Cinnamons Grill and The Wine Room (4926 196th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-670-1000): A very Northwest menu with an Indian influence encompasses many rice and pasta dishes, salads, salmon and other fish dishes along with lamb, poultry, beef and vegetarian entrees. For dinner, there is ginger curry with homemade ravioli, tenderloin cut of steak broiled with a mushroom merlot demiglaise, or the Murgh Bahar, chicken stuffed with spinach, mushrooms and panir in a curry wine sauce. Average meal cost: Dinner, $9-$17. (Reviewed Nov. 1)
Cafe India (19817 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood; 425-744-0799): The menu is extensive and at first glance can be overwhelming to those new to Indian food. But the staff are more than willing to sit down and help choose an entree and explain different sauces and accompaniments. Highlights include lassis, a yogurt drink; vindaloo chicken with saffron basmati rice and tandoori chicken. Price range: $5.95-$12.95. (Reviewed Oct. 25)
Demetre’s Pizza and Pasta (14724 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline; 206-363-1477): A cozy Italian and Greek neighborhood restaurant, with an open fireplace and a separate banquet room for sports teams celebrations or birthday parties. Pizzas and pastas as well as daily specials feature Greek home cooking like Mousakka or Greek pot roast, along with hot submarines, Greek gyros, soup and salad with homemade dressings. Average price: pizzas $8.75-$17.45, pastas $7.50-$9.95. Delivery in Shoreline and north Seattle area. (Reviewed Oct. 18)
Baldy’s Burgers and Brew (18411 Hwy. 99, Lynnwood; 425-775-6675): Fresh, made to order burgers, sandwiches and salads and local microbrews in a non-smoking atmosphere. Classic burger and hot sandwich offerings are partnered with more adventurous, specialty burgers like the grilled pesto salmon burger. For vegetarian diners, try the black bean and corn burger. The Chop Chop salad overflows. Drive through service available. Average plate cost: $5.95-9.95. (Reviewed Oct. 11)
Sugar Shack Cafe (2004 196th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-670-9733): Grilling up traditional breakfast and lunch fare with ‘50s flair, there are several eggs and hashbrowns platters, along with pancakes, french toast, biscuits and gravy, omelets and the usual side orders. For lunch, the chili and beef vegetable soup ($1.45/cup) both have homemade flavor. Turkey bacon melt comes with fresh tomato and oozes with cheese. The Philly is loaded with cheese and green peppers. Avg. meal: $6-8. (Reviewed Oct. 4)
Pho Five Star (8402 Bowdoin Way, Edmonds; 425-778-2333): Good, healthy, filling meals for no more than six-and-a-half bucks. The rice noodle soup is made from real stock, slow cooked for 15 hours, with no MSG used. Vegetarian choices include rice noodle soup with golden and straw mushrooms, bamboo shoot strips, seasoned seaweed strips, broccoli, green leaves, yellow and green onions and cilantro. Service is always fast and friendly. (Reviewed Sept. 20)
California Burger Company (3333 184th St. SW., Lynnwood; 425-771-1710): 16 distinct types of hamburgers, excluding the vegetarian patty. Non-burger aficionados also will find plenty of alternatives ranging from french dip, fish, chicken sandwiches and five different types of salads. 31 different flavors of shakes and some unusual variations of soda. Cost range: appetizers $3.49 to $6.99; entrees $6.49 to $9.29. (Reviewed Sept. 14)
Central Pizza &Hot Dog Co., Chili Cosmo’s, Chinatown Café (Central Market Food Court at Aurora Square, 15505 Westminster Way N.): A trio of tasty dining choices await hungry shoppers and passersby in this unexpected place. Casual indoor and outdoor dining with the cafeteria style service. Central serves up an ample 18-inch pizza and Polish and beef hot dogs; Chili Cosmo’s offers generously portioned burritos and tacos; The Chinatown Café rounds out the food court with traditional Chinese favorites. (Reviewed Aug. 30)
Stella Mia Restorante Italiano (Country Village, 23718 Bothell Everett Hwy, Bothell): The ambiance is romantic and the meals, authentic, homemade recipes. Bread is made twice a day, and lends itself well to soaking up olive oil. Pasta dishes offer a mix of fresh vegetables, fruits and edible flowers, for a curious surprise. The lunch 12-inch pizza is much more Italian than American. Desserts are a specialty as well, with 25 on the menu. (Reviewed Aug. 16)
The Rock Pizza &Brewery (4010 196th St. SW, Lynnwood; 425-697-6007): Known for its hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza, its wide selection of home-brewed beers and its rock ‘n’ roll theme. Several award-winning specialty pizzas and reasonably-priced pizza alternatives. Service is fast and friendly. (Reviewed July 26)
