Driving on I-90 through downtown Spokane, Washington has an industrial feel with no indication of the culinary travel adventures that await if you just exit the highway. Food festivals such as Crave Northwest and the new Pacific Northwest Food and Wine Festival offer a glimpse of the fantastic dining scene this area offers. A variety of downtown hotels such as the famed Davenport, an historic gem, allow for a walkable dining experience. With everything so close try a progressive dinner by noshing on an appetizer while sipping cocktails before moving on to something new for an entree. Finish up with dessert and coffee at a third location.
Palm Court Grill at the Davenport
To get a sense of the culinary scene and the history of the city, dining at the Davenport offers an unforgettable experience. The founder of the hotel Louie Davenport created an atmosphere of timeless architecture and elegant decor. It reflects the city’s history in both the menu and the setting. Each bite tells the story of this elegant restaurant and delivers both taste and tradition. Popular items include some that have been on the menu over 100 years.
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Lunch at the Palm Court Grill
Louie Davenport loved fresh seafood and it truly shines in the Crab Louie Salad on the menu since 1914. Dining on fine china with jazz age music in the background, it doesn’t get much better than lunch at the Palm Court Grill.
- Vibe – Jazz age decor, ladies who lunch
- Type of Food – Upscale American fare
- What To Eat – The iconic Crab Louie Salad
- Price – $$$$
Take a Cooking Class at Wanderlust Delicato
Foodie lovers have found their nirvana when they walk in the door of Wanderlust Delicato. Specializing in cheese, charcuterie, cooking classes, and wine, their party platters are full of premium ingredients. Gather your friends for a fun evening at a cooking class. Cook your meal, then sip wine and dine.
- Vibe – Loud, vibrant, and educational
- Type of Food – Varies
- What To Eat – I helped prepare a French gnocchi
- Price – $$
Dine at Sorella
I am still dreaming about these meatballs I ate at Sorella weeks later. Served as a stand alone appetizer no pasta is needed to distract from the deliciousness. The restaurant’s modern take on classic Italian dishes has made it extremely popular. Plan to make a reservation at least a month in advance and even then it will be tough to reserve on the weekend.
- Vibe – Dining with a big Italian family, loud and boisterous.
- Type of Food – Italian
- What To Eat – Everything! The meatballs stood out for me.
- Price – $$$
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you have a group of 8 or more you must order the group dining menu. There are three price points and it is a 5 course meal served family style. See what our group ate here.
Cochinito Taqueria
What happens when chefs open a taqueria? Guests get fresh local ingredients prepared with fine dining techniques at Cochinito Taqueria and don’t get me started on the craft cocktails.
- Vibe – Casual and more upscale than a typical taqueria
- Type of Food – Mexican
- What To Eat – Full taco meal, choice of two tacos with beans and rice
- Price – $
House of Brunch
When my coffee arrived with a small donut to tide me over until my food arrived I knew I was in brunch heaven. I shouldn’t have expected anything less with a restaurant named House of Brunch. A unique menu and everything I saw looked great. My server recommended the chicken and waffles and it didn’t disappoint. A yummy banana bread waffle slathered with bacon jam drizzled with salted caramel maple syrup then topped with crispy fried chicken and garnished with orange zest and honey whip. Very creative. The only thing I don’t recommend is the Flambe, a cinnamon roll flambed at the table with Grand Marnier. Great for the Instagram photo but a pretty dry roll.
- Vibe – Bright and white. I felt like I had a cup of coffee just walking in.
- Type of Food – Brunch
- What To Eat – Chicken and Waffles, Salmon Mouse Crepes
- Price – $$
Italian Kitchen
Locally owned, the Italian Kitchen delights with its authentic Italian cuisine. The old world decor in an historic building provides a romantic vibe perfect for date nights. Standout dishes such as the lasagna and Chicken Formagia fill diners up with plenty left to take home. Make sure to save room for dessert as the tiramisu ranks as the best I’ve ever had, authentic and indulgent.
- Vibe – Old world decor with great hospitality
- Type of Food – Italian
- What To Eat – The restaurant is known for its Tiramisu
- Price – $$$
Preview of the Pacific Northwest Food and Wine Festival
New this year the first Pacific Northwest Food and Wine Festival benefiting the James Beard Foundation takes place in Spokane in September 2025. Enjoy an evening under the stars during the Post Street Reserve Dinner, a highlight of the festival. Imagine James Beard chefs plating this six course culinary extravaganza right before your eyes. I had the opportunity to sample some of the unique items being tested for the festival. Chefs can showcase their creativity in ways they may not be able to at their own restaurants.
- Vibe – Foodie heaven in a variety of venues
- Type of Food – Eclectic and allows chefs to showcase creativity
- What To Eat – Try something new and unique
- Price – $$$-$$$$
SheBuysTravel Tip: Although I haven’t been to the actual festival I attended an event where chefs from Spokane visited Seattle to showcase the Crave Northwest festival. If you love food this event is worth the trip.
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