Seattle doesn’t have any restaurants with a Michelin star, since the company doesn’t publish a guide here. But that might come as a surprise, considering the city’s vaunted status on not only the country’s culinary scene, but the world’s. Some would argue the French company’s disregard is a good thing, since the Michelin guide is a pay-to-play program; others think that local restaurateurs should make earning that shiny five-point a top priority.

We may not have any stars to hand out, but these stories certainly get our seal of approval.

What’s cooking in Wallingford?

It’s a new venture called The Wayland Mill from restaurateur Yasuaki Saito, where guests can experience the “Yoshoku Americana” cuisine, a lineup of Japanese dishes with Western influences like hambagu meatloaf. You may already be familiar with Saito’s other projects: Post Alley Pizza and the TiVOLi pizzeria, as well as Saint Bread, a bakery recently recognized as a James Beard semifinalist. Saito’s experience in the culinary world has always been a family affair—he and his siblings grew up in their father’s St. Louis teppanyaki restaurant. Today, he brings a similar sense of support to his businesses, offering resources to unhoused neighbors. 

Wine and dine near UW

DeLille Cellars continues its foray into food with a second dining concept, DeLille En Ville, a restaurant, café, and wine shop in Seattle’s University Village. Today’s soft opening will be followed by a grand opening weekend Sept. 19-21, where guests can enjoy exclusive offers, like a limited-release 2023 red blend of grenache, Mourvèdre and syrah. The space holds seating for 231, making it suited for a dinner for two or celebratory events. Food will be prepared with locally sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients and French flair.

Fresh fare at the fair

The food options at the Washington State Fairgrounds got a major facelift recently. As part of a $28 million renovation project—aligning with the event’s 125th anniversary—The 1900 Food Hall & Rooftop Bar is a brand new, 30,000-square-foot venue that features seven different places to eat and drink. Cuisine ranges from global bites to nostalgic treats, including Detroit-style pan pizzas, salmon and chips, Asian fusion, elephant ears, and more. 

Timeless tiramisu and perennial pasta

With news of restaurant closures becoming a regularity, visiting a fine dining institution that’s been around for nearly four decades almost feels strange… but in the best way possible. Bizzarro Italian Café has been slinging handmade pastas and bottles of vino since 1986, wowing customers inside a converted 1920s mechanic shop turned eclectic art gallery. It’s a hub of creativity and passion, from the painters and musicians waiting tables to the tributes left by patrons. Expect a big celebration next year for the 40th anniversary.

Shuck yeah

It’s only a few weeks until the annual OysterFest in Shelton, a celebration that includes the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship and Washington State Seafood Festival. On Oct. 4-5, shellfish aficionados can appreciate the best fruits de mer from the Puget Sound, as well as live entertainment and microbrews. But if you just can’t wait until then, chart a course to find the best oysters in Seattle—there are plenty of new finds and old favorites.