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.

Do you have a question for the Seattle Eats team? Do you want to share your go-to-spot to eat? Give us a call at 206-543-8510  and leave a voicemail. You can also email us at seattleeats@kuow.org.

Seattle Eats is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Jim Gates. Our host and producer is Brandi Fullwood. 

Become a member today at kuow.org/eats.