CAPITOL HILL. Known as Seattle's top vegetarian spot, this restaurant's menu is innovative and flavorful enough to win over even the most ardent carnivores. Have brunch in the sunny atrium and enjoy the soothing sounds of the indoor waterfall. Dishes such as cornmeal pancakes in pomegranate sauce or beignets with berries and ginger cream anglaise are served with complimentary fresh-squeezed orange juice. You'll also find plenty of specialty teas and juice blends to choose from as well. Call ahead seating only.

GREENWOOD. Residents of Seattle's north side definitely count themselves lucky to have this gourmet vegetarian nearby, where the innovative kitchen emphasizes local seasonal produce, grains, cheeses, and herbs, most of it organic. Specialties include English pea agnolotti with asparagus and foraged mushrooms, heirloom tomato risotto cakes with artichoke hearts and summer squash, and parsnip gnocchi with vanilla butter and rapini. For those looking to add a touch of romance, ask for a table on the garden patio out back. It's heated, too, so you can enjoy al fresco dining well into the cooler months.

PIONEER SQUARE & INT'L DISTRICT. This friendly Seventh Ave eatery is known far and wide for its dim sum, and many Seattle insiders have even gone so far as to grant China Gate's 100-item menu the title of "best in town." Specialties include fresh crab, shrimp, lobster, and squid, and familiar favorites like sweet & sour pork, almond-fried chicken, and Peking duck. The brightly lit main dining area is dominated by hues of jade green and traditional renderings of dragons and phoenixes; the live seafood tanks up front help complete this quintessentially Chinese-American scene. Dim sum is served late into the night, too!

WALLINGFORD. This unique culinary treasure beckons diners with exotic aromas and delicious Middle Eastern fare. Indeed, a warm, friendly scene awaits, complete with eager servers, photos of the Afghan countryside, and live sitar music. Hints of cumin, saffron, and garlic preface dishes like spiced lamb, chicken, and eggplant. Candle-lit tables and an international wine list complete the effect.

BELLEVUE. Mayuri's mouthwatering lunch buffet is one of the most popular offerings at this neighborhood hot spot. For one low price, guests can choose from numerous Indian favorites ­ or try them all! The à la carte menu features combination meals that let you enjoy your favorites and also try something new. Don't miss vegetable curry, pakoras, and, of course, freshly baked naan bread.