Tourists and locals love the relaxed, small-town feel of Washington State’s second-largest city.
Located beside the Spokane River and nestled into the western foothills of the Rocky Mountain, Spokane has no shortage of beautiful scenery and outdoor sports to enjoy. Combine this with a lively downtown area that has plenty of fun things to do, visitors and locals are bound to work up an appetite.
Luckily, there’s a range of great restaurants in Spokane; all with something different to offer. Many of their menus focus on the finest ingredients and innovative dishes.
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in the area, check out our list that includes some of Spokane’s best restaurants!
1. Casper Fry
Casper Fry, in the heart of the historic South Perry neighborhood, specializes in modern versions of classic Southern dishes.
Inspired by simpler times, this popular eatery serves up fresh ingredients sourced in the local area. If you’re looking for good places to eat in Spokane, you won’t be disappointed with the delicious food they offer.
Highlights on the dinner menu include buttermilk-fried chicken and blackened catfish. You can also head there for a hearty breakfast, brunch or lunch instead.
2. Italia Trattoria
Established in 2010, Italia Trattoria specializes in Italian-inspired seasonal dishes. Located in the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, the restaurant uses the finest locally-sourced ingredients. While featuring local selections, many dishes also feature items imported from Italy.
It has an ever-changing menu, so their specialties can vary. But current favorites include pappardelle lamb ragu, and ricotta and rabbit ravioli.
Italia Trattoria can get busy, especially during the weekends. So make sure to reserve a table if you want to sample their delicious food. Their happy hour, from 5 to 6 pm, Tuesday to Thursday, is a popular time.
3. Queen of Sheba
For something a little different, try traditional Ethiopian cuisine at Queen of Sheba.
Set up by Almaz Ainuu, a native of Ethiopia, the restaurant has many vegetarian and vegan options. There is also a range of meat dishes featuring beef, lamb and chicken. Most of their spicy dishes come with a non-spicy alternative. So if you prefer milder flavors, this can be a great way to experience African Cuisine!
For an authentic dining experience, diners use a spongy flatbread called ‘injera‘ instead of cutlery to eat their food.
4. Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie
There’s nothing quite like Sante Restaurant and Charcuterie when it comes to Spokane Valley restaurants.
This elegant Parisian restaurant specializes in delicate, mouth-watering dishes that will make you savor every bite. Although the menu is subject to change, popular dishes include the classic croque monsieur and caraway-dusted pork loin.
5. Gordy’s Sichuan Cafe
Gordy’s Sichuan Cafe is a favorite with locals thanks to its delicious Chinese cuisine and friendly atmosphere.
Since opening over a decade ago, this restaurant has become a key part of the Spokane culinary scene. With varying levels of spiciness and the option to remove animal products from certain dishes, Gordy’s has something for everyone.
Try the Taiwanese black date chicken with sweet potatoes, the kung pao salmon, or beef with orange peel and chilies.
6. Clover
Clover, located near the Gonzaga University campus, is a cozy restaurant set in a Craftsman-style bungalow.
The seasonal menu puts the spotlight on the finest locally-sourced flavors. Some popular choices are the chili-rubbed tri-tip steak with brewer’s malt risotto. Or try the roasted squash and the seared scallops with pea puree and homemade chorizo.
Along with a selection of daily seafood, the menu includes plenty of unique starters, side dishes and salads.
7. Downriver Grill
Downriver Grill is an upscale, contemporary restaurant in Spokane’s Audubon district.
It’s a great spot for a lazy weekend breakfast from 9 am to 2 pm. Enjoy hearty dishes such as lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes or the Downriver Grill signature plate. The latter is a sage-Parmesan biscuit, scrambled eggs, and bacon or sausage in a chorizo gravy.
Alternatively, the main menu includes starters such as ahi poke and steamed clams. And there are classic entrees such as osso buco, filet mignon and puttanesca.
8. Mizuna
Mizuna’s menu has expanded to include meat-based dishes as well as the vegetarian and vegan meals they specialize in.
The vegetarian menu includes delights such as cashew-crusted seared avocado and Japanese eggplant ratatouille. And, meat-eaters can enjoy dishes such as pan-seared duck breast with red wine risotto. Or try the grilled Idaho trout with sweet potato and bacon hash.
With high ceilings, low lighting and a stunning seasonal patio, the setting is as perfect as the food.
9. The Wandering Table
Previously a pop-up restaurant, The Wandering Table found a permanent home in Kendall Yards in 2014.
Like all of the best Spokane Valley restaurants, this eatery focuses on offering diners the best seasonal, local ingredients. The menu changes often, and diners can even name their price and have the chef make something to fit that amount.
They specialize in sharing plates, with current menu highlights including smoke jackfruit empanadas, smokey chicken wings and Mexi-Korean pozole soup.
10. Churchill’s Steakhouse
Churchill’s Steakhouse, conveniently located in downtown Spokane, is a modern and sophisticated restaurant. The booth seating area also makes this a great place for groups.
The downstairs lounge area has a casual feel with a professional piano player and relaxed seating. But, be sure to make a reservation if you want to dine upstairs.
All steaks come with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and fresh baked bread. And, you can choose from the many sides and sauces on the menu as a way to personalize your meal. They also have a good selection of seafood dishes and an impressive wine list.
The 10 Best Spokane Restaurants
As this extensive list shows, there is no end of delicious and different restaurants to choose from in Spokane. From authentic Ethiopian cuisine to traditional steakhouses, Spokane has it all.
And, thanks to Clever Neighbor’s helpful recommendations, endlessly searching online for where to find ‘dinner near me’ is a thing of the past.
Remember, whether you’re looking for Spokane restaurants to tantalize your taste buds or unmissable events in the area, Clever Neighbor is your local go-to directory!
