14 Must Try Olympia Restaurants Serving The City’s Favorite Cuisines
Olympia has grown into a food lover’s paradise with restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to international flavors.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to explore new tastes, this city has something delicious waiting for you. I’ve put together a list of 14 amazing spots that showcase what makes dining in Olympia so special. Get ready to discover your next favorite meal!
1. Gardner’s Restaurant
If you love farm-fresh ingredients prepared with care, Gardner’s will quickly become your go-to spot. This downtown gem sources directly from local farms, ensuring every bite bursts with seasonal flavor. Their menu changes regularly based on what’s available, so you’ll always find something new to try.
The atmosphere feels both elegant and welcoming, making it perfect for special occasions or a nice dinner out. I recommend trying their signature dishes featuring local seafood and vegetables.
The chef’s creativity shines through in every carefully crafted plate, turning simple ingredients into memorable experiences that’ll have you planning your next visit before you even leave.
2. Budd Bay Cafe
Picture yourself enjoying fresh oysters while watching boats glide across the sparkling water. Budd Bay Cafe offers exactly that experience with its prime waterfront location and incredible seafood menu. They’ve been serving locals and visitors for years, building a reputation for quality you can taste.
Their oyster selection is impressive, featuring varieties from nearby waters that taste like the ocean itself. Beyond shellfish, you’ll find perfectly prepared fish, tender crab cakes, and creative daily specials.
The views alone make this place worth visiting, but the food keeps people coming back season after season for celebrations and casual meals alike.
3. Cascadia Grill
When you’re searching for authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine done right, Cascadia Grill delivers every single time. Their commitment to regional flavors means you’ll taste Washington in every dish they serve. From wild salmon to locally foraged mushrooms, everything reflects the bounty surrounding Olympia.
The grill technique they use brings out natural flavors without overwhelming them with heavy sauces. You’ll appreciate how each ingredient gets its moment to shine on your plate.
Their wine list features excellent Washington vintages that pair beautifully with the food, creating complete dining experiences that showcase why this region’s cuisine has earned national recognition.
4. Basilico Ristorante
Are you dreaming of authentic Italian flavors without booking a flight to Rome? Basilico brings those dreams to life with recipes passed down through generations. Their pasta is made fresh daily, giving it that perfect texture you simply can’t get from dried noodles.
Walking in feels like entering a family kitchen where everyone’s welcome at the table. The wood-fired pizzas emerge with perfectly charred crusts and bubbling cheese that stretches with every slice. I always save room for their tiramisu, which rivals anything I’ve tasted in actual Italian trattorias.
The warm hospitality and generous portions make every visit feel like coming home to a delicious meal.
5. Dirty Dave’s Gay 90’s Pizza
This quirky spot transports you back in time with its vintage decor and old-fashioned charm. Despite the retro atmosphere, their pizza recipes are timeless crowd-pleasers that satisfy every craving. Locals have been gathering here for decades to enjoy thick, cheesy pies loaded with creative toppings.
The portions are generous enough to feed your whole crew without breaking the bank. Their specialty combinations feature unexpected ingredient pairings that somehow work perfectly together. Whether you stick with classic pepperoni or venture into more adventurous territory, you won’t leave hungry.
The fun atmosphere and consistently delicious pizza make this a must-visit for anyone exploring Olympia’s food scene.
6. Oyster House
How do you choose from over a dozen oyster varieties all shucked fresh before your eyes? That’s the delightful dilemma facing visitors to this shellfish paradise. Each oyster has its own flavor profile, from briny and bold to sweet and delicate, offering a tasting journey through local waters.
Beyond the impressive raw bar, their menu features other seafood preparations that highlight freshness above all else. The staff knows their products inside and out, happily guiding you toward selections that match your preferences.
I love sitting at the bar watching skilled shuckers work their magic while I savor each cool, slippery bite that tastes like pure ocean essence captured in a shell.
7. Le Voyeur
It’s rare to find a place that combines excellent wine, delicious small plates, and live entertainment all under one roof. Le Voyeur manages this balancing act beautifully, creating an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and relaxed. Their carefully curated wine list features bottles you won’t find at typical restaurants.
The small plates menu encourages sharing and trying multiple flavors throughout your evening. From artisan cheeses to creative vegetable preparations, everything pairs wonderfully with wine. Regular live music adds another layer to the experience, making each visit feel special.
