Embark on a culinary tour this spring to Thurston County, famous for its indulgent eats along the 60-mile loop coined the Thurston Bountiful Byway. These fan-favorite spots cater to all palates with chef-driven, globally-inspired fare. The following are five restaurants to visit in Thurston County this spring.
Bacco Trattoria Italiana
Transporting diners to the heart of Italy, Chef Riccardo’s Bacco Trattoria Italiana offers an authentic taste of Gaeta, Italy and brings it to the focal point of Olympia. From tantalizing antipasti to hearty pasta and succulent secondi (a meat, fish or vegetable main), every dish celebrates Italian culinary heritage. Bacco Trattoria Italiana is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit baccotrattoriaitaliana.com.
Banh Mi Saigon 8
Olympia
For a taste of Vietnam in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than Banh Mi Saigon 8. This beloved eatery is renowned for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, featuring Banh Mi sandwiches, vibrant vermicelli noodle dishes and the star of the show: hot pot, a flavorful broth with all of the fixings brought to the table and left simmering. Banh Mi Saigon 8 is open Wednesday to Monday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in Olympia’s Tanglewilde Shopping Center. For more information, visit banhmisaigon8.com.
Basilico Ristorante
Olympia
A quaint yet high-end destination in Downtown Olympia, Basilico Ristorante is a Northern Italian-inspired restaurant serving up meticulously crafted handmade pasta, slow-simmered sauces and an extensive wine list that perfectly complements each dish. Since 2005, this staple has offered authentic plates and modern renditions to those with gluten sensitivities and dietary restrictions, including vegan and vegetarian plates. This must-visit restaurant in Thurston County is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit ristorantebasilico.com.
Beau Legs Fish & Chips
Lacey
Craving Southern comfort food? Look no further than Beau Legs Fish & Chips in Lacey. Since 2009, this charming restaurant has been serving up Southern delicacies, from crispy fried catfish to hearty gumbo and flavorful po’boys (don’t forget to order a side of hushpuppies to complete your Southern feast!). This family-owned restaurant in Thurston County is open Monday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit beaulegs.com.
Curry Corner
Lacey
Tucked away in a strip mall in Lacey, Curry Corner is a hidden gem offering a taste of Northern Indian cuisine in Lacey. This restaurant in Thurston County is currently take-out-only (perfect for those on a road trip of the Thurston Bountiful Byway) and offers a rich lineup of traditional dishes, including butter chicken, lamb curry and Chana Masala. Curry Corner is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit currycorner.us.