Singles’ Guide to the Best Kosher Eats in the Pacific Northwest

Finding kosher or kosher-friendly dining in the Pacific Northwest can be tough for singles. You want a meaningful meal without compromising dietary needs. While the area lacks many kosher spots, it does offer diverse restaurants that cater to different observance levels. These range from fully certified kosher to vegan, vegetarian, and kosher-style options that suit flexible diners.

This guide highlights the best places in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California, and British Columbia. We focus on ambiance, price, and how each spot creates a relaxed experience for Jewish singles. Whether it’s a first date, brunch, or a group outing, these restaurants provide welcoming environments and thoughtfully crafted menus. Keeping kosher in the Pacific Northwest can be enjoyable!

KOSHER GUIDE KEY

✔ Certified Kosher

Supervised by a recognized Vaad/kosher agency. Best for fully observant diners.

◎ Kosher-Style / Kosher-Friendly

No certification, but offers kosher-friendly dishes (vegetarian, vegan, fish, or Jewish-style food). Suitable for flex-kosher or culturally Jewish diners.

★ Vegan (Inherently Kosher-Friendly)

No meat, dairy, or seafood; easiest for kosher travelers, though not certified.

WASHINGTON

Western Washington

Gilie’s Kosher – Renton (✔ Certified Kosher)

Kosher level: Glatt kosher meat, certified by the Va’ad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle with hashgacha temidit (constant supervision). Cuisine: Israeli/Mediterranean street food Price: $–$$ Ambience: Bright, casual counter-service; clean and modern.

Gilie’s is the newest glatt kosher restaurant in Seattle. It’s become a hub for observant singles and families. The menu features Israeli comfort classics like shawarma, schnitzel, kebabs, falafel, and salads. This spot is easy to reach off I-405, making it perfect for a casual lunch date or a low-pressure meeting with someone seeking a reliable kosher option.

Teapot Vegetarian House – Redmond (★ Vegan / ◎ Kosher-Friendly)

Kosher level: Fully vegan kitchen. Not currently certified but praised for its kosher-friendly options. Cuisine: Pan-Asian vegan Price: $–$$ Ambience: Calm, minimalist, warm lighting; popular with the tech crowd.

Teapot Vegetarian House is a staple for vegan and kosher-aware diners. Its fully plant-based menu is great for singles or interfaith couples. Expect flavorful stir-fries, curries, and beautifully plated vegetable dishes. It’s a convenient spot for after-work dates near Bellevue, Redmond, or Kirkland.

Eastern Washington

Mizuna — Downtown Spokane (◎ Kosher-Friendly)

Cuisine: Upscale Northwest / New American Price: $$–$$$ Ambience: Elegant, white-tablecloth setting.

Mizuna is one of Spokane’s fine-dining staples, featuring an entire vegetarian menu. It’s perfect for singles who want a nice night out without trying too hard. Expect roasted seasonal vegetables, risotto, and fresh pastas, all with a chef-driven touch.

Rüt Bar & Kitchen — South Hill, Spokane (★ Vegan)

Cuisine: Modern vegan gastropub Price: $$ Ambience: Trendy, bright, and Instagrammable.

Rüt is fully plant-based, making it ideal for kosher-aware dates. The menu offers comfort food like mac bowls, burgers, and share plates. It's a great spot for younger singles and creatives seeking a lively atmosphere.

OREGON

Portland & Beyond

Garbonzos — Inside the Mittleman JCC, Portland (✔ Certified Kosher, Vegan & GF)

Cuisine: Israeli/Mediterranean (vegan and gluten-free) Price: $–$$ Ambience: Bright and community-centered.

Garbonzos is supervised by Oregon Kosher and offers a fully vegan and halal-friendly menu. Enjoy falafel platters, hummus bowls, and mezze. It’s perfect for mixed-observance groups or dinner before community events.

Shalom Y’all — Portland (◎ Kosher-Friendly)

Cuisine: Levantine small plates & kebabs Price: $$ Ambience: Lively, ideal for conversation.

Shalom Y’all isn’t certified kosher, but offers plenty of vegetarian dishes and fish options. The shareable plates make it a great date spot, especially in its bustling SE location.

Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels – Portland (✔ Certified Kosher for Whole, Uncut Bagels Only)

Kosher level: Certified by Oregon Kosher for whole, uncut bagels. Prepared sandwiches and sliced bagels are not certified. Cuisine: Traditional boiled bagels Price: $ Ambience: Classic neighborhood bagel shop.

