This year, I decided to keep a shortlist of all the restaurants that I’ve eaten at as a way to quickly remember which of them were memorable meals. I keep notes for each restaurant in a private Google Maps list, and these notes have been helpful when I revisit or when a friend asks me for guidance. Several friends have asked for the actual shortlist of where I’ve eaten so far in 2024.
NOTE: I published a similar list for the first half of 2024, which you can find here.
In my shortlist, I gave them 1-4 stars.
4 stars - This blew my mind. I feel so lucky to have experienced this. Everything about this was impressive and exceptional. I’ll be thinking about this for months.
3 stars - This was very good. I can’t wait to tell my friends about this. There were a few things that weren’t perfect, but I’m still looking forward to coming back.
2 stars - I’d look forward to stopping by if I’m passing through the area.
1 star - I liked it, but I’m not in a rush to come back.
These are not restaurant reviews. They’re just my private notes. I tried to put very little effort into this because I’m having a lot of fun outdoors this summer and typing out words feels like a chore at the moment. I did try to clean up and polish these notes so they at least add some value to you.
4 stars
Atoma - Came here for Leah's birthday. Reservations are recommended—it's harder to get a table after Seattle Met named it “Restaurant of the Year 2024.” Fine dining without pretense. The drink menu is very impressive. Be sure to get the Rosette cookie (at least one per person). The grilled cucumber with salsa mocha was refreshing and savory. The chicken liver mousse with quince jam was good but not worth ordering again. Crumpets with kefir butter and garlic honey were tasty. The lion's mane katsu was clever but skippable. The beef coulotte with sweetbreads was a favorite. The iconic baked Alaska is seasonal, with rotating ingredients, but always end with this. They also have very interesting gelato and sorbet flavors.
Anh and Chi (Vancouver, Canada) - Solo lunch. I had the DIY spring roll platter (meat version) and found it excellent—fresh, herbal, fun, and delicious. Also had the iced coffee. I wish I wasn’t alone so I could try more.
3 stars
Alice and Brohm (Vancouver, Canada) - Delicious base of soft serve blended with frozen fruit of your choice. Each bite is a little different—sometimes more fruit chunks, sometimes more creamy base. Way better than I expected. I came here twice a day for three days while visiting. Strawberry is my favorite.
Taylor Shellfish Farms - Perfect for a summer day after mountain biking in Galbraith. The scenic drive adds to the experience. Get the dozen oysters. I especially liked the Sumo Kumo and Fat Bastard varieties, but the Sunseeker was a standout. Avoid visiting during busy times.
Indian-Nepali Kitchen - Located in a super sketchy area with parking shared with a motel. The interior is basic (comically large tables), but the incredible menu and friendly service more than make up for it. The naan was superb—I'd order it every time. The tandoori chicken momos were brilliant and creative. The potatoes with mustard greens were delicious, with a slight bitterness reminiscent of homemade dishes. The sadheko chicken was amazing. Loved everything.
Lil Red Takeout & Catering - As the name implies, it's a takeout spot. The interior isn't much to look at, but the friendly vibe makes up for it. There are picnic tables outside, though it's better to take your order to go since the road is right there. The jerk chicken (small order, no bones) was juicy, sweet, spicy, smoky, and delicious. The mac and cheese (small order) was velvety smooth, piquant, and peppery—great for sharing. The peach cobbler, a special at the time, was fine, but I’m eager to try the rum cake and more of the menu next time.
Ben’s Bread - The blue corn cookie is the best cookie I’ve had in years. Wow.
Lupo - Dark, dimly lit, and cozy—ideal for a date night. Pizzas take a while because of the small oven, so get two for two people. It’s run by the same folks as Stevie’s Famous, and they provide a bottle of chili oil. The chicory, hazelnut, and pear salad was good but not something I’d rush to order again. The Hot Coppa pizza was our favorite—great balance of fatty meat, spice, sweetness, and burrata. The cacio e pepe pizza was too cheesy for both Leah and me. The delicata squash special pizza was good, and we enjoyed it. The sourdough special ice cream was an experimental flavor—delicious and malty, served at the perfect soft ice cream temperature. No surprise, as Stevie’s Famous has incredible ice cream, too.
