Situated in the historic South Perry district, South Perry Pizza was voted the best new restaurant in Spokane in 2010. Owners Chris Dietz and Christa Kautzman pride themselves on offering locally grown vegetables, regional wines and locally made ice creams. The restaurant also includes visual art by artist Tina Sanger (a Spokane resident) and has constructed a new outdoor deck where diners can enjoy their meal. The pizza dough is made fresh daily and never frozen. Visitors can start with a choice of salads (including handmade croutons and dressing), compose their own pizza pie from a list a menu items and end with a rich brownie and ice cream.
South Perry Pizza
1011 S. Perry St.
Spokane, WA 99202
509-290-6047
southperrypizzaspokane.com
In July of 2010, Queen of Sheba, situated in the landmark "Flour Mill" building in downtown Spokane, became the city's first Ethiopian restaurant. Already a popular destination (reservations are a must on Fridays and Saturdays), the owner, Almaz, makes sure that each guest is welcomed and answers any questions the guest may have. You have your choice of meat or vegetarian dishes, all served with the traditional Injera bread. To add to the communal and authentic atmosphere, meals are eaten without utensils and each item is shared with your table mates. As of 2010, entrees are reasonably priced from $10 to $15. The restaurant also offers an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Queen of Sheba
621 W. Mallon Ave. #426
Spokane, WA 99201-2183
509-328-3958
queenofshebaspokane.com
The old Cafe Marron on South Cannon Street closed recently, but chef Anna Vogel and co-owner Bethe Bowman bought the space and transformed it into what is now the Italian Trattoria. From its location in downtown Spokane, it's already gaining a reputation as the go-to place for authentic Italian cuisine. With entrees ranging from $15 to $20, you can choose from freshly made pasta, eight kinds of bruschetta or such entrees as flatiron steak, braised pork cheeks or Alaskan black cod. As of fall 2010, the restaurant is starting weekend brunches. The restaurant has between 15 and 20 tables, so reservations are strongly recommended.
Italian Trattoria
144 S. Cannon St.
Spokane, WA 99201
509-409-6000
Soulful Soups is a restaurant with a split personality. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., it serves an assortment of soups and freshly baked beer bread, as well as its famous cranberry-walnut salad. But after 5 p.m., it becomes Spirits Spokane, where diners are offered bite-sized versions of international cuisine, such as wonton dippers and spanikopita. Reopened in December 2009, new owners R. J. Portman, Jules Messman and Jason Vedadi made it a point to carry over recipes from the old chef during the daytime hours, while adding their own spin for the evening. Diners have their choice of beer and wine from open to close.
Soulful Soups/Spirits Spokane
117 N. Horwards St.
Spokane, WA 99201
509-459-1190
soulfulsoups.com
