An instant Central District classic upon opening in late 2020, this acclaimed Black-owned restaurant dishes up “Seattle soul" in a vibrant setting. Think exquisitely prepared soul food that pays homage to family traditions—fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, greens, and cornbread—alongside creative fare honoring Seattle's multicultural intersections, like the Fried Catfish Po’mi, a mashup of po’boy and bánh mi sandwiches. Don’t miss COMMUNION's overnight-simmered neck-bone stew, thick with lima beans and pork bones meant to be sucked clean of their smoky meat bits; it’s the chef’s mother’s time-perfected recipe.

Communion is the kind of restaurant with a line out the door, especially on Sundays, which is the only day this place does brunch. Hot tip: Order the shrimp and grits, which is made even more delicious than usual with the addition of the same homemade bloody mary mix used at the bar. Also on deck are Communion classics, like the PTL Wings, Fried Catfish Po’Mi, Better Than Yo Grandma’s Mac & Cheese, and an incredibly buttery cornbread.

Communion sits on the location of the Pacific Northwest’s first Black-owned bank, and the new apartments above aim to keep this historically Black neighborhood affordable. Chef Kristi Brown's soul food is playful enough to be interesting and traditional enough to be cohesive. Try the catfish po'mi—which situates a po boy's cornmeal fried catfish in the pickled daikon, pate, and baguette trappings of a bahn mi.

Chef Kristi Brown of the celebrated catering business That Brown Girl Cooks and her son and business partner Damon Bomar opened their "Seattle soul food" restaurant Communion in the Central District last December. Brown was a James Beard Award semi-finalist Like Add to a List for the Emerging Chef category this year, and the restaurant has been named Seattle Met's Restaurant of the Year 2021 and Eater Seattle Awards' Best New Restaurant 2021, landed a spot on Condé Nast Traveler's Best New Restaurants in the World 2021 and the New York Times' Restaurant List 2021, and received a rave review from Stranger contributor Meg van Huygen. Their SRW menu has not yet been announced, but they will be offering take-home, reheat-ready meal kits.

Kristi Brown practices her own brand of Soul food, tethering a menu of grilled pork chops and fried catfish to Seattle and its crossroads of Asian flavors. Chinatown–International District influence delivers dishes like a po’ boy–banh mi hybrid, pho-inspired gumbo, even maki rolls with cornmeal-crusted catfish. After years of catering, Brown created a neighborhood beacon in the Liberty Bank Building, the dining room’s modern edges softened with tufted booths, coppery ceiling panels, uproarious conversation, and a vintage back bar where Damon Bomar presides over drinks.

website | neighborhood: Central District ( get directions) | cuisine: soul food | price point: $$$. Central District in general is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Seattle, and Communion is a big reason why. This popular Black-owned Seattle restaurant has gained national attention from James Beard and the New York Times.

Media darlings like Communion Restaurant & Bar have become the standard bearer for authentic, yet innovative Soul cuisine. And newcomers like Metier Brewing, Seattle’s first Black-owned brewery, and mainstays like Osteria la Spiga are redefining what is typically considered a “Black food” experience.

Boasting recognition as Seattle Met’s Restaurant of the Year and one of Condé Nast’s top New Restaurants in the World in 2021, Communion is a local favorite spot for Seattle breakfast, brunch and lunch. Guests can enjoy soul food classics and vegan and gluten-free options on the lovely outdoor patio.

2350 E Union St Seattle, WA 98122 | (206) 391-8140 | website. Rated one of the best new restaurants in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler, Communion has nothing short of amazing soul food!. While it can be difficult to get a reservation for dinner, their brunch is walk-in only.

She defines Seattle Soul as "a cuisine rooted in tradition with innovations based on experiences and influences from Seattle’s lush cultural landscape." Communion invites you to "share in an experience of fellowship, homage, and Black culinary exploration.

The Who: Voted one of the top 12 best new restaurants in the world Owned by Chef Kristi Brown and Her Son Damon. They are a part of the bustling Seattle soul movement. The What: Carrying our seasonal pies and Cream puffs (Delivered fresh on Wednesdays)

🍽️ Seattle Soul / New American | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 391-8140. Communion has rightfully gotten a lot of buzz since its 2020 opening. This newer restaurant offers a dining experience that is all about community.

Note: Communion is on break, returning Jan. 18 with a special holiday menu for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then Jan. 20 for regular hours/regular menu. “It’s definitely vegan!

2350 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122Phone: 206-391-8140 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Communion R&B (@communionseattle)