Stevie’s Famous - Stopped here before an airport dropoff. The Normie slice is very good, but the special white slice they had was incredible—I wish it were regularly available. The mushroom pizza was pretty good, with a nice funk from the gorgonzola. Their chili oil is great for the crusts, and the premium Flatiron chili flakes are a nice touch. The salad is really good, and the large size is bigger than expected. The vanilla custard and pistachio ice creams were superb.
Pancita - They do it really well here. Memelas w/ butter - oaxacan honey (tasted like orange marmalade, quince butter, maiz memelas). Great way to start. Had all the garnachas, loved them all. Listed in order of preference: Albacore tuna tostada, Brisket suadero tacos, Cauliflower al pastor volcanes, Pork belly carnitas tacos, Lentil & mushroom tetela. Skip all the desserts. Skip the agua fresca. Next time will do Salmon aguachile and Chicken in quince & guava mole. Very cute vibe inside. Everyone seems pretty happy to work there too.
2 stars
Paseo - Super savory and juicy Caribbean roast pork sandwich. Order online to skip the line, but don’t be late picking it up. Very messy, so be prepared for sticky hands. I’d get it again but would like to try other sandwiches. Priced well, considering its popularity. Definitely needs the hot sauce. Doesn’t hold up well as takeout.
Pawan’s Kitchen (North Vancouver, Canada) - Stopped here three times on the way to Whistler. Super friendly staff every time, and the food is incredible.
Sushi Hil (Vancouver, Canada) - Took advantage of the exchange rate and got the Sushi Chirashi bowl—like a bowl of jewels. Loved every bit of it. The uni addition was worth it. Leah got the Snow Crab roll (not great, too much mayo), House roll (good), and King Oshi roll (great). Chef Hil has an interesting backstory. Tiny shop, so get a reservation.
Indigo Cow - Made with milk from Hokkaido. Unbelievably creamy and tasty without being overly sweet. The matcha swirl is my favorite. Don’t bother with the add-ons. Always get the black waffle cone.
Kedai Makan - Had a reservation for three. The Kerabu Timun Nanas (pineapple and cucumber salad) was just okay. The Roti Jala wasn’t for me—not a fan of the net bread—but the chicken curry it came with was excellent. The Nasi Lemak with beef rendang was really enjoyable. The chili pan mee was excellent, and the sambal belacan was superb. The coconut ice cream shake was super indulgent; I wouldn’t get it again, though it was good. The honeycomb cake with coconut ice cream and coffee syrup was just okay—not a repeat for me.
Musang - Came here for birthday dinner. Wait staff was stretched as it took 10min for someone to acknowledge us waiting for a table despite having a reservation. Started with Lumpiang Shanghai, which I might always do from now on. Gintaang Gulay w/ garlic rice is a great combo. Could've done without the Inaloban Na Isda (fried fish) and the highly recommended Short Rib Kare-Kare tasted like it was lacking in salt. Should've mentioned something. Open to ordering it again though. The Grilled Corn Bibingka was amazing. It appears on normal menu and dessert menu weirdly. Also got the Almond cake w/ persimmon jam which was pretty good but I was too full to truly enjoy it. Impressive cocktail menu.
Backyard Bakery - Open Saturdays as a pop-up. Excellent pastries—grabbed a bunch for friends visiting Lummi. The peach and cream tart was incredible (but pricey). The raspberry streusel coffee cake was wonderful; I kept eating it whenever I walked by at home. The strawberry rhubarb squares were nice. The chocolate chip cookies were good.
Kabul Afghan Cuisine - Friendly, chatty owner. Tried the Bolani appetizer (light fritters, would skip next time). The Bara Kebab was very good, especially with the fragrant palaw rice. The eggplant addition was superb. Leah got the Ashak (thin dumplings with ground beef); I found it sweet and pleasant but wouldn’t get it again. The Firni dessert was incredible—cold pudding I could eat several of in one sitting.
Spice Waala - Very friendly staff and affordable prices. The chicken tikka roll was fantastic, and the aloo tikki chaat was excellent. Looking forward to trying the chana chaat next time. The seasonal coconut cardamom soft serve with toasted coconut was also excellent.
