The December Hit List: L’Oursin, Lupo, The Comfort Zone, and More

Okay, so maybe a trip to France is off the table for a while. You can still skip off to the Central District for an après-ski outdoor experience, because L’Oursin understands our French cravings. Get an isolated patio table for two, fondue with chunks of baguette, housemade pâté, Bayonne ham and cornichons, two glasses of vin chaud, and this season’s most coveted accessory — a personal space heater. Feel like takeout? Its Old Scratch market serves up smash burgers and double thigh fried chicken sandwiches, while a provisions counter has luxe staples like crab rillettes and foie gras terrine, plus wines, spirits, and more. 

Dining status: Limited outdoor patio service by reservation only; takeout available.

If you’ve been to this Fremont pizzeria, you’re privy to “that crust” customers rave about on its wood-fired Neapolitan pies. Currently only open for takeout, it takes the guesswork out of meal planning with a bang-for-your-buck deal, which includes two pizzas, a salad, and a bottle of wine. The Le Corna is a popular pick, with its holy trinity of toppings: spicy sausage, sweet onions, and Mama Lil’s peppers. To stay current on specials, follow along on Instagram. 

Dining status: Takeout only; get more info here.

Every meal at this Ballard staple feels like you’re a VIP guest at owner Jen Doak’s dinner table. Right now, diners can take advantage of the darling outdoor garden café for hearty comfort fare like lacquered bacon with caramelized onion dip and smoked tomato, and mushroom ragu. In the morning, the space shifts to Red Arrow Coffee for coffee and pastries. There’s also a monthly wine club with affordable three- and six-bottle options. 

Dining status: Outdoor patio service, reservations highly recommended; takeout is still available.

In hard times, we hail comfort food. And this soul-food restaurant run out of The Royal Esquire Club building in Columbia City serves a stellar delivery of macaroni and cheese, the most universally soul-affirming food out there. With creamy noodles and a crispy baked top, it’s like a warm hug for cheese lovers. While the mother-daughter team of Talya Miller and LaShon Lewis can only offer takeout at the moment, their crispy fried catfish and incredibly tender oxtails with rice will make you feel right at home. 

Dining status: Takeout and delivery are available.

Tucked in a strip mall near Sea-Tac Airport, Miyabi has been a popular pitstop for Japanese natives for 15 years. For Seattleites, its sushi is worth the quick 20-minute jaunt south. Head sushi chef Masaaki Ishikura worked under the legendary Shiro Kashiba, who worked under the legendary Jiro Ono of Jiro Dreams of Sushi fame — and the expertise of that lineage shows in every perfect slice of sashimi. Don’t miss the comforting long noodle soba and udon dishes, or the dinner bento boxes. 

Dining status: Takeout is available.

Bruce and Sara Naftaly, fixtures on the Seattle dining scene for more than three decades, bring French comfort food to their charming Chophouse Row spot. The chef is revered for his rich broths, sauces, and seasonal soups; a puree of root vegetables in housemade vegetable stock is pure bone-warming sustenance. Airy blintzes filled with farmhouse cheese and crème fraîche, sauced in chive butter, also draw a devoted following.

Dining status: Outdoor patio service, reservations are encouraged; takeout is available.

The yellow Port Townsend building is as cheery and warm as the food it serves. Run by local power couple Scott Ross and Deborah Taylor, Ross is the quintessential host, while Taylor brings her culinary prowess from Eleven Madison Park, Canlis, and Per Se to the kitchen. You’ll find refined fare like sweet potato and cheddar croquettes, pork and ricotta meatballs, and a spot-prawn risotto that gives serious French seaside vibes. They recently added pre-packed provisions and takeout at their sister shop right across the courtyard, Lawrence Provisions. 

Dining status: Outdoor patio service; takeout can be ordered here.

As you look to boost your immunity this winter, maybe step up your intake of local bivalves. Per ounce, oysters have the highest zinc concentration of any food — and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t order them for home. Although raw gems reign supreme here, the PNW chowder and IPA-battered po’boy should not be overlooked. Fun fact: This breezy, maritime-themed oyster bar is situated on the site of what was a tackle and bait shop in 1936.

Dining status: Takeout is currently available.

No matter the season, cozy up to a patio table or grab takeout from this hip Broadway East haunt. Owner Gregg Holcomb and chef Jess Elliott have refined comfort-food classics on lock. For a legit taste of Philly, try the Italian pork dip, a splendid mess of roasted pork, garlicky braised greens, and provolone. For cocktails (available to-go, too) the Adult Coke is a nostalgic winner, made boozy with bourbon and Sour Cherry gin. 

Dining status: Limited outdoor patio service, but takeout is available.

Located on the Seattle waterfront, Skalka presents gorgeous Georgian staples, like khachapuri, a bread boat stuffed with warm, gooey cheese, an egg yolk, and butter. Khinkali are also a must, savory pleated soup dumplings filled with everything from mushrooms to spiced-meat. Although Skalka isn’t hosting in-person supras — long dinner parties that define the country’s culinary traditions — everything necessary for a proper feast, along with a kids menu, is available to go.

Dining status: Takeout and delivery are available.