My favorite eats from the last quarter of 2025.
Billiard Hoang
What looks like a hole in the wall billiards spot is actually serving some of the best Vietnamese food in Seattle. Despite being well regarded I was still skeptical. But when the food came out I could immediately tell it would be delicious. You honestly can’t go wrong with the menu, but the highlight was the five spice chicken. It is slightly crispy on the outside and beautifully seasoned and tender. It also comes with an aromatic garlic rice that perfectly complements the chicken.
Billiard Hoang, 3220, South Hudson Street, Columbia City, Rainier Valley, Seattle, King County, Washington, 98118, United StatesBotanist
Botanist offers the best duck I've ever had in my life. With a stunning interior right off the water, Botanist is one of the most perfect places for a romantic date night. The food is amazing, the staff is attentive and kind, and the drinks are great too. Make sure to get the duck dish. The dish has been tweaked over the years, but the duck itself remains amazing. Over two visits, it has the most tender duck meat I’ve ever had while boasting an unbelievably crispy crust.
Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038, Canada Place, Gastown, Downtown, Vancouver, Metro Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, V6C 0B9, CanadaPonzu Sushi
It is hard to beat the atmosphere and food that Ponzu has to offer. Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Ponzu serves both sushi and fusion style dishes with high quality ingredients and a high level of execution. Some highlights are the spicy tuna crispy rice, the toro tartare.
100, West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, Riverside County, California, 92262, United StatesFORTUNA
FORTUNA is a perfect example of an ingredient first restaurant. Their sandwiches might be simple, but so much care is put into the sourcing of ingredients and quality of the bread that any option essentially guarantees a delicious snack. Portions aren’t the biggest and prices are relatively expensive, but it is hard not recommend at least trying a sandwich from FORTUNA.
7619, Greenwood Avenue North, Greenwood, Seattle, King County, Washington, 98103, United States