Among the growing number of venerated chef-owned restaurants in town, Nell's hangs tough as the one where the chef-owner really does circulate kindly and quietly. Chef Phil Mihalski is, in fact, a lot like his food: humble, sophisticated, and very present. Expect wonderfully executed specials... More >>

This warm, lively Lake City restaurant offers two menus: Chinese-American and traditional Taiwanese-Sichuan. From the latter, a light, flavorful jellyfish appetizer has a crunchy texture recalling Japanese seaweed salad. Chiang's also makes a splendid (and massive) seafood hot pot brimming with... More >>

Here's who shouldn't go to the Sunlight: people who think the 1960s should be forgotten, who get upset by alfalfa sprouts, or who think tofu is a four-letter word. Whole-grain hotcakes, veggie scrambles, big ol' sandwiches on house-made bread, and black bean burritos are delicious. Like all... More >>

How's this for a combo? Serious coffee and wacky people. That's the mantra at this cozy spot near Greenlake. Espresso drinks are made with beans from Zoka. Munchies are sourced from Mike's East Coast Sandwiches. The lineup includes classic deli options such as a Reuben along with diner... More >>

One of the best of Seattle's neighborhood Indian restaurants, Bengal Tiger hits most of its notes: The tandoori meats come out caramelized and tender, the vindaloos and kormas and do piazas come with your choice of meats, and the service is eager to please (well, just plain eager). The all-tiger... More >>

Watching cooks bustle woks and steamers and hearing the passing raves by sated customers is fun—many regulars wouldn't sit anywhere but the counter. Try the Black Pearl special chow mein. These homemade, hand-rolled noodles distinguish the Black Pearl from other Chinese restaurants. More >>

A family-run eatery like Maple Leaf's Cafe Piccolo beats a formulaic chain restaurant any day. Pasta is obviously a big deal at Piccolo's mix and match, so you can choose your own adventure with the different noodles and toppings. Piccolo's pesto can be a little anemic in the basil sense, but... More >>

Get your motor running, head out on the highway. This clever cafe gets giddy when customers show up on two wheels. But don't expect a bunch of hogs. There's often a lineup of stylish scooters out front, carrying riders who go nuts for the lineup of sandwiches, salty snacks and deluxe hot dogs.... More >>

If you like the Rat Pack-era Sinatra vibe, chances are you're going to love Casa d' Italia. The food, tasty 1950s-style Italian, is served in huge portions (stacks of to-go boxes stand at the ready for your departure) in this shrine to Hoboken's favorite son; from time to time chef Anthony's... More >>

The giant white bowls at this colorful Thai noodle shop offer a variety of tangled treasures. You can get a green curry here, but the regulars stick to soup noodles, served with goodies like fried tofu and fish balls in a variety of meat and veggie broths. You like it hot? Add your own dang... More >>

You may think you're walking into your grandmother's house at Djan's until you hit the dining room. Serene and white, it looks like a yoga studio. The menu features standard Thai dishes, with a few surprise hits like the crab rangoon (imitation crab slathered with rich cream cheese and wrapped... More >>

If you feel right at home at this Wedgwood pub, no wonder: It's a converted house covered with wood thatch, with worn wood tables giving it that olde-towne atmosphere and Deadheads setting its low-key tone. Order a turkey and cranberry chutney sandwich, the Firehouse #40 nachos, or the popular... More >>