10 Best Spokane Restaurants

Spokane's culinary identity is built on ingredients sourced from the Inland Northwest, especially wild huckleberries, salmon, and lentils from the Palouse region. The city's food culture is tied to its position as the center of a rich agricultural area, which fosters a strong farm-to-table ethos in local restaurants. Wild huckleberries are a regional specialty, appearing in sauces, jams, desserts, and cocktails. The surrounding area is also a major producer of lentils and chickpeas, which chefs frequently incorporate into dishes. 

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Spokane generally costs between $15 and $25. A mid-range restaurant offering a three-course meal for two people will have a total cost from $70 to $100. Fine dining establishments and steakhouses have prices that begin at $60 per person and increase based on the specific restaurant and menu choices.

The fast-food culture in Spokane is distinguished by beloved local and regional chains. Zip's Drive-In, founded in the area, stands out as a nostalgic favorite. Dick's Hamburgers is another popular spot, operating as a walk-up stand with a simple, affordable menu. These local institutions exist alongside major national brands.

• Zip's Drive-In: A regional chain started near Spokane, famous for crinkle-cut fries, tartar sauce, and classic drive-in burgers.
• Dick's Hamburgers: A long-standing walk-up burger stand known for inexpensive burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes.
• The Onion Taphouse & Grill: A local casual restaurant with a popular bar, known for gourmet burgers and onion rings.
• In-N-Out Burger: The California-based chain is a popular newer addition, serving its simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes.
• Chick-fil-A: A national favorite known for chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
• Taco Time: A regional chain offering American-style Mexican fast food, known for crisp burritos and Mexi-Fries (tater tots).
• Panda Express: A national chain serving American Chinese food in a fast-casual format.
• Five Guys: Known for made-to-order burgers, fresh-cut fries, and complimentary peanuts.

The restaurant selection in Spokane continues to expand with new establishments introducing different cuisines and concepts. Recent additions like Magnolia American Brasserie and Breaüxdoo Bakery have brought French-inspired flavors to the downtown area, while other spots have expanded offerings in neighborhoods like Hillyard:

• Magnolia American Brasserie: A French-inspired brasserie in the new Hotel Indigo serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dishes like steak frites and French onion soup. Located at 110 S Madison St, Spokane, WA 99201.
• Breaüxdoo Bakery: A French-style bakery downtown specializing in artisan breads, croissants, pastries, and coffee. Located at 707 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.
• It's a Wrap: A new restaurant in the Hillyard neighborhood focusing on a menu of creative wraps. Located at 5205 N Market St, Spokane, WA 99217.
• The New 63: A social club and restaurant in the former home of The Red Lion BBQ, offering a menu of pub fare and cocktails. Located at 126 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99202.

The downtown area serves as the heart of Spokane's dining, with a high concentration of well-known and top-rated restaurants in a walkable district. These establishments include fine-dining steakhouses, seafood restaurants, and whimsical gastropubs in historic buildings, as shown below:

• Churchill's Steakhouse: An upscale, classic American steakhouse specializing in dry-aged USDA Prime beef.
• Anthony's at Spokane Falls: A Pacific Northwest seafood restaurant with dramatic, panoramic views of the Spokane River falls.
• Mizuna: A long-standing fine dining restaurant known for a New American menu and extensive vegetarian options.
• Gilded Unicorn: A modern comfort food restaurant with a fantasy theme, located in a historic hotel cellar.
• Italia Trattoria: A chef-owned restaurant in a historic Browne's Addition building, serving modern Italian cuisine.
• Wild Sage Bistro: A premier urban bistro focused on regionally sourced Northwest ingredients and high-quality meats and seafood.

Yes. Spokane provides a strong selection of destinations for lunch, including quick-service cafes and casual sit-down restaurants. Sorella, the daytime counterpart to Italia Trattoria, is a prime spot for high-quality Italian-inspired deli sandwiches and salads in the Kendall Yards neighborhood. Gilded Unicorn offers a full menu of modern comfort food for lunch on weekends, providing a more substantial meal. The High Nooner is a local favorite with multiple locations serving a large menu of specialty sandwiches for a classic sandwich experience.

Yes, the city contains excellent places for an evening meal, with options fitting for special occasions, casual nights out, and various other settings. Churchill's Steakhouse provides a traditional fine-dining experience perfect for a classic steak dinner. Luna Restaurant on the South Hill offers a refined yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere with a farm-to-table menu. Mizuna is a top choice for an intimate dinner, with sophisticated New American cuisine and a special focus on creative vegetarian dishes.

Spokane provides several options for vegan dining, from dedicated plant-based restaurants to establishments with extensive vegan menus such as Rüt Bar & Kitchen, Boots Bakery & Lounge, Mizuna, and Cascadia Public House. Rüt Bar & Kitchen on the South Hill presents a completely vegan menu of elevated comfort food, including a Nashville Hot "Chicken" Sandwich and Cauliflower Barbacoa Tacos. Boots Bakery & Lounge downtown is another fully vegan spot, offering pastries, salads, and sandwiches that are also gluten-free. Mizuna accommodates vegan diners with a separate, comprehensive vegetarian menu and can prepare a vegan tasting menu with advance notice. Cascadia Public House also supports vegan diners with its own dedicated plant-based menu of pub favorites.

Diners seeking gluten-free options in Spokane can find them at various establishments like Cole's Fine Foods, Churchill's Steakhouse, Mizuna, and Anthony's. Cole's Fine Foods operates as a 100% gluten-free bakery and cafe, ensuring a safe dining experience with sandwiches, pastries, and other items. For upscale dining, Churchill's Steakhouse prepares its prime steaks and classic sides to be gluten-free. Mizuna indicates gluten-free items on its New American menu and accommodates specific dietary requests. Anthony's at Spokane Falls also offers a specific gluten-free menu featuring its Pacific Northwest seafood.

The most recognized cuisines in Spokane are Pacific Northwest and New American. The city's food offerings are shaped by proximity to regional farms and the innovative approaches of local chefs who emphasize seasonal ingredients. Below are the most prevalent cuisines found in Spokane:

• Pacific Northwest: This cuisine highlights ingredients sourced directly from the area. Restaurants such as Anthony's at Spokane Falls and Masselow's Steakhouse build dishes around wild-caught salmon, Dungeness crab, and local huckleberries.
• New American: Inventive, chef-driven dishes that utilize farm-to-table principles are showcased at top restaurants like Mizuna and Luna. This style of cooking is not bound by traditional culinary rules.
• Steakhouse: Spokane's fine-dining scene features the classic American steakhouse. Establishments such as Churchill's Steakhouse serve as destinations for high-quality, dry-aged prime beef and comprehensive wine lists.
• Italian: Authentic Italian food is well-represented in the city. Italia Trattoria is a chef-owned establishment focused on modern, regional dishes with house-made pasta, while its affiliate, Sorella, provides high-end Italian deli sandwiches.
• Vegan and Vegetarian: Plant-based cuisine holds a significant place in Spokane's food culture. Dedicated restaurants like Rüt Bar & Kitchen and Boots Bakery & Lounge make vegan food a central and visible part of the city's offerings.