On Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Explore Seattle Southside announced the winners of the inaugural Best of Seattle Southside People’s Choice Awards, a community-driven program celebrating the region’s standout food and drink destinations across south King County.
After 11 weeks and more than 8,000 votes cast, the awards recognize the restaurants, cafés, and eateries that captured the hearts — and appetites — of locals and visitors alike.
Categories spanned everything from brunch and bubble tea to tacos, dumplings, and halal cuisine, highlighting the culinary diversity that defines Seattle Southside.
“The Best of Seattle Southside Awards truly reflects the voices of our community,” said Explore Seattle Southside CEO Mark Everton. “These winners showcase the incredible range of flavors and cultures that make Seattle Southside one of the most exciting dining destinations in the region, and we’re proud to celebrate the local businesses that make our food scene so special.”
2026 Best of Seattle Southside People’s Choice Award Winners
- Bubble Tea: Chicha San Chen
- Halal: Supreme Wings
- Coffee: Neighborhood Café
- Pizza: Tandoori Slice
- Dessert: 85°C Bakery
- Happy Hour: Jamar’s Sports Bar and Grill
- Brunch: 13 Coins
- Noodles: Dong Thap Noodles
- Dumplings: Din Tai Fung
- Tacos: Birrieria La Santa Tacos & More
Launched in October 2025, the Best of Seattle Southside Awards invited the public to vote for their favorite food and drink spots through December 31, 2025.
The program was designed to put recognition directly in the hands of the community while spotlighting the small businesses and beloved institutions that contribute to the region’s dynamic culinary identity.
The Best of Seattle Southside Awards are intended to become an annual tradition, continuing to elevate the people, places, and flavors that make Seattle Southside a first-choice destination for food lovers.
For more information on the winners and to explore Seattle Southside’s dining scene, visit:
seattlesouthside.com/best-of-seattle-southside
About Explore Seattle Southside
Explore Seattle Southside (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) has a bold vision to reimagine the way people travel. Established in 1999, Explore Seattle Southside is the destination marketing organization for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines and beyond. Also known as the curiously wonderful destination for exploring the Pacific Northwest, Explore Seattle Southside showcases the Seattle Southside region with pride and imagination as an ideal travel destination for leisure and business travelers to explore Western Washington and as an idyllic place for meeting and event planners to hold their events. Explore Seattle Southside is funded by a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment and was recognized three years in a row, 2023-2025—thanks to a commitment to empowering employees and an ambitious vision for the future—as one of Washington State’s Top 100 Best Workplaces. Learn more at www.seattlesouthside.com.
