Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or visiting Bellingham for the first time, the city’s lunch scene offers something for everyone. From waterfront dining with spectacular bay views to cozy cafes tucked into historic neighborhoods, Bellingham restaurants showcase the Pacific Northwest’s commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative cuisine. Here’s your guide to the best lunch spots in Bellingham that are currently open and serving delicious midday meals.
Waterfront Dining with a View
Lighthouse Bar & Grill
For an unforgettable lunch experience, Lighthouse Bar & Grill offers panoramic views of Bellingham Bay and the islands while serving innovative Northwest cuisine OpenTable. The menu changes seasonally and features locally-sourced seafood, vegetables, and meats Bellinghambankbuilding. Perfect for a special lunch meeting or when you want to impress out-of-town guests.
Address: 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner
Website: lighthousebar.com
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill at Squalicum Harbor
Located on Squalicum Harbor with spectacular views of the San Juan Islands and Bellingham Bay, Anthony’s specializes in Northwest designer beef and fresh seafood OpenTable. Their hearthfire cooking method adds a unique touch to every dish, making it an excellent choice for a hearty lunch.
Address: Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, WA 98225
Website: anthonys.com
Note: Reservations recommended
B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar
B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar brings a fusion of Pacific Northwest, Asian and Mediterranean influences, offering fresh-caught, sustainably sourced fish and shellfish OpenTable. Conveniently located near downtown in the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
Address: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Bellingham, WA
Cuisine: Pacific Northwest fusion with raw bar
Downtown Bellingham Favorites
Aslan Brewing Company
This iconic brewery features rotating taps including specialty hazy beers and upscale brewery food like waffle fry poutine, Korean BBQ tofu, bison burger, and Hawaiian pork tacos Bellinghambankbuilding. Aslan’s mission emphasizes organic beer production and local, sustainable ingredients Bellinghambankbuilding. It’s a must-visit spot that perfectly captures Bellingham’s craft beer culture.
Address: 1330 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-2088 or (360) 393-4106
Email: [email protected]
Website: aslanbrewing.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-10pm
Aslan Depot (sister location for barrel-aged beers)
Address: 1322 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 641-5737
Hours: Monday-Friday 3pm-11pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-11pm
Black Sheep
Located on Holly Street, Black Sheep offers affordable margaritas and excellent street-style tacos Bellinghambankbuilding. The restaurant is 21+ and has become an iconic Bellingham establishment with a delicious cocktail menu and breakfast options earlier in the day Restaurantji. Try the Black Sheep Taco Salad for a shareable lunch option.
Address: 211 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 441-0180 or (360) 526-2109
Email: [email protected]
Website: blacksheepbellingham.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm, Friday 11:30am-11pm, Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-10pm
Note: 21+ only, dog-friendly outdoor seating
Mount Bakery Cafe
Known for delicious baked goods made daily and serving “Bellingham’s Best Bennies,” Mount Bakery Cafe offers croissants, scones, cakes, and American breakfast and lunch fare Noms Magazine. Their eggs benedict on a savory waffle is a local favorite.
Downtown Location:
Address: 308 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 715-2195
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-2pm (may extend to 3pm)
Fairhaven Location:
Address: 1217 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-1261
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-2pm
Website: mountbakery.com
Note: Both locations offer covered outdoor seating
Old World Deli
Half artisan deli and half specialty grocer, Old World Deli makes sausage, smoked bacon, and roasted meats in-house Bellinghambankbuilding. While meat-heavy, they also offer delicious vegetarian sandwiches and salads. Check their Facebook page for the daily soup special.
Address: Downtown Bellingham
Note: Check Facebook for soup of the day specials
The Black Cat
A downtown favorite for great food and drink in a welcoming atmosphere.
Address: 1200 Harris Ave Ste 310, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 10am-11pm
ANMLY
This refreshingly simple cafe is perfect for a light lunch followed by coffee, with a nutrient-dense, vegetarian-friendly menu featuring avocado and smashed pea tacos and the All-Time bowl Bellinghambankbuilding.
Address: 119 N Commercial Street #130, Bellingham, WA 98225
Note: Zero waste focus – uses returnable glass jars instead of single-use plastics
Locus
One of Bellingham’s highest-rated lunch spots, consistently praised for excellent food and service.
