Spokane may not get the same global and national buzz as Seattle for great restaurants in the Pacific Northwest but those in the know understand Lilac City’s hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered
If you don’t have time to read our whole guide, check out Italia Trattoria and The Flying Goat. Trust me, you can’t go wrong visiting any of these two!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best Spokane restaurants for you to find out what the city has to offer!
1. Italia Trattoria
Located in the historic neighborhood of Browne’s Addition, Italia Trattoria is owned and operated by the James Beard Awards Semi-Finalist Chef Anna Vogel and General Manager Bethe Browman.
Dining room ambiance is key and Italia Trattoria kicks it up a notch. With a cozy yet inviting ambiance due to its rustic decor and dimmed lighting.
Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, this makes it the perfect place to get house-made pasta.
In my experience, this is an excellent spot for a special celebration or a romantic breakfast date!
Do yourself a favor and get their thick, cream cheese-stuffed House-made Brioche French Toast.
It has a yummy blend of dried apricots and vanilla, not too sweet but tasty and rich. Did you know the bread is freshly made in-house daily?
If you’re not a fan of sweet things for breakfast, order the classic Eggs Benedict. Rumor has it that the best eggs benedict in town is made here!
What to order: House Made Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict
Address: 144 S Cannon St, Spokane, WA 99201
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2. The Flying Goat
There’s no place like The Flying Goat in Spokane. Wines, beers, and the absolute best pizza with an awesome patio that has a fire pit, seriously, what else could be better than this?
Aside from pizzas, The Flying Goat is also home to the infamous Roskelley Dumplings. Why are dumplings famous in a pizza place, you may ask?
Well, the key is on their in-house sweet and spicy chili sauce, which tastes so good you might consider taking it home.
If you’re here for the pizzas, the “D” Street Pizza and Fairview Pizza are my top picks, but you can get the best of both worlds by ordering both.
Curry sauce with chicken, peppers, and potatoes, the “D” Street is one unique pizza you won’t find anywhere else.
The Fairview, on the other hand, includes pear and gorgonzola, making it more like a “dessert” pizza which is a great way to end your meal.
What to order: Roskelley Dumplings, “D” Street Pizza, Fairview Pizza
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3. Mizuna Restaurant and Wine Bar
One of Spokane’s finest restaurants, Mizuna Restaurant and Wine Bar has options for every person in the room.
The restaurant is within 3 blocks of downtown attractions, making it an excellent place to eat after visiting the Convention Center, Riverfront Park, INB Performing Arts Center, Davenport hotels, or River Park Square Mall.
The ambiance is lovely and relaxing, with brick walls, wooden floors, candles, and fresh flowers everywhere.
If you’re confused about what to get, I suggest getting the Steamed Clams with Bacon. There’s only one word to describe this dish: perfection.
A plate filled to the brim with steamed clams and juicy bacon, you’ll enjoy the taste as it is not too rich or salty.
If you’re a fan of seafood, their Seared Sea Scallops is a game-changer! Sauteed perfectly in a delectable seasoning, every bite you take will melt like butter.
What to order: Steam Clams with Bacon, Seared Sea Scallops
Address: 214 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
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🍕 Are you a foodie? Check out these top-rated Seattle food tours!
4. Clinkerdagger
Overlooking the picturesque Spokane River and city skyline, Clinkerdagger is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special business meeting.
The interiors of the restaurant will remind you of an old-school Italian place back in time.
A classic American grill, Clinkerdagger serves quality steaks and fresh seafood innovatively and artfully.
Miss grandma’s cooking? Clinkerdagger’s French Onion Soup is like a warm embrace, boasting a taste that reminds you of home.
With a warm house-made bone broth packed with caramelized onions, this place deserves a five-star rating for its impeccable onion soup alone.
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with Slow Roasted Herb Crusted Prime Rib in Clinkerdagger. Served with fresh horseradish butter, this dish will raise your standards like it did mine!
What to order: French Onion Soup, Slow Roasted Herb Crusted Prime Rib, Almond Crusted Sea Scallops
Address: 621 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
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5. Frank’s Diner
Hands down, the absolute best spot in Spokane for traditional diner-style breakfast, Frank’s Diner is heaven for people who are half-history and half-foodie.
Stepping inside what seems like a train caboose, you’ll be transported back to a time when greasy spoon breakfasts were everyone’s favorite.
I’m telling you, if there’s a bar that sets the standards against all chicken fried steaks in the world, Frank’s Chicken Fried Steak is that bar.
Served with hashbrowns, two over-easy eggs, and rich cream gravy drizzled on top, this is everything you want for breakfast.
For a change, I highly recommend the Creole Benedict. With yummy bite-sized chunks of lobster in spicy hollandaise sauce, this is not for the faint of heart!
The Cajun spices in the hollandaise sauce will take you to Louisiana because of its authentic packed flavor.
What to order: Chicken Fried Steak, Creole Benedict
Address: 1516 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
6. Safari Room Fresh Grill and Bar
In the lobby of the prestigious Davenport Tower lies the Safari Room Fresh Grill and Bar.
True to its name, you’ll feel like the king on an African Safari because of the majestic decor. Your eyes will feast on the classiest animal print to the cushy leather chairs and booths.
For starters, Safari’s Caesar Salad has really fresh and crisp lettuce. It comes with yummy herb-crusted cheesy croutons and a rich dressing that fits the vibe of the place.
