The Ballard District is located in the northwest portion of Seattle and is one of the city’s up-and-coming hot spots. There are plenty of great restaurants to be found, but here are a few you should try.
Root Table
Cuisines: Asian, Thai, International, Healthy
This might be one of the ONLY hidden food gems in Ballard…even though it’s still really difficult to get a table without a reservation. They have a mix of Thai and Indian food. All very fresh and you can see the chefs making it above the seating in a open kitchen. I am impressed EVERY time I go here and I have never gotten the same thing. They also have a small plates menu that is great for sharing. The restaurant is furnished with dining seating crafted from tree trunks, giving the place an earthy urban feel. 2
213 NW Market St
Seattle, WA 98107
206-420-3214
http://www.roottablerestaurant.com
Percy’s
Cuisine: Gastropub, Cocktail Bar
An apothecary style bar providing inventive cocktails created with infused spirits, fresh purees and beneficial tinctures. The “trust your bartender” drink has gotten pretty popular is Ballard and it’s REALLY fun (name your spirit and the flavor-sour, sweet, spicy, etc.).
They seem to update the menu fairly regularly, but when we went, the pork rillettes and mussels in green chili were both fantastic. They did a phenomenal job on the décor; it’s calm and hip at the same time.
5233 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206-420-3750
http://www.percysseattle.com
Volterra
Cuisine: Italian
There are a couple of Italian spots in Ballard and I debated between them. I picked Volterra because it’s just solidly delicious. You can count on hand-made pastas and sauces, really fresh and seasonal. I had a boar ragu here on a whim one time and couldn’t get enough of it!
5411 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107-4052
206-789-5100
http://www.VolterraRestaurant.com
Bastille
Cuisine: French
The food here is very authentic and fresh. A virtual snapshot of Parisian cafe favorites. They have a 4,500 square food rooftop garden and in the summer try to source as much from it as possible. Not much more I can say…just delicious!
5307 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206-453-5014
http://www.BastilleSeattle.com
Kickin’ Boot Whiskey Kitchen
Cuisine: BBQ and Southern Comfort Food
The Kickin’ Boot’s décor finds a nice balance between rustic and elegant. Lots of hardwood and glass in this updated warehouse. The highlight is a three-level glass-backed whiskey bar. Popular favorites include the homemade sauces, slow roasted meats, and delicious from-scratch-cocktails (selection of over 100 different whiskeys!!). I’m told the tasso grit sticks are amazing. One regular recommended going for brunch with a group and ordering multiple plates to share.
5309 22nd Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206-783-2668
http://www.kickinboot.com/
Meandering Family: Beyond the Nest 