Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Spokane

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Spokane? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Italia Trattoria

5.0

5 (1847)

$31 to $50

Italian

Spokane

About the restaurant

Please see our website for our policies and for our daily menu. Italia Trattoria is a regionally inspired Italian restaurant located in historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood. Chef Anna Vogel’s European heritage and world travels have greatly influenced her menu which changes almost daily and features house made pastas, fresh seafood, and naturally raised meats. Our commitment to cooking with seasonal, local produce and top quality Italian products has differentiated Italia Trattoria from any other restaurant in the Inland Northwest. Our approach is both welcoming and knowledgeable, where guests come and go feeling well cared for and excited about their whole experience. James Beard Foundation Semi Finalist Chef Anna Vogel.

Top review

Jim

Dined 2 days ago

Food was excellent and serving staff were friendly and caring

Gilded Unicorn

4.9

4.9 (10)

$30 and under

American

Spokane

About the restaurant

The Gilded Unicorn is a modern American classic restaurant that specializes in handcrafted American cuisine and handmade cocktails. We're under the historic Montvale Hotel in Downtown Spokane, Washington, in the historic Catacombs Restaurant. Our ambiance is old world, with a classic design that harkens back to Spokane.

The Gilded Unicorn reflects our eclectic mix of old and new. We take inspiration from classic American cuisine from the 1950s and '60s and recreate them as new sensations that punch you right in the feels.

Every meal is made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Instead of ground beef, mushroom soup, frozen tater tots, and cheddar cheese, we use braised short ribs, homemade mushroom cream sauce, Idaho tater tots, and four-year aged cheddar on top of that in our legendary tater tot casserole. So it's basically the same ingredients, but better quality and crafted by award-winning chefs, or as we like to call it, magical!

Top review

Jason

Dined on May 31, 2025

The only issue I had with the restaurant was they took the dates off the appetizer menu. 😎

Wild Sage American Bistro

4.8

4.8 (2745)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Spokane

About the restaurant

Opened in 2006, the first thing you'll experience at Wild Sage American Bistro is the rich earth tones and classic architectural details that make our bistro both relaxing and refined. Walls of windows saturate our interior space with abundant natural light during the day and provide an intimate atmosphere at night. You'll find our three dining areas allow for conversations to flow comfortably yet privately for a wonderful dining experience.
We have designed a menu that allows us to be creative on a daily basis, and work within the limits of what is in season and available. We are always looking for unique ingredients to highlight. Local beef, regional fresh fish, local gardens, heirloom vegetables fruits and tomatoes. We describe our style as “Regionally Sourced Northwest Cuisine”. It just makes sense using local ingredients at the peak of their quality and freshness.

Top review

rachel

Dined 7 days ago

The food was amazing, I love a great morel dish and it's rare to find..The waiter was a pro and we enjoyed each dish celebrating a birthday.

Ambrosia Bistro & Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (327)

$30 and under

Bistro

Spokane Valley

About the restaurant

Ambrosia Bistro was conceived by Scott and Kara Cook to bring a feeling of downtown to the Spokane Valley. Located near historic Millwood, our inventive cuisine, great selection of spirits and Northwest wines, as well as our attentive staff are all designed to make your visit to Ambrosia a truly memorable one.

We have seasonal patio dining, a full bar, both booth and table seating, and we are fully handicapped accessible. Our flexible seating allows us to accommodate groups up to 45 people with advanced notice. We also offer off-site catering for groups up to 150.

Top review

Bill

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

We had an excellent dining experience! Great waiter and excellent food made for a good combination. We will be back!

Sorella

4.8

4.8 (655)

$31 to $50

Italian

Spokane

About the restaurant

Reservations are strongly recommended. Our full service bar has 14 seats and accommodates walk-in's on a first come, first served basis. While there is no dress code at Sorella, we encourage guests to dress smart casual. The music volume in the restaurant is loud with a lively vibe.

We have a 10-minute grace period for late arrivals before your reservation will be canceled. No shows or cancellations made less than 24 hours will be subject to a $25 per person cancellation fee. You are beholden to your party size, your party size (unless circumstances allow) cannot be adjusted. We ask that you do not make multiple reservations with the intent to be seated together.

