Spokane’s Best Restaurants: A Local’s Top Picks

By Kelly McMurtry

Spokane might not scream “foodie mecca” at first glance, but spend a weekend here, and you’ll realize how wrong that assumption is. This city has cultivated a vibrant dining scene, blending unpretentious charm with serious culinary chops. Here’s where I’d insist you eat, based on a lifetime of taste-testing and maybe a few overly-long dinner chats with local chefs.

1. Vieux Carré NOLA Kitchen

This downtown spot brings New Orleans to Spokane with po’ boys so good it’s like they flew in from Bourbon Street. The gumbo is worth fighting over, and Vieux Carré’s Sazerac might make you rethink winter. It’s the kind of place where you feel compelled to stay for one more bite, even if your pants disagree.

2. Mizuna

Mizuna is a Spokane staple that thrives on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Known for its sophisticated approach to both vegetarian and omnivorous dishes, it’s the kind of place where a perfectly roasted chicken can share the spotlight with a vibrant vegetable risotto. The warm, intimate atmosphere makes it a go-to for date nights or celebratory dinners.

3. The Flying Goat

Nestled in North Spokane, The Flying Goat is where you go for pizza done right. Their Neapolitan-inspired pies have a thin crust that’s charred to perfection, and the beer list rivals most taprooms. The Green Bluff pie? An absolute must.

4. Loren

A newer addition to the Kendall Yards scene, Loren offers imaginative, seasonal dishes that balance elegance with heart. Their ever-changing menu ensures no two visits are the same, and the minimalist décor lets the food do the talking.

5. Churchill’s Steakhouse

If you’re celebrating—or just feeling fancy—this downtown institution delivers classic steakhouse fare with polish. The cuts of beef at Churchill’s are textbook perfect, and the service ensures you’ll feel pampered enough to justify the splurge.

6. TT’s Old Iron Brewery

For a casual hangout, TT’s has it all: solid craft beers, smoked meats, and a welcoming vibe. Their brisket is the standout here, smoky and tender enough to convert even vegetarians (probably).

7. Rusty Moose

Just outside the city in Airway Heights, Rusty Moose serves up hearty, Northwest-inspired comfort food with a focus on local ingredients. From cedar-plank salmon to a bison burger that’s worth the trip alone, it’s a spot that captures the rustic spirit of the Inland Northwest.

8. The Viking

This old-school tavern has been reinvented with a modern touch. A mix of pub classics and inventive specials, The Viking is the kind of place where you can pair excellent burgers with local brews, all in a space that feels like home.

9. Wiley’s Downtown Bistro

Wiley’s is where you go when you’re craving high-quality comfort. This downtown favorite nails dishes like braised short ribs, with flavors so rich you’ll dream about them later. Their craft cocktails are no slouches either.

10. Hogwash Whiskey Den

Tucked under the historic Washington Cracker Co. building, Hogwash Whiskey Den is a speakeasy you’ll brag about finding. Pair whiskey flights with inventive small plates—just don’t ask how many varieties of bourbon they stock unless you have an hour.

11. Zozo’s Sandwich House

North Monroe’s newest gem, Zozo’s, is all about East Coast deli vibes with a Spokane twist. Their stacked sandwiches are monumental, and the house-made bread will make you question supermarket loaves forever. It’s comfort food elevated, and the patio’s perfect for Spokane’s sunny days.

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