I love Kenji Lopez-Alt. Some might say that love is a mild way of putting it… Kenji has taught me a lot about cooking, which I’ll delve into at another time, but he also appreciates restaurants well. By well, I mean that despite being a top-tier professional chef, Kenji appreciates real, unpretentious, and approachable food. He appreciates what it takes to run a restaurant, and understands why these small businesses are important to our communities. He knows how to enjoy and review all “categories” of restaurants for what they are. He can rave about tavern pizza and a fine-dining experience all in the same week. He’s also an advocate for honoring culture and diversity in the food industry.
Since Kenji’s 2020 move from California to Seattle, he’s highlighted fantastic PNW restaurants on Instagram. I’ve researched these Instagram posts (thoroughly) and listed all of his visited Seattle area restaurants below. I’ve tried to include some notes on his experiences with most restaurant listings. **THIS LIST IS A WIP. I WILL UPDATE IT CONSISTENTLY.
If a google map is more your thing, you can follow along here.
Bagels, Delis, Sandwiches + Bakeries
**Note the high number of bagel shops below are from his “bagel tour” of Seattle.
BAGELY TYPE SPOTS:
Rachel's Bagels & Burritos 
Kenji loves the BB and bagels. Rachel’s is famous and it’s with good reason, their breakfast burritos are probably the best in the Seattle area.
Rubinstein Bagels
Kenji says that this spot has a “proper chew.”
Westman's
Kenji notes that they have terrific coffee.
Seattle Bagel Oasis
Kenji notes that the bagel’s chewiness is good but that it’s lacking everything on the everything bagel.
Old Salt Seattle
According to Kenji, the bagel is a little softer and less dense than a typical NY bagel, but as a full sandwich, totally delicious.
Eltana Bagels
Some solid wood-fired bagels.
Darling & Company Handcrafted Bagels
Kenji describes Darling & Co as a newcomer on the bagel scene. They’re not serving up bagels regularly, but testing stuff through pop ups. Check out this write up here.
Lox Smith Bagels
“Excellent bagels with an almost comically gigantic pile of lox” – KLA.
Oxbow Bakery
Kenji describes this as being a solid neighborhood spot.
MORE DELI/SANDWICHY TYPE SPOTS (SOME HAVE BAGELS)
Schmaltzy's Deli
While he loves their bagels and tasty, he also loves their non-traditional pastrami sandwich.
**LOCATION HAS CLOSED
Zylberschtein
Kenji says that the bagels are decent, but that the pastrami and jelly donuts are outstanding.
Dingfelder's Delicatessen
“The hot pastrami is about as close to a NY deli experience as I’ve found in Seattle” -KLA
Valhalla Sandwiches
Kenji says that the El Duderino “reminds [him] of some of [his] favorite tortas in the Mission back when we lived in SF.”
Slab Sandwiches + Pie
Kenji notes it as a solid sando spot, with a “killer” Cubano.
Layers Sandwich Co
Kenji loves their tuna salad with potato chips in it.
Mean Sandwich
“The Mean” is good, but it sounds like, according to Kenji, the burger is something very good too.
Crumby Sandwich & Spiritsin Fremont
Kenji and I are in agreement that everyone should order the Salumi.
Stumbletown Ballard
“Great Italian-is sandwiches”
Little Market on Portage
Fantastic Muffaletta and a “nice little shop.” This spot was previously known as Little Lago.
Paseo
“I remember a decade ago when @carey_jones was traveling the country eating sandwiches for @seriouseasts and claimed that the roast pork sandwich with grilled onions and pickled jalapeños [here] is one of the best sandwiches in the country. She was right then and still is now” -KLA.
Tat's Deli
Kenji says “whoah, this is a PROPER cheesesteak.” He acknowledges that this spot’s also known for pastrami and declares that he’ll try it in the future.
Calozzi's Cheesesteaks
Also a “proper cheesesteak in Seattle.” Note, Kenji is a hot pepper fan on cheesesteaks.
MORE CAFEY TYPE SPOTS (MANY HAVE GOOD SANDWICHES)
Sabine Cafe & Bar
“A great entry in great Seattle sands, breakfast edition.” Kenji recommends the Sabine sando with pastrami hash, a fried egg, caramelized onion mayo, and arugula.
Golden Wheat Bakery Cafe
He loves the pupusas and breakfast burritos here.
Seattle Biscuit Co
Seems like Kenji holds this to be a bomb breakfast sandwich on a bomb biscuit.
Macrina Bakery
The bakery staple in Seattle.
