6 Best Restaurants in Vancouver, Southeastern Washington

A favorite spot for special occasions, this intimate downtown bistro is highly regarded for its deftly prepared, European-influenced Northwestern cuisine, such as Spanish-style octopus a la plancha with harissa and kalamata olive oil emulsion, and cocoa-and-chile-rubbed New York strip steak with red wine honey. Elements is also one of the best brunch spots in town—consider the Dungeness crab Benedict.

One of the region's best purveyors of authentic Mexico City–style tacos, this hip little counter-service cantina also boasts an impressive mezcal and margarita cocktails. About 10 reasonably priced tacos are offered, including slow-cooked brisket with fried jalapeños, garlic-roasted oyster mushrooms with salsa verde, and chorizo and crispy grilled cheese. There's a second location in the suburb of Ridgefield.

This spacious, contemporary coffeehouse turns out some of the best third-wave, single-origin coffees and espresso drinks, including nitro cold brew and mochas made with Portland's Ranger Chocolates.

This sophisticated, locally focused modern American bistro offers a relatively affordable menu, with many dinner entrées clocking in under $25, including a daily-changing risotto and a wild-salmon nicoise salad. Other highlights include one of the best cheeseburgers in town, ricotta doughnuts with caramel sauce for dessert, and a well-chosen wine list with a mix of international and Northwest bottles. There's a second location in Hazel Dell, on the north side of the city.

Slick and stylish, this little dessert café is perfect for a midday sweet or an after-dinner (it's open later on Friday and Saturday evenings in summer) bowl of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake or seasonal brambleberry-crisp ice cream. Chocolate chip cookies with locally sourced Freddy Guys hazelnuts, homemade ding dongs, rhubarb-jam doughnuts, and apple hand pies are among the decadent offerings.