Communion’s entry into the Seattle restaurant scene was highly anticipated, and now that they’ve opened their doors, the menu (and vibes) do not disappoint. You’ll have a hard time finding a table on pretty much any night of the week, so plan ahead and make a reservation. While you wait, dive into Chef Kristi Brown’s menu, which is dominated by classic soul food with a twist, each item serving as a nod to all of the many cultures and communities that have influenced her cooking. She’s coined the style “Seattle Soul”, and you can expect a heavy dose of it each and every time you visit. 

After a very popular two-year run as a traveling food truck, Karachi Cowboys has opened their very first brick and mortar. The bad news? They’ll no longer be holding down the fort at Fair Isle Brewing on Sundays to supplement your day drinking. The good news? You can now visit them anytime between 4 - 9 pm, Wednesday - Friday, in Capitol Hill, with hours likely expanding in the coming months. Expect more of the same deliciousness that is rooted in Indian and Pakinstani cuisine, as well as owner Nasir Zubair’s Texan roots, and, of course, a little Pacific Northwest influence thrown in too. Apparently, what happens on Kickstarter can indeed change the world. 

Phinney’s newest addition is the well-rounded, locally focused Autumn, the latest eatery to come from Chef Brian Clevenger and the General Harvest Restaurants group. Unsurprisingly, Clevenger’s penchant for fresh pasta and local ingredients continues; at Autumn, you’ll find raw and cured fish, homemade pasta, black cod, and seasonal offerings like squash blossoms, asparagus, and English peas. The restaurant will mark Clevenger’s sixth outpost in Seattle when it opens on July 6. 

Roxy’s Diner feels like it was made for those east coast transplants among us who just can’t seem to find an excellent pastrami sandwich. Here, bagels, lox, challah, and, yes, pastrami, abound, and there’s no frills to get in your way of a damn good meal. Whether you’re a homesick New Yorker or just one at heart, simply spend some time at Roxy’s for a dose of true, unabashed east coast spirit. 
How to book: Call 206-632-3963 

A skip and a hop away from downtown Seattle is the newly unveiled Lodge at St. Edward Park, a former seminary turned inn that also boasts its own restaurant: Cedar + Elm. You’ll find both perfectly preserved historical details here as well as modern amenities, and the restaurant’s menu reflects all of the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer. With a local, sustainable focus, you can expect menu items to change with the seasons, courtesy of James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Jason Wilson. Stop by for dinner or spend the night and stay awhile longer. Here, it’s all about going with the flow. 

For a new take on plant-forward cooking, look no further than Allyum. This is not your average vegan restaurant; on the contrary, owners Dahil Strayer and Chef Ally Rael are moving beyond the limitations of reliably bland meat substitutes and offering up a menu that speaks to just how exciting vegetables can be. Their menu rotates weekly, so keep an eye out on Instagram for what’s coming next. 
How to book: Call 206-466-2270