Blackbird Bakery
Really nice bakery.
Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry
Has one of the best breakfast sandwiches period. Thanks Kenji for introducing me to this wonderful place.
Vio Cafe and Marketplace
Great little cafe spot
Sea Wolf Bakers
Really good bakery with nice breads.
Basque + Spanish Tapas
Harvest Vinein Madison Valley
Kenji says that they had a “really nice time” and gave call outs to too much of the menu to note here, aka everything is great, as he acknowledges.
Caribbean
Bongos
My hunch is that Kenji got a (pork) sandwich here, but in looking back I cannot confirm nor deny.
Un Bien
Another sando tasted by Kenji.
Chinese
Dough Zonehas multiple locations
The soup dumplings are “always great.” (I tend to agree – international district location is best).
Little Ting's Dumpling
Kenji calls this spot “delicious” and says that the dumplings remind him of his favorite Northern Chinese dumplings in Cambridge (from Qingdao Garden).
Xiao Chi Jie
“The crispy sheng jian bao are unreal” -KLA.
Frying Fish
Good, authentic Chinese spot.
Seattle Dumpling Co
Seems like a solid spot in Kenji’s book.
Dumpling The Noodle
Another very solid spot in Kenji’s book.
Harbor City Restaurant
Good mom and pop Dim sum spot.
China Harbor Restaurant
Bing's Dumplings
“Seriously good tango at Bing’s. It’s worth a drive out from the city or peninsula if you’ve never been” -KLA.
Kiki's Bakery
Really nice spot.
Tian Fu
Chengdu Taste
Fantastic Szechuan spot.
Fang's Noodle House
“Really good dumplings and hand-pulled noodles with dry braised beef” -KLA.
Drinks
Not writing much description here, unless it seems necessary. Note, if a spot is on this list (like the rest of this list), then Kenji has given it some praise.
Optimism Brewing Company, in Capitol Hill
Stoup Brewing, in Ballard
Obec Brewing, in Ballard
Fremont Brewing, in Fremont
Flying Lion Brewing, in Columbia City
Standard Brewing, in Central District
“The food is almost better than the beer and the beer is great. The tacos are low-key some of the best [he’s had] in town” -KLA.
Goldfinch Tavern, in Pike's Place's Four Seasons Hotel
A noted good spot for pre-dinner drinks.
Batch 206 Distillery, in West Queen Anne
Word is that the pizza is very good.
Ethiopian
Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant
Kenji says that the spread is “lovely.”
French + High End Steak Houses
L'Oursin
Gets great reviews from Kenji, but the special, “top tier” smash-burger and wine store get a special shoutout.
Bateau
in Downtown
Kenji admits that he doesn’t usually eat a lot of red meat, but describes Bateau’s steak as “exceptional.”
Beast and Cleaver and The Peasant
Beast and Cleaver’s butcher shop is a Kenji favorite, but the restaurant also gets high praise. **Note The Peasant is the restaurant and Beast and Cleaver is the butcher shop.
Metropolitan Grill, in Downtown
Named a top tier steakhouse, but Kenji calls out an off burger menu?
Fried Chicken, Burgers, BBQ + “Bar” Food Delights
Taurus Ox
(SPECIALIZES IN LAO DISHES BUT PUT IN HERE BECAUSE THE LAO INFLUENCED BURGER IS A KENJI FAV) “The burger [here] is SO DANG GOOD. So many flavors and textures packed into a reasonably-sized package” -KLA.
Dick's Drive-Ineverywhere in Seattle
Kenji says that this is very much “not the worst burger [he’s] ever had.”
Burb's Burgers Montlake
Kenji asks if he just found his new favorite smash spot.
Loretta's Northwesterner
Seems like he understands why this is rated one of Seattle’s top burgers. “I always tell myself I’ll try the fish and chips next time but next time is always another burger” -KLA.
Lil Woody's
Kenji’s has a little collaboration going on with these folks, so it’s a like for him.
Kidd Valley
Gotta get this if you’re looking to fill in the gaps in your Seattle burger scene knowledge. (Says Kenji)
Sisters and Brothers Bar
Nashville hot “and it’s outstanding.”
Watson's Counter
(SPECIALIZES IN KOREAN, BUT PUTTING IT HERE SINCE KENJI WAS EVALUATING THEIR KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN) “Super delicious and crispy Korean fried chicken… The wings with peppery honey butter were particularly outstanding” -KLA.
Heaven Sent Fried Chicken
Where Ezell Stephens (from Ezell’s) took his recipe after splitting with Ezell. Kenji seems to like it.
