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15 Best Restaurants in Spokane, WA

Known to be one of the best cities in the country for beer and wine connoisseurs, Spokane, WA, is also making a name for itself in the national food scene, being home to many local chefs dedicated to the culinary craft.

Whatever flavors you’re craving, you’ll find them at all the Spokane restaurants waiting to welcome you with their specialties. From award-winning local dining spots to casual dining experiences, this city is full of options that will satisfy whatever your tastebuds desire.

The Hidden Gems

Explore the expansive food scene throughout the city and discover the restaurants Spokane locals love.

spokane restaurants serving lechon kawali

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1. Island Style Food & BBQ

This restaurant offers a place where you can experience diverse cultural heritage through food from Guam, the Philippines, and Asian Fusion.

Must-Try:

  1. BBQ Liempo – Filipino Marinated BBQ’d Pork Belly served over Traditional White Sticky Rice. Accompanied by Chef Sin’s Asian Cucumber Salad and Lola’s light and refreshing Tropical Macaroni Salad.
  2. Lechon Kawali – Filipino fried pork belly served with garlic rice. Accompanied by Chef Sin’s Asian Cucumber Salad and Lola’s light and refreshing Tropical Macaroni Salad.
  3. Lumpia – Filipino fried spring rolls. Choice of pork with veggies or just vegetables.

Reviews:

“After years of having the best food truck in the Inland Empire, they finally got a brick and mortar location. The food here is exceptional and like nothing else in the mainland. This is a must stop if you are ever in Spokane, Washington.”
– Patrick Bennett

Restaurant Information:

pancakes in spokane restaurants

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2. The Original Pancake House

The Original Pancake House serves an impressive selection of 19 different pancakes, including sourdough, blueberry, banana, pumpkin potato, and bacon. They also offer savory breakfast items.

Must-Try:

  1. Swedish Pancakes – Plate-sized, thin & lacy. Served with lingonberries & whipped butter.
  2. Thick-Cut Bacon Pancakes – Aged buttermilk batter filled with bits of our own thick-cut hickory bacon, with two eggs, any style. Maple syrup & whipped butter on the side.
  3. Fresh Strawberry Pancakes – Classic buttermilk pancakes topped with freshly cut strawberries & homemade whipped cream, with two eggs, any style. Homemade strawberry syrup on the side.

Reviews:

“Great food, friendly staff, very nice atmosphere. Prices are higher than what I’d pay on the East Coast, but seem to be on par with the area. *Update: After going there for a few mornings, will say that this became our go-to breakfast joint for the week we stayed in Spokane. Definitely Highly Recommended.”
– Mike Gratis

Restaurant Information:

pizza in spokane restaurants

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3. Outsider

Outsider is a contemporary American restaurant known for offering fine dining in a relaxed environment where guests can sit by the kitchen counter and watch and interact with chef and owner Ian Wingate.

Must-Try:

  1. Prosciutto – Wood-fired oven pizza. San Marzano tomato, prosciutto, asiago, fresh basil, dressed arugula, and country olives.
  2. Natalia – Hearth oven ciabatta, mozzarella, pepperoni, guanciale, capicola ham, garlic confit, goat horn peppers, dressed arugula, San Marzano tomato sauce, and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
  3. Ribeye Poke – Berbere spiced ribeye, seared rare, sea asparagus, Walla Walla sweet onion, tomato spring onion, avocado, and aloha shoyu.

Reviews:

“Honestly a nice spot downtown Spokane, close enough to everything. The atmosphere is super chill, and the wait staff was very friendly. I’m at a loss for the name of the combo style pizza, but it was definitely a winner. The dough had a nice chew, and toppings carefully done in their wood fire oven. My only complaint was that the Cacio é peppe pizza was quite a bit on the dry side. But after notifying the waiter, the chef quickly made a different pie for us, and was pleasant doing so. Cheers to you guys keep it up, you’re doing great! Cheers!”
– Sean Stroe

Restaurant Information:

spokane restaurants serving pasta

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4. Fête - A Nectar Co

Fête – A Nectar Co is located in a historic 1889 building, serving delicious meals with a focus on vegan-friendly options. This dining spot is a perfect place to host gatherings and celebrations.