Burgermaster (18626 Bothell-Everett Highway, Mill Creek; 425-486-8980): As the name indicates, the burgers are truly masters of their domain. Hamburgers are juicy, yet tidy. French fries ($1.35) are cut thin and come in a tall cup with ketchup or tartar. Non-beef eaters can fill up on the veggie burger, Turkeymaster, Chickenmaster, chicken &chips, fish &chips, BLT, grilled ham and cheese or fish sandwich. Avg. meal: $6-12. (Reviewed July 19)
Taquitos Toluca (19505 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood; 425-744-9877): What sets this small strip-mall restaurant apart is the degree to which it succeeds with a large variety of menu items and ingredients: both in requisite fare, such as the sizzling platter of fajitas, in chicken or steak, chimichangas, taco salads and combination plates, and less common menu and “to go” items. (Reviewed July 12)
Johnny’s Wok (19626 76th Ave. W., Lynnwood, 425-775-3313): Tasty and lean, the good-and-good-for-you seafood soup noodles, number 106 on the menu, is full of vegetables, chicken breast, scallops and shrimp. Other favorites include General Tso’s chicken, deep fried chicken pieces quick sauteed in a sweet Hunan sauce; moo goo gai pan; Hunan spicy bean cakes (tofu); and house combination lo mein. Tofu is sauteed with vegetables in a tasty sauce. Cost: Lunch specials $4.25-4.75; soup $1.25 cup, $3.95-$5.25 quart; appetizers $3.95-$7.75; dinner entrees $5.50-$9.75; family dinners, $9.50-$10.75 per person. (Reviewed July 5)
Richie D’s American Grill &Sports Bar (5602 232nd St. SW., Mountlake Terrace, 425-670-9990): The hot wings appetizer sauce is spicy and tangy — but not so much as to overwhelm. The prime rib sandwich, one of the more popular lunch items, is a cut above the standard fare. French fries are lightly seasoned, a nice change of pace. The chicken caesar salad is large, requiring a to-go box even for hearty eaters. Decadent chocolate mousse pie for dessert guarantees a full stomach. Average price: lunch ($6.95-$10.95); dinner ($10.95-$19.95); appetizers ($5.95-$8.95). (Reviewed June 28)
Dale’s Deli (632 NW. Richmond Beach Rd., Shoreline, 206-546-0119): A sit-down restaurant in a typical deli fashion, the perfect spot for lunch. The service is fast and friendly and they’ll take your order at the table. The French dip uses real turkey breast, not sliced deli meat. The au jus was nice and hot and not too salty. Also on the menu are beer battered halibut and chips with tartar sauce, charbroiled one-third pound gourmet burgers, several pasta dishes and several choices of steaks and fish filets. Average price: $7.50-$8.50. (Reviewed June 21)
Todo Mexico (19953 Ballinger Way, Shoreline, 206-363-5051): Food is made from scratch using classic Mexican recipes, offering creative dishes from many different states of Mexico. Red and green salsas are homemade and guacamole is blended by hand daily using ripe avocados. Try the special: Seafood enchilada, two enchiladas stuffed with tender shrimp, scallops and Dungeness crab in a cream sauce, topped with tomatillo sauce, a recipe from the city of Ixtapa, Mexico. Plates are large, so bring an appetite or take a to-go box. Average meal cost: Lunch, $4.75-$8.95; Dinner, $4.95-$13.95. (Reviewed June 7)
Billy McHale’s (18430 33rd Ave. W., Lynnwood, 425-775-8500): Specializing in steaks and ribs, don’t miss the broiled salmon with caper butter. Kid friendly, with a wide selection of burgers and salads, plus generous sides: house salad, baked beans, bread and their own twice baked potato. Finger food, such as chicken quesadillas and “onion loaf,” are served with tasty sauces and compliment the 31 flavors of margaritas offered. Meal cost: lunch from $7.25, dinner $7.95-$17.95, avg. dinner, $12. (Reviewed May 31)
Frida’s Mexican Restaurant (3226 132nd St. SE, Bothell, 425-357-8606): Providing a few of the basics found at many Mexican restaurants, the overall theme here is one of creativity. Available are the standard burritos, enchiladas and tacos, but artistic dishes such as Ensalada Alameda (mixed greens, apple, crumbled bleu cheese and glazed pecans topped with a light dressing of oil vinegar, lemon and shallots) are the speciality. A variety of vegetarian delights grace the menu; for those who are there to be a little more decadent, there are a wide array of desserts. Avg. meal: $6-$12. (Reviewed May 24)
Lone Star Barbecue &Dogzz (4029 196th St. SW., Lynnwood, 425-774-4255): Lone Star delivers everything you’d expect from a quaint barbeque establishment, keeping it simple, saucy and a tad bit sloppy. The modest menu offers three savory sandwiches to choose from: BBQ beef brisket, pork or chicken. Partnered with a side of baked beans or cole slaw makes for a quick and delicious lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. Avg. meal: $6-$10. (Reviewed May 17)
Leena’s Cafe (17732 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline, 206-364-4919): A mixture of traditional American fare, Italian and Greek items, the servings are big, so come hungry. Breakfast can start off with one of 13 four-egg omelettes; lunch can be burgers, halibut fish and chips or Italian specialities such as canneloni, lasagna and baked spaghetti. Dinner entrees range from pasta dinners to ribeye steak and prawns, or salmon. Expect professional, prompt and courteous service. Plate cost: $5.25-$15.95. (Reviewed May 10)
