Where to Eat on Phinney Ridge

This used to be a low-key neighborhood for dining. Then—boom.

At Lioness, you can build your own martini. Then, of course, drink it. Image: Courtesy Eric Tra/Lioness People used to toss around words like “reliable” or “low-key” to describe the concentration of restaurants on Phinney Ridge. The real action was north in Greenwood, or down the hill in Ballard. Over the years, though, a few new spots trickled in to live double lives as neighborhood hangouts that also draw diners from across Seattle.

Then Renee Erickson’s Lioness completed the superfecta of bars and restaurants inside the Shared Roof Building, Stevie’s opened its zoo-adjacent pizza parlor, and the lines kept growing outside Ben’s Bread. All of which makes for a growing body of evidence: Phinney Ridge is officially a destination for very good food.

Not pictured: the perfect breakfast sandwiches at Ben’s Bread. Image: Amber Fouts Baker Ben Campbell was an early adopter of Washington grain who made his name on some of the best loaves in the city. But the bakery he runs with his wife, Megan, does so much more: danishes, scones, plus simple, perfect breakfast sandwiches and lunchtime specials that seemingly sell out in an instant. Lines are common, but at least its location in the Shared Roof building means you can queue in a covered courtyard.

Lioness is small—but dishes like the enormous meatball are mighty worthwhile. Image: Courtesy Dorotheé Brand/Lioness Lioness Renee Erickson’s tiny enoteca hideaway has big style and even bigger chandeliers. The limited tables (and standing bar) are walk-in only and fill up fast. But dishes like smoked black cod mousse, pasta, and an enormous meatball, not to mention the build-your-own martini tray, make up for the wait times. Across the courtyard, Holy Mountain’s taproom and Doe Bay Wine Company can occupy diners waiting for a table.

Windy City Pie It’s the town’s best Chicago-style deep-dish, ringed with crisp browned cheese and all flavors carefully balanced. A 12-inch pie really does feed four ravenous adults, and given the cook times, it’s still a good idea to order pies ahead of time online, even if you plan to eat in. This low-key bar also serves up major Chicago nostalgia, including a tavern-style pie that’s just as impressive as the deep-dish.

Preorder online before the supply at Chicken Supply runs out. Image: Amber Fouts The Chicken Supply Filipino fried chicken restaurants like Jollibee inspired Paolo Campbell and Donnie Adams, but the counter service spot they created is very much their own: chicken crackles—literally via its gluten-free crust, but also with marinated flavors of tamari, ginger, and lemon. Sides veer away from American South staples to embrace Philippine flavors, and the butter mochi inspires as much bare-knuckled desire as the chicken. Preorder online, before the day’s cache is gone.

Atulea brings a local focus to its boba. Image: Amber Fouts Atulea The second location of the Capitol Hill shop, cofounded by husband and wife Vince Shi and Kathy Wang, this verdant spot prides itself on using local, natural ingredients. Cheese teas like peach jasmine and rose oolong are light and creamy with subtle fruity notes. Atulea’s white tiles, leaf-print wallpaper, and trendy green chairs make for a great photo backdrop, all the better for sipping one of the many masterful matcha beverages.

Modern Japanese Cuisine Without the pastry case at the front, Modern’s affordable sushi, filling bowls, and cute patio would make it a neighborhood gem. But the fluffy cheesecakes, rich tiramisu cups, and silky puddings—along with mochi and cakes of all kinds—lift this into a place that deserves attention from anywhere in the city. The small space means much of the business is to-go, but the quiet back tables make an ideal space for lingering over udon noodles and sharing slices of matcha roll cake.

Stevie’s slices are impressive—as is the housemade ice cream. Image: Amber Fouts Stevie’s Famous Big slices and beautiful 16-inch pies flow from the big blue building, stacked on a crust that is clearly the work of dough obsessives and shingled with curled pepperoni and other quality toppings. Bright red chairs, a sprawling covered patio, and plenty of arcade games make it an inviting spot to hang out. Creative specials (summer squash or spinach artichoke) keep the menu exciting, while the pair of side salads and housemade ice cream could hold their own on a white tablecloth—but feel right at home here amid plastic water cups and paper plates.

Where to Eat on Phinney Ridge

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