Tucked in a charming white-and-blue space, this eatery serves up wood-fired European and NW dishes, complemented by a lovely outdoor patio.
"A prominent star in the constellation of Renee Erickson’s restaurant empire, the Whale Wins provides what may be the platonic ideal of a classic Seattle brunch experience. Sunny, airy environs located in a bustling, walkable part of Fremont; a tight menu that elevates breakfast classics with iconic local ingredients (the egg-and-cheese sandwich comes on the best English muffin in the city and the buckwheat crepes are filled with Beecher’s); and damn good cocktails. Don’t miss the filled donuts, either. There’s an adjoining bottle shop and larder which is fun to poke around, particularly if you’re visiting from out of town. For those looking to get their weekend started a little early, you can get brunch Fridays here." - Sophie Grossman, Eater Staff
"The Whale Wins, a restaurant in Seattle, hosted a cookbook dinner with chef Jeremy Salamon as part of his book tour for 'Second Generation: Hungarian and Jewish Classics Reimagined for the Modern Table.' This event was part of a collaborative trend in the food industry that pairs chefs and restaurants to promote new cookbooks." - Bettina Makalintal
"The Whale Wins is perfect for when you want to eat somewhere nice, but also be healthy - despite having very little willpower. You can shake the menu and flip it over looking for the carbs, but you’ll have very little luck. What you’ll find here instead, aside from a dainty-looking dining room and patio, are mostly proteins and vegetables. Not to mention pretty modest portions. Get the salt-roasted half chicken if you want something that didn’t grow in the ground. The housemade pickles are good, too." - aimee rizzo
"A block from the Burke-Gilman Trail, this mainstay from renowned chef Renee Erickson draws inspiration from southern Europe and England. The larder and cafe plates wood-fired bites daily from its counter, leaning heavily on local vegetables, fish, and pickled treats. The fried duck egg and toast is a brunch standout, and hungry diners should eye the salt roasted half chicken carrot hummus, labneh and medjool date relish for dinner." - Kelly Knickerbocker
"The Whale Wins is pretty much the epitomy of northwest food. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful spaces around. If the weather permits, try and get a seat outside." - Wintr