This Washington Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

To complement its famous beauty, Washington produces some of the nation's highest-quality ingredients. With active fisheries and sprawling farmland, it's no wonder our state draws chefs from far and wide, each excited to experiment with our regional flavors. All this talent has cultivated an acclaimed culinary scene, one I'm only too lucky to write about. Still, of all these diverse eateries, The Herbfarm in Woodinville is considered by many nationwide to be one of Washington's best restaurants.

Like many established farm-to-table restaurants in Washington, The Herbfarm emerged from a deep-rooted family tradition. After purchasing property in the 1970s, Bill and Lola Zimmerman began a small-scale operation selling their produce locally. The next generation brought new ideas to the family business, with their son, Ron, and his wife, Carrie, debuting the first iteration of the now-famous eatery in 1986. The couple's budding restaurant (which operated for a time from the family garage) saw considerable success until it closed in the late nineties following a fire. It reopened in 2001 and quickly became one of the Pacific Northwest's most hallowed restaurants. Today, the kitchen is run by chefs Chris Weber and Jack Gingrich. Together, they honor the legacy of the Zimmerman family, who remain deeply involved in The Herbfarm's vision.

An AAA 5 Diamond destination with accolades from various publications, including Food & Wine and The Seattle Times, dinner at The Herbfarm is a bucket-list reservation that's well worth the price tag. Despite the cost, expect a dress code of "zhuzhed casual." While you're welcome to show up and out in your formal best, any outfit that makes a gesture toward polish will be well-regarded, in keeping with the laidback PNW custom. Though every restaurant sees regulars, most diners arrive to celebrate milestones or as part of a culinary pilgrimage. The result is a dining room that's as warmly colored by laughter as it is by candlelight and wood. It's the perfect spot to savor the multi-course menu and a selection of wines you'll dream of later.

If you fancy yourself a foodie and aspire to experience Washington's best restaurants, Woodinville's The Herbfarm is an essential stop. With its deeply felt connection to the outdoors, this renowned eatery turns the Evergreen State's outdoorsy spirit into bold flavor. Their ever-changing menu pays tribute to the land and seasons that have sustained The Herbfarm dream since the 1970s, and— for one night— you'll be part of that decades-old love song.