Bai Tong Thai Street Cafe

Where Thai Street Food Meets Capitol Hill Cool Located in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill, Bai Tong Thai Street Café brings the vibrant energy of Bangkok’s street food to one of the city’s most lively neighborhoods. With its colorful atmosphere, bold flavors, and Thai-inspired cocktail menu, it’s the perfect spot for everything from a casual dinner to a late-night bite. Originally started by a former Thai Airways flight attendant near Sea-Tac in 1989, the Bai Tong name has long been known for authentic Thai cooking in the Pacific Northwest. The Capitol Hill location reimagines that legacy through the lens of Thailand’s bustling night markets—serving up street eats with modern flair. The menu is full of bold, crave-worthy dishes. Favorites include the Crispy Garlic Chicken, tossed in a sweet-savory garlic glaze and topped with Thai basil, and the Pad Thai, balanced with tamarind and wok-charred noodles. For something more adventurous, try the Crispy Mussel Pancake, Northeastern Thai Sausage, or the Tom Yum Noodle Soup—each dish packed with regional character. Drinks are part of the experience too. The bar serves playful Thai-inspired cocktails and classics like Thai iced tea, making it a great destination for both food lovers and night-out seekers. If you’re looking for bold Thai flavors, quick street food-style bites, and a lively setting in Capitol Hill, Bai Tong Thai Street Café is a standout worth checking out.Bai Tong Thai Street Cafe1121 E Pike StSeattle, WA 98122https://baitongthaistreetcafe.com/

Redmond’s Hidden Gem for Soulful Korean Eats Redmond is home to BON Korean Cuisine, a cozy spot offering rich, satisfying Korean dishes that blend tradition with fresh flavors. Located near H-Mart, BON is beloved for its hearty soups, flavorful plates, and a standout Korean dining experience. One dish that truly sets BON apart is ssambap—a Korean-style wrap meal where rice, protein, and savory sauces are wrapped in fresh leafy greens. At BON, you can enjoy ssambap with options like spicy pork belly or grilled fish, served alongside generous sides and rice. Of course, classic Korean soups and stews remain a highlight here. The Galbitang (beef short rib soup), Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup), and Soondubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew) are all made with rich, comforting broths and come with traditional side dishes that complete the meal. The atmosphere at BON is clean and inviting, with friendly staff and prompt service making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or to-go. If you’re looking for bold, comforting Korean flavors in a relaxed setting—especially if you want to try something unique like ssambap—BON Korean Cuisine is a Redmond gem worth visiting. BON Korean Cuisine7589 170th Ave NE, Suite 120Redmond, WA 98052https://bonredmond.com/

Bainbridge Island’s Hidden Gem for Italian Comfort Food There are restaurants that feed you, and then there are places like Via Rosa 11, where you’re welcomed like family and served food that makes you want to linger a little longer. Tucked off the main road on Bainbridge Island, this Italian deli and kitchen is a local treasure for handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and rustic dishes that taste like they came straight from a Nonna’s kitchen. Handmade Pasta & Sauces from Scratch What makes Via Rosa 11 special isn’t just the flavor—it’s the care. Each pasta is made fresh on-site using traditional methods, from pillowy gnocchi to perfectly chewy pappardelle. The sauces? Rich, slow-cooked, and balanced with just the right amount of garlic, basil, and olive oil. Whether you opt for a classic Bolognese or a creamy gorgonzola sauce, every bite is comforting and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of place where you pick up a hot lunch and a few tubs of sauce or pasta to take home—because once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to keep the experience going. Pizza, Panini & Daily Specials Worth the Ferry Ride The wood-fired pizzas are crisp, chewy, and topped with fresh mozzarella and seasonal ingredients—perfect for sharing, or not. Add in pressed panini sandwiches and rotating daily specials like chicken parm or lasagna, and you’ve got a menu that feels familiar but far from ordinary. Locals know: if you’re visiting Bainbridge Island and skip Via Rosa 11, you’re missing one of the best meals on the island. Italian Market Vibes, With a Personal Touch Part deli, part kitchen, and part small-batch market, Via Rosa 11 also offers housemade sauces, fresh pasta, olive oils, and imported Italian goods so you can bring the taste of Italy home. It’s equal parts restaurant and community gathering place, with a cozy patio in summer and warm plates all year round. Whether you’re a Seattleite making a day trip or a Bainbridge local looking for your go-to comfort food, Via Rosa 11 delivers the kind of soulful Italian cooking that’s hard to find and even harder to forget. It’s slow food served fast, from people who love what they do—and it shows in every bite. Via Rosa 1110320 NE Valley Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110https://www.viarosa11.com/

Modern Korean Flavors Shine in North Seattle North Seattle is full of hidden culinary gems, and ONMI Korean Cuisine & BBQ is one of the brightest. Located on Aurora Avenue, ONMI blends traditional Korean comfort food with a modern presentation that feels both approachable and elevated. Whether you're in the mood for sizzling BBQ, a hearty rice bowl, or a beautifully composed dosirak lunch set, ONMI delivers on flavor, quality, and experience. Step into the sleek, minimalist space and you'll be welcomed with warm service and bold aromas from the kitchen. Signature dishes include juicy galbi (braised short ribs), spicy pork bulgogi, house-made mandu, and savory japchae. Each plate is thoughtfully prepared and generously portioned, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. The Korean BBQ experience here is a must—marinated meats grilled at your table, served with classic banchan that balance out each bite. ONMI’s lunch sets are especially popular, offering a complete, satisfying meal with protein, rice, salad, and sides. It’s ideal for both quick weekday lunches and leisurely weekend visits. Whether you're a longtime Korean food lover or just exploring, ONMI makes Korean cuisine feel both familiar and exciting. If you're searching for bold, comforting flavors in a polished yet relaxed setting, ONMI Korean Cuisine & BBQ is a standout in North Seattle. ONMI Korean Cuisine & BBQ13231 Aurora Ave NSeattle, WA 98133https://onmiseattle.com