Olympia Restaurants

Opens at 5:30 and is usually packed by 6:00. Why? Cuz lots of people know the food is excellent and the prices very reasonable. There are loads of asian restaurants in Oly, seems like a new one opens every month or so. But this one is the best hands down. Try Old School for great pizza, Trinacria for great Italian food (make a reservation, it's very popular). For breakfast try Darby's or The New Moon (but avoid the New Moon at night, when burritos are served by the rudest punks in town).

Great grub - a little bit of everything, although they focus on a southern bar-b-que theme. The biggest problem I have with Jacks is that it's hard to try something new on the menu when you enjoy the last meal so much! Whether you're hungry for smoked meat dishes, healthy salads, wood-fired pizzas or unique pasta dishes (mmm, butter nut squash ravioli) you're sure to find something that you love. There's also a great selection coming from the bar, in case you prefer to drink your meal.

Oh yeah, they also sponsor a great soccer team.

Favorite Dish: Do I have to choose just one? Argh! You can't go wrong with the smoked salmon caesar salad.

olympia has a great selection of cheap eats. go to the farmer's market, otto's, old school pizza, one of the great aisan restaurants, babette's bakery, wagners, you can find a number or different lunch dishes for $2.

Favorite Dish: homeade bagels and cream cheese from otto's or artichoke, broccoli & feta pizza from old school. real east coast thin crust pizza for cheap!

Capitale Esspresso Bar and Grill
This place has absolutely wonderful food! It's a little spendy for those on a low budget, ($10-20 for just the main course) but well worth it. It feels like being in a small cafe in Italy, without the snooty Italian waiters. If you're here on a weekend, make sure to call ahead and make a reservation.

Favorite Dish: Black Bean Ravioli

Besides Happy Teriyaki, here are some good places to try:

Italian: Brewery city Pizza (off of Harrison)
Sandwich: Maconi's (Lacey Blvd)
Chinese: Main China Buffet (off of Martin Way in Shopko plaza)

Favorite Dish: Brewery City Pizza: has a good garlic chicken pizza they serve.

I can't list just one so I'll give you my favorites.

Mercato's is a new Italian resturaunt that is situated near the farmers market in North Olympia, next to the marina. They offer excellent food at reasonable prices, and includes a full bar. The decor is modern and the service is very good.

Ramblin Jacks is situated on 4th Ave in downtown and another of my favorites. The menu ranges anywhere from BBQ to burgers, to pizza and pasta. The resturaunt features a full bar, with reasonable prices and excellent food.

If you are looked for seafood, the Northwest offers some of the best. The Oyster House on 5th Avenue sits on the Marina with outdoor dining and good food. If you are looking for something a little more upscale, try Anthony's, located near the farmers market. The food is excellent, but expect a pricier meal.

If Asian cuisine suits your taste, Chopsticks on 5th Ave offers a wide range of noodle entrees. The service is excellent and the food is extremely good in large portions. A great atmosphere but watch out for the dinner rush, it's a popular place.

In addition to these, there are also many cafes and delis scattered throughout downtown.

Just a great restaurant. Good food, a Sicilian owner who cares about customers returning. It's a very small, romantic place, so make reservations two nights in advance. Being close to downtown, it's a great place to eat before a night on the town.

Favorite Dish: Pasta and Wine (either Orvieto Classico or Cetamura Chianti)

A small resteraunt with great dishes near the waterfront on the eastside. Serves up some awesome food in giant, handpainted, ceramic bowls. The prices are somewhat high for a small eatery, ($8-12 For a main dish) but well worth it. Suit and tie resteraunts do not come close to serving food as well made as this.

Favorite Dish: Linguini, or any other pasta dish, and shrimp of course.