Whether you’re on a date or catching up with friends, this cozy spot offers the perfect setting for memorable conversations over great food.
8. Pizzeria La Gitana
Did you know authentic Neapolitan pizza should cook in just 90 seconds at extremely high temperatures? La Gitana’s wood-fired oven reaches those perfect conditions, producing pizzas with leopard-spotted crusts that are simultaneously crispy and chewy. Their dough ferments slowly, developing complex flavors that make each bite interesting.
The topping combinations venture beyond traditional Italian, incorporating local ingredients in creative ways. You might find seasonal squash paired with sage, or local sausage with unexpected vegetables.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal, and the open kitchen lets you watch pizzaiolos stretching dough and tending the fire. Every pizza emerges as a small work of edible art.
9. Mercato Ristorante
Walking into Mercato feels like discovering a hidden gem in an Italian marketplace. Their philosophy centers on sourcing the finest ingredients and letting their natural flavors speak for themselves. The menu reads like a love letter to Italian culinary traditions, with each dish honoring time-tested techniques.
Handmade pasta comes in various shapes, each chosen specifically to hold its accompanying sauce perfectly. The seasonal approach means you’ll encounter different offerings throughout the year, reflecting what’s at its peak. Their Italian wine selection is extensive, with knowledgeable staff ready to suggest pairings.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply treating yourself to excellent Italian cuisine, Mercato delivers an experience worth savoring slowly.
10. Traditions Cafe & World Folk Art
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of global cultures expressed through food and art. Colorful folk art from around the world decorates every surface, creating a feast for your eyes before you even taste the food. Their menu focuses on vegetarian and vegan options that prove plant-based eating can be exciting and satisfying.
Everything is made from scratch using organic ingredients whenever possible. The breakfast menu features creative takes on classics, while lunch offerings span international influences. Fair trade coffee and loose-leaf teas complete the ethical approach to dining.
I appreciate how they’ve created a space that nourishes both body and soul while supporting artisans worldwide.
11. Lemon Grass Restaurant
When those cravings for Thai food hit, nothing else will satisfy quite like Lemon Grass. Their kitchen turns out authentic dishes with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy that defines Thai cuisine. Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro add brightness to every plate they serve.
You can customize spice levels, making it accessible whether you prefer mild or mouth-burning heat. The curries are rich and aromatic, while stir-fries arrive sizzling hot with crisp vegetables. Their pad thai strikes that difficult balance of tangy and sweet that many places struggle to achieve.
Generous portions at reasonable prices make this a favorite for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners with friends.
12. Octapas Cafe
Though the name playfully combines octopus and tapas, you’ll find much more than seafood at this Spanish-inspired spot. The small plates format encourages trying multiple dishes, turning dinner into a culinary adventure. Each tapa arrives beautifully presented, proving that size doesn’t determine impact.
Traditional Spanish flavors meet Pacific Northwest ingredients in creative combinations that honor both influences. The paella, when available, is a showstopper worth gathering friends around. Their beverage program includes Spanish wines and creative cocktails that complement the bold, vibrant flavors.
I love the communal dining experience that tapas naturally create, with everyone sharing bites and discovering new favorites together around the table.
13. Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill
Are you ready to explore the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean without leaving Olympia? Zaytoon brings authentic recipes from the region to your table with generous portions and warm hospitality. Their grill produces perfectly charred kebabs with meat so tender it practically melts off the skewer.
The mezze platters offer a wonderful introduction to Mediterranean cuisine, featuring creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and crispy falafel. Everything tastes fresh and homemade, from the fluffy pita bread to the tangy tzatziki sauce. Vegetarians will find plenty of satisfying options alongside the meat dishes.
The casual atmosphere and affordable prices make this perfect for introducing friends to new flavors or satisfying your own Mediterranean cravings.
14. The Bread Peddler
Nothing beats the aroma of fresh bread baking, and that heavenly scent greets you the moment you walk through their doors. This beloved bakery has been crafting artisan loaves using traditional methods and quality ingredients for years. Their sourdough starter has been lovingly maintained, producing bread with complex flavors and perfect texture.
Beyond loaves, you’ll find flaky pastries, hearty sandwiches on house-made bread, and seasonal treats that showcase local ingredients. The morning crowd comes for excellent coffee and breakfast pastries, while lunch brings sandwich lovers seeking something special.
I recommend arriving early for the best selection, though whatever remains later in the day is still absolutely worth getting.