Ma’ono
“Whoah fried chicken” -KLA.
Fat's Chicken & Waffles
While he seems to like the chicken, Kenji gives a huge call out to the shrimp and grits as being “outstanding.”
Pioneer Square D&E, in Downtown
Kenji seems to love this spot.
Rhein Haus Seattle
“As someone who knows a little about beer and sausage halls, Rhein Haus does it right” -KLA.
Wood Shop BBQ
Excellent spot, aka Kenji approved.
Nue
Excellent spot, aka Kenji approved. [Described as eclectic, global street eats]
Indian
Rasaiin Fremont
Kenji really enjoyed the food and gives call outs to the green pea soup, the ghee-fried cauliflower, the goat biryani, and the house black lentil dal.
Spice Waala
He notes that they always love their takeout meals from the spot and its “principled commitment to staff and community.”
Italian, not including pizza
Carrello
Kenji describes takeout from here as “pretty fantastic. Gnocchi with rags and fried potatoes in particular were outstanding.” I have to agree.
Osteria La Spiga
“Has some fine northern Italian food and wine” – KLA.
How to Cook a Wolf
Kenji described this as a “very lovely meal.” He calls out the polenta fritters.
Vendemmia
Another meal described as “lovely.”
Rione XIII
Kenji seems to enjoy this spot that serves up Roman classics.
Cafe Lago
Kenji describes this as one of his “neighborhood Italian spots.”
Spinasse
Kenji wrote that the meal was so good, he wonders why he doesn’t go to Spinasse more often. (Commentary- maybe because it’s so hard to get reservations)
Japanese
Grillbird
In rave reviews, Kenji declares that the “teriyaki chicken [here] is something else.”
Toshi's Teriyaki
After eating here Kenji reminds us that “not all teriyaki is created equally.” I.e., this is some superior teriyaki, according to Sir Kenji.
Teriyaki Madness
He recommends the Korean-style short ribs here.
Nasai Teriyaki
Described as a very solid option. The fried gyoza are “the best [he’s] had at a teriyaki [spot].
Ramen Dando
Kenji “very much enjoyed the Fukuoka style tonkotsu.”
Sushi Kashiba
Kenji sat at the chef’s counter where he described Chef Kota’s “personable and knowledgeable…. Exceptional omakase.”
Sushi Kappo Tamura
“Wonderful meal at the sushi bar… Standouts for me were the chawanmushi with crab and black cod, the mejina, the samara, and the kombo-cured madai” -KLA.
Malaysian
Kedai Makan
Kenji “loves this place.”
Mediterranean
Omega Ouzerie
Kenji gives a call out to how delicious their seafood dishes are.
Homer
Kenji has “enjoyed it [this spot] greatly.”
Nepalese
Kathmandu MomoCha
A win in Sir Kenji’s book.
Other High(ish) to High-End Spots
Violet
Described by Kenji as “hands down one of the best casual fine dining experiences in town.”
Matia Kitchen & Bar
Seems that Kenji thinks this spot is good in every way.
Eden Hill Restaurant
“Really good. “A lovely tasting menu…. Nice interesting wine pairings as well” -KLA.
Canlis
Kenji describes the meal as “fantastic.” He says that “the whole front and back of the house team just kill it.” Calls out the pumpkin with miso and caviar, halibut in bone dash with matsutake, chawanmushi with mushrooms and smoked tamari, and smoked cacao nougatine with milk ice cream.
Pizza
Big Mario's Pizza
Kenji writes “solid NY style.”
Bruciato
“Pretty solid pizza” -KLA.
The Independent Pizzeria
He seemed to enjoy the clam pizza and pep pie. How could you not?
Mioposto
Good, wood-fired spot.
Windy City Pie
Sibling to Breezy Town Pizza (below). Kenji has been leveraging the owner’s expertise in tavern (thin Chicago) style pizza to perfect his tavern dough. That should tell you everything that you need to know about Kenji’s opinions on this spot and Breezy Town Pizza.
Breezy Town Pizza
Just see the above 🙂
Bar Del Corso
Kenji, in his own words, seems to be eating his way through the menu. Sounds like everything is great.
Post Alley Pizza
Kenji once declared this spot to have the best za slice in all of Seattle. He also adores the hoagies.
Slice Box Pizza
“The strip club and warehouse area of SODO is not where I’d expect to find great pizza, but it’s there, and importantly, it’s by the slice” -KLA.
Delancey
“Fab.”
