Midday Meals

With more and more employees returning to in-person work in South Lake Union, we wanted to remind you about some of the great spots in the neighborhood to find the perfect lunch—no matter if you’re on the go and need something quick or have plans for a sit-down meeting and meal.

Here are six spots to try on your next lunch break.

Bowls, rolls, and more

Mamnoon Street, nadimama.com/mamnoonstreet

Wassef and Racha Haroun, the couple behind Seattle staple Mamnoon, offer up a taste of traditional Levantine cuisine at this fast casual spot. Find mezze (dips served with pita bread), Arabic wraps, and savory sides like grilled haloumi cheese on the menu. Order this: chicken shawarma

G.H. Pasta Co., ghpastaseattle.com

Want fresh-made pasta, fast? Chef Brian Clevenger, who’s behind some of Seattle’s favorite Italian spots (Vendemmia, Raccolto), propped up this quick service pasta outpost in SLU a few years back. Authentic pasta shapes (tonnarelli, rigatoni, strozzapreti, etc.) slathered with flavorful sauces, plus sides of veggies, dot the menu. Order this: spaghetti with beef Bolognese, tomato, mascarpone.

Sizzle and Crunch Vietnamese Grill, sizzleandcrunch.com

Form house-made pate to the crunchiest baguettes, this Vietnamese establishment is perfect if you’re looking for flavorful food on the go. Enjoy a nice selection of banh mi, rice bowls, and salad bowls. Order this: BB Special (a classic banh mi with Vietnamese cold cuts and braised pork belly).

Dine in

Duke’s Seafood, dukesseafood.com

With easy access via the South Lake Union Line streetcar, there’s no excuse to miss out on super fresh seafood and a gorgeous lakeside view. Duke’s Seafood has both in spades. This Seattle classic is perfect for a lunch meeting or a midday respite from your cubicle. Order this: Rockin’ Rockfish Tacos.

Willmott’s Ghost, willmottsghost.com

Award-winning Seattle Chef Renee Erickson’s Willmott’s Ghost known features authentic Roman style pizzas, seasonal dishes, and a curated wine list with an Italian focus. It’s also known for its must-see space in The Spheres. Order this: Pizza with sausage, tomato, pecorino, mozzarella, preserved lemon, chili flake.

The Victor Tavern, ethanstowellrestaurants.com/locations/victor-tavern

Modern urban tavern from celebrated chef Ethan Stowell made its debut during the pandemic and is ready accommodate an influx of lunchtime diners in SLU. Snacks like fried Castelveltrano Olives, Tavern Wings, and Polenta Fries are excellent accompaniments to a nice assortment of burgs and salads. Order this: Nicoise salad with rare albacore tuna, green beans, soft egg, niçoise olives, potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and herb dressing.

What are you go-to lunch spots in SLU? Tag us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and tell us your faves.