Best Restaurants in Tri-Cities: From Gourmet Meals to Donuts You’ll Love!
The Tri-Cities—Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco—may be best known for their wineries and fishing along the Columbia River, but the food scene here is just as exciting! Whether you’re craving a gourmet meal, a mouthwatering burger, fresh seafood, or even the perfect donut, this list has you covered.
From farm-to-table dining with stunning river views to local favorites that have been serving the community for decades, these are the best restaurants in the Tri-Cities that every foodie should check out.
So, whether you’re a local looking for new spots or a visitor wanting to experience the best flavors in town, this guide will help you find your next great meal!
The Best Restaurants in Tri-Cities, Washington
Proof Gastropub
If you’re craving a top-notch burger, Proof Gastropub is the place to go! This lively pub serves up gourmet-style burgers made with high-quality ingredients.
Standouts include the Wake Up Burger, featuring an Angus-ribeye blend patty topped with honey-cured smoked bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, guacamole, and charred jalapeño aioli. Another favorite is the Blueprint Burger, a mouthwatering combination of an Angus-ribeye patty, Danish blue cheese, crispy maple-glazed pork belly, and black garlic aioli.
Beyond burgers, Proof also serves up killer mac and cheese, loaded with chicken breast, honey-cured bacon, fontina cheese sauce, and parmesan. And don’t miss the pork belly tacos—they’re a must-try!
Stick + Stone Wood Fired Pizza
The Tri-Cities isn’t exactly known for its pizza scene, but Stick + Stone Wood Fired Pizza in Kennewick is filling the gap with delicious, artisanal pies.
Let’s talk about the crust—this pizza restaurant serves up thin-crust pizzas, but don’t expect a crispy bite; instead, their wood-fired dough has a soft, chewy texture. All pizzas here come in a 12-inch size only.
Now, onto the specialties! Their menu features creative options like Buffalo Chicken (with jalapeños and goat cheese), The Pig (pepperoni and spicy fennel sausage), Chicken Alfredo, and The Vodka (with pancetta and fresh mozzarella).
Feeling adventurous? Try the Pho Shizzle—a unique twist featuring garlic confit chicken, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, cilantro, basil, and a swirl of sriracha and hoisin sauce.
Twigs
Twigs is a stylish restaurant located inside Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick, offering a modern twist on classic flavors. Their menu features standout dishes like pan-seared Alaskan salmon served over cilantro citrus rice with roasted red pepper corn relish. Other popular entrées include the rich and creamy blue crab mac and cheese and the flavorful lemon caper halibut.
If you’re in the mood for something handheld, Twigs delivers with options like mahi mahi tacos, bulgogi steak tacos, blackened shrimp tacos, and kalua pork.
Save room for dessert—locals rave about the Dunken Donuts, warm fried donut holes dusted with powdered sugar and served with apple pucker caramel, Irish cream chocolate, and Amaretto crème anglaise.
And don’t forget the cocktails! Twigs boasts an impressive cocktail menu, making it a great spot for a night out.
The Crazy Crab Place
The Crazy Crab Place brings a unique seafood experience to Kennewick, blending fresh seafood boils with bold Mexican flair. Their signature Cajun seasoning—packed with a secret ingredient—has Tri-Cities locals hooked!
The star of the menu is the seafood feast, available for one, two, or four people. It’s a mouthwatering spread of snow crab, Dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, and more, served straight on paper-covered tables for a hands-on dining experience. Don’t be shy—grab a bib and dig in!
Beyond the seafood boils, you’ll find other delicious options like Cajun catfish, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, oysters, and lobster ravioli.
Fable: Craft Bar, Wine Saloon & Food Joint
Fable: Craft Bar, Wine Saloon & Food Joint is a full service establishment located on the riverfront in Kennewick. This upscale sports bar is an ideal spot for a relaxing dining experience. Whether you’re inside enjoying a drink in the saloon or out on the patio soaking up the summer sun, you are guaranteed to be impressed by the creative menu, expertly-crafted drinks, and atmosphere here.
The menu at Fable boasts a diverse selection of mouthwatering dishes from pizzas and bbq platters, to burgers and salads. If you’re here for brunch, don’t miss the spicy Monte Cristo or the breakfast pizza. Also a must is the Green Mary cocktail—made with freshly juiced tomatillos, cilantro, lime, and jalapenos.
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with any of the gourmet handhelds, like the duck confit Cubano or the pork bulgogi roll. Just be sure to start with the pretzel bites, served with a rich and flavorful Guinness and smoked Gouda beer cheese—an appetizer almost everyone loves.
