Dining Out: Our Team’s Favorite Fare
Japonessa
Recommended By: Colton Howell, Structural Cad Technician
Neighborhood: Downtown
Why I Love It: Japonessa is a wonderful place if you want high- quality sushi for a reasonable price. A Japanese and Latin fusion restaurant, Japonessa serves everything from ordinary sushi dishes to fresh fish from the Pike Place. They also have deep fried sushi – if you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out! The main dining space is large and can accommodate groups, and the bar area makes for a great casual dining option and a cool restaurant centerpiece. Japonessa is just a few blocks away from us here at CPL, so we can vouch to their stellar happy hour too.
Pro Tip: Make sure you reserve a table beforehand, it can get busy. And order the calamari salad!
Il Corvo
Recommended by: Yuting Ci, Structural Project Engineer
Neighborhood: Downtown
Why I love it: Who doesn’t love PASTA!? Il Corvo specializes in pasta, making theirs fresh each day. Their menu rotates daily, and the three dishes of the day are released on Instagram. Hours are limited, as they’re only open from 11-3 on weekdays, but it’s a favorite lunch spot for many in the office.
Pro tip: Prepare for a wait. Il Corvo is popular and one line takes both dine-in and take-out orders (there’s no advanced ordering option). But, it’s worth the wait! My advice: bring a book or choose to go on a sunny day where the wait will be pleasant.
Stoneburner
Recommended by: Mariah Canton, Marketing Coordinator
Neighborhood: Ballard
Why I love it: I LOVE the brunch here! Not only is the restaurant beautiful (furnished with architectural objects and antiques from all over the world), the food itself is crave-worthy. My favorite dish on the menu is the “Big Toast” – Dungeness crab, poached eggs, bacon, and greens, all atop a giant slice of fresh bread. Yum. Honorable mention goes to their “Breakfast Pizza.” Order it, you won’t regret it. The best part? They take reservations! A game-changer for busy weekend mornings.
Pro Tip: If everyone in your party is over 21, ask for one of the booths in the bar area along the windows. You’ll feel like you’re dining outside…without actually dining outside. They’re the best seats in town! (Especially in the summer when they open up the windows!).
Caspian
Recommended by: Jay Khairkhah, Civil CAD Technician
Neighboorhood: Bellevue
Why I love it: Caspian probably makes the best Persian food in Washington and it’s the perfect place for those who would like to try something new. You can count on them to serve quality food and provide excellent service. I take my family here regularly, especially during “Nowruz” (the beginning of spring) when the restaurant is beautified with traditional décor.
Pro Tip: My recommendations would be Lamb Kabab, Chicken Skewer Kabab, Saffron Rice, and any of the traditional appetizer plates!