Dining out gives you endless options, no dishes and allows you time to talk with your friends, family or significant other. Restaurants in the Tri-Cities provide an assortment of menu options, types of ambience and prices to fit every taste. If you can’t decide what to cook for dinner, head out instead. Not sure where to go? Peruse this list of restaurants in the Tri-Cities to try.
Kennewick
Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is full of authentic ambiance and food. The restaurant owners want you to talk to your family just like you would if you were at home sitting around a big table – if your home was in Italy! Family includes the kids, so this restaurant is definitely kid-friendly. While the menu does not have many choices (two entrees that change), the quality is spectacular. Served family style, rotating choices include ravioli, spaghetti, rigatoni, ziti, fettuccine alfredo – pretty much everything you would expect at an Italian restaurant. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant has a wine list with both local and Italian wines, as well as Italian beer. You can bring your own bottle for a corking fee. Save room for the homemade desserts. They also offer take-out and take reservations.
525 W 1st Avenue, Kennewick
509-396-7890
Foodies Brick and Mortar
Foodies Brick and Mortar is the evolution of Floating Foodies, a food-serving pontoon boat that was in Richland. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is great for families or young people who are looking for a place to hang out. Their American fare includes classic burgers and gourmet hot dogs such as the bacon wrapped dog and the chipotle dog. They also have several sandwiches, including a po-boy and Philly cheesesteak to round out your tour of America by food. What makes this diner different from dives? Everything is made fresh, and they even process their own meat. Look for Baja fish tacos, a visitor favorite.
308 W Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick
509-591-0424
Porter’s Real Barbecue
If you are craving barbecue, check out Porter’s Real Barbecue, which was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” The secret to their barbecue is freshness – they make everything themselves. From meats cooked up to 14 hours to fresh sides made daily, it definitely makes a difference in the taste. Their popularity means things do sell out, but with a tasty menu, you will still be happy with your second choice if that happens. The menu consists of all the usual barbecue staples – ribs, pulled pork and brisket, with classic sides like house-made baked beans and dill pickles.
1022 N Columbia Center Boulevard, Kennewick
705 The Parkway, Richland
509-942-9590
Pasco
Love Curry
Love Curry in Pasco is full of Indian flavors in a wide range of dishes that are anything but boring. They use fresh local meats and vegetable to create their dishes, and even have homemade yogurt. Not your average curry restaurant, you will find all kinds of choices from potato lollipops and dahi bhalla chaat to tikka and naans, and, of course, curries. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as lunch specials and take out.
5025 N Road 68, Suite A1, Pasco
509-547-3772
Rocco’s Pizza
Considered a hidden gem by visitors and frequented by locals, Rocco’s Pizza makes their gourmet pizzas with fresh ingredients. These pizzas are not ordinary, they have toppings you will not find anywhere else including seafood, sauerkraut, dill pickles, Thai peanut sauce, linguicia and more. If you are looking to try something new on your favorite food, this is the place to go. They also have specialty sandwiches, appetizers and a salad bar.
6415 Burden Boulevard, Pasco
509-545-6100
Rice & Noodles Vietnamese Eatery
Rice & Noodles prepares authentic Vietnamese dishes with fresh, local ingredients. You will find all your favorites (or soon to be favorites), including spring rolls, salads, rice dishes and of course, many noodle dishes. Customer favorites include bimibap, Kimchi and sizzling rice bowls. The casual dining atmosphere is perfect for families.
3315 W Court Street, Pasco
509-572-9145
Richland
Anthony’s HomePort Columbia Point
Those looking for fresh seafood accompanied with local flavor should look to Anthony’s HomePort Columbia Point. A family-owned Pacific Northwest chain, Anthony’s owns its own fish wholesale company to ensure they serve high quality and fresh seafood. And what goes better with fresh seafood than in-season local produce, Northwest wines and local microbrews? Nothing, so that’s why Anthony’s provides all of the above, plus a gorgeous water view to enjoy while you eat. Because they serve items fresh, their menu changes with the seasons. But if you love seafood, they will always have something you can enjoy – from crab cakes and chowders to Alaskan lingcod and lobster tail. They also have a selection of steaks from local farms. You can make reservations on their website or walk in. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio too.
550 Columbia Point Drive, Richland
509-946-3474
Lu Lu Craft Bar & Kitchen
Lu Lu Craft Bar & Kitchen is known for local ingredients. In fact, the beef is raised by the owner’s father and brother, the pork by their mother (just 30 miles from the restaurant!) and is prepared by a local butcher. They also grow their own onions and potatoes. Everything else comes from local farmers. Starting with these fresh ingredients, all menu items are made from scratch, even the little details such as homemade pickles, jams and sauces. They have a varied menu, with everything from hand-cut potato crisps (chips) and buffalo wings to pasta primavera and seared steelhead. Don’t forget the fried chicken and waffles! There really is something for everyone on their menu, and there are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Look for local wines on the wine list. To top it all off, Lu Lu Craft Bar & Kitchen has a beautiful view of the river.
606 Columbia Point Drive, Richland
509-713-7880
Greek Islands Cuisine
If you are looking for a casual, simple meal that’s still made with fresh food prepared daily, try Greek Islands Cuisine. The owners have a passion for their Greek heritage and it shows in their food preparation, including perfecting recipes for over 25 years. You’ll find all your favorites at Greek Islands Cuisine, including gyros, souvlaki and handmade baklava for dessert. If you have time for a 15-minute wait, try a Greek pizza pie or calzoni, fresh baked in bricked ovens. The restaurant offers catering for weddings and events as well.
600 Gage Boulevard, Richland
509-628-2900