Address: 120 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA
Old Town Cafe
A classic Bellingham spot for casual dining.
Address: 316 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225
International Flavors
Rock and Rye Oyster House
A family-owned restaurant in the historic Bellingham Herald Building, Rock and Rye serves New American cuisine with an extensive seafood menu featuring sustainable local seafood Noms Magazine. Known for fresh oysters and craft cocktails.
Address: 1145 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 746-6130
Website: rockrye.com
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 4pm-10pm, Sunday 4pm-9pm, Closed Monday
Note: Happy hour 3pm-6pm and 9pm-close
Muto
Muto offers lunch specials with combinations like a 4-piece Spicy Tuna Roll for $2.50, small Beef Curry for $3.50, or a spicy karaage bowl for $3.95 Bellinghambankbuilding. The lunch menu is perfect for filling up without breaking the bank.
Address: 119 N Commercial Street #130, Bellingham, WA 98225
Note: Closed Tuesdays
KuruKuru Sushi
This conveyor belt sushi restaurant near Squalicum Harbor lets you choose your favorite Japanese sushi rolls as they pass by on the sushi-go-round, with pricing by plate color Visit Bellingham. It’s an interactive and budget-friendly lunch experience where you only pay for what you eat.
Location: Near Squalicum Harbor and Hotel Bellwether
Bry’s Filipino Cuisine
The restaurant serves specialty cocktails, lumpia, and Filipino-style grilled pork AOL. This is a great spot to experience authentic Filipino flavors.
Address: 1151 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm
D’Anna’s Cafe
For Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts, this cafe serves delicious dishes including Shrimp Spring Rolls, Mi Bò Kho, and Grilled Chicken and Pork Chops Rice Plates Noms Magazine. The fresh flavors and generous portions make it an excellent lunch choice.
El Agave Mexican Restaurant
Fresh, authentic Mexican food in a comfortable family environment at affordable prices.
Address: 4285 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA
Phone: (360) 752-2422
Fairhaven Neighborhood Gems
Skylark’s Hidden Cafe
Offering a diverse menu from traditional to contemporary recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Skylark’s features a full-service bar with beers, wines, and cocktails OpenTable. The elegant decor makes it ideal for a date lunch, and they regularly host special happy hour promotions and live jazz.
Address: Fairhaven Village, Bellingham, WA
Features: Outdoor patio, beer garden, live jazz on weekends
Estelle
Located in Fairhaven, Estelle serves creative comfort food and craft cocktails OpenTable. They accept online reservations but also encourage walk-ins, making it a flexible option for spontaneous lunch plans.
Address: Fairhaven neighborhood, Bellingham, WA
Note: Accepts online reservations and walk-ins
Colophon Cafe
A Fairhaven favorite with prime outdoor seating right next to the Fairhaven Village Green.
Address: Near Fairhaven Village Green
Casual & Quick Options
Community Food Co-op
This natural food grocery features a self-service organic salad bar, hot soups, daily hot dishes, and a deli case full of made-to-go sandwiches Bellinghambankbuilding. Perfect for those pressed for time or looking for gluten-free, vegan, or paleo options. There’s an upstairs eating area and WiFi available.
Features: Salad bar, hot food, deli, espresso bar
Fiamma Burger
Serving all-natural, hormone-free, Northwest beef ground fresh in-house Bellinghambankbuilding, Fiamma Burger is the place for burger lovers. Their commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every bite.
Location: Downtown Bellingham
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza
Delicious wood-fired pizza with an open kitchen concept and a patio offering views of the San Juan Islands.
Features: Open kitchen, outdoor patio, kid-friendly, gluten-free and vegan options
Pye Hole Pizza Window
For fast, cheap pizza by the slice, head to this walk-up pizza window in Downtown Bellingham operated by La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza Visit Bellingham.
Location: Downtown Bellingham
Style: Walk-up window for quick pizza slices
Avenue Bread
With three Bellingham locations, Avenue Bread’s popular eggenue sandwich is served hot on an English Muffin with flavors like Country, Popeye with spinach, Veggie, and Gourmet Visit Bellingham. It’s a delicious and affordable breakfast sandwich option that works perfectly for lunch too.
Locations: Three locations in Bellingham
Signature Item: Eggenue breakfast sandwich
Filling Station
Fill up for cheap at this staple burger joint with two convenient locations.