Must-Try:

  1. Blackened Steak Alfredo – Tender steak bites seared and served with penne pasta and creamy alfredo sauce.
  2. Chicken Puttanesca – Chicken with tomato, onions, olives, chili flake, anchovy and pasta, topped with feta cheese.
  3. Panini Portobello – Roasted Portobello Panini, balsamic, pickled onions, roasted red peppers spinach, and basil.

Reviews:

“We were in Spokane for a couple of days and ended up eating here twice because it was amazing. Great vegan and non vegan options.”
– Jess Loeffler

Restaurant Information:

tacos in spokane restaurants

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5. The Bulldog

The Bulldog, located in the John J. Hemmingson Center, at the heart of campus. It offers a great dining spot overlooking the iconic McCarthey Athletic Center, where you can enjoy a burger on the patio.

Must-Try:

  1. Bulldog Burger – 1/2 lb. beef patty, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, frizzled onions, butter lettuce, sliced tomatoes and garlic aioli. Choose a meat preparation: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, well done.
  2. Street Tacos – Three snacked-sized corn tortillas topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream with your choice of carne asada, grilled chicken, or beef barbacoa. Your choice of meat: grilled chicken, beef barbacoa.
  3. Chargrilled Salmon – Chargrilled salmon topped with pesto aioli and served with seasonal sauteed vegetables.

Reviews:

“The Bulldog is a decent place to eat on Gonzaga’s campus. Great atmosphere and views, and trivia nights are really fun. Prices are decent, but extra toppings and fries are too expensive. The seating inside and outdoors is comfortable and the waiters are really nice. Food can sometimes take awhile to be made and is sometimes made wrong, but they will always remake to get you what you ordered. The food itself is decent, not anything to write home about but very convenient on campus. Overall a great place to hang out with friends and grab a burger, but don’t expect anything out of this world.”
– Ethan Fuller

Restaurant Information:

Fine Dining Extravaganza

To experience the city’s top destinations for fine dining, Spokane‘s top restaurants included below should be on your list of places to visit.

spokane restaurants fine dining

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1. Wild Sage Bistro

Wild Sage is a premier downtown restaurant featuring locally sourced, award-winning cuisine. This upscale urban bistro is known for serving classic comfort foods infused with a contemporary flair in a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere.

Must-Try:

  1. Meyer Lemon Chicken – Herb marinated and grilled airline chicken breast, fontina stuffed, Meyer lemon glaze, shoulder bacon, parmesan polenta, granny smith apple, and seasonal vegetables.
  2. Pork Tenderloin Au Poivre – Pepper rubbed pork tenderloin, brandy green peppercorn veal demi, sauteed sweet onion, roasted Yukon potato, and seasonal vegetables.
  3. Creole Shrimp Fettuccine – Roasted red pepper mornay, wild pink shrimp, house andouille sausage, bell pepper, tomato, and grilled sourdough.

Reviews:

“Wild Sage Bistro was far more excellent than I anticipated! I had a good feeling, but the website does not effectively capture how great this place is! We had the pork belly app, the duck, and the salmon…what an amazing combo prepared perfectly! The drinks are top notch as well! We will be back every time we visit Spokane!”
– Palatehacker

Restaurant Information:

main dish in fine dining spokane restaurants

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2. Mizuna Restaurant and Wine Bar

Situated in the heart of downtown, Mizuna offers a quintessential dining experience for both locals and visitors. Guests are treated to a dynamic seasonal menu featuring the best of fresh local organic Northwest ingredients.

Must-Try:

  1. House-Made Lemongrass Green Curry with Scallops, Prawns, and Clams – Cilantro, shiitakes, eggplant, red peppers, potatoes, and jasmine rice.
  2. Smoked Trout Linguine – Shiitakes, broccolini, red peppers, shallots, spinach, thyme, and crème fraiche.
  3. Grilled Cheese Caprese – Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil-walnut pesto, balsamic reduction, and fresh basil.

Reviews:

“The food here is incredible! Our favorite spot in Spokane. We had the eggplant caponata, the crispy gorgonzola polenta, and the oyster mushroom risotto. Some of the best vegetarian options in town, with a full vegetarian and vegan menu.”
– Clara Williway

Restaurant Information:

steak and potato in spokane restaurants fine dining

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3. Churchill's Steakhouse

Churchill’s Steakhouse offers a unique fine dining experience where a warm and welcoming atmosphere is coupled with excellent food and entertainment.