Sunny Hill
Passes his deliciousness test with flying colors, but notes that the pizza is more like a wonderful focaccia bread turned pizza than traditional Detroit Style za.
Blotto
Sir Kenji seems to enjoy the nice wood-fired crust at this spot.
Humble Pie
Endorsed as a very solid za spot.
Johnny Mo's
Kenji describes the tavern style as a blend of NY style and tavern cut into squares.
Party Cut Pizza, not currently taking orders, but noting on here for when they do start
Seafood
Ivar's Issaquah
“After reading a great piece in eater last year (Ivar’s the Great), I put it on my list of regional chains to check out. Disappointingly no whole belly clams at this particular location, but there’s still something pretty nice and comforting about too-gloppy clam chowder and fried clams that are more fried than clam” -KLA.
Emerald City Fish & Chips
Reminds him “of the southern style fried fish shops in Harlem. Good stuff and great prices.”
Spud Fish & Chips
Seems like he enjoyed the fish and chips, as well as the beach side walk.
Burien Fish House
Kenji says that the recs to check this place out were on point. “Great fish and chips, fish tacos, and a Dungeness crab roll” -KLA.
Westward
Kenji seems to love this spot and it’s views.
The Walrus & Carpenter
Kenji describes this well-known Seattle spot as “always exceptional.”
Proper Fish
Declared by Kenji as potentially the best fish and chips in the PNW.
Taylor Shellfish
“Delicious oysters, super crispy fish and chips. The fries here are always so good” -KLA.
Coastal Kitchen
Made Kenji a fan of crab melts.
South American
El Parche Colombiano Restaurant
Kenji asked “is this the only Colombian restaurant in Seattle? If so, it’s a good one.”
Stores
Seattle Caviar, in Montlake
Kenji gets supplies from here, including caviar and truffles.
Stella Finds Truffles
Tim’s Cascade Style Potato Chip (not a store but his favorite chips)
Tacos + Mexican
Rocket Taco
“Some pretty great hipster tacos on fresh corn tortillas. The ultra-porky puzzle is actually the sleeper here.”
Tacos Chukis
“Solid and inexpensive” – KLA
Carnitas Michoacan
My hunch is that this is perhaps one of Kenji’s favorite Seattle taco spots. I have to agree.
Carmelos Tacos
Kenji calls out the handmade tortillas that are fantastic.
Okay's Mexican Restaurant
Described as some great tex-mix by sir Kenji.
Taqueria La Fondita
Kenji gives a call out to the carnitas.
Carniceria El Paisano
Kenji loves the pork tamales here.
El Catrin
Kenji says that the cochinita pibil are delicious, but that the chilaquiles look “AWESOME.”
Maiz
“Killer tacos, huaraches, and tamales.”
Taqueria El Sabor
Really solid tacos in North Seattle.
Frelard Tamales
“Big beautiful tamales” -KLA.
El Cabrito
He notes amazing tlayuda.
Jackalope Tex Mex
Kenji loved the quest dip with smoked brisket at this joint and says that he’ll be back for a full meal (he only snacked here).
Taqueria El Asadero
Some of the better tacos he’s had in Seattle. Notes that the carne asada and barrio were “skippable, but the long was perfectly tender, and the carnitas were especially excellent.”
Vietnamese
Ba Sa Restaurant
“Great meal. Especially enjoyed the spring rolls and bun cha” -KLA.
Pho Bac Sup Shop
Seems to have the support of Sir Kenji.
Mr Saigon
The consensus is that the Banh Mi is solid.
Thanh Son Tofu and Bakery
He recommends the cold cut banh mi, saying “the do chia has some really poppy sweet and sour flavor, and the mayo and pate mixes up almost into a single spread…. I also got a box of freshly steamed fried tofu-stuffed banh con which were outstanding.”
Green Tree
“Really good (and inexpensive) Vietnamese from Green Tree in Greenwood. Standout was the bun dec bite and extra-crispy and coconut banh Leo stuffed with shrimp and bean sprouts. The bun bo hue and banh mi were also very good” -KLA. He mentions that there is a Chinese side to the menu, but he didn’t try that.
Billiard Hoang
Gives a shoutout to the oxtail pho and grilled pork banh mi. He also mentions that the “folks running [the restaurant] could not have been nicer.”
OTHER HIGHISH TO HIGH-END SPOTS
Violet
Described by Kenji as “hands down one of the best casual fine dining experiences in town.”
Matia Kitchen & Bar
Seems that Kenji thinks this spot is good in every way.