But the best part about this dish is definitely the generous servings!
Their Grilled Northwest Salmon Filet is a personal favorite! Smokey but tender and with all the right seasoning, this dish is salmon umami heaven.
What to order: Caesar Salad, Grilled Northwest Salmon Filet
Address: 111 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
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7. Kalico Kitchen
Kalico Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant known for having the best breakfast classics in town.
You will surely find something you want for breakfast, from giant burritos to eggcellent omelets.
With lots of room and seating, this is the perfect spot to bring your family or friends for a Sunday breakfast get-together.
They say the best way to judge the authenticity of an American breakfast place is through their Eggs Benedict. And in my experience, Kalico’s has great flavor and the runniest well-cooked egg!
Thinly sliced ham paired with the hollandaise sauce goes so well with the English muffin that you may be tempted to ask for seconds.
Their Giant Breakfast Burrito is indeed giant enough that one serving is already good for two people.
Choose from bacon, sausage, and ham to mix with scrambled eggs and the cheesiest cheese for the ultimate breakfast burrito!
Don’t forget to request for hashbrowns inside so you can have a more filling meal.
What to order: Eggs Benedict, Giant Breakfast Burrito
Address: 1829 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99205
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8. The Elk
A former pharmacy from the 1930s, the Elk, is now a pub serving an eclectic take on the grub classics.
With consistently great service and an excellent rotating beer selection, you’ll wish The Elk was available anywhere you go.
You can tell a place has great food when it gets jam-packed, even if it’s not the weekends, and the Elk is worth the wait.
Did you know? The Elk’s sandwiches are some of the best sandwiches you can get in the city!
Their Spicy Chicken Sandwich is far from average. It has the right amount of breading on the chicken and is loaded with a delicious creamy sauce that goes well with the spicy kick.
One of the best-selling items on their menu, the Traditional Reuben Sandwich is an absolute must-try.
The rye bread is warm and toasted with a salad amount of salty and savory corned beef that has crispy edges. The sauerkraut brings a moist texture to the sandwich, making it perfect.
One bite of this sandwich will make you wish you lived near the area so you can taste it every day.
What to order: Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Traditional Reuben Sandwich
Address: 1931 W Pacific Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
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9. Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle
A milk-bottle-shaped landmark serving classic American diner fare, Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle has the best milkshakes in town.
The iconic shape of the building makes it a popular attraction where tourists and locals alike flock.
Get a taste of the best milkshake of your life and consider getting their Huckleberry Milkshake and you won’t be disappointed.
This milkshake is a fan favorite because of its real huckleberry taste and huge portions that will delight kids and kids at heart.
Of course, the classic Cheeseburger and Fries is a no-brainer pick in a place like this. If you come here hungry, definitely get this combo.
What to order: Huckleberry Milkshake, Cheeseburger and Fries
Address: 802 W Garland Ave, Spokane, WA 99205
10. Kim’s Korean Restaurant
Kim’s Korean Restaurant in Spokane features an extensive selection of meats, vegetables, and seafood, making it a popular choice for patrons of all dietary preferences.
Studies show that the foundation of a healthy body and mind is the food you put into it, and Kim’s Korean Restaurant is leading the way in developing delicious new ways to prepare nutritious dishes.
If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, you’ll love everything in Kim’s.
Consider getting Kim’s Special, which is a pan-fried Korean-style noodle mixed with spicy seasonings, vegetables, and your choice of meat.
Having a taste of this specialty will make you a lifetime customer of this place. Trust me; it’s THAT good.
Chicken Teriyaki may not be a Korean dish, but Kim’s makes it as if it’s their own.
What to order: Kim’s Special, Chicken Teriyaki
Address: 1314 North Division Street, Spokane, WA 99202
11. RÜT Bar & Kitchen
RÜT Bar & Kitchen is a great addition to your list of Spokane restaurant favorites.
Plenty of natural light floods the interiors of the place, making it warm and welcoming. The restaurant provides quick service and is conveniently located next to the Rosauers grocery store.
This is a popular spot for locals to grab lunch, given that it’s just a short stroll from the many parks in the area.
To start your meal, get the Thai Ginger Cauliflower Wings which are wonderfully crisp and flavored. It’s like chicken bites but with a cauliflower taste.
If layers upon layers of flavor explosions excite your taste buds, the Jalapeño Mushroom Burger is a massive HIT. Remember to drink water from time to time to handle the spice!
What to order: Thai Ginger Cauliflower Wings, Jalapeño Mushroom Burger
Address: 901 W 14th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
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12. Elliotts an Urban Kitchen
A cute little hole-in-the-wall open kitchen restaurant in Spokane, Elliots is a promising entry to the burgeoning North Monroe Street.
With a simple and neat decor, Elliots lets their food and service speak for themselves. The open kitchen enables you to watch all the magic happen.
Their Fried Chicken Sandwich has a light, crispy beer batter that goes well with the airy brioche bun, creating the perfect sandwich texture.
Get the most of your meal and order the Parmesan Thyme Potato Wedges. This dish goes so well with the sandwich, they might as well make it a combo.
What to order: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Parmesan Thyme Potato Wedges, Fresh Green Curry
Address: 2209 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99205
With this list, you can tell Spokane has a lot to offer when it comes to the culinary scene.
If you’re heading to a nearby city, check out our list of the best restaurants in Seattle for a food adventure!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.