7 Best Restaurants in Phinney Ridge, Seattle

One of the city’s neighborhood charmers, this beloved bakery churns out the best of French, British, and American pastry traditions, as well as their own unique treats. Mornings mean the espresso bar is busy and the croissants are flying off the shelves, while midday offers light salads, quiches, and their savory signature, the cretzel—a buttery, crisp, pretzel-knotted treat. Loose-leaf tea in the afternoon goes perfectly with their beautiful cakes, such as the stunning Victoria sponge, as well as on Friday when they offer a full tea service. 

Ethically sourced meats, from steak cuts to gamier dishes such as bison, wild boar, and duck, headline the menu at FlintCreek, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a busy corner of Greenwood. A small-plates section features a cumin-dusted lamb tartare as well as mussels bathed in charred jalapeño-lime butter, while main-dish standouts include a brined pork chop on grits and a hanger steak topped with onion marmalade. The industrial-chic two-story lofted space, which has double-high ceilings and a lovely bar backed with modern yellow tile, is usually lively but not too loud, and the service is reliably solid.

Herkimer Coffee's Greenwood outpost is a favorite of coffee connoisseurs, with baristas who know their stuff but won't give you side-eye for dumping sweetener in their creations. The coffee shop has some seating, but it's also a great spot to grab a cup to go.

The deli counter at Ken's turns out surprisingly good sandwiches, like an Italian stuffed with cured meats and a chicken banh mi loaded with pickles, all made on fresh bakery rolls, plus a smash burger on Thursdays. The small, nicely stocked neighborhood grocery store also offers a good selection of local baked goods (doughnuts, muffins), coffee, and beer, wine, and canned cocktails.

A neighborhood favorite that now has two additional locations, this artisan shop isn’t quite a trip to Italy but the gelato is the real deal, including stracciatella, pistachio, and other classic flavors, all with high-quality ingredients. The namesake-for-a-reason Nutty Squirrel swirls salty peanut butter with dulce de leche caramel and chocolate chips. 

People line up out the door for juicy burgers and milkshakes in yummy flavors like mandarin-chocolate and butterscotch. Order ahead if you want to avoid a long wait during the busy lunch and dinner rushes. There's a parking lot for customers and a terrific beer place, RidgeWood Bottle & Tap, right next door.

If you visit Valhalla for lunch, be sure to bring a Viking-size appetite. The sandwiches are enormous, like the piled-high house BBQ pork with chipotle sauce, or El Duderino, which features chicken topped with chorizo, avocado, and jack cheese. The sides are hearty as well: macaroni salad, tots, and slaw. If you want to save a few calories, you can order the sandwiches bowl-style. You’ll still leave stuffed.