Part of the fun of exploring our great state includes dining at the hidden local gems most people don’t know about. If you live in the cities and towns on this list, you’ve probably heard of these places… but if you don’t, make sure you pay them a visit the next time you’re in town. You won’t be disappointed.
- Walla Walla Bread Company, 201 E Main St.
Dan H / Yelp
Amanda V / Yelp If you’re strolling through downtown Walla Walla and you see this place, you might assume it’s simply a bakery. And while their freshly baked goods are to die for, they also have a full-service restaurant with sandwiches, salads, creative entrees and some of the best wood-fired pizza you’ll ever have.
- Terry’s Breakfast & Lunch, 7815 E Trent Ave., Spokane Valley
Shane D / Yelp
Tylonda B. / Yelp For decades, Terry’s has quietly been serving some of the tastiest and heartiest breakfasts (and lunches) in the Spokane area. This diner is a beloved staple for locals, but it often gets missed by tourists looking for a great morning meal.
- Citron European Bistro, 10716 A St., Tacoma
James S / Yelp
Nena V / Yelp Those who have discovered this neighborhood gem continually sing its praises. They serve classic German and French fare, including crepes that melt in your mouth.
- El Kiosko, 526 S 2nd St., Renton
Alexis G / Yelp
Roanne C / Yelp The next time you’re craving tasty tacos, just head to Renton and find El Kiosko. This tiny taco shop is an underrated treasure.
- Mediterranean Specialties, 505 32nd St. Ste 109, Bellingham
Erika O. / Yelp
Ben S. / Yelp You can shop for specialty foods and hard-to-find spices while you wait for your Gyro or Shawarma to be prepared at Mediterranean Specialties, a great little hidden gem in Bellingham.
- Mkt., 2108 N 55th St., Seattle
Mkt. Facebook
Mkt. Facebook Seattle is full of neighborhood gems that fly under the radar, and Mkt., located in Wallingford, is one of them. This tiny 28-seat eatery serves the most scrumptious Northwest cuisine.
- Backwoods Cafe, 913 S. 1st St., Yakima
Sara W / Yelp
Jing J / Yelp Yakima’s Backwoods Cafe may be on First Street, but it’s slightly off the road and sometimes stays hidden. Their hearty breakfasts are addictive, especially the cereal-coated French toast.
- Christine’s Restaurant, 2626 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver
Leslie R / Yelp
PN H / Yelp Christine’s is located in a converted house, and it has certainly maintained a comforting, down-home charm. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch.
- Thongbai Thai Restaurant, 104 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee
Alana I. / Yelp
Cc1 Y. / Yelp In the midst of all the authentic Mexican food and gastropubs you’ll find in Wenatchee, Thongbai Thai Restaurant serves some surprisingly delicious Thai food. The friendly service and affordable prices keep locals coming back for more.
- La Fama, 1501 W. Sylvester St., Pasco
Jennifer C / Yelp
Dana L. / Yelp Pasco is packed with authentic Mexican joints, so it’s easy to miss La Fama. Not only is the food at this unassuming little place reasonably priced, it’s absolutely delicious.
- Hotstone Authentic Korean Cuisine, 119 5th Ave. SW, Olympia
Josh B / Yelp
Mike W / Yelp This place is the definition of a hidden gem. Not many people outside of Olympia (or even in Olympia!) know it exists, but the mouthwatering Korean food here is outstanding.
It’s always fun to try new restaurants, especially our local family-owned spots. These neighborhood restaurants in Washington always serve delicious food.
Dan H / Yelp
Amanda V / Yelp
If you’re strolling through downtown Walla Walla and you see this place, you might assume it’s simply a bakery. And while their freshly baked goods are to die for, they also have a full-service restaurant with sandwiches, salads, creative entrees and some of the best wood-fired pizza you’ll ever have.
Shane D / Yelp
Tylonda B. / Yelp
For decades, Terry’s has quietly been serving some of the tastiest and heartiest breakfasts (and lunches) in the Spokane area. This diner is a beloved staple for locals, but it often gets missed by tourists looking for a great morning meal.
James S / Yelp
Nena V / Yelp
Those who have discovered this neighborhood gem continually sing its praises. They serve classic German and French fare, including crepes that melt in your mouth.
Alexis G / Yelp
Roanne C / Yelp
The next time you’re craving tasty tacos, just head to Renton and find El Kiosko. This tiny taco shop is an underrated treasure.
Erika O. / Yelp
Ben S. / Yelp
You can shop for specialty foods and hard-to-find spices while you wait for your Gyro or Shawarma to be prepared at Mediterranean Specialties, a great little hidden gem in Bellingham.
Mkt. Facebook
Seattle is full of neighborhood gems that fly under the radar, and Mkt., located in Wallingford, is one of them. This tiny 28-seat eatery serves the most scrumptious Northwest cuisine.
Sara W / Yelp
Jing J / Yelp
Yakima’s Backwoods Cafe may be on First Street, but it’s slightly off the road and sometimes stays hidden. Their hearty breakfasts are addictive, especially the cereal-coated French toast.
Leslie R / Yelp
PN H / Yelp
Christine’s is located in a converted house, and it has certainly maintained a comforting, down-home charm. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch.
Alana I. / Yelp
Cc1 Y. / Yelp
In the midst of all the authentic Mexican food and gastropubs you’ll find in Wenatchee, Thongbai Thai Restaurant serves some surprisingly delicious Thai food. The friendly service and affordable prices keep locals coming back for more.
Jennifer C / Yelp
Dana L. / Yelp
Pasco is packed with authentic Mexican joints, so it’s easy to miss La Fama. Not only is the food at this unassuming little place reasonably priced, it’s absolutely delicious.
Josh B / Yelp
Mike W / Yelp
This place is the definition of a hidden gem. Not many people outside of Olympia (or even in Olympia!) know it exists, but the mouthwatering Korean food here is outstanding.
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