Seattle’s restaurant scene is playing chess, not checkers. And the latest moves reveal what is actually thriving in this economy. Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh and editor Trevor Lenzmeier break down the openings focused on sandwiches and fast-casual small plates, while large format restaurants and fine dining spots are closing or pivoting.

Read more about openings, closures, and pivots in The Seattle Times:

•  https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/why-5-seattle-area-restaurants-are-pivoting-or-closing-in-2025/ 
• https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/seabird-acclaimed-bainbridge-island-restaurant-will-close-next-month/ 
• https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/mamnoon-to-close-after-13-years-as-capitol-hills-levantine-restaurant/ 

Recommendations in this episode:

• M Bar, South Lake Union
• Beast and Cleaver, Ballard area
• Communion, Central District
• Fortuna Bottega, Greenwood/Phinney Ridge
• Occhi Belli, Wallingford

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