Urban Safari: Capitol Hill's Restaurant Row

Capitol Hill, known as a hipster hangout, has a newfound rep as a culinary destination. From 15th Avenue to Broadway, and Pine Street to Union Street, a gluttony of new eateries has opened, adding to the already vibrant and diverse dining scene that includes Quinn’s, Pike Street Fish Fry, the Elysian, La Spiga, Poco Wine Room and Boom Noodle, plus eagerly anticipated sweet spots Cupcake Royale and Molly Moon. You may want to loosen your waistband before exploring. 

 

See how the seafood-centric Italian fare at recently opened Anchovies and Olives (1550 15th Ave.; 206.838.8080) stacks up against chef (and co-owner) Ethan Stowell’s other restaurants (Union, How to Cook a Wolf and Tavolàta). Comfort food rules at the simple and chic Oddfellows Café + Bar (1525 10th Ave.; 206.325.0807)—PB&J panini, meatloaf, and macaroni and cheese—all day long. Don’t worry, night owls; they are open for dinner, too. Try the happy-hour menu at Barrio (1420 12th Ave.; 206.588.8105), the newest Mexican joint in the ’hood for affordable tacos and margaritas. The romantic décor includes a wall decked out with floor-to-ceiling candles and enormous wooden doors.  At Pizza Fusion (1412 12th Ave.; 206.709.8400), the pies are made with organic ingredients, and gluten-free crusts are available. Build your own or try one of their specialty pies, like the “Seattle,” which has plum tomatoes, red onions, basil, garlic and cheese. 

Do-it-yourself types enjoy ’Zaw (1424 E Pine St.; 206.325.5528), where the pizza can be ordered raw (but full of organic and sustainable ingredients) and then baked at home. Get a taste of traditional fare from the Piedmont region of Italy at cozy Spinasse (1531 14th Ave.; 206.251.7673), where the pasta is handmade daily and dishes include the delectable maltagliati con ceci e prosciutto (random cuts of pasta with a prosciutto and chickpea sauce). Grey Gallery and Lounge (1512 11th Ave.; 206.325.5209), a funky art gallery, lounge and crêperie rolled into one, uses all fresh ingredients (there’s not even a freezer in the place) and recently started offering a weekend brunch.    

(Insider Tip: With so many eateries so close together, parking is always tight in this neighborhood. But if you’re willing to walk a few blocks, you can often score a spot on 11th Avenue by Cal Anderson Park.) 

 For more Capitol Hill restaurants, go to Neighborhoods