Henry Higgins is the go-to for kosher-certified bagels in Portland. While only whole bagels are under supervision, they’re excellent and come in various flavors. Perfect for Shabbat or casual brunches.

Location: 523 NE 19th Ave, Portland, OR www.hhboiledbagels.com/locations

Sarah Bellum’s Bakery & Workshop – Portland (✔ Kosher Dairy for In-House Items)

Kosher level: Kosher Dairy for all items made on-site, supervised by Oregon Kosher. Prepackaged items are not certified. Cuisine: Baked goods & pastries Price: $ Ambience: Cozy, community-oriented bakery.

Sarah Bellum’s is a nonprofit bakery with a mission. Everything from their workshop is kosher dairy certified. It’s great for treats before a date or adding something special to a Shabbat table.

Location: 7828 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR www.sarahbellumsbakery.org/

Sunny’s Legendary Frozen Yogurt – Portland (✔ Kosher Dairy)

Kosher level: Certified by Oregon Kosher. All yogurt flavors are kosher dairy. Not all toppings are kosher. Cuisine: Frozen yogurt & toppings Price: $ Ambience: Bright, family-friendly spot.

Sunny’s is a fun, low-pressure option for a sweet treat. All yogurt is certified kosher dairy, and there’s a dedicated space for approved toppings. It’s perfect for dessert dates or casual meetups.

Location: 4397 SW Vermont St, Portland, OR Tel: (971) 271-8348

IDAHO

Boise

Goldstein’s Bagels & Bialys — Downtown Boise (◎ Kosher-Style)

Cuisine: Jewish bagels & deli Price: $ Ambience: Clean, bright, and friendly—like the "Jewish deli Boise never knew it needed."

This Jewish-owned spot serves kosher-style food, but it lacks a hechsher. Expect boiled bagels, schmears, lox, and classic deli sandwiches. It's perfect for a relaxed breakfast date or for showing that Idaho has great bagels.

BBQ4LIFE — Boise (◎ Kosher-Friendly via Vegan Menu)

Cuisine: BBQ (with vegan options) Price: $$ Ambience: Rustic BBQ joint with a laid-back vibe.

While the restaurant isn't kosher, it offers a strong vegan BBQ menu, including smoked tempeh and jackfruit. This makes it ideal for mixed-diet couples—one can enjoy brisket while the other opts for vegan.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

San Francisco & East Bay

Sabra Grill — San Francisco (✔ Certified Kosher)

Cuisine: Israeli / Middle Eastern (meat) Price: $$–$$$ Ambience: Relaxed and welcoming for locals and travelers.

As San Francisco's longstanding glatt kosher restaurant, supervised by Sunrise Kosher, Sabra Grill serves shawarma, schnitzel, kebabs, grilled fish, and full Israeli platters. It's a go-to for observant singles, especially for pre- or post-Shabbat meals.

Oakland Kosher Foods + Abba’s Hummus — Oakland (✔ Certified Kosher)

Cuisine: Israeli grill + deli + kosher butcher Price: $–$$ Ambience: Casual counter service; a community staple.

This spot is part butcher, market, deli, and hummus bar, all under kosher supervision. Grab shawarma, schnitzel, salads, or hummus plates and take them to nearby Lake Merritt for a picnic-style date. It's the East Bay's most reliable kosher stop.

Grand Bakery — Oakland (✔ Certified Kosher Pareve)

Cuisine: Jewish bakery Price: $ Ambience: Grab-and-go; nostalgic and beloved.

The Bay Area's oldest kosher bakery continues strong under new ownership. It offers challah, hamentashen, honey cake, macaroons, and more—perfect for a Shabbat dinner date or gifting a box of treats.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Vancouver

Maple Grill — Vancouver (✔ Certified Kosher)

Cuisine: Mediterranean BBQ & steakhouse (meat) Price: $$–$$$ Ambience: Upscale casual; great for a "real date night."

As one of Vancouver's flagship kosher restaurants, certified by BCK (BC Kosher), Maple Grill serves ribeye steaks, kebabs, grilled chicken, fish, and more. It’s ideal for impressing someone or group dinners on Shabbat-adjacent weekends.

Sabra Kosher Restaurant & Bakery — Oakridge (✔ Certified Kosher)

Cuisine: Israeli comfort food (meat & pareve) Price: $–$$ Ambience: Cozy, casual, neighborhood feel.

Sabra is Vancouver's classic kosher spot, offering shawarma, falