When considering the best restaurants in Ballard for lunch, I wasn’t surprised to come up with a pretty lengthy list. I may be biased since I live in the area, but I seriously think it’s one of Seattle’s most underrated foodie neighborhoods.
Plus there’s a lot to do in between good eats thanks to its abundance of shops, Scandinavian-cool roots, and the fact that it hosts my favorite farmers market in the city.
So chances are, you’ll find yourself here one day. Since many of us are on the move during lunchtime, I came up with a roundup of places where you can find plenty of delicious dishes for lunch in Ballard.
22 Best Restaurants in Ballard for Lunch
Overwhelmed by your options? Check out my self-guided Ballard food tour that puts the best of the best restaurants together in an easy-to-follow route. It includes dinner spots and places to explore between eats, too!
CrackleMi
website | get directions | cuisine: Vietnamese
CrackleMi is my go-to spot for the best takeout in Seattle. Despite my rarely going inside for longer than a few minutes to grab my food, I really like the vibe. It has tons of natural lighting and a fair bit of greenery, so it’s definitely a cute spot to sit down for a quick lunch!
As for the food, CrackleMi specializes in vermicelli or rice bowls and bahn mi sandwiches. But what usually catches my eye is one of their lesser-known items, the daikon sparerib soup. I always add it on to my order and knock it back before moving on to my Cookout Rice Bowl.
Pro tip: If you find yourself in the U-District or South Lake Union, be sure to check out their sister restaurant Sizzle&Crunch. There are two locations to make it more convenient.
Mr. Gyros
website | get directions | cuisine: Mediterranean
Mr. Gyros have made it on quite a few of my lists, including the best cheap eats in Seattle and best Mediterranean food, both of which have some steep competition. So it’s no wonder their lamb gyro is also on my list of the best restaurants in Ballard for lunch. It’s so good that Mr. Gyros has been voted one of the most-loved casual restaurants according to Yelp reviews.
They offer comfort food Greek classics like gyros, stuffed dolmas, falafel, and greek fries. Personally, I like to get a gyro and chicken shawarma to-go so I can have dinner with plenty of leftovers for the next day.
Pro tip: Mr. Gyros has three locations, one in Ballard, Wallingford, and Lynnwood, though the one in Lynwood is outdoor seating only. In addition, they also have a food truck that rotates around Seattle every day of the week!
Spice Waala
website | get directions | cuisine: Indian
Just down the street from Mr. Gyros is one of my top spots for Indian food in Seattle, Spice Waala. Owners Aakanksha Sinha and Uttam Mukherjee opened the spot as a way to rekindle their love for traditional Indian cuisine, and I have to say it’s incredibly authentic.
Spice Waala is definitely a more takeout-heavy Indian restaurant, as they’ve customized their menu to suit grab-and-go style Indian dishes. Their kathi rolls are delicious and jam-packed with perfectly seasoned fillings, and I always make sure to order the aloo chaat nachos with its addictive tamarind and chutney flavors.
Pro tip: Spice Waala also has a second location in Capitol Hill that offers the same menu with the same casual fast dining vibe.
El Moose
website | get directions | cuisine: Mexican
Previously known as Señor Moose, El Moose is one of my absolute favorite of the best restaurants in Ballard for lunch. During the pandemic they shifted their focus to create a more streamlined takeout menu, which is nice because otherwise it usually takes an hour to get a table.
I recommend getting a few of their street tacos. They come in orders of three, so you can’t mix and match, but I love their machaca braised beef tacos so much I don’t even mind. Also, don’t forget to get an order of their guacamole and homemade tortilla chips. They’re perfectly crisp and offer a nice balance of salt to the creamy guacamole.
Pro tip: El Moose is also open for breakfast. I love the chilaquiles!
El Taco Loco
website | get directions | cuisine: Mexican
If I told you one of the best street tacos in Seattle came from the taco shop inside the Ballard Liquor Store, you’d be fair to think I’m crazy. But I gave it a try to see if it was all Yelp claimed it to be, and it’s really true.
Since our initial discovery of El Taco Loco, they’ve since moved out of the liquor store into a food truck around the corner, though luckily it’s still got the same charm and no-frills menu. I recommend getting the barbacoa and carnitas tacos, both of which come in generous portions and are expertly seasoned and crazy flavorful.
