Location: Bellingham
Top Restaurants in Bellingham
Where to Eat in Bellingham: The Best Restaurants and Bars
The Pacific Northwest scarcely gets more peaceful than unspoiled Bellingham, a bustling city nestled in the Bellingham Bay. Nature abounds in all directions surrounding this coastal paradise. The waters of the Pacific offer opportunities for whale watching, cruising to Friday Harbor or visiting the Canadian city of Victoria. To the east, Mt. Baker beckons skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. The city itself is alive with vibrant theater, historical museums, gourmet restaurants and fine arts.
Things to do in Bellingham
1. Pizzazza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
We believe locally sourced plants and animals, raised with stewardship and integrity, provide the best tasting, most flavorful and nutritious food available.T Pizzazza, you will find pizza by the slice and whole pies for take-out. Our Woodstone-fired New York style thin crust is available in traditional white or honey wheat. We also offer breadsticks, grinders, subs, toasted sandwiches, organic burgers, and fresh salads. Most of our ingredients are local and organic.
Reviewed By 01sunnytourist - Pacific NW
Visited for a late lunch early dinner. We had the meat lovers and the Greek pizza. Started with the fig balsamic salad. Some of the best pizza I hav ever enjoyed. Even better than the pizza and salad was the service. We love to eat out and I can honestly say the service here was the very best I have experienced in a very long time. Enjoy
2. Ciao Thyme In The Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
We plan to greet you with a warm smile and the aromas of delicious soups, sandwiches, and freshly baked treats. You place your order in the cafe and then find a seat in the dining room or outside under the umbrellas. You strike up a friendly conversation with the person next to you. When you leave, you feel nourished--body and soul recharged for the continuation of your day.The menu will change with the farm produce of the seasons, approximately every two weeks, and we always have some gluten-free and vegetarian options too. There is no pretense in this space, just high quality ingredients prepared with care and delivered with love. Folks come knowing they can trust that the food that is prepared here will be sourced responsibly. They know that by choosing Ciao Thyme Cafe, their dining dollars will go farther in this community to support local families, local farmers, and other small businesses in Bellingham--keeping our community thriving.
Reviewed By ASASG_7 - Vancouver, Canada
A food-knowledgeable friend suggested Ciao Thyme but on entering I was underwhelmed: you come in through their deli department with food-to-go coolers and a small table. Huh? Well, it's just where you order.
I ordered the tapas plate and glass of wine (a reasonable $15 + $4 and that's "tip included"); my friend got a chicken dish with a creamed cauliflower side. The main dining room has a high ceiling and is open the kitchen: the colors, décor, long tables all make for a vibrant place to eat.
When the food arrived: wow. Presentation was gorgeous: both plates were beautifully arranged. I'll speak to my tapa plate: REAL Spanish Iberico chorizo (if you care about that kind of thing - and I do - what a treat). Manchego cheese, and a blue cheese, olives, a cup of flavored almonds, some kale chips a basket of crisp bruschetta. Portions were generous - in fact, I couldn't finish the olive and almonds: two things I love. When I go back I think I'd split it with a companion so we could both enjoy it and perhaps a salad or some soup.
And the waitstaff and cook were both very friendly - concerned with our enjoyment without intruding. In fact the cook answered several of our questions with good humor and detail.
We did venture upstairs to the banquet room: I can see it being a great space for an event but for lunch, the downstairs is perfect.
I'm rarely THIS knocked out by all elements. Have to say again: presentation, flavors, service all were a 10 out of 10. If the dial went up to 11...
3. Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 423 reviews
Giuseppe's Al Porto has a spectacular view of Squalicum Marina at Bellingham Bay and with Chef Christian Turner focusing on the freshest local ingredients, while utilizing classic Italian technique, our restaurant is an experience that you cannot afford to miss!! We offer Dining Al Tramonto which is our three course dinner for $14.95 Sunday thru Thursday from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Or come join us for happy hour and our hand crafted Infusion Cocktails as well as Chef Turner's Balsamic Rosemary Glazed Ribs! <br> <br> <br>With our two large outdoor dining terraces as well as our main dining area's Giuseppe's Al Porto is suited for all occasions.
Reviewed By Kam V - Scottsdale
This restaurant isn't really about delicious food, nice sized portions or good ingredients. They have all that, yes. It's also not about the nice water views or the charming warm ambience of their restaurant. They have that too.
This restaurant is about its people. They're one step better than first class. We showed up on Valentine's evening. Of course without reservations. And of course we went in from the back door, by mistake.
Patricia - restaurant owner - was at the reception desk. I simply asked for a table for two. I was sure she will call two Italian mobsters both named Bruno to come and tell us to take to the rear of the restaurant and shoot us. Instead she made us feel like VIP guests and ordered her assistant to give us a "great table" because of our honesty.
We were offered a really good table. Then we had the honor of meeting Christina, our server. She walked like a Queen. She talked like an Empress. And she was gracious beyond belief.
We ordered the drinks and I went back to Patricia. Her eyes opened wide and said I hope there's no issue with your table. I shook her kind hands and said I had just gone to say proper thanks.
The dinner came. It was flawless. Two perfect appetizers. Zuppa de Pesce (seafood soup) was to die for. The prawns covered with real fresh salsa Verde was a big meal by itself.
Then came the grilled Salmon with balsamic - rosemary glazing. How perfectly done! And our steak, big big steak, was very tasty. Clean. Add to that the wonderful Italian bread and we couldn't breathe.