Five Corners Teriyaki (8410 Main St., Edmonds, 425-774-5775): New ownership elevates teriyaki to a new level, adding tofu stir fry and a chicken-deep fried tofu combo, plus a “China Express” menu — barbecue pork, kung pao chicken or shrimp, Mongolian beef, broccoli beef, chicken saute, vegetable stir fry, chow mein and fried rice. Dining area is comfortable, though small, which makes it primarily a take-out restaurant — but perks of eating in include free jasmine tea and ice water. Plate cost: $4.99-$6.25. (Reviewed April 26)
Jimbo’s Family Restaurant (19626 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, 425-778-1111): A dining staple for 41 years, Jimbo’s offers a wide range of combinations and entrees for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Plate-sized pancakes are filling; bacon and sausage are always top rate. Jimbo’s speciality is fish and chips, but hamburgers, steaks, chicken and seafood are also popular. Leave room for home made pies, ice cream and other goodies. Plate cost: $5-$8. (Reviewed April 19)
Pastry Cafe (3225 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Suite D, Lynnwood, 425-774-1828): Famous for its pastries but the sandwiches are HUGE and made on homemade bread with quality fresh ingredients. The French dip is exceptional. The Cafe also offers extensive catering options, from decadent desserts, specialty and wedding cakes, plus sandwich trays, fruit and veggie trays along with pastry or mini dessert trays. (Reviewed April 12)
Maddox Grill (638 NW. Richmond Beach Road, Shoreline, 206-542-4766): Quiet and cozy, with dim lighting for a candlelight effect, it offers a warm dining atmosphere. The wait staff is professional and courteous and always on their toes. The food is excellent; clam chowder or fish and chips are great appetizers, grilled halibut with butter is light and simple, the chocolate mousse is decadent. Average plate cost: $17. (Reviewed March 29)
A.P. Barbara’s (4025 196th St. SW., Lynnwood, 425-672-3666): Servings are big and hearty, so take your appetite or take a to-go box. Lunch ranges from soup and salads to sandwiches and melts, to “gargantuan burgers” and pita sandwiches; for dinner, baby back ribs, pork chops, southern fried chicken, or a Mediterranean entree. Also a specialty: baked spaghetti with Italian sausage. Or try a pizza. They prepare their dough and sauce fresh daily. Average meal cost: breakfast, $5.95-$8.95; lunch, $6.75- $9.95; dinner, $9.95-$14.95. (Reviewed March 22)
La Palmera (1018 164th St. SE. #A14, Mill Creek Square, 425-741-9292): Popular dishes are beef or chicken fajitas (the dinner special on Wednesdays) and carne asada, the special on Tuesdays, thin slices of skirt steak cooked over charcoal, served with rice, beans and tortillas. New dishes include vegetarian fajitas made with seasoned onions, green peppers and mushrooms; and Baja enchiladas made with baby shrimp, jack cheese, green sauce and topped with sour cream. Average meal cost: lunch, $5.95-$9.95; dinner $7.95-$13.95. (Reviewed March 14)
Dave’s Burgers (19509 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, 425-672-1470): For the on-the-go crowd, flame-broiled burgers and a wide array of sandwiches are a definite step up from franchise fast-food eats. It’s tough to beat the bacon cheeseburger; gardenburgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, corn dogs and fish and chips are also popular choices, along with a variety of tasty floats and fresh fruit shakes as well as the staple flavors. Average meal cost: $5 to $7 (cash only). (Reviewed March 7)
Happy Teriyaki (19505 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, 425-771-0880): The standard is teriyaki chicken, skinless, boneless charbroiled meat served with steamed white rice and stir-fried vegetables. The servings are generous and light eaters may find the $5.25 item will get them through two meals. Plate cost: $4.50-$7.50. Teriyaki Grill (16725 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood, 425-742-9856): The staple is, of course, chicken teriyaki served with steamed rice and a choice of cold green salad or an unusual offering at teriyaki spots, macaroni salad. The chicken is tender, flavorful. The spicy Mongolian chicken is also popular. Plate cost: $3.99-$7.95. (Reviewed Feb. 28)
Ciao Italia (546 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds, 425-771-7950): If you’ve got a craving for a really good Italian dinner, you’d be hard pressed to do any better. Veal, seafood, beef, pork and poultry are all featured in one or more dishes. Portions are generous. Nightly specials are also featured — ravioli salmone consisted of ravioli in a smoked salmon cream sauce. Six types of 12-inch pizzas are also available. Plate cost: $11.95-$16.95. (Reviewed Jan. 31)
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