Must-Try:

  1. Duroc Pork Rib Chop – A single double-cut, frenched rib chop (14-16 oz) with brandy mushrooms and a rich demi-glace.
  2. Veal Osso Bucco Braised – Slow-roasted veal shank served with root vegetables and natural jus.
  3. Colorado Lamb Chops – Port and currant reduction.

Reviews:

“Churchill’s is the nicest fine dining establishment found in Spokane. What makes it even more special is the reasonable prices. Don’t get me wrong, its still high-end, but I appreciate a fine dining restaurant that still includes a couple sides with your order- no ala carte here! Guests have a choice of sitting upstairs in a more formal dining room, or selecting downstairs in the beautiful bar area, complete with piano. Drinks are excellent and the first class service will not disappoint. My steak was cooked to perfection. They use high-temp infrared ovens, starting the cooking process at 2200 degrees. What this translates into is an amazingly, even and fully crusted steak that would be impossible to duplicate at home or on any grill. Highly recommend it if you have never tried it.”
– Moto Rob

Restaurant Information:

spokane restaurants with steaks and vegetables

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4. Clinkerdagger

Overlooking the majestic Spokane River and city skyline, this classic American grill offers the perfect spot for outdoor dining. Spokane locals and visitors will have a wonderful culinary experience at this landmark restaurant.

Must-Try:

  1. Char-Grilled American Wagyu Sirloin – Yukon gold mashed potatoes and market vegetables.
  2. Crab & Shrimp Fettuccine – Garlic cream, white wine, spinach, tomato, and parmesan.
  3. Crab & Macadamia Stuffed Mahi Mahi – Panko crusted, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and beurre blanc.

Reviews:

“Fantastic experience from start to finish. The ambiance, view of the falls and fabulous foods make Clinkerdagger a destination for traveling to Spokane!”
– Tony Rios

Restaurant Information:

salmon in spokane restaurants

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5. Luna

Luna offers a luxurious dining experience with a full-service lounge, classic marble-top dining areas, a beautiful private dining room, and three beautiful outdoor terraces. Food is prepared with only the best quality ingredients fresh from local farmers and artisans.

Must-Try:

  1. Scallops Plate – Saffron rice, sauteed red peppers, romesco, and fennel arugula salad.
  2. Curried Oxtail Plate – Braised oxtail, peas, roasted carrots, cannellini beans, curried oxtail jus, and coconut rice.
  3. Coconut Curry Prawns – Breaded prawns, coconut-jasmine rice, and sweet chili slaw. Contains peanuts.

Reviews:

“The low ceilings, impeccable decor, and decades of serving top-notch artisan food on Spokane’s upper southhill make Luna a destination dining experience. Outdoor seating is relaxed and preferable if your sensitive to noise. Personally, I love restaurant noises where people laugh and celebrate life with haute food. Make a reservation or roll the dice, choose anything on the menu, and leave with a happy heart. Service is welcoming and professional.”
– Craig Hunt

Restaurant Information:

Cozy Cafés and Casual Delights

These cafés and quaint restaurants offer a relaxing, laid-back setting for enjoying your favorite beverage with a book or a good friend.

sandwich in spokane restaurants

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1. Little Garden Café

If you’re in search of good coffee or tea, then look no further than the Little Garden Café. Enjoy your cup in a spacious seating area, perfect for reading the morning paper or working with your laptop. They also have a small play area for young children.

Must-Try:

  1. Garlic Chicken – Diced roasted chicken breast, whole grain ciabatta, basil pesto and garlic dish, Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and tomatoes.
  2. Italian Panini – Salami, Italian sausage, whole grain ciabatta, basil pesto, provolone cheese, tomatoes, and spinach.
  3. Tuscan Salad – Diced roasted chicken breast, bed of spinach, Italian dressing, olives, artichoke, feta, and whole wheat dinner roll.

Reviews:

“Great cafe in Spokane. We ordered the breakfast bagel sandwiches and really enjoyed the basil pesto and the basil cream cheese.”
– Beau Hesketh

Restaurant Information:

spokane restaurants egg bacon and bread

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2. Maple Street Bistro

At Maple Street Bistro, you can bring your furry friend along and savor a cup of locally roasted coffee with a sandwich outside in the sunshine.

Must-Try:

  1. Homestyle Wrap – Ham, bacon, tomato, cheddar, pepperjack, oven-roasted potato hash, wrapped in a spinach tortilla.
  2. Breakfast Biscuit – Sausage, egg, cheddar, cream cheese & hot pepper jelly served on a house-made buttermilk biscuit.
  3. Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap – Oven-roasted chicken, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, ranch.