I ordered a glass of 2010 Colosi Rosso Sicilia Nero D'Avola. It had a delightful deep ripe taste with a hidden sweet element that lingered in the mouth and extended the enjoyment of the wine. The subtle Italian cherry flavor was ever present. It was a perfect match with the tender steak.
The owner Giuseppe came to our table twice and I thanked him for raising the dining standards of WA state. I told him how grateful we were.
This restaurant gets nineteen stars from me, not just five.
4. D'anna's Cafe Italiano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 519 reviews
Reviewed By Bill N
Really fun Downtown place in old area. Folks here having fun and serving up really good Italian. Water, salad and bread to start. Added some meatballs with red sauce for appetizers. Mmmmmm. Had the Sicilian sausage stuffed manicotti, fantastic. The wine by the glass was very nice. Service is team effort and spot on.
5. Mount Bakery Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
The Mount Bakery is a bakery, cafe, creperie and restaurant serving award winning pastries and desserts, Bellingham's Best Benedict, scratch made soups, quiches, and lunch specials daily AND full menu plus dinner specials Wednesday through Saturdays. We are also now open at a second location - Mount Bakery Fairhaven - at 1217 Harris Avenue in the Historic Fairhaven district of Bellingham! Come to our Fairhaven neighborhood location to watch our famed bakers work while enjoying quiche, soup, pastries, fabulous cakes, espresso and more!
Reviewed By mroobins - Portland, Oregon
Our daughter had been here before and recommend it for breakfast. My daughter ordered the classic breakfast with poached eggs. The sausage was amazing. My husband had the eggs Benedict - delicious. I had the mushroom and rice soup. I was disappointed, it had a strong taste of Worcestershire sauce. I should have gone with a breakfast choice. Oh well, I’ll know for next time. I did enjoy my cafe mocha. It’s a cute place, packed at 10:00 am on Friday morning. I will be back for breakfast.
6. Aslan Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Aslan Brewing Company is a sustainable microbrewery and restaurant in Bellingham, Washington, exclusively brewing USDA Certified Organic beer for the Pacific Northwest. As a Certified B Corporation, Aslan is committed to pushing the boundaries of craft beer while preserving the triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit. Pride of the Organic Northwest.
Reviewed By filkfam - Gig Harbor, WA
Finally braved the line out the door to try this place, well worth the wait (although the wait was not too bad in the heated beer garden). Really excellent food, great beers, and friendly service. Our group tried the BBQ pork sandwich, the grilled cheese, the Bison Burger, and the Hawaiian bowl. Everyone was thrilled and loved it. The caesar that came on the side was also one of the best I've had. Can't wait to go back!
7. LA Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
In 1998, a great location and the desire to produce superb pizza led Dan and Ken Bothman to create La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza. An immediate sensation, Dan and Ken's restaurant was showered with acclaim, winning the Best New Business and Bellingham's Best Pizza awards, as well as garnering two Best Recipe awards in the National Association of Pizza Operators (NAPO) International Recipe Contest. But stellar pizza isn't the only reason to visit La Fiamma. The stylish decor and vibrant atmosphere delight and entice both young and old and everyone in between. You can witness the display of a pizza's progression through the kitchen (kids love it), or you can relax in our heated outdoor dining area, and catch an amazing sunset over the San Juan Islands. The La Fiamma experience is always a fusion of personality, ambience, and incredible food.
Reviewed By Steven I
Lots of options and you can get half and half pizza selections in various sizes; Vegan is available. One of the few places where Rainier Beer in a can is still available.They also have quality stout offerings and other brews. Recommend Grecian Formula, Major Grigio, and Veggie Fiona as pizza offerings. Although the service is not fast, the quality is superb and the prices are reasonable.
There may be outdoor seating during warmer weather than March offers.
8. Anthony's Hearthfire Grill ~ Squalicum Harbor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 589 reviews
Reviewed By Perry E - Bellingham, Washington
This restaurant is the lower priced, but equal quality, cousin to Anthony's Seafood just down the street. The menu is varied and has all different price points. I've had almost every dish on the menu and have never been disappointed, although I do miss the crab mac and cheese. Great food, great service, great value.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the view, which is amazing! You look out over Zuanich Point Park to Bellingham Bay just beyond, a vantage point that makes perfect sunset viewing. Also, there is a beautiful walking trail just outside the restaurant that is lit and meanders along the waterfront. A perfect nightcap to a great dinner.
9. Anthony's at Squalicum Harbor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By William S - Kobe, Japan
We were offered a private room for our group of 23. The restaurant itself is quite pleasant and set on the harbor. Though we walked from our hotel most would want to drive there as it is in a more industrial zone past the homeless...MoreWilliam, thank you so much for your review. I am so pleased to hear that your large party was able to enjoy the evening and our team members took good care of you. We hope to see you again soon!
10. Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 671 reviews
Boundary Bay Brewery opened in 1995 & we've been making great handcrafted beer and fresh, local food for the Bellingham community ever since! Our brewery houses a Tap Room and family-friendly Bistro, located in a restored historic 1922 warehouse in Downtown Bellingham, across from the Saturday Farmer's Market. We also have a great deck for outdoor dining and a Beer Garden where you can enjoy BBQ's and outdoor concerts in the Summer.
Reviewed By John M - Burnaby, Canada
First time visit with my spouse before going to the Mount Baker Theatre for a show. Good service and comfort food and obviously lots of beers to try. Prices were reasonable and you can have a brew while waiting for your table in the bistro. We will be back and will bring friends!
