Restaurants in Ballard

This small joint is every Ballard resident's answer to the complaint, "There's no good Mexican food in Seattle!" Not Cali- or Tex-Mex, the food is authentic Oaxacan, small in portions and absolutely delish.

Brunch is king at this kitschy cantina, though it's open daily through dinner as well. Expect huge plates of chorizo with potatoes, chilaquiles or sopes with eggs.

This neighborhood darling is worth the wait--the thin-crusted pizzas and swoon-worthy desserts are even better after an hour's worth of anticipation. Don't miss the grey salt chocolate chip cookies.

Word has it that this cult favorite may be moving out of its Ballard home in the near future, so go now, go often, and revel in the dork (duck + pork = yum) burger and a side of tots.

Seattle's got no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants--pho joints in particular--but to find one that offers legit banh mi, grilled meats and noodles outside the ID is a rare occurrence indeed. The pho is better elsewhere, but everything else at Monkey Bridge is tasty and affordable.

A waterfront staple, this sprawling restaurant is a hit for happy hour (when there's nothing more than $10) on those rare sunny days. Need to impress out-of-town guests? Take them here.

This quaint Italian restaurant on Ballard Avenue is one of the 'hood's most iconic restaurants--equally suitable for a large party or intimate tete-a-tete over shared plates of pasta and antipasti.

There's no signage and few menu options at this pink, beach-side food shack, but enjoying a No. 2 sammie--huge hunks of slow roasted pork and caramelized onions in a perfect baguette--in Golden Gardens is a quintessentially Seattle experience.

A bakery rather than restaurant, this petite shop lures in neighbors with morning wafts of freshly baked croissants, quiches and the almighty kouign amann, a salty-sweet pastry that is an absolute necessity during a visit. Take your goodies and coffee to go, or enjoy them on the secluded back patio.

For French fare north of Le Pichet, this dreamy spot does the trick, with a bustling dining room, approachable menu and exclusive back bar perfect for late-night eats.