yelp
Whether you order takeout or enjoy your dinner at this restaurant, you’ll be treated to some of the best Thai food in the area… and trust us, that’s saying a lot.
Howard L / Yelp
Angie C / Yelp
This little gem is owned by Giuseppe Mauro and his family, and the mouthwatering Italian food served here is second to none.
Linda H / Yelp
James J / Yelp
James Jones and his wonderful family own this locally loved BBQ joint, and their menu reads like a meat-lover’s dream. They also stay busy catering private events.
Matthew V / Yelp
Rita W / Yelp
Not only is this neighborhood gem family owned, but the staff will make you feel like family when you’re here. The pizza and pasta served here also happens to be phenomenal.
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