Locations: Fairhaven Village and Sunnyland neighborhood (near Trader Joe’s)
Deals: Combo #1 (burger + fries) $12, Combo #2 (burger + fries + soda) a few dollars more
The Sandwich Odyssey
A highly-rated lunch spot specializing in creative, flavorful sandwiches.
Leaf & Ladle
Perfect for soup and salad lovers looking for fresh, healthy options.
Cafe Rumba
Enjoy Latin-inspired cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Purple Flamingo Cafe
A delightful breakfast and lunch spot owned by friendly proprietors.
J’s Kitchen
A local favorite consistently praised for great food and service.
New & Trending
Mercato della Bonta
This restaurant and to-go market opened in June 2024 inside the Granary Building, serving sandwiches, homemade focaccia bread, desserts, espresso drinks, and meatballs AOL.
Address: 1211 Granary Ave, Suite 127-128, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-7pm
Cuisine: Italian/New York/Greek market and cafe
Lakeline
This new restaurant at 601 Northshore Drive serves sandwiches, breakfast, coffee, cocktails, and baked goods Yahoo!.
Address: 601 Northshore Drive, Bellingham, WA
Hours: Updated weekly on Facebook
Cuisine: Sandwiches, breakfast, coffee, cocktails, baked goods
Sweet Bay Cafe & Red Star Taco Bar
Two concepts sharing one location – a breakfast cafe by day and tequila bar by night.
Sweet Bay Cafe:
Address: 1327 N State St, Bellingham, WA
Opened: October 2024
Cuisine: Breakfast classics and coffee from Seattle’s Lighthouse Coffee Roasters
Red Star Taco Bar:
Address: 1327 N State St, Bellingham, WA (same location)
Hours: 4pm-midnight
Website: redstartacobar.com
Cuisine: Eclectic tacos with stellar tequila selection
Doug’s Burgers
Doug’s Burgers opened a brick-and-mortar location serving various burgers, fries, and hoagie sandwiches AOL.
Address: 2527 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA
Hours: Daily 11am-7pm
Bella Ciao
A pizza tavern opened in March 2024, serving Midwest and Eastern-style pizzas in a tavern atmosphere AOL.
Address: 1427 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA
Hours: Daily 5pm-midnight (21+ only after 9pm)
Cuisine: Tavern-style thin-crust pizza
Tips for Lunch in Bellingham
Best for Views: Lighthouse Bar & Grill and Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill offer unbeatable waterfront scenery.
Best for Budget: Muto’s lunch specials, KuruKuru Sushi, Avenue Bread, and Filling Station offer great value.
Best for Local Flavors: Aslan Brewing and Mount Bakery Cafe showcase Bellingham’s commitment to local, sustainable ingredients.
Best for Quick Service: Community Food Co-op, Old World Deli, Pye Hole, and Avenue Bread are perfect when you’re short on time.
Best for Groups: Black Sheep and Aslan Brewing have spacious seating and diverse menus to please everyone.
Best Happy Hours: Rock and Rye Oyster House (3pm-6pm & 9pm-close) and Black Sheep (3pm-6pm daily & all day Sunday).
Why Bellingham’s Lunch Scene Stands Out
Bellingham restaurants feature hyper-local menus prepared by creative chefs using ingredients grown nearby, with wild Pacific salmon, fresh shellfish, artisan cheeses, grass-fed meats, and organic produce as highlights Visit Bellingham. The dining scene emphasizes freshness and creativity without pretension, perfectly reflecting the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Whether you’re craving sushi, tacos, burgers, or upscale Northwest cuisine, Bellingham’s lunch options deliver exceptional quality and flavor. The city’s commitment to supporting local farms and fisheries means you’re not just getting a great meal—you’re also supporting the community and enjoying some of the freshest ingredients the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Getting There
Most downtown restaurants offer street parking, though it can be challenging during peak lunch hours. Consider arriving early or using the city’s public parking garages. Many restaurants are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore multiple spots during your visit.
Ready to explore Bellingham’s incredible lunch scene? Start with these recommendations and discover your new favorite midday spot in this beautiful coastal city. Don’t forget to call ahead or check websites for the most current hours and any seasonal changes!
Note: Restaurant hours and menus are subject to change. Always call ahead or check restaurant websites for the most current information, especially for newer establishments or during holidays.
