Seattle Food Writers’ Most Anticipated Restaurants and Biggest Hopes for 2023
As is tradition, Eater closes out the year by surveying local writers and editors on various restaurant-related topics. Come back every day this week for more Year of Eating reviews from experts and see them all The year at Eater coverage over the years.
What restaurant or restaurant-related debut are you most excited for in 2023?
Gabe Guarente, Senior Editor, SEAtoday
One of my favorite treats in town is the Laotian Taurus Ox Pork Burger – and now it looks like there’s a whole branch called Ox Burger coming soon to the restaurant’s former location. I’m also looking forward to seeing what Sri Lankan food cart chef Syd Suntha does next with his pop culture-themed pop-ups.
Aimee Rizzo, editor of Infatuation Seattle
I moved to Seattle after Mrs. Helen’s Soul Food closed, so I’m looking forward to experiencing this establishment’s triumphant return to the Central District this spring. I’m also really looking forward to her fried chicken wings, greens, and mac and cheese.
Jay Friedman, Contributor, Eater Seattle
I’ve heard exciting rumors about some interesting (at least to me) restaurants that may be opening in Seattle next year. But I have to say that I will be more excited if many of our existing restaurants that have faced challenges in the last year or two can come back in 2023.
Meg van Huygen, food writer
The triumphant return of LUDI’S DINER downtown! I’m too jazzy, I can’t handle it.
What is your biggest hope for the restaurant industry in 2023?
Meg van Huygen, food writer
No more lobster restaurants! There are four within a block of each other downtown right now, thriving on the craze around The Mar-Ket in 2021, I think, and many more beyond that. The worst part is that they can serve local Dungeness crab on rolls, and they are here importing lobster from New England. It’s crazy. No new lobster joints in 2023! Down with lobster, up with Dungeness crab!
Sabra Boyd, journalist
There has been some talk of restaurant workers forming a union which would support labor rights for domestic and domestic workers. Like the Screen Actors Guild, a restaurant workers union could potentially offer health care coverage, therapy, protection against wage theft, harassment, injury and other scenarios where kitchens and servers are vulnerable in the industry. Training, continuing education, equipment discounts, brand partnerships and countless other kitchen perks can also be developed. It’s an exciting time for labor rights.
Aimee Rizzo, editor of Infatuation Seattle
My hope is that year-round outdoor dining continues full steam ahead, rather than heating up. As much as things feel normal right now for almost everyone, including me, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that for many immunocompromised and high-risk people, the pandemic isn’t over—and hey, they’d like to the food in the restaurant also tasted great.
Gabe Guarente, Senior Editor, SEAtoday
I just hope the recovery goes up a bit more. Anecdotally, there seem to have been more openings than closings in recent months, but it’s clear how weak the industry still is. Restaurants could use more support from the government.
Jay Friedman, Contributor, Eater Seattle
The calmness.
