The January Hit List: Il Nido, Shiro’s, Brimmer & Heeltap, and More

The beloved West Seattle spot in the century old Alki Homestead hasn’t skipped a beat since chef Mike Easton sold it to the restaurant’s longtime manager Cameron Williams and executive chef Katie Gallego. Although the frequently rotating menu still shines on stellar pasta dishes, don’t overlook everything else. A thick bone-in pork chop is plated with farro salad and rhubarb. The crostata is also a knockout, a simple baked pastry, typically filled with fruit preserves or soft cheese, depending upon the night. If you can’t get a reservation, walk-ins are always welcome at the bar. Come by between 4 and 5 p.m,, Tuesday through Saturday, and grab a snack and spritz at the bar during Antipasti Hour.

This cherished woman-owned gem in Madison Valley continues to capture the essence of Basque cuisine, earning a perennial spot as a neighborhood favorite. While the secluded back patio charms during warmer seasons, the real allure lies in the renowned 11-seat copper bar. Snagging a spot here is the ultimate win — it’s first-come, first-served for counter seats, while reservations secure regular seating. Begin your culinary journey with grilled figs and Serrano ham in a cold soup brimming with bread and almonds, a delightful prelude to indulging in seared prawns with saffron bomba rice and chorizo. For a cozy classic, savor the fluffy tortilla española. A glass of Verdejo always makes for a refreshing aperitif.

When it comes to omakase in Seattle, Shiro’s reigns supreme. Named after its esteemed founder, sushi maestro Shiro Kashiba, this legendary spot pioneered Seattle’s sushi scene in 1970, thanks to Shiro’s Tokyo apprenticeship under Jiro Ono of “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” fame. Surprisingly, despite Shiro’s iconic status, the atmosphere remains comfortably casual. For $85, the dining room offers an exceptional deal — 19 exquisite pieces of nigiri served in four seasonal waves. Opt for a more immersive experience at the $140 bar seating, treating yourself to three appetizers and 15 pieces of nigiri sushi. Here, the chef takes the reins, detailing each nigiri piece and guiding on soy sauce usage. While à la carte dining isn’t an option, additional appetizers, beverages, and desserts complement your order seamlessly.

Seattle’s katsu scene has found its groove in Capitol Hill, offering an authentic taste reminiscent of Japan’s top spots. (J. Kenji López-Alt himself vouches for its excellence.) Indulge in the Iberico katsu, featuring premium acorn-fed Iberian pork from Spain, accompanied by miso soup, rice, cabbage, and pickles. However, stealing the limelight is the tomato and cheese Kurobuta katsu, a luscious treat showcasing the finest pork loin, perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. The crispy, non-greasy katsu and generous portions of meat are matched by a sizable side of cabbage salad and sesame sauce. Prepare for a line—the small space beckons a wait, but reservations welcome parties of six or more.

More info here; call 206-708-7856 for large-party reservations.

Embark on a culinary escapade at Atoma, where every dish whispers tales of global flavors woven with the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.  Led by former Canlis executive sous chef Johnny Courtney, Atoma — meaning “invisible” — has made a bold statement since it took over the former Tilth space in late 2023.   Prepare your palate for the lion’s mane schnitzel, a tantalizing creation accompanied by celery root remoulade. Cap off your meal with a playful twist on the classic Baked Alaska—featuring parsnip ice cream, carrot cake, and fennel—for a dessert that’s as innovative as it is delicious.

Call 206-420-1041 for reservations.

Since this beloved Ballard bistro opened in 2013, what was the old Le Gourmand space has seen many changes. Somehow, each iteration keeps getting better and better. Witness simple braised cabbage transcend into an extraordinary delight, with a foie gras crema that lifts every bite. Explore the nuanced flavors of delicate manila clams immersed in a luxurious bath of piquillo pepper and coconut broth. Drawing from her stint at The Tasting Room, Doak presents a meticulously curated wine list. Her wildly popular wine club has blossomed into the Halfseas Bottle Shop, soon to inhabit its own space across the street in the former Slate Coffee spot. And let’s not forget the cocktails – including the Black Ginger Mule, a non-alcoholic marvel blending lime and black tea demerara. By day, the venue transforms into Red Arrow Coffee.

Renowned for its wood-fired, thin-crust Neopolitan pizza, this beloved Beacon Hill restaurant is as solid for a date night as it is for a solo meal at the bar. While small plates dance through a rotation, count on signature pizzas and salads, complemented by nightly specials. Start your meal with the escarole and radicchio salad — a flavor-packed contrast of flavors crowned with Parmigiano-Reggiano and a soft-boiled egg. The Romana pizza, decked with tangy sauce, olives, and anchovies, is a savory delight. (Pro tip: add mozzarella di bufala for an extra treat.) Pair the experience with an impeccably crafted Negroni or explore the affordable Italian wine list. For a seat, we suggest you arrive early and get your name on the list.

Reservations available at 206-395-2069.

Amy and Delish Mulat invite you on an Ethiopian culinary journey starting with injera — the heart and soul of their menu. This light, spongy bread not only accompanies every dish but also plays the role of your utensil. Its tangy, slightly sour taste makes it the perfect partner for scooping up flavorful portions of kitfo — minced rare ground beef blended with butter and spices — or misir wot, a delectable stew of red split lentils. Chef Amy’s culinary finesse, passed down from her mother, anchors the menu’s authenticity. Once you’ve savored their dishes, you’ll find yourself drawn back to this beloved Hillman City spot for more unforgettable flavors and warm hospitality.

Dive into the sweet wonders of Deep Sea Sugar & Salt’s newest spot. Baker extraordinaire Charlie Dunmire upgraded from an Airstream to a cozy brick-and-mortar haven in Georgetown, and now, she’s settled in the former Lowercase Brewing’s taproom. Remember those epic lines on Carleton Avenue? Say hello to more cake without the wait. The menu is a dream, with a dozen rotating cakes and cupcakes daily, and new flavors every month and season. Try the London Fog — a six-layer masterpiece featuring Earl Grey cake infused with honey and Earl Grey syrup, layered with bergamot mascarpone cream, and crowned with tangy cream cheese frosting. Beat the rush by preordering slices online or plan ahead with a whole cake order—just check their site for availability ahead.

Originating from the late-night yatai tradition of Japan, the itinerant and beloved Midnite Ramen has made it easier for us to enjoy by planning a move to Wallingford’s vibrant Figurehead Brewing taproom. Chef Elmer Komagata’s expansion promises more room — 60 indoor seats and 35 outdoors — to relish their culinary delights.

Warm up with the Onomichi ramen, boasting a luscious soy sauce broth, springy flat noodles, and tantalizing pork fatback. For a spicy twist, savor the Nagoya Taiwan ramen, featuring zesty minced beef and flat chives atop shoyu or miso ramen.

Mark your calendars for a mid-February opening. Follow its progress on Instagram.