Un Bien
website | 15th Ave (get directions) & Shilshole (get directions) | cuisine: Caribbean
Un Bien was created by ex-employees of crowd-favorite Paseo. However, between Paseo and Un Bien, Un Bien wins my vote in the battle of who has the best sandwiches in Seattle. So they definitely belong on my list of the best restaurants in Ballard for lunch.
Their Caribbean sandwich is just so juicy and decorated with cilantro and jalapeño for an added fresh and spicy flavor. If you’re really hungry then you can order one of their all-day entrées. I recommend their outrageously savory smokin’ thighs dinner that comes with salad, rice, and vegetarian black beans.
Un Bien is takeout only, though they do have a couple of picnic tables if you want to eat there. If I’m at the Shilshole location, I usually go on a quick walk to the secret beach by the Elks Lodge and enjoy my lunch by the water.
Secret Savory
website | get directions | cuisine: Thai
Secret Savory has my vote for some of Seattle’s best Thai food that no one’s talking about. I love the diversity of the menu, which they organize based on the region of Thailand the dish is from.
One of my favorite things on their menu is the khao soi, which is basically a yellow curry soup made with chewy rice noodles, dark meat chicken, and pickled veggies. I love how aromatic and flavorful the broth is and how the pickled veg balances perfectly with the heat from the curry and the savoriness of the chicken.
As far as the rest of the menu goes, Secret Savory has all the classic Thai dishes like larb gai, papaya salad, and phad thai, along with some lesser-known dishes like squid with salted egg and lychee fried rice. This is a must-stop spot if you’re having lunch with a fellow foodie or two since there’s bound to be something on the menu you’ve never heard of!
Arashi Ramen
website | get directions | cuisine: Japanese
I’m a sucker for good ramen, and Arashi has some of the best soup in Seattle. I always go with the black garlic ramen since it’s super garlicky and has layers of umami-goodness in a hearty broth.
The rest of their menu is fairly simple. They emphasize traditional ramen served in pork or veggie broth, along with some appetizers and rice bowls. I’m usually 50/50 about getting ramen for lunch since it can be a huge portion that’ll put me to sleep. Luckily Arashi Ramen has perfect lunch-sized portions that leave me full but easily able to get on with my day.
Poke Square
website | get directions | cuisine: Hawaiian poke
I don’t take the term “best poke in Seattle” lightly. Since I travel to Maui once a year, I’ve had more than my fair share of amazing poke. Even in Seattle, I’m still super fortunate to be able to have a quick poke lunch at a moment’s notice.
Poke Square is easily my favorite poke spot in Ballard since they have really beautiful-looking fish that you know is as fresh as it gets. Every bowl is made-to-order Subway-style, where you walk down the line and pick out what you want.
This is probably the place I come the most, so it deserves a spot on my list of the best restaurants in Ballard for lunch. If you want to mimic my order, here’s what I get: a large 3 fish poke bowl light on the white rice with 2 salmon, 1 tuna. Then I mix in salt, sesame oil, medium poke sauce, green onions, corn, edamame, crispy garlic, fried onions, sesame seeds, and wasabi. If I’m feeling wild I’ll also add avocado.
Stumbletown Sandwiches
website | Outpost (get directions) & Stumbletown (get directions) | cuisine: Italian-inspired sandwiches
Being from the East Coast, I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Italian-style sandwiches, especially the ones at Stumbletown. Picture classy flavor combinations with curated ingredients, but instead of being on a charcuterie board, they’re piled high in a fuss-free sandwich. That’s the kind of sandwiches Stumbletown has.
Stumbletown used to be just a small mostly outdoor space on 65th & 3rd in Ballard. However, they’ve since combined with Joli on 65th and created two concepts: Stumbletown (in the old Joli space) and Stumbletown Outpost (their original spot). The Outpost remains unchanged and focuses on their signature sandwiches, while Stumbletown has a broader menu, including dinner.
