Celebrity Chef Kenji López-Alt Raves About Washington Restaurants

The New York Times bestselling author highlights his favorite spots in the Seattle area.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Celebrity chef J. Kenji López-Alt, known for his popular cookbooks and social media presence, has become a big fan of the food scene in Washington state. The James Beard Award winner, who now lives in Seattle with his family, has been sharing his favorite local restaurants on his social media channels, highlighting everything from roasted chicken and pork chops to sausage breakfast sandwiches and smash burgers.

Why it matters

As a renowned culinary expert, Kenji's restaurant recommendations carry a lot of weight, and his praise for Washington eateries could drive more visitors and attention to the local food scene. His social media influence also helps shine a spotlight on the diverse dining options available in the Seattle area.

The details

Kenji, who previously worked as a test cook for America's Test Kitchen, has lived in Seattle for several years with his wife and kids. He's become a vocal advocate for the city's restaurants, frequently highlighting his favorite spots on social media. Some of the local eateries he's raved about include a roasted chicken and pork chop spot, a breakfast sandwich shop, a coffee house known for its smash burgers, and a restaurant specializing in fried okra and Nashville-style hot chicken.

  • Kenji first visited some of these restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • He continues to share his Washington state food recommendations on an ongoing basis through his social media channels.

The players

J. Kenji López-Alt

A James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author, and social media personality who has made Seattle his home base in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“I first came here during the pandemic. I think I brought my daughter Alicia...and we sat eating this fried okra and fried chicken here in the parking lot. And it was DELICIOUS!”

— J. Kenji López-Alt, Chef (Instagram)

What’s next

Kenji is expected to continue sharing his favorite Washington state restaurant discoveries with his large social media following, potentially driving more visitors to these local eateries.

The takeaway

Kenji's endorsement of Washington's food scene highlights the state's growing reputation as a culinary destination, with diverse dining options that can appeal to both locals and tourists alike. His influence as a respected chef and author helps shine a spotlight on the vibrant food culture in the Seattle area.