We do our best to accommodate all guests in a timely manner, please be mindful of your dining time with us.

Reservations are available 42 days in advance at 12:00am PST. We accept reservations for up to 6 guests a la carte. For parties larger than 6, please reach out to us by email at info@sorellaspokane.com.

Top review

Rebecca

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Excellent service, wonderful cuisine. Always love our experience at Sorella's.

Discover more

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar - River Park Square

4.7

4.7 (436)

$30 and under

American

Spokane

About the restaurant

Twigs Bistro at River Park Square is centrally located in the heart of majestic Spokane, Washington. We offer an eclectic menu and a full bar. We have a fun, upbeat atmosphere, and an energetic staff who will make any dining experience enjoyable.

Top review

Melissa

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

We were out for dinner and a movie. We enjoyed great service and our waiter helped make sure we made the show on schedule. The terrace at Twigs at Riverfront Mall is one of my favorite places to make some fun!

Discover more

Experience

Sips & Styles Brunch!

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar - Wandermere

4.5

4.5 (522)

$30 and under

American

Spokane

About the restaurant

Prepare for a unique dining experience that is casual yet memorable. Visit Twigs and you will experience the perfect ambiance, making for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Food will tantalize a variety of palates. Experience your meal with one of our 36 Signature Martinis.

Top review

Wendy

Dined 3 days ago

Such a great evening out at Twigs/ Wandermere Friday evening! We enjoyed the patio - quieter than indoors and lovely by the water. Food was great; attentive server. Really a fun experience - we'll be back!

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar - South Hill

4.4

4.4 (193)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Spokane

About the restaurant

Twigs Bistro on South Regal in Spokane is an inviting and comfortable restaurant offering a New American menu and an extensive list of adult beverages. You'll find a delicious selection of appetizers, salads, steaks, pasta, pizza, comfort entrees, gluten free and kids meals too. And our signature liquor tower in the bar is a sure giveaway that we know how to shake up a great cocktail, like our Signature Lemon Drop martini. Join us on the patio in the summer for a relaxing break from a long day. Recently remodeled and with new management, we're ready to help make your dining experience a great one. We also cater in our private dining area.

Top review

CathyVIP

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Classy comfortable place with interesting cocktails and nice wines. Our waiter was spectacular--just the right amount of discussion, extremely efficient, knowledgeable and professional. The food was very tasty and well prepared.

Steam Plant Restaurant & Brew Pub

4.4

4.4 (457)

$31 to $50

American

Spokane

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Steam Plant Restaurant and Brew Pub! This historical building actually functioned as a steam plant between 1916 and 1986, when the last boiler was shut down in December of that year.

Then years later, the old plant was transformed from a dirty, drab industrial behemoth into a cathedral-bright architectural showcase becoming a functional commercial space while maintaining as much history and equipment as possible within the rigid guidelines of historic renovation. Fortunately, the iconic twin stacks continue to lend a uniqueness to the Spokane skyline.

Since reopening in November 2021, the Steam Plant has partnered with Grain Shed Brewing whose beers are made with regionally sourced ingredients. The bar and dinner menus have been updated to showcase local favorites. Prices range from $11 - 16 for shareable appetizers, soups & salads, handhelds, and pizza; entries range from $18 - 38; and desserts range from $9 - 19 for the Steam Plant Shareable that feeds 4-6 people.

Top review

John

Dined 3 days ago

Food was delicious, and waiter was very friendly! Very accommodating.

Discover more

Join us for Happy Hour 4-6

Pure Northwest

3.7

3.7 (19)

$30 and under

Northwest

Spokane

About the restaurant

Welcome to Pure Northwest, Spokane's newest lounge, offering a unique experience inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Indulge in craft cocktails and upscale lounge cuisine in a carefully curated dining experience that captures the essence of the region.

Top review

Curtis

Dined on May 4, 2025

we were a very large group the weekend of Bloomsday race, which is probably the busiest weekend in Spokane outside of Hoopfest. Drinks were uninspired, almost as if the person making them was very rushed. Food was great. The crab cakes were listed in the entree section of the menu but were clearly intended as an appetizer as they were very small and the "side salad" was non existent. It's great that they kept fry bread on the menu and the service was fantastic.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Spokane

Explore more Diners' Choice lists