From ancient grains to firefly squid, Seattle’s newest restaurants are trying it all. This week, host Brandi Fullwood talks to Seattle Met food writer Naomi Tomky about the restaurant openings— and one closing— that are hot on critics' minds. They discuss why these long-anticipated openings have diners and critics buzzing and which ones you’ll want to try.

Read more about Seattle restaurant openings: https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2026/04/xian-noodles-ethan-stow ell-gordo-steak

Discussed in this episode:

Beast & Cleaver — a fan favorite makes a weeknight change
Gordo Steak — a steakhouse with fresh tortillas
Cafe Lolo — ancient grains-to-table
Kakurenbo — omakase with classics and firefly squid!
And... what's actually “working" in the Seattle restaurant scene (hint: Spicy Hunan Kitchen)

Seattle Eats is a podcast about Seattle's food scene and the best things to eat in it.

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Three Seattle restaurant openings you must try

Seattle Eats