Where to Eat in Spokane This Holiday Season
The 2021 holiday season is well underway in Spokane, with restaurants across the city premiering all-new seasonal menus and decorations. Here are the best places to eat in Eastern Washington this winter!
Cooking Up Flavors of The Holidays
“It’s not hard for us to get into the holiday spirit,” says Melissa Persling, specialty products and retail manager at CHURCHILL’S STEAKHOUSE in downtown Spokane. “Our Christmas decorating is quite extravagant.”
Even that superlative might be an understatement. Behind this restaurant’s air of sophistication is an almost childlike giddiness toward the Yuletide season, with a dedicated warehouse for storing their thousands of decorations. And what could enhance your enjoyment of Churchill’s famous dry-aged steaks more than being surrounded by festively ornamented trees and ample swoops of garland? You can also share that dining experience through Churchill’s Prime Steak Gift Box, which ships the same delectable cuts of meat and herb steak finishing butter right to someone’s door.
Like Churchill’s prime steaks and just few blocks away, foodies can delight in the renowned pork tenderloin au poivre at WILD SAGE BISTRO at any time of year. But there’s something about the autumn and winter months that make this melt-in-your-mouth, pepper-rubbed dish seem timely and extra special.
On the other hand, if meat-free, vegetarian menus are more your thing, MIZUNA just south of Riverfront Park is sure to sate your craving. A downtown Spokane staple for 25 years, the restaurant’s veggie and grain-based “meatloaf,” which comes topped with a tomato-chipotle glaze, can win over lifelong carnivores. Another palate-transcending treat is the polenta bites, which feature grilled portobello mushrooms, asparagus and a rich gorgonzola sauce.
Those with a specific hankering for inspired Cajun and Creole fare can find it at VIEUX CARRÉ NOLA KITCHEN in the Kendall Yards neighborhood. Named after the historic French and Spanish quarter of New Orleans, the restaurant features a menu of iconic comfort dishes like crawfish boil, hush puppies, gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys and red crab beignets.
Spokane's Best Holiday Dining
Located right near River Park Square, TAVOLÁTA makes for an elegant and convenient finale to a day of holiday shopping. Consider starting off with the roasted beets with ricotta or the bruschetta paired with smoked halibut, pickled onion and aioli. Then move on to exotic linguine nero (smoked octopus, prosciutto di Parma, garlic, chili) or the spaghetti, which offers a new spin on an Italian classic. With an international menu featuring items like sweet potato fries in a garam masala sauce, Greek salad or a Wagyu-Angus sriracha burger, Spokane Valley’s AMBROSIA BISTRO caters to all appetites. That universal appeal extends all the way to critics and tastemakers. Wine Spectator has featured Ambrosia three times, and the restaurant took home the local Epicurean Delight First Course award in 2013.
“We never set out to be an award-winning restaurant,” says owner Scott Cook. “We’re more known for our personalized level of service and as a neighborhood hangout.”
Another proud neighborhood fixture is LUNA, situated close to the top of the upper South Hill. It’s not just the exquisite seasonal menu of mouth-watering seafood, wood-fired artisan pizza and gourmet salads that attracts diners. Luna’s private heated outdoor spaces, known as Snow Globes, are typically in high demand during the winter months as well. They seat up to six and are available by reservation only.
