Passatempo Taverna

"In the beloved former Pastime Cafe space on Main Street, Passatempo’s retro neon sign — styled from the remnants of the old diner’s 1927 sign — is like a fishing lure for hungry tourists. Walla Walla-born chef Sam Shelton brings her chops from Michelin spots in San Francisco and France, keeping things a little more casual and cozy on her rustic Italian menu. Passatempo’s main event is classic handmade pasta, although the glorious Snake River Farm pork chop and Double D Ranch tomahawk rib-eye are just as dazzling. There’s a great selection of cocktails, and owner Mike Martin also owns the Walls Winery, so his bold, sometimes experimental wines are repping strong in the beverage program, too." - Meg van Huygen

"This excellent Italian spot is a Walla Walla staple, and the patio in particular is a big reason why. It’s very serene in the summertime, with an abundance of bamboo and fancy outdoor furniture that makes other restaurants’ sidewalk sets look dinky. Split everything, including margherita pies, eggy carbonara, rigatoni bolognese, and mandatory rounds of fluffy focaccia saturated in olive oil. Afterward, head a few blocks down to Karaoke Palace, where you can drink hard seltzers and belt pop songs among the bachelorette parties and off-duty winemaker hangs." - aimee rizzo

"The menu at this trendy tavern is based around handmade pastas and pizzas, fresh salads, and grilled meats — including a tomahawk steak from Okanogan County’s Double R Ranch that will make you swoon. The bar program here is impeccable, if you’re looking for a pretty craft or classic cocktail. The spicy pepperoni pizza and the excellently crafted negroni complement each other perfectly." - Stephanie Forrer

"This excellent Italian spot is a Walla Walla staple, and the patio in particular is a big reason why. It’s very serene in the summertime, with an abundance of bamboo and fancy outdoor furniture that make other restaurants’ sidewalk sets look dinky in comparison. Split everything, including margherita pies, eggy carbonara, rigatoni bolognese, and mandatory rounds of fluffy focaccia saturated in olive oil. Afterward, head a few blocks down to Karaoke Palace, where you can drink hard seltzers and belt pop songs among the bachelorette parties and off-duty winemaker hangs." - Aimee Rizzo

"The kitchen here creates simple, meticulously prepared central Italian fare using local ingredients; even the flour comes from a small Walla Walla producer. The rotating menu focuses on handmade pasta, pizza, and grilled meats." - Matthew Lombardi