The Foodie's Guide to Walla Walla

Our guests at Cameo Heights Mansion rave about Chef Nathan Carlson’s food served in-house at our public restaurant, The Vine. But when they are here several days they usually find their way into Walla Walla for dining and ask us for suggestions as to where to eat.   If you love food, then Walla Walla is the place to be!  Amazingly, this small town has some of the best food in the Pacific Northwest.  If you are looking for an Anthony’s or an Olive Garden, you are out of luck.  Chefs in Walla Walla don’t want to be part of any chain gang.  The little boutique restaurants and eating establishments cover all styles of cuisine and fresh flavors and delicious local produce grace the menus.  Besides our own restaurant, The Vine, here is our beginner’s guide to Walla Walla dining:
 

1.  Whitehouse Crawford

This is considered the “can’t miss” eating establishment of Walla Walla. The menu is varied reflecting the season and the setting is elegant but relaxed. Originally the structure was a lumber planning and furniture factory built in 1904 and there is a sense of history meeting today as you sit in the beautiful dining room and enjoy Chef Jamie Guerin’s delicious creations. Open Wednesday – Monday 5:00PM to 9:00PM.
 

2.  Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen

If eating is an epicurean adventure for you, a reservation at Saffron must definitely make your list. The owner is a semi-finalist in the James Beard “Best Chef in the Northwest” for several years running. Unpretentious and intimate in the understated dining room. Not Tuesday – Sunday 2:00PM to 10:00PM.
 

3.  Sour Grape

Okay. It’s not what you would think of when you are contemplating an evening out but this is one spot you have to hit because it is fun, and who doesn’t like delicious frozen yogurt? With a gazillion toppings (my personal favorites are the chocolate rocks and roasted almonds) you can load up on fresh fruit to gummy worms and sweet syrupy toppings.
 

4.  The Marc, the restaurant at Marcus Whitman Hotel.

This is a very elegant and traditional place to go for fine dining. They have a very knowledgeable staff, a superb chef, and an experienced wine sommelier. Open 5:30PM to 9:00PM every day.
 

5.  T Maccarone’s

Italian 5-star, bistro-style dining. They open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
 

6.  Brasserie Four

Unassuming cafe serving classic French fare & pizza plus Washington wines. This is our chef’s personal favorite.
 

7.   Olive Marketplace and Cafe

In addition to a diverse menu that includes pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and salads, they also offer a variety of artisan foods. Open daily from 8:00AM to 9:00PM.
 

8.   Graze ‘A Place to Eat’

Snug, gourmet sandwich shop with modern decor, operated by a popular special-event caterer.  Open daily from 10:00AM to 7:30PM, except Sunday, when they close at 3:30PM.
 

9.    Hua’s Mongolian BBQ

This is my personal favorite because not only is the food good, it is very good for you.  Here you select from a buffet of fresh vegetables and meats, add bbq sauces, and then carry your bowl to the hot grill where cooking it takes about 1-2 minutes.  Open 11:00AM to 9:30PM.
 

10.  La Patisserie

They make delicious desserts, great gelato and excellent espresso.

When dining in Walla Walla, the foodie is blessed with many excellent choices. We hope that at least one of the choices will be The Vine. At The Vine, we promise your total satisfaction or your money will be refunded.