Lulu’s Craft Bar & Kitchen
Lulu’s Craft Bar & Kitchen is a family-owned and operated restaurant that takes pride in its farm-to-table approach. Sourcing most of its produce locally, Lulu’s prepares every meal fresh from scratch daily.
For locals seeking an upscale dining experience, Lulu’s is a go-to spot—and with its prime waterfront location, it’s also a perfect place to take visiting family and friends.
The menu features a well-rounded selection of burgers, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and salads, but the real star is their famous Pig Candy—a spicy, candied bacon that lives up to its reputation. Be sure to order a serving as your starter!
To pair with your meal, Lulu’s offers 12 beers on tap, an assortment of local wines, and signature barrel-aged martinis. Add in one of the best patio views in the Tri-Cities, and it’s no surprise that Lulu’s sits at the top of the local dining scene.
3 Eyed Fish Kitchen & Wine Bar
3 Eyed Fish Kitchen + Bar is an upscale dining spot along the Columbia River. While the menu is somewhat limited and on the pricier side, the quality and flavors make it well worth it.
The menu features a mix of elevated comfort food and classic favorites, including fresh salads, gourmet burgers, spinach and artichoke dip, a beautifully curated charcuterie board, asiago-crusted chicken breast, creamy tortellini Alfredo, and crispy fish and chips.
To complement your meal, they offer an extensive selection of local wines, craft cocktails, spirits, and beer, making it a great spot to unwind with a drink and enjoy the riverside ambiance.
Budd’s Broiler By Anthony’s
Budd’s Broiler is a high-end steakhouse specializing in premium Northwest beef, with the added bonus of Anthony’s Seafood on the menu. Conveniently, Anthony’s Seafood is located right next door, and both restaurants boast a scenic waterfront setting along the Columbia River.
Inside, Budd’s Broiler offers a dark, moody ambiance that sets the stage for an upscale dining experience, with river views from most tables.
As for the menu, steak lovers can choose from top sirloin, filet mignon, dry-aged New York strip, and porterhouse steak. Seafood enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy as well, with options like scampi prawns, swordfish steak, Pacific ahi steak, Columbia River King salmon steak, and Alaskan King crab legs.
While Budd’s Broiler is on the pricier side, they offer a happy hour dinner menu that provides great value for those looking to enjoy an upscale meal at a more affordable price.
Bob’s Burgers & Brew
Bob’s Burgers & Brew is a popular Washington-based chain known for its gourmet burgers—and they don’t hold back on size! Their menu features hearty options like the Blue Cheese Burger, Jalapeño Burger, and Hawaiian Ham & Pineapple Burger, along with chicken-based choices like Chipotle Chicken Bacon and Teriyaki Chicken.
But burgers aren’t the only thing they do well. Bob’s also serves up wraps and salads, and if you stop by in the morning, you’ll find a full breakfast menu featuring eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, omelets, waffles, and more.
Come hungry—portions here are generous!
Spudnuts
Spudnuts is the oldest coffee shop in Richland, but what truly puts it on the map is its legendary doughnuts. While their website boldly claims they’re “world-famous,” I’d say they’re definitely Tri-Cities famous—and for good reason! We often hop on our bikes in the morning to grab a fresh one and enjoy it with coffee at home.
So, what exactly is a Spudnut? At first glance, it looks like a regular doughnut, but there’s a key difference—the dough is made with potato flour instead of wheat, giving it a uniquely light and fluffy texture. Does it taste better? Judging by how quickly they sell out every day, plenty of locals think so. But the best way to find out? Try one for yourself!
Lil’ Moon Diner
Lil’ Moon Diner in Richland is the local diner you’ve been looking for—a true hidden gem serving up great breakfast and classic comfort food. This ma-and-pa restaurant is beloved for its homey atmosphere, friendly service, and consistently delicious meals.
If you’re craving a hearty breakfast, this is the place to be. Their chicken fried steak is a standout, served with crispy hash browns and rich, flavorful gravy. The biscuits are soft and delicious, the eggs are cooked perfectly, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, their strawberry and banana pancakes are a must-try.
With its small-town café charm, Lil Moon Diner is always bustling with locals—a sure sign that you’re in for a good meal. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, this is the kind of breakfast spot that keeps you coming back.
3 Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
If you’re looking for above-average Mexican food in Richland, 3 Margaritas Restaurant is the place to go. With fast, friendly service and plenty of seating, this restaurant is a solid choice whether you’re dining solo, with family, or meeting up with friends.