Communion - Second visit wasn’t as impressive as the first. Came with a group of four and sat at a table so wide it was hard to talk, especially with the noise. The Watermelon Salad was unremarkable—not worth it. Grandma's Mac & Cheese was consistently great. The Collard Greens with Pickled Relish were fine but not a repeat. The Stuffed Squash was okay. The Berbere Chicken was their best dish—perfectly cooked. The Grilled Salmon was very good, perfectly cooked. The Key Lime Pie was excellent (and I don’t even like Key lime pie). The GF Brownie was stellar. Leah enjoyed the Cherie Amour mezcal cocktail.
Slurp Station Aburasoba - Came here solo. Located on a quiet street with a super clean and modern interior (especially for U-District). Simple menu via QR code. Ordered the Salt-based option because the Shoyu sounded lighter. The jumbo size (50% more noodles) was worth it. Although brothless, it’s not dry—super creamy and slippery. All my favorite parts of ramen without the broth or spoon. Chewy noodles and excellent toppings. The best bowl of noodles I’ve had all year.
Indo Cafe - Tiny parking lot and simple interior with spartan decor. The menu is full of chili-laden dishes, and everything looks good. I had the Ayam Goreng Balado (upgraded to yellow rice, a great choice). Not too spicy but incredibly flavorful. The lightly fried chicken is a hands-on experience. The avocado ice cream was super thick with chunks of avocado—perfect for sharing. It’s deceptively heavy for its size.
maiz - Don’t be fooled by the long line—it’s for the Starbucks next door. Phenomenal tacos, though pricey at 3 for $17. Worth every penny. The tortillas are incredible—soft and bursting with flavor. I had the Al Pastor, Chicken Tinga, and Carnitas—all phenomenal. Will return to try guisado, tamales, huaraches, and tlacoyos. Very limited seating—just four or five bar stools.
E-Jae Pak Mor - Came back with Patrick to try the Khao Soi with beef. It was nice but didn’t wow me as much as on the first visit. Next time, I want to try the khao mun gai, tender beef stew, and massaman beef. Also interested in their dry noodles.
1 star
Fuji Bakery - The Japanese souffle cheesecake is one of the best I’ve ever had. Not much room for seating, so take it across the road to Elliott Bay Park. The mini croissant is also excellent. The crunchy cream malasada didn’t live up to the hype, but I’d be open to trying the Ube custard one. Don’t bother with the matcha tiramisu.
South Fork (North Bend, WA) - The brisket sandwich with fries is excellent. Great lawn and perfect summer vibes.
Hi Life - Great spot to grab quality poke right before the ferry. Conveniently located so you can park your car in the ferry line and walk over.
The Independent Pizzeria - Tried the mushroom special pizza and enjoyed it. It can feed one very hungry person. Parking is tough on nice days, so plan ahead. Order in advance—the wait for food is typically 10–15 minutes longer than the estimate. There are two nice picnic tables outside, but you can easily eat along the water.
Post Alley Pizza - Excellent pizza with a crispy, thin crust (maybe too crispy for some—ask for it lightly baked if you prefer). Quality ingredients, and each slice costs less than $5. Tucked away in an alley. Unfortunately, it closes early daily. The hoagie bread was very good, but the chopped cheese wasn’t a proper NYC-style version.
Blackbird Bakery - Wow, the quiche is incredible. Kenji says it’s worth taking the ferry over for—I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s close.
Lummi Beach Store Cafe - Surprisingly good food for being the only restaurant on the island. Skip the seafood salad. Leah liked the watermelon feta starter; I thought it was just okay. The pan pizza with mushrooms is pretty good—super crispy. The zucchini cake is an excellent twist on carrot cake and worth getting again. Amazing backyard with a communal vibe. Food takes a while, and meals don’t come out at the same time.
Taurus Ox - Tried the burger, beef jerky over sticky rice, pork sausage side dish, papaya salad, and phad Lao. The best items were the beef jerky, sausage, and burger. The papaya salad was too funky for me, but Greg loved it. The phad Lao wasn’t flavorful enough. Returned to try the gumbo (great but small portion) and the yellow gaeng curry (not flavorful). The chicken laab lettuce wrap was very boring. Still want to try the khao soi, thom Khmer, and more gumbo.
