The May Hit List: Il Nido, Nishino, The Corson Building, Samara, and More

It doesn’t get much better than cocktail hour on the rooftop lounge at the Thompson hotel, where inventive cocktails are slowly enjoyed against stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountain range. Except, of course, for this current popup — where you get a special menu designed by chef Kaleena Bliss, featuring things like rigatoni with kabocha squash cream and black trumpet mushrooms. There’s a bangin’ burger, too. The popup menu runs through May 3 but for the traditional Nest experience are bookable starting May 10.

Dining status: Outdoor tented dining on the rooftop and some indoor seating. Find more details here.

Few spots in Seattle summon that intangible, vibrant Caribbean vibe quite like Island Soul. The Martin family makes everyone feel like family. Locals come early for the oxtail stew marinated in spices, then braised down in a rich, savory sauce. The Jamaican beef and chicken patties are also a must-have (order one of each). A Tito’s and Ting or rum punch rounds out the tropical experience. 

Dining status: Indoor and heated, covered patio available; contactless takeout available.

Sure, Il Nido’s pandemic-time mercantile sated our wine, sauce, and fresh pasta needs. But our carb-loving hearts are happy that Mike Easton has reopened his century-old Alki Homestead digs. Swing by for the early evening antipasti and pizza menu, or sit for the full menu into the night. First-of-the-season favorites include chilled asparagus with citrus aioli and crispy speck; kale juice strascinati pasta; and prosciutto and peas with tendrils and parmesan brodo reduction.

Dining status: Reservations open up 30 days in advance and are available for indoor dining; the patio is first-come, first-served.

As the weather warms and bike season resumes, it’s well worth taking a detour from the Ballard Brewery District to explore this revered brewery and taproom on Elliott Avenue West. Soak up the breeze off Elliott Bay with a pint at one of the six tables in the tented beer garden out front. Coffee-obsessed Seattleites dig the Street King, a coffee brown ale collaboration made with 9 Swans Coffee from Elm Roasters. It’s OK to bring your own food, too.

Dining status: Reservations are available for the indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden. Friendly tip — no dogs allowed.

The views from the 16th floor of the new Lotte hotel are as stunning as what chef Alexander La Motte is serving. All-day menus focus on local seafood, like a recent hamachi crudo with hearts of palm, strawberry, and sea beans. The wagyu porterhouse is a highlight, too. Celebrate cherry blossom season with a Sakura Blossom, crafted with Nikka Japanese gin. Think special occasion for this one. 

Dining status: Indoor dining available; reservations are highly recommended.

With spring blooms in full swing at Washington Park Arboretum, it’s a delight that Nishino has resumed indoor dining. (Thankfully, the restaurant stayed open for takeout during the pandemic.) For more than two decades, chef Tatsu Nishino has been known for everything from small plates, like crispy Brussels sprouts with sweet miso, to his extravagant omakase. A pineapple blossom and cucumber cooler is a refreshing sip for whatever sushi you order. 

Dining status: Reservations are available; takeout too.

After a long hiatus, Elysian’s original Capitol Hill beer hall is back open for in-person beers. With an easy system for ordering and paying via QR code, you can imbibe safely and have minimal contact with servers — a win-win for all. The recently launched Salt & Seed watermelon gose might just be your new go-to summer choice, with natural watermelon, kosher salt, and an easy-drinking 4% ABV. Pair it with a fresh-baked pretzel with ESB mustard and beer cheese or a beer-braised Reuben on rye.

Dining status: Reservations for indoor and sidewalk seating are available. Food and crowlers, growlers, and packaged beer are available to go; get more details here. Patio seating is dog-friendly.

As more people get vaccinated and start to gather again, Meet is geared toward socializing with small groups. The menu revolves around the foundation of meat, fire, and fermentation and serves only prime Angus, American wagyu beef, and Kurobuta pork. Thinly sliced strips of meat are quickly seared tableside and served with all the traditional fixings to roll up into ssam. They go great with the house special soju cocktails.

Dining status: Reservations are available for dine-in seating; find info for pickup and delivery here.

After a year of COVID takeout experiences, this farm-to-table favorite has consistently shown that you can get polished yet unpretentious meals, even if they come in a box. Innovative dishes from the wood-fired brick oven and hearth are the specialty: Think grilled Northwest giant octopus with smoked black olive and fingerling potatoes, and applewood duck breast with ash-roasted parsnips. With a focus on low-intervention wines and unique cocktails, the beverage side of things is equally enticing (think Negronis with a whiff of port and pink peppercorn). 

Dining status: Reservations are available for indoor dining; find takeout info here.

Though its communal, family-style dining is missed, chef Emily Crawford doesn’t miss a beat with the Corson’s recent shift to thoughtful à la carte and prix-fixe menus served in its fairytale garden. There’s sheer joy in dishes like ricotta dumplings with duck ragu and stinging nettles. On-point wine pairings, and a springtime rhubarb crostada with sweet cream, round out the experience. 

Dining status: Reservations are highly recommended for outdoor and limited indoor dining; takeout is also available.

After vandals trashed co-owner and KEXP DJ John Richards’ bar mid-pandemic, local music lovers rallied for the beloved plant-based, Bowie-themed spot. Looking to get your post-COVID groove back? Order the hand-cut disco fries, made with melted ‘cheese,’ gravy, garlic black-pepper aioli, and green onion (Beyond Burger crumbles are optional.) Of course, there’s super cool merch for sale, too. 

Dining status: Covered outdoor seating, indoor dining, and curbside pickup available.