My favorite picks on their menu are the chicken and sopressa sandwiches. The chicken is nicely balanced with peppery arugula, salty pecorino, and sweet red peppers. I usually add pesto for a bit more freshness and basil flavor. The sopressa is kept simple, so the meat stands out alongside a little pecorino, arugula, oil and vinegar, but the quality is so on point. When in doubt I like to order two, that way I can have one for lunch and one for dinner!
Sabine
website | get directions | cuisine: Mediterranean
Based in downtown Ballard, Sabine is at the old Bastille location. It’s owned by the same restaurant group and came about when the owners wanted to pivot from an upscale French to a Mediterranean cafe. The vibe is very trendy so it’s definitely a good spot to have a sit-down lunch at.
Sabine serves breakfast all day, and if you’re a big bruncher like I am, then I suggest you get the Turkish eggs. They come with Instagram-worthy whipped feta, fried eggs, fresh arugula, avocado, and the perfect assortment of Turkish spices.
If you’re strictly a no-eggs-for-lunch person, I suggest you order a few items off their small plates menu, like the hummus, marinated olives, and house-pickled veggies, along with anything to help scoop that deliciousness into your mouth.
Secret Congee
website | get directions | cuisine: Southeast Asian
Secret Congee is one of the best restaurants in Ballard for lunch when you want something comforting. While congee rice porridge can be a very mild dish, Secret Congee loads theirs up with deeply flavorful and delicious toppings. They keep the menu simple so the quality of ingredients is what stands out.
Their selection of congee is constantly rotating, but my favorite has always been the pork belly congee. Between the buttery texture of the pork and the umami richness of the broth, I can’t get enough of this soup!
If you’re not a big meat eater then their squash and miso congee is delicious too. Either way, you’ll definitely want to add on a soft-boiled egg or a side of kimchi to your order.
Ginger & Scallion
website | get directions | cuisine: Hainan/SE Asian fusion
Ginger & Scallion is owned by the same people behind Secret Congee. However, this restaurant focuses on the classic chicken and rice dish popular in Hainanese cuisine. My favorite is the dark meat classic version that’s poached in deeply-flavored broth. Or try one of their more unique styles, such as one with BBQ chicken or another with a Singaporean soy sauce.
Whichever one you choose, make sure to slather it with their house-made sauces, my favorite of which is their signature ginger and scallion. I slathered that stuff on everything…so much, in fact, that I’m pretty sure I ate a quarter of the jar myself!
The Monkey Bridge
website | get directions | cuisine: Vietnamese
The Monkey Bridge is a casual Vietnamese restaurant that not nearly enough people talk about, so I wanted to highlight them on my list of the best restaurants in Ballard for lunch. They serve a lengthy menu of rice bowls, pho, noodle dishes, and the star of the show, bahn mis.
I kid you not, their bahn mis are huge, and they’re not mostly bread like some bahn mis. They’re actually loaded with flavorful protein and fresh veggies. Plus their cheap for their size.
Each bahn mi comes with your choice of protein, either chicken, pork, tofu, or beef. I usually go with the more traditional pork bahn mi. And if you’re still hungry, one of my favorite things on their menu is the mango salad.
Rachel’s Bagels & Burritos
website | get directions | cuisine: New York-style bagels
Rachel’s Bagels and Burritos has, in addition to the best bagels in Seattle, a pretty cool origin story. Previously known as Porkchop & Co., Rachel’s began selling bagels and burritos to-go during the pandemic to make ends meet.
After realizing what a hit their products were, they eventually changed the name and devoted themselves full-time to the world of New York-style bagels. They also make a pretty epic brunch in Seattle.
I’m usually a purist when it comes to my bagels so I tend to go with sesame, but honestly, when I go to Rachel’s I always get the Za’aatar seasoned bagel. It’ll change your life!
Take 5 Urban Market
website | get directions | cuisine: deli sandwiches
Take 5 Urban Market is literally a convenience store, but they serve up some great sandwiches perfect for lunch. I was a bit skeptical at first since there are literally hundreds of other places to go for a good sandwich. Still, I gave it a try, I’m so glad I did.
My favorite sandwich at Take 5 is their BLATT, which has bacon, lettuce, avocado, turkey, and tomato. It’s been my favorite version of the BLT since I moved to Seattle, and they do an excellent job of providing generous portions on freshly toasted white bread.
