Saturday

07-19-2025 Vol 2026

New Dining Spots Open Around Seattle: Highlights from October

Seattle’s dining scene has seen an exciting surge of new openings recently, with a variety of establishments catering to diverse tastes and culinary preferences.

In Capitol Hill, the former Regent Bakery and Cafe has been transformed into Raku Shabu Shabu, a Japanese hot pot restaurant currently in its soft opening phase.

Also in Capitol Hill, Cantina Del Sol marks the arrival of another rooftop bar, located in the former Mercado Luna building at the corner of Pine Street and Summit Avenue. This venue is only the first of several new bars and restaurants planned by the Pike Street Hospitality Group for the space.

Moving to South Lake Union, La Loba has opened in the 1 Hotel. This stylish Spanish restaurant, helmed by chef Oscar Amador from Las Vegas, features a menu rich in wood-fired dishes, tableside tartar, and extravagant seafood platters.

Pioneer Square has welcomed Populus, which has debuted two food and drink concepts: Firn, offering the neighborhood’s first rooftop bar, and Salt Harvest, an indoor restaurant.

Additionally in Pioneer Square, the beloved ice cream chain Molly Moon’s has opened its 10th scoop shop, located in a scenic former boat launch. This new location aims to contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the waterfront area.

In the International District, a new eatery, International Lobster Rolls, is serving fresh specialty lobster rolls infused with flavors from Southeast Asia, Korea, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Complementing the rolls are sides like garlic fries and lobster bisque.

Further diversifying the food landscape, a Filipino and Korean-influenced café called Yoka Tea has emerged on 34th Street in Madrona. The café is known for its matcha, boba tea, and inventive croffles.

Madrona also celebrates the opening of Richard’s Too Good BBQ, which has transitioned from a catering business to a brick-and-mortar establishment on 34th Avenue. This barbecue spot offers a menu of classic dishes alongside Southern-style sides, all gluten-free for diners with dietary restrictions.

In Greenwood, a unique dining experience has arisen at BoBu, touted as Seattle’s only drive-thru pizzeria. The establishment serves a straightforward menu that includes square pizza slices, sandwiches, and pretzels from its convenient location on Northwest 85th Street.

Fremont has seen transformations as Livbud has been revamped into Hushy’s, offering freshly baked focaccia sandwiches, salads, sides, drinks, and plans for soft serve in the coming days.

A new addition to the Central District, Sacro Bosco is the brainchild of Temple Pastries owner Christina Wood. Specializing in Roman-style rectangular pizzas, the restaurant also offers aperitivo, Italian wines, cocktails, and delectable desserts like tiramisu and olive oil cake.

On First Hill, the new Secret Burger Kitchen, which expanded from a Tacoma Holiday Inn kitchen, has set up shop at the south end of Broadway. The restaurant offers a menu of smashburgers and fries, featuring a section dedicated to spicy, chile-laden options.

In the Chinatown-International District, Pokerrito Ya has opened its doors, setting itself apart with a Japanese-Hawaiian fusion menu offering poke in both bowls and burritos.

To wrap up the latest culinary additions to the Seattle area, Taz Matcha Cafe & Bar has launched on Stewart Street. Initially open for café service, it will soon unveil its bar offerings in the evenings, serving ceremonial-grade matcha alongside pastries and small bites.

As these restaurants begin to settle into their new roles in Seattle’s culinary landscape, they promise to bring fresh and varied experiences to food lovers across the city. If there’s anything missing or additional openings that should be highlighted, readers are encouraged to share their tips via email at [email protected].

image source from:https://seattle.eater.com/2025/6/4/24442848/seattle-restaurant-openings-may-2025

Abigail Harper