Where to Eat in October: MariPili Tapas Bar, The Cottage, and More

The Resy Hit List: Where In Seattle You’ll Want to Eat Right Now

Published: Oct. 3, 2022

Sweater weather has officially arrived in Seattle. Mornings are crisp, the days are sunny, leaves are changing, and menus sparkle with autumnal bounty. (And yes, grey is coming.)

Heated patios abound for those still cautious about dining indoors. And your options are bountiful all around, whether tapas at MariPili near Seattle U. or sushi at Nishino after a leafy afternoon at the Arboretum. The Resy Hit List is back, with 10 must-try spots for your roster.

From beer-battered cheese curds and curried halibut cheeks to hefty cuts of steak, this month’s Hit List covers all your fall comfort-food needs. So get out there, Seattle. The days are only getting shorter.

1. MariPili Tapas Bar

MariPili had big shoes to fill when it took over the former Café Presse space. The Galician tapas bar has created an instant neighborhood go-to. Go with friends to take full advantage of the parade of small plates served family-style. From mushroom croquetas and pan con tomate to baked scallops with candied pork jowl, diners are rewarded with bite-size punches of flavor.

2. Backyard

After a long COVID hiatus, owners Sam and Heather Allard have re-opened Backyard. It serves some of the tastiest small plates, including deviled eggs with bourbon pork belly and beer-battered cheese curds.

3. The Coupe & Flute

This former travel agency turned cozy Champagne tavern offers brunch or date night options. Plates packed with fat and salt pair nicely with housemade duxelles bao and clam dip. A cava float with housemade peach sorbet is a refreshing finish.

4. Delish Ethiopian Cuisine

At Delish, injera is served with almost every meal. It’s perfect for scooping up everything on the vegetarian combination. The light, spongy bread and delicious kitfo make this restaurant a favorite for Ethiopian fare.

5. Wero

Chef Wes Yoo serves fantastic Korean comfort fare. Dishes include kalbi-marinated wagyu Zabuton served with banchan and lettuces. The cocktail list features Korean alcohols such as soju and makgeolli.

6. The Cottage

The steakhouse burger here is bathed in housemade steak sauce and topped with crispy onions. For dinner, try the strawberry and brie flatbread with cracked pepper.

7. Bamboo Sushi University Village

This hot spot serves sustainable seafood and unique sushi rolls, including the Hoki Poki Box and the green machine, a vegan roll.

8. The Butcher's Table

The Butcher’s Table menu features unique dishes like a crudo tasting. Customers can select from a variety of different cuts of meat.

9. Hatback Bar & Grille

Hatback Bar & Grille is great for pre-or post-game bites. Signature dishes include smoked rockfish dip and grilled street corn with queso fresco.

10. Nishino

Nishino offers a benchmark omakase with signature dishes like foie gras atop seared tuna and curried seared halibut cheek.

10 venues.