Reviews:

“One of my “go to” places for breakfast or lunch in Spokane. Great breakfast menu, tasty baked goods, and lunch. When the dining room is busy? Time to get your food to-go and enjoy a nice meal @ a park. During peak times you might not find a space in the parking lot but, plenty of parking around. The help always seems cheerful and they work hard during rush times to get your order to you in a reasonable amount of time. Only downside? They occasionally run out of select items on the menu….but, everything I’ve tried has been exceptional in its taste and quality.”
– EJ Grant

Restaurant Information:

spokane restaurants, bread egg ham

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3. Meeting House Café

This contemporary take on the classic neighborhood gathering spot feels like home with a spacious patio. Their brew comes exclusively from Roast House, an award-winning roaster of organic, ethically sourced, and aromatic coffee.

Must-Try:

  1. English Breakfast Muffin – English Muffin with sausage, egg, cheddar, and garlic butter.
  2. Alpine Croissant – Prosciutto and brie toasted on a house-baked butter croissant drizzled with honey.
  3. Farmer’s Toast – ham, roasted corn and peppers, herb cheese, and micro greens.

Reviews:

“I recently visited Meeting House Cafe and was pleasantly surprised by this gem of a coffee shop that is tucked away on a residential street in Spokane’s Perry District. I had no idea it even existed until a friend suggested it as our meeting spot! I am sure glad she did.

The menu has something for everyone – delicious and creative coffee and tea drinks, pastries, and even a variety of toasts for lunch. I enjoyed a freshly brewed iced tea, and my friend had a Chai – both were perfect and refreshing!

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting with a modern flare. There is plenty of indoor seating, yet I cannot wait to return and enjoy the spacious outdoor patio.

The staff are friendly and helpful if you need any assistance deciding what to order. Overall, Meeting House Cafe is a great spot for breakfast or lunch or simply meeting for coffee that I would definitely recommend trying out!”
– Erica Laucius, MBA – Realtor

Restaurant Information:

spokane restaurants serving toast with avocado and poached egg
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4. Ladder Coffee Roasters

This specialty café and roastery began as a drive-thru coffee stand on Spokane’s northside. Today, it is one of the most popular coffee shops in the city, serving top single-origin coffees and in-house created toast.

Must-Try:

  1. Breakfast Sammie – Brioche bun, egg, arugula, garlic aioli, and smoked Havarti cheese.
  2. Savory Waffle – One liege waffle topped with two poached eggs, Spiceology Chile Margarita and garnished with fresh dill and cracked salt and pepper.
  3. Avocado Toast – Avocado, cherry tomato, arugula, sriracha aioli, red pepper, and toasted sesame seed.

Reviews:

“One of the best coffee shops in Spokane! Food, service and vibe is all amazing! The location is walkable and perfect for meeting a friend, doing some work or chatting business!”
– Julia Wilkerson

Restaurant Information:

spokane restaurants serving salad

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5. Heirloom Café

This cozy café is a must-visit for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Heirloom Café offers a variety of delicious menu options made from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.

Must-Try:

  1. Local Egg Sammie – Cage-free egg, sharp white cheddar, and spicy brown mustard served on house-made whole wheat bread.
  2. Chicken Salad Wrap – House-made chicken salad (Ohio free-range chicken breast,
    toasted walnuts, celery, mayo) wrapped in a whole-wheat tortilla with romaine lettuce.
  3. Grilled Muenster – Muenster cheese, jam & clarified butter. Served grilled on house-made whole wheat bread.

Reviews:

“Love this tucked away little cafe in north Spokane! They have awesome in-house baked pastries and a wide variety of food options. The barista, Nalina is INCREDIBLE!! Her drinks are always super yummy and she’s super sweet and friendly!”
– Kate Zwischenberger

Restaurant Information:

Wrap Up

There you have it – the 15 best culinary destinations in Spokane, WA, from hidden gems to some of the best fine dining restaurants in the country.

If you’d like to know more about this amazing city, feel free to give me a call at (509) 230-5363 or email me at sweethomepnw@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a lot of these dining spots have menu offerings below $20, like Meeting House Café and Heirloom Café.

Island Style Food & BBQ, The Original Pancake House, and Fête – A Nectar Co are some of the restaurants that offer vegetarian/vegan options.