Ballard is popularly known for its amazing and historical waterfront. However, this place is starting to gain recognition for its cafes, restaurants, bakeries, lively bars, and breweries. If you’re a foodie, this is the place that you should never miss.
If you plan to go around Ballard for a few days, you should know some of the best food spots that you can visit. We listed down some of the top Ballard restaurants that you can try while you’re in the area.
1. Sunny Hill
Sunny Hill is one of the best hangout places in Ballard. If you want to try some of the best square pies, this is the perfect spot to visit. The place is filled with colorful tiles and roses, which makes it a good place for a romantic date.
If it’s your first time in Sunny Hill, you should try their Waffle Fries. This is definitely one of the best on the menu that you can order. It is fresh, crispy, and perfectly cooked.
As for their pie, the best recommendation that we have is the Arcade. This is the restaurant’s own version of the classic pepperoni. The edges are made from crispy cheese and you can enjoy the amazing toppings that it has.
What to order: Waffle Fries, Arcade Square Pie
Address: 3127 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA 98117
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2. Samara
As a local bistro heated by wood stoves, you can expect Samsara to offer you an amazing dining experience. Aside from its cool ambiance, they also offer dishes coming from regional produce and they have seafood from sustainable fisheries as well.
You have to try their almond-crusted Halibut that comes with almond oil sauce and blistered green beans. It is so delicious that you will literally lick your plate.
Their Magret of Duck is also a dish that you should never miss once you visit Samsara. The insides are perfectly soft, and juicy, and it’s very flavorful. Be wary because you might decide to order another one once you finish this dish.
What to order: Halibut, Magret of Duck
Address: 6414 32nd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
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3. San Fermo
San Fermo is the most popular pasta restaurant in Ballard. Located in a vintage house in Ballard, this small restaurant offers a unique dining experience as you would feel like you’re in Italy. Along with an open kitchen where you can watch the chef in action, San Fermo offers a wide range of delicious dishes that you will surely love.
You should definitely try their Burrata with Salad and balsamic strawberries. Some of you might think that the combination is a bit weird, but this is extremely delicious.
Their Saffron Spaghetti Bolognese is definitely a must-try because of its meat-to-sauce ratio and the combination of all the ingredients.
What to order: Burrata, Saffron Spaghetti Bolognese
Address: 5341 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
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4. Cafe Munir
As one of the top restaurants serving Lebanese food, Café Munir brings an extensive menu to all their customers. It’s a small restaurant offering a sweet and intimate ambiance that a lot of people will surely love. The hardwood floorings, rounded doorways, lighting, and sweet music can set the mood for you.
Cafe Munir’s Shish Taouk is one of the must-haves on their menu. This is a moist chicken that comes with a garlic dipping sauce. The juicy chicken along with the garlic sauce is a match made in heaven.
Cafe Munir’s Sizzling Lamb Hummus is definitely one of the top choices on their menu and a personal favorite for the locals. The crispy ground lamb is considered the Lebanese version of bacon bits.
What to order: Shish Taouk, Sizzling Lamb Hummus
Address: 2408 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117
5. WeRo
If you’re looking for a modern Korean restaurant in Ballard, then WeRo is the best destination. It is headed by Chef Wes Yoo and the food is extremely delicious. You can relax indoors with their cool interiors or you can stay on the patio to view the amazing sunset in Seattle.
A good start would be Jeon, which is a savory pancake with potatoes, mung beans, and kimchi. The taste is so heavenly that you would want to get another order if you taste it.
The Steak Ssam Platter is the start of the show as it is the most popular on their menu. The Kalbi is one of the best foods that you will ever pop in your mouth. The texture and the umami flavor are one of a kind.
What to order: Jeon, Steak Ssam Platter
Address: 5210 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
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6. Kimchi House
This small hole-in-the-wall restaurant is a bit difficult to find because of the signboard. Kimchi House is a Korean restaurant that offers amazing comfort food. The best reason why this restaurant is popular is because of the delicious food that they offer. It hits differently when you are looking for food that comforts your soul.
Kimchi Fried Rice is definitely a signature dish of this restaurant. It comes with a lot of kimchi and the spiciness is over the top as well.
The famous Bulgogi is to die for because of its marinade. If you haven’t tried this, then you need to check it out right away. It comes with large portions of meat.
What to order: Kimchi Fried Rice, Bulgogi
Address: 5809 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
7. Spice Waala
If it’s authentic Indian food you’re looking for, then Spice Waala will give you that amazing taste. This is a food truck that offers Indian cuisine. This small food spot is famous for its rolls that come with Indian ingredients.
Try their Chicken Tikka Roll if you want to try their amazing chicken recipe. The meat is perfectly tender and the spices are over the top. It comes with onions and a delicious herby chutney.
Spice Waala’s Aloo Tikki Kathi Roll with egg is a personal favorite and it is very delicious. The roll is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Don’t forget their Soft serve ice cream as well.
What to order: Chicken Tikka Kathi Roll, Aloo Tikki Kathi Roll, Soft Serve Ice Cream
Address: 2008 NW 56th St, Seattle, WA 98107
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8. Billy Beach Sushi & Bar
If you want the best sushi restaurant in Ballard, then go to Billy Beach Sushi & Bar. This is a perfect spot if you love karaoke nights. It has a fun environment and you can enjoy it along with its amazing sushi.
Billy Beach’s Super Bad Boy Roll is the ultimate choice because of its amazing taste. It has baked salmon on top that can definitely go viral because of its taste and looks.
The Spicy Calamari is a must-have if you are in Billy Beach Sushi & Bar. The citrusy and tangy taste will leave you wanting more.
What to order: Super Bad Boy Roll, Spicy Calamari
Address: 5463 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
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9. El Moose
If you love Mexican foods, El Moose is the best food spot that you should try. It is found in the vicinity of historic Ballard Avenue. The food, price, and atmosphere are all amazing so you will surely enjoy your stay here.
El Moose’s Chilaquiles is the best one that you can find in Seattle and every bite will remind you of Mexico. The chips are perfect for guacamole and it tastes great with green or red sauce.
The Chorizo Con Papas Y Nopales is definitely a must-have if you visit this restaurant. It is so good and filling that you may not even finish one portion.
What to order: Chilaquiles, Chorizo Con Papas Y Nopales
Address: 5242 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
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10. Pestle Rock
Thai cuisines are pretty hard to come by when you are in Seattle so Pestle Rock is definitely a popular spot here. If you want to taste Thailand’s best cuisine, this is the place to go.
One of the best dishes that Pestle Rock has to offer is the Khao Soi. It is not as spicy as the other dishes, but it is perfectly hearty and crunchy.
However, you will be disappointed because they don’t serve pad thai here. The only silver lining is their Mee Ka Ti, which tastes almost the same as pad thai. It is spicier and it is served with skinny rice noodles.
What to order: Khao Soi, Mee Ka Ti
Address: 2305 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
Ballard is a great place to visit not only because of its amazing scenery, but also the culinary scene in the area. There are tons of amazing restaurants and cafes that you can visit if you want to just relax and enjoy good food. You can check out our top Seattle restaurants if you need more suggestions.
