5 Best Restaurants in First Hill, Seattle

Sitting at the intersection of First Hill and Capitol Hill, Boon Boona blends the coffee culture of two worlds: Seattle and East Africa. The space is inspired by the founder's Eritrean roots, and serves as a place to slow down and enjoy coffee as a ritual and an opportunity to connect with family and friends. In an effort to support small coffee growers, Boon Boona serves coffee exclusively from Africa, roasting beans from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, and Kenya. Choose from a selection of hot and cold coffee drinks, a few teas and matchas, and a small selection of sandwiches and pastries. 

For nearly 40 years, George's has sold delicious deli sandwiches in a small market filled with Polish and Eastern European groceries. Try George's special sandwich—stuffed with three Polish meats, cheese, and horseradish—with a side of pierogis for an authentic taste of home-cooked Polish fare.

New Yorkers say this family-owned place comes close to the pizza they know and love, with thin crusts and just the right proportions of red sauce and cheese. Pizzas topped with meatballs or veggies like artichokes and black olives are available, though regulars vote to keep things simple with the cheese or pepperoni pie. Salads, lasagna, and garlic knots are also on the menu—and save room for a bite (or two) of homemade cannoli. 

An early-morning crowd lines up here for flaky pastries, bagels, coffee, and cookies. While the sweet treats are the main draw to the aptly named cafe (think lavender shortbread, frosted sugar cookies, and confetti cake), the freshly made soups, quiche, and sandwiches are also tasty.

The big windows and modern, Scandinavian-esque design accented by light woods, bookshelves, plants, and a record player make this a popular spot among locals for a remote working space. URL's drink menu is simple, focusing mostly on coffee drinks (serving Maru roasts), as well as a few teas. The kitchen serves a small but popular menu of tasty toasts and sandwiches Tuesday through Saturday—but come early, as food tends to sell out, especially on weekends.