May 30, 2025

Eat Like a Local in Walla Walla, Washington

In Walla Walla, food and wine go hand in hand — and downtown Walla Walla is where it all comes alive. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and small farms, this charming town has evolved into one of the Northwest’s hidden culinary gems. Spend just a few days here, and you’ll quickly realize: it’s not just about the wine. The Walla Walla restaurant scene is just as rich, vibrant, and worth savoring. Many of the restaurants offer curated wine lists featuring the best of the Walla Walla Valley, alongside select favorites from regions afar.

If you’re craving Southern flavors with a Northwest twist, Hattaway’s on Alder is a must. Highlights include:

Confit Duck with dirty rice and seasonal vegetables
Pimento Cheese Spread featuring Beecher’s flagship cheddar
Thoughtful wine pairings showcasing Walla Walla’s best reds

Just a few blocks away, Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen brings Mediterranean inspiration to downtown Walla Walla. You’ll want to try:

Patatas Bravas - Fingerling potatoes with saffron aioli, spicy tomato sauce, and chili pepper.
Kebbeh Nayyeh - raw all-natural ground lamb and beef tartare, cracked wheat, pastirma spices, roasted pepper, garlic, radish, local sweet onion, fresh herbs & house-made pita
Thoughtfully curated wine selections featuring both local and international wines, complemented by a menu of inventive cocktails.

Looking for a lively, casual spot? Passatempo Taverna serves handmade pastas and craft cocktails in a cozy setting. Favorites here include:

Spicy Pepperoni Pizza (locals love it!)
Tagliatelle Bolognese with housemade pasta
Rotating seasonal cocktails and curated Pacific Northwest wines

Looking for something charming and classically French? Brasserie Four is a longtime favorite in downtown Walla Walla, offering elegant European fare in a cozy, bistro-style setting. It’s the kind of place where locals linger over a glass of wine and a good conversation. Don’t miss:

Steak Frites with herb butter and hand-cut fries
Moules Marinières (mussels in white wine and garlic)
A beautifully curated wine list with selections from both Walla Walla and France

Whether you're sitting at a sidewalk table under the string lights or tucking into dessert (the tarte tatin is beloved), Brasserie Four brings a little Parisian flair to this vibrant wine town.

For an elegant evening out, TMACS is a perfect blend of upscale dining and small-town warmth. A longtime staple in downtown Walla Walla, the restaurant offers globally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients — all within a stylish, modern space. Standout dishes include:

Seafood Risotto with local shellfish and saffron cream
Ricotta- and Truffle-Stuffed Agnolotti
A thoughtful wine list featuring both Walla Walla vintages and international gems

Of course, no visit would be complete without a proper brunch. Locals love Maple Counter Café, a family-run staple serving up:

Blueberry Cobbler French Toast
New Yorker Sandwich stacked high
Fresh-brewed coffee in a warm, welcoming atmosphere

Across town, for a truly special meal, The Kitchen at Abeja is worth the short drive. Set inside the historic Abeja Winery, this restaurant offers:

Lamb Loin with spring vegetables
Seared Salmon with lemon beurre blanc
Intimate seating with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients

Walla Walla Is Where Food and Wine Tell the Same Story

No matter where you dine, you’ll notice a common thread: a deep respect for ingredients, craft, and community. Walla Walla chefs aren’t just creating meals — they’re telling the story of the valley, one plate at a time.

When you visit The Drayman House, downtown Walla Walla’s culinary heart is just a short stroll away. Whether you’re craving a farm-fresh breakfast, a leisurely wine-paired dinner, or simply a cozy café to sip coffee and watch the town wake up, you’ll find yourself immersed in a food culture as rich and welcoming as the valley itself.

Come hungry — and leave inspired.

Make The Drayman House Part of Your Walla Walla Food and Wine Journey

Walla Walla, Washington is more than just a foodie's dream or wine lover’s haven — it’s a place where every meal feels personal, every wine tells a story, and community is always on the menu. Whether you're sipping wine on a sunny patio or enjoying a chef’s tasting downtown, the local flavor here runs deep.

As you explore the best of downtown Walla Walla restaurants, consider how to make this valley not just a destination, but part of your ongoing wine journey. Located just steps from the culinary heart of town, The Drayman House is a professional wine storage facility rooted in local heritage and built for collectors, enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike.

Originally constructed to store freight from the railroad, our historic building now offers:

Climate-controlled wine storage
Personalized cellar organization services
Inventory management designed for ease and access

Members enjoy far more than secure storage. With access to exclusive sommelier consultations, curated Walla Walla wine events, and versatile gathering spaces — including our member lounge, sensory room, and conference room — The Drayman House is where wine and community come together.

Whether you’re just passing through or settling into wine country, membership at The Drayman House is your invitation to stay connected, stay curated, and stay close to what you love most about wine.