The Top Restaurants In Bellingham, Washington

Diner, Restaurant, American, Swiss, BBQ
A staple since 1989, Boomer’s Drive-In is an all-American hamburger joint. Repeatedly voted the best burger in Bellingham. Procuring the freshest ingredients from local sources, the menu has a host of options, including a variety of burgers from bacon and Swiss cheese to BBQ, chicken sandwiches, salads, fish and chips and deep-fried deliciousness in the form of waffle fries. Monthly burgers and milkshakes specials are also available The diner provides guests with indoor dining complete with a fireplace, or will deliver directly to patrons’ cars. A well-loved establishment, this dining experience is fun for the entire family.

Bar, Pub, Bistro, Pub Grub, Vegetarian, American, $
Boundary Bay Brewery is a lively venue, specializing in handcrafted award winning beers and mouth watering cuisine made with the best, local ingredients. Established in 1995, this locally owned, family friendly venue is housed downtown in a renovated 1922 warehouse. With seven taps assigned strictly for their house brews, they also have several rotating taps for special and seasonal beers. Notable menu highlights are the macaroni and cheese made with fontina, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and the hand-cut New York steak topped with parsley butter and served with Yukon mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Ciao Thyme is a catering company which also features a café serving lunches from Tuesday through to Friday. A casual dining venue, guests can order from the counter and sit at family-style tables. This friendly café focuses on quality local and sustainable ingredients, creating monthly menus to highlight the finest seasonal products available. Recent offerings included the beef bahn mi sandwich featuring organic grass fed beef, pickled carrots, red onions, krimson lee peppers, lettuce, lemongrass mayo, plus cilantro on a hoagie roll and roasted tomato and pepper soup. With gluten free, dairy free and vegan options, everyone is sure to find something to tickle their taste buds. Check out Ciao Thyme’s website to learn about cooking classes and special dinners on offer.

Cafe, Restaurant, Italian, $
Starting out as a wholesale pasta company in Seattle, the multi-award winning D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano decided to open its own café and move to Bellingham. The Italian cuisine offered , which is made from scratch using the best ingredients available, has always remained consistently high quality. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the menu is broad. Highlights include eggplant Parmesan served with spaghetti and topped with marinara sauce; pan-seared duck breasts with a cherry balsamic glaze accompanied by linguine tossed in an olive oil-garlic-parsley sauce; and butternut squash ravioli with walnuts, garlic, butter, and sage.

Owned by husband and wife duo John and Gina Russell, The Fork at Agate Bay specializes in contemporary American cuisine. Featuring classic dishes with a creative spin, the culinary team procures the freshest locally sourced ingredients, including organic and free range, for the seasonal menus. Within an inviting and casual environment, guests have a host of delectable items from which to choose, including fire-bread with shrimp, chorizo, serrano chilies, and manchego or herb and chevre stuffed chicken served with Tokyo turnips, breakfast radishes, fingerling potatoes and natural jus. Seeking to attract a wide range of tastes, they also feature vegetarian items and host weekend breakfasts and lunches.

Strictly for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, Mallard Ice Cream is a fun spot specializing in the creamy frozen treat. Mallard Ice Cream has two locations in Bellingham, the downtown flagship store, which is open daily, and a seasonal ice cream stand. Using local and organic ingredients when available, hand processing those ingredients and using the ice and salt method, has allowed the team to make some of the best tasting ice cream around. There are traditional flavors, such as strawberry and super chocolate, as well as more unique flavors, including coconut lime and olive oil, plus tasty dairy free options,try the tamarind apricot ghost pepper ice.

Founded in 2001, Mount Bakery is a delicious establishment with two locations: a downtown café featuring breakfast and lunch, and a bakery in the Fairhaven area, which serves a host of baked treats. A locally owned business that has garnered numerous awards, guests can expect nothing but the best ingredients, including locally sourced, organic fare. The café offers a host of sweet and savory items; from crêpes to waffles to egg dishes to sandwiches. One highlight is arguably ‘Bellingham’s best eggs benedict,’ which is a half of a Belgian waffle topped with ham, Swiss Emmental cheese, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. If looking for something a little sweeter, why not try the lemon curd crêpes topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar. As for baked goods, there are croissants, muffins, scones, and cinnamon rolls to name but a few.

Deli, European, Italian, American, Vegetarian, $
Established in 2007, Old World Deli is a lovely European style delicatessen featuring an array of meats and cheeses from the west coast and Europe. The venue also carries staples for the pantry, including olive oils, spices, and pasta, and offers a selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads, which can be enjoyed in house or for takeaway. Diners can try highlights such as the chicken basil panini with provolone and roasted red bell peppers, or the veggie muffaletta with olive salad, provolone, fresh mozzarella, fontina, tomato, and arugula all on an Italian roll. Thursday through Sunday, the deli offers an evening menu that consists of hot sandwiches and speciality plates of meats and cheeses.

Bar, American, $
Voted as having the ‘Best Happy Hour’ in Bellingham, Temple Bar is a friendly bar, featuring handcrafted libations and tasty New American edibles. Open every day, this bar has a warm and cozy atmosphere, and is a great venue for a night out with friends or a romantic rendezvous. Serving a variety of smaller plates, including cheese, polenta, crostini, panini, and sweet treats, including farro zucchini fritters served with local greens, roasted sweet peppers, yogurt scallion sauce, and feta and crostini topped with braised short-ribs, herbed horseradish crème fraîche and tomato confit. Then there are cocktails, try the Kimono, with Cloud Mountain pear vodka, lillet blanc, house cherry dark bitters, and Petal and Thorn.