The menu is packed with classic Mexican favorites, including enchiladas, burritos, flautas, and tacos. If you’re in the mood for something special, try the Enchiladas de Jaiba—two flour tortillas filled with Dungeness crab meat, celery, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and spices, topped with Monterey Jack cheese, a flavorful tomatillo sauce, and sour cream. It’s a standout dish that’s well worth ordering!
Also highly recommended is the Seafood Chimichanga, a special mix of shrimp, scallops, and dungeness crab, mildly seasoned, then smothered with seafood salsa. It’s served with rice, beans, sour cream, and guacamole.
Of course, no visit is complete without a margarita. Their margaritas are large and delicious, and they offer a wide range of tequilas to choose from. If you like a little heat, the jalapeño margarita is a must-try!
Family Garden
Family Garden is a local favorite, with many nearby residents making it a weekly dinner tradition.
This restaurant stands out from your typical Chinese spot. For starters, the food is always incredibly fresh—if you stop by for lunch, you might even catch the owners chopping fresh chives or cracking open chestnuts at a table. The dishes are never greasy, and the meat is high quality—no fatty filler pieces here.
Beyond the great flavors, portions are generous, making it easy to share, and the prices are just as appealing. Lunch specials are usually under $10, while dinner only costs a few dollars more.
Family Garden specializes in Szechuan-style Chinese cuisine, but surprisingly, they also make fantastic sushi. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner, this spot delivers both quality and value.
Dovetail Joint
Dovetail Joint is a culinary gem in Uptown Richland, offering a menu that blends classic flavors from around the world with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Drawing inspiration from Lebanon, Italy, Latin America, North Africa, and even parts of Asia, this restaurant delivers an eclectic dining experience that feels both adventurous and familiar.
Some of the highlights on the menu include the pork loin scallopini with lemon piccata & crispy potatoes, and their mezze platter with lamb served on a fresh and hot, brick oven pita bread.
Beyond the food, Dovetail Joint is also a destination for expertly crafted drinks. Their cocktail menu is designed to elevate your drinking experience, showcasing the finest flavors of the Pacific Northwest. House-made shrubs, syrups, and unique ingredients are used to create distinctive cocktails and mocktails that are as inventive as they are delicious.
A well-curated selection of craft beers, ciders, and specialty drinks ensures there’s something for everyone.
Boiada Brazilian Grill
For an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience, Boiada Brazilian Grill in Kennewick delivers a one-of-a-kind dining adventure. This classy restaurant specializes in rodízio-style dining, where expert gaúchos carve a rotating selection of 17 mouthwatering meats—including succulent beef, lamb, pork, and seafood—right at your table.
But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. In addition to the endless tableside meats, Boiada offers a bountiful market table featuring over 40 traditional Brazilian dishes. Guests can complement their meal with seasonal fruits, crisp vegetables, homemade soups and stews, imported cheeses, and artisan breads—all available in an all-you-can-eat format. Vegetarians can also enjoy the extensive offerings at a reduced price.
Pair your meal with a selection from their full bar, which features amazing cocktails and specialty wines curated to enhance the bold flavors of Brazilian cuisine.
Whether you’re a steak lover or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Boiada Brazilian Grill offers an authentic taste of Brazil, impeccable service, and a warm, upscale atmosphere that makes every meal here feel like a special occasion.
Targaris Winery and Taverna
For a memorable dining experience paired with exceptional wine, Tagaris Winery & Taverna in Tri-Cities is a must-visit. As one of the region’s longest-operating wineries, Tagaris offers a fantastic selection of wines that perfectly complement its Mediterranean-inspired menu.
The atmosphere is elegant, and has a beautiful courtyard patio that’s ideal for sipping wine and enjoying a leisurely meal.
Tagaris is known for its creative, upscale fare, starting with their signature Dungeness crab cakes, a guest favorite. Their artisanal flatbreads are another highlight, featuring bold, gourmet flavor combinations like black mission figs and bacon, tenderloin steak with blue cheese, and the standout D’Anjou pear and chorizo flatbread with aged feta and hot honey.
For entrées, the Montana bison chili pot pie with polenta fries offers a rich, comforting twist on a classic dish, while the fresh-caught blackened Pacific salmon is a perfect choice for seafood lovers. If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, the paella with Pacific shrimp and Penn Cove mussels is a stunning, flavor-packed dish that transports your taste buds straight to the coast of Spain.
Of course, a visit to Tagaris wouldn’t be complete without exploring their wines, which pair beautifully with every dish. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a casual wine-tasting, or a celebratory night out, Tagaris Winery & Taverna delivers an exceptional blend of fine dining, world-class wine, and inviting ambiance.
