Northwest Restaurant Champions

Part 3 of our series on restaurants that have stood the test of time and are successful after ten years or more. These are in no particular order; you will find something to love at all of them.

Nell's

European-inspired, New American cuisine using Northwest seasonal ingredients-at Nell's, you get the freshest of the fresh. Opened in 1999, it is an oasis of calm. It's where you go when you want amazing food, great wine, and a relaxed experience. You'd think it's not a novel idea, but it is. Staff not rushing around, food not flying. Peaceful. Order from the regular menu or choose the five course tasting menu. Seasonal outdoor dining and lunch menu. Dinner daily. A wonderful time.

6804 E Green Lake Way N, across from Green Lake in Seattle. 206-524-4044.

www.nellsrestaurant.com

Osteria la Spiga

A small piadina shop on Capitol Hill opened in 1998. It quickly became apparent that there was interest in more than flatbread sandwiches, enclosed sandwiches, cold cut platters and cheese. They slowly added soup, meat. When the Piston-Ring Building was being repurposed, it was time to move to larger quarters and a further expanded menu, including homemade pasta. The move took place in 2006 and it is a busy proposition. Chef and Co-owner Sabrina Tinsley creates authentic Romagnola cuisine with her own view, and they have a large award-winning wine list.

1429 12^th Avenue on Capitol Hill. 206-323-8881.

http://www.laspiga.com

Le Pichet

In France, there are many small neighborhood café/bars where locals gather to socialize. Jim Drohman and Joanne Herron opened just that kind of spot near the Pike Place Market area in 2000. It is a staple of the area and city, known particularly for their roast chicken, wonderful cheese plates, and wine. This is modern French food, not heavy-sauced dishes. Tile floor, dark wood tables, and just 32 seats. Call ahead to order the chicken.

1933 1^st Ave in the Pike Place neighborhood of Seattle. 206-256-1499.

http://lepichetseattle.com

Sunlight Café

It started in 1976 with five female owners wanting healthy food. Who knew it would become the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in Seattle? They also offer vegan and gluten-free dishes, additive-free beer, and wine. In-house bakers make whole wheat, wheat-free, and vegan bread, bunds and cornbread as well as no-refined sugar desserts. Two levels and counter seating offer lots of space to meet friends, read and enjoy a cup of coffee, or come in for a tasty vegetarian meal. As far as we know, they signed a five-year leave in April of 2011, so we can only hope they will continue their traditions beyond this year.

6403 Roosevelt Way NE in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood. 206-522-9060.

http://sunlightcafevegetarian.com

Russell's

Simplicity in a large, white barn on former farmland Bothell. Two fireplaces in a long room with a lounge at one end that tends to fill with after-dinner guests, local winemakers, and everyone who loves to socialize and enjoy wine. Artwork throughout is from Russell's collections and there are great stories about each. Specialties include scallops and New York steak, but everything coming out of the kitchen makes a taste statement. Near Woodinville's wine district, there are great local wines to enjoy. The Loft above is a popular spot for weddings and private parties. Opened in 2006, it's a draw for everyone.

3305 Monte Villa Parkway in Bothell. 425-486-4072.

http://www.russelllowell.com

March 2016