Chef’s Choice

After spending a long day in the kitchen, even Seattle’s best chefs and restaurateurs want somebody else to do the cooking. Use their picks to follow the experts to their favorite foods.

MICHELA TARTAGLIA

PASTA CASALINGA

Copine (6460 24th Ave NW) is the best fine-dining experience I had in Seattle since I moved here: the cleanliness of their dishes, the stunning presentation of some traditional courses with a modern twist, the outstanding hospitality.

AISHA IBRAHIM

CANLIS

My partner and I eat at Carnitas Michoacan (2503 Beacon Ave S) once a week. It was our first meal back in the U.S., and I love the tacos here. It’s unpretentious, consistent, and most importantly, delicious. At Frelard Tamales (6412 Latona Ave NE), we love the jalapeño and cheese tamales along with the chicken and pork. Also, the horchata! Xi’an Noodles (5259 University Way NE) has delicious hand-pulled noodles. We loved the cold noodles and the spicy, tangy biang biang noodles.

YENVY PHAM

PHO BAC SUP SHOP AND HELLO EM VIET COFFEE AND ROASTERY

Moonlight (1919 S Jackson St) for Vietnamese family-style eating. Canh chua, vegan sesame beef, braised eggplant, bo tai chanh: beef salad cooked in lime! It’s my ultimate go-to for a no-fuss affair and has been around since the ’90s. I remember when I had piano recitals there. Then there is Le Caviste (1919 Seventh Ave): affordable old-world wines and a true bar de vin in Seattle. I feel like I am in Marseille when I’m there. It’s always consistent and so unpretentious.