Breakfast and Coffee by the Ferry
Blackbird Bakery
Blackbird's pastry case tends to stop people mid-stride, filled with morning glory muffins, potato-cheddar quiche and pear-anise scones. Reach for the signature Downtowner, a rolled, crisp croissant finished with vanilla sugar. Don't skip the toast either: it arrives sturdy and flavorful with jam, a good pick when you want something simpler.
Coquette Bake Shop
Join the locals chatting over coffee and pastries at Coquette, a cheerful Winslow bakery. Try the Zest for Life, strips of croissant dough twisted with orange cardamom sugar. It is a fine choice when you want a sweet start and a feel for island life.
Pegasus Coffee House
Settle in at Pegasus, which has been roasting since 1980 and says it was the first spot in the Seattle area to pour espresso over the counter. The room carries the warmth of a classic European coffee house, and its communal seating invites you to stay a while. The food is good too, and it pairs nicely with a walk along the nearby marina and its public art.
Lunch in Winslow
Sauce Nouvelle
Peek into the open kitchen at Sauce Nouvelle and you will see something closer to a lab, with beakers on the counters and recipe formulas written on the fridge. It is run by a molecular gastronomist whose résumé includes Canlis and Alinea in Chicago. The menu keeps to soups, salads and sandwiches, and the standout Corn Relish Corn Beef layers mangosteen mango chutney, romaine, white cheddar and sumac aioli on ciabatta.
Proper Fish
Head to Proper Fish for a classic fish and chips lunch in Winslow. A remarkably long piece of cod comes in a light, crisp batter, served in a basket on newspaper with fries and mushy peas. It is a hearty meal, so arrive hungry or plan to share.
Dinner Before the Boat Home
Agate Restaurant
Book a table at Agate, near the ferry terminal at 500 Winslow Way East. The restaurant began in 2008 as a small bistro in Suquamish and moved to its new building here after a decade. The family-run kitchen works with local farmers, foragers and producers on a contemporary American menu of Northwest meats, wild-caught seafood, freshly milled grains and organic vegetables.
Pair your meal with a pour from the thoughtful wine list or one of the creative cocktails. Set behind the art museum, the dining room suits anniversaries and date nights. Agate also hosts groups and private parties, and you can make reservations through its website.
HI LIFE
Craving poke? Make HI LIFE your dinner stop, since that is the dish it is best known for. It offers a casual alternative to a sit-down evening at Agate before you head back across the water.
Between Meals on the Island
Walking off lunch is easy here. Follow hiking trails beyond town to the island's rocky shoreline and wide water views, and pause at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, a moving stop that recalls the island's Japanese American farming families. If that kind of visit appeals to you, browse more Seattle-area landmarks with deep local history.
Back in Winslow, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art sits right among the restaurants and has offered free entry, though it is wise to confirm before you go. To round out your ferry day, look through our guide to things to do in Seattle and our overview of Seattle parks and green spaces.
Tips for Eating in Winslow
- Go on foot. Everything here is a short walk from the ferry, so leaving the car in Seattle makes sense for most visitors.
- Pace yourself. Bakeries, coffee, lunch and dinner add up fast, so consider sharing plates at bigger stops like Proper Fish.
- Book dinner ahead. Agate takes reservations and party bookings online, which helps on busy weekends.
- Confirm hours. Small island businesses can change their schedules by season, so check before you plan your day around one spot.
Exploring more of the region? Our Seattle neighborhood guides cover where to eat back on the mainland.
Hours and menus change, so check each business's own website for current details before you go.
