The Yakima Valley is full of wineries and breweries, but there are also many great restaurants that should definitely not be missed when you are ready for a full meal. From Mexican to Italian, this list has a little bit of everything from some of the best restaurants in the Yakima Valley.
Xochimilco Restaurant and Tequila Bar
Authentic Mexican food can be found at Xochimilco Restaurant and Tequila Bar in Yakima and Union Gap, and the restaurant is famous for its large margaritas. Drinks are made from hand-squeezed juice and Mexican tequilas. Wines are on a seasonal rotation. Unlike many Mexican-American restaurants, you’ll find mole sauce here (made in-house from scratch) and grilled cactus leaf, along with other specialty dishes from the owner’s family’s own recipes. From fajitas to quesadillas, everything here is delicious and authentic. For more information, visit the Xochimilco Restaurant and Tequila Bar website.
2304 W. Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima (restaurant)
509-453-3096
5110 Tieton Drive, Suite 270, Yakima (tequila bar)
509-966-9000
2529 Main Street, Suite D24, Union Gap (tequila bar)
509-453-1552
Carousel Restaurant & Bistro
The Carousel Restaurant & Bistro is an excellent choice for diners looking for ambiance, excellent service and rich food. Its menu focuses on French-American cuisine, and that means lots of decadent items. This is the perfect date, anniversary or engagement restaurant. Those looking for excellent steak, lamb, duck and rabbit will be in for a true treat. And leave room for dessert! As would be expected at a French restaurant in wine country, the wine list is extensive. You’ll find cherries jubilee (can be made gluten free) and seasonal creme brulee among the rich selections. There is brunch on Sundays. For more information, visit the Carousel Restaurant & Bistro website.
25 N. Front Street, Suite 6, Yakima
509-248-6720
Gasperetti’s Gourmet Restaurant
You can’t have a restaurant list without at least one Italian restaurant, and Gasperetti’s Gourmet Restaurant is the perfect place to get your Italian food fix in the Yakima Valley. It has been serving up Italian cuisine with local flavor since 1943. The Gasperetti family’s recipes are secret and very old. The family has been serving up delish dishes since the 1800s! The menu just gets better with age. Be sure to try their famous onion rings, and create-your-own pasta selections. For more information, visit the Gasperetti’s Gourmet Restaurant website.
1013 N. 1st Street, Yakima
509-248-0628
WaterFire Restaurant & Bar
If you are looking for a taste of Pacific Northwest flavor, then WaterFire Restaurant & Bar is a must-try restaurant in Yakima. The menu features vegetables and fruits grown right here in the Yakima Valley, add Pacific Northwest beef from Snake River Farms and Double R Ranch, and seafood from the Pacific Northwest, and finish with local wine and beer. You really can’t get more local than that. They also have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, making them somewhere your entire family can eat. Since the restaurant sources locally, expect seasonal menus, so everything is always fresh and that means you won’t get bored eating here with a new menu every few months. For more information, visit the WaterFire Restaurant & Bar website. Reservations are accepted.
4000 Creekside Loop, Yakima
509-853-1057
Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse
First and foremost, Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse is known for its atmosphere and burgers. The gorgeous warm wood, giant door and industrial decor makes it a cool place to hang out with friends after work, to take visiting relatives or enjoy for a relaxed date night. The restaurant uses local ingredients whenever possible, including fruits, vegetables, grains and meat. Breads and pastries are prepared fresh every day from scratch, which really makes a difference in taste, especially with baked goods. From prawn and avocado salad to Vodka pasta and fillet mignon, expect a diverse menu. All burgers are ground in-house daily. Before or after your meal, or if you are just looking for some small plates, check out the Icehouse Bar. All cocktail ingredients are handmade and cold pressed in small batches every day. For more information, visit the Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse website.
202 E. Yakima Avenue, Yakima
509-457-2007
