With more and more people adopting a plant-based or gluten-free diet, the Inland Northwest's chefs have taken note. Among the 100+ restaurants participating in Inlander Restaurant Week, diners will be pleased to find that many of them are inclusive of various dietary restrictions, without sacrificing taste. Even if you're an omnivore or carb lover, these dishes are still well worth your while.
RÜT BAR & KITCHEN on the lower South Hill is a bastion for vegan delicacies in Spokane. Their menu for Restaurant Week is no exception, and includes cauliflower wings, a Korean "chicken" sandwich and "beef" rigatoni Bolognese.
Downtown's new craft cocktail lounge, PURE NORTHWEST, is serving up honey Brussels sprouts as a vegetarian (and GF) appetizer, alongside a gluten-free shrimp and grits main course, plus even more choices. On the other edge of downtown, MARYHILL WINERY TASTING ROOM & BISTRO makes veggies the star with a selection of salads, plus their king oyster mushroom "scallops." The mushrooms, first seared, are served with lemon caper beurre blanc and rice pilaf.
Plant-powered food doesn't always have to be healthy greens. VICTORY BURGER offers gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options for two of its classic burgers. Similarly, THE FLYING GOAT has pizza like its eggplant and curry pies that are vegetarian but can also be prepared vegan and/or gluten-free upon request. Its sister eatery REPUBLIC PI is also offering both vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Other dietary-friendly Italian options include the eggplant and potato Greek lasagna from GARDEN PARTY and the mushroom risotto (also gluten-free) from INLAND PACIFIC KITCHEN. Indulge in Mediterranean comfort food at BABA, with vegetarian options like potato latkes, shakshuka and African peanut stew (also gluten free).
GILDED UNICORN is also coming in clutch for vegans and wheat-abstainers with its chickpea tacos, corn tortillas loaded with fried chickpeas, cilantro lime slaw, mango pico de gallo, salsa roja and smashed avocado. And for dessert, the Fruity Treat Sammie features dairy-free oat milk ice cream.
