When I moved to Seattle in 1994, Wild Ginger was a local favorite, hidden away underneath and south of Pike Place Market, with an unusually eclectic Asian menu. Over the years, it seemed to become more popular, he quality of the food seemed to decline, and I stopped going. I once went there after work on a weekday night and the place was so crowded with singles that we could barely hear ourselves eat.
But then Wild Ginger moved to a cavernous new space (actually, a renovated old theater) on Third Avenue across the street from Benaroya Hall, and it miraculously changed. The bar (now quite separate from the main room) still hops, but the feeling of space is overwhelming and luxurious. Best of all, the food is better than ever, and it keeps getting better. I'm particularly partial to the curries and the marinated lamb, if they're offering it. But you really can't go wrong. They also have a pretty good kids menu (though you'd never expect it), so it's an excellent way to take an extended family out. It's one of my favorites in Seattle.
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