Top 10 New Restaurants of 2007

1501 17th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 (map)

This sunny, sweet cafe, tucked away between the mansions of Capitol Hill, serves a refreshingly unfussy menu. In the summer we ooh'd and aah'd over the thoughtfully executed salads; when the weather turned cold we turned our attention to the deeply comforting pot pie of the day and thick grilled sammies.

95 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)

Finally, a new place to send tourists or take out-of-towners: A high-end--but not snobby--Pike Place restaurant, a menu of delicious comfort food made with local, seasonal ingredients fresh from the Market, an all-Washington wine list, warm colors, big windows, comfortable booths and a fab fly-fishing motif.

94 Pike St Ste 32, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)

The most anticipated remodel of the year has lived up to expectations. We love the roomy new space, with its sweeping views and real possibility to get a table as a walk-in. We also love that Matt kept his classics (especially the "honkin' hot ahi tuna sandwich") but continues to experiment with new flavors.

1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)

Though the coolly modern atmosphere can be a turn-off and the food can only be described as inconsistent, we love SAM's shiny new cafe for its location, commitment to local ingredients and its delicious Hammering Man cocktail. A great addition to the up-and-coming First Avenue scene.

1429 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

People loved the old La Spiga in the Harvard Market unconditionally. They're not quite as adamant about their adoration for the new location, but that doesn't matter--it's still packed most nights, and the large, soaring space with its exposed wood beams is one of the most exhilarating interiors of the year.

2323 Second Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (map)

For months after it opened, it was impossible to get a table at this Belltown restaurant from hotshot chef Ethan Stowell. It's still no easy task to get in for rustic Italian dishes like the lemony grilled octopus and white bean salad or luscious handmade rigatoni with spicy Italian sausage.

1117 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

We've yet to come across someone who hasn't sung the praises of this casual French cafe. Maybe it's the prices ($4 for a glass of wine, $16 for steak frites), maybe it's the casual drop-in vibe, maybe it?s the broadcasted soccer games or the free Wi-Fi. Whatever the secret, let's hope they stick around.

5136 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (map)

5809 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (map)

This friendly Ballard cantina combines Tex-Mex with a serious commitment to environmentally sound practices.

1815 N 45th St Ste 209, Seattle, WA 98103 (map)

Cupcake bakery in Wallingford Center serves up unusual flavors, custom-designed cupcakes and vintage party supplies for the discriminating partygoer.

1901 Second Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)

1404 34th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

Korean and French cuisine make an unlikely duo at this quiet Madrona fine dining gem.

2 Boston St, Seattle, WA 98109 (map)

5405 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (map)

Greasy comfort food and Midwest brews are the staples of this Ballard-meets-Minnesota kitchen.

700 Virginia Street, Seattle, WA 98101 (map)

4752 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 (map)