Pro tip: Another surprising feature of Take 5 is that they offer online ordering. So if you’re in a rush, then you can order your sammy ahead of time!
Percy & Co.
website | get directions | cuisine: cocktails and comfort food
Percy & Co. is a great place to stop if you’re looking for a cocktail and some good food. They offer late lunch on the weekends, and since they’re one of my go-to restaurants in Seattle, it only seems fitting they make it on the list of best lunches in Ballard.
The menu at Percy & Co. is southern-style comfort food with classics like fried chicken and mac and cheese, alongside more upscale items like charcuterie and giardiniera. Just down the street is their sister restaurant San Fermo which serves up some of my favorite pasta in Seattle. While I love me some San Fermo bolognese, Percy’s is the winner for lunch/brunch.
Cookie’s Country Chicken
website | get directions | cuisine: fried chicken
Fried chicken is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, which is why I also love Cookie’s Country Kitchen as much as Percy’s. They serve up a simple but classic menu of fried chicken al la carte, in bowls, or as a sandwich. For sides, they have southern classics like creamy mac and cheese and tangy sweet coleslaw.
I recommend getting the spice slawsome with fries sandwich, which you customize to your preferred spice level. I usually keep it mild so I can enjoy the country slaw.
Pro tip: Cookie’s Country Kitchen also as a food truck in Seabrook, a quaint town on the Washington coast.
Kiss Cafe
website | get directions | cuisine: classic sandwiches
Kiss Cafe is a great locals-only spot that’s just far enough off the beaten path that tourists rarely make it there. With the creative artsy and wood decor, it’s a nifty spot to stop by for a quick lunch.
They have a lengthy menu of sandwiches, most of which are classics like the french dip and BLT, but the execution is what put them on this list. Their sandwiches are well-balanced with the perfect ratio of ingredients, flavorful sauces, and fresh veggies. Kiss Cafe also offers a few select breakfast items all day along with salads, soups, and wraps.
I recommend getting the hot pressed California Melt, which comes with turkey, bacon, avocado, Swiss, and a smoky chipotle mayo sauce on wheat bread. If they have any jambalaya, definitely get it! It might be a bit much for a lunch, but I promise it’s worth it.
Mainstay Provisions
website | get directions | cuisine: deli sandwiches & rotisserie chicken
Mainstay Provisions won my heart with their rotisserie chicken, which you can either buy whole and use at home or enjoy on one of their salads or sandwiches. They emphasize curated ingredients and a “fine-dining” quality for cafe-level prices.
I recommend getting their kale Caesar salad, which is what got them on my list of best healthy restaurants in Seattle. It comes loaded with the perfect balance of crisp kale and a savory, lemony Caesar dressing. I usually get a salad and a fresh pastry, and if I’m heading home I’ll usually grab a rotisserie chicken and a bottle of wine for dinner later.
Sen Noodle Bar
website | get directions | cuisine: Thai street food
Sen Noodle Bar is the sister restaurant of Pestle Rock next door. Some people prefer Pestle Rock, but I prefer Sen Noodle because of their lengthy menu of dry and noodle soup dishes along with authentic Thai street food.
You can build your own bowl to customize protein, spice, and the type of noodles you want, but I’m too indecisive for that. I usually go with their guay tiow khaek, which comes with an assortment of seafood and crisp veg, wheat noodles, and a creamy coconut curry sauce.
Mean Sandwich
website | get directions | cuisine: gourmet sandwiches
Mean Sandwich is a gourmet sandwich shop owned by Dan Crookston, husband to Renee Erickson AKA the owner of The Walrus and the Carpenter, one of the best fish restaurants in Seattle. Based on that fact alone, I can assure you it’s a must-stop lunch spot in Ballard.
Now, I love me some steak tartare, which you can get on a sandwich. But since that’s really more for dinner, I recommend getting their aptly named Mean Sandwich instead.
It’s a fun twist on the classic corned beef sandwich and comes with thick-cut corned beef, housemade yellow mustard, pickled cabbage, and fresh mint. All of this goodness gets stuffed into a giant buttery bun.
More to eat in Seattle
After you visit these best restaurants in Ballard for lunch, find more of the best eats in the city.