Bowriders Grill - A cool, casual hangout spot for friends, though it gets crowded with limited seating. The lake view adds to the charm. The menu is simple but well-executed. I recommend the salmon sandwich. The salmon taco is actually more of a wrap. They have a vast collection of interesting hot sauces.
Nasai Teriyaki (in Lake City) - Stopped here during a Toyota visit. The spicy chicken and gyoza combo is great. The gyoza is very good, and the chicken was grilled perfectly. Paid $1 extra for spicy—it was worth it. The spicy sauce, flecked with chili, looked beautiful and was spot-on at a level 4 out of 5.
T55 Pâtisserie - Expect a line, waited 40min. Singaporean pastry chef w/ an impressive resume: elaborate pastries. Head chef of Canlis is a big fan. Did not like the Curry Crab Scone. Peach and Brie financier is a brilliant combo (brown butter almond cake, crunchy top, creamy center). Lemon Matcha Choux (bright in flavor: lemon curd, matcha mouse, vanilla caramel). Cinnamon Babka croissant loaf was too decadent for me. Pain au Chocolat flower is very clever, high quality chocolate and very ingenious structure to ensure every bite has chocolate.
Worth mentioning
For these places, I didn’t have a strong positive opinion, but I liked them enough that I’d come back to them usually because of convenience. Some of them I’d need to go back to before I consider bumping them up on the list.
Tivoli - Tried the pesto pizza but found it overly burnt and generally not good—especially considering the high price. The chilled pistachio noodles with bolognese, however, were excellent and worth ordering again. I’ll return to try the sandwiches, which are only available at lunchtime.
David Family Taqueria (Sequim, WA) - Very friendly service with free, fresh chips and salsa. The rice and beans are excellent. I had the Chile Colorado and enjoyed it. Not many great options in the area, so this is a solid pick. Don’t let the gas station location deter you.
Manpuku Suishi (Squamish, Canada) - A great spot for quality sushi lunch in Squamish. Limited seating inside, but one of the best values in town.
Sirena Gelato - A perfect stop while cycling the North Lake Washington loop. Best combos are Amaretto & Tiramisu, Rose & Pistachio, or just Ube on its own. Flavors I didn’t like: Dutch Cocoa (tasted like powdered cocoa) and Stracciatella (watery taste).
The Stonehouse Cafe - Stopped here during a long bike ride and had the grilled cheese. Decent seating with views, though it’s right by the road. They seem to host a lot of community events. The highlight is Laina’s Handmade Ice Cream—pick a small container from their freezer. The Watermelon Basil flavor is phenomenal. Tom regrettably got the Lemon Poppy.
Toast Mi - Tried the tofu banh mi and was surprised by how much I liked it—I’d normally get the classic version. A great option for a walk in the park. Ordered in advance online.
Zylberschtein's - The pastrami on a bagel is really good.
Tanoor - There aren’t many good options in South Lake Union. Came in out of desperation and was pleasantly surprised. Great Lebanese food. Convenient for large groups.
Maharaja Cuisine of India - Open unusually late (1am), which is rare for Seattle. They offer a $20 weekend lunch buffet (11am–3pm), though I haven’t tried it yet. The food is great, but the service is hilariously absent-minded despite there being an abundance of idle waitstaff. Several locations in the area.
Korea House BBQ & Grill Marysville - Stopped here with Patrick after climbing in Darrington. Not many options in the area, but this was a hit. We feasted on quality meat with Combo B. No need for extra sides, though we indulged anyway.
FlintCreek Cattle Co - $11 for a high-quality patty sourced from small-scale cattle farms in Western Montana, paired with phenomenal blue cheese. Available daily from 4–5:30pm. If I lived nearby, I’d visit several times a month. Primarily a steakhouse with a bright and airy vibe. I assume the burger deal is to bring in new customers.
Gainsbourg - Happy hour pricing all day on Monday. The $7 burger is great, with an extra $1 for gruyere or blue cheese. The tiny roasted beet salad on the HH menu is also good. Very much a dive bar vibe.
Chocolat Vitale - A good date spot with limited seating. There’s also a record shop inside. The hot chocolate is their standout offering. Ask about the chocolate, and the owner will gladly share detailed stories about the beans’ origins. They sell a variety of chocolate bars that would make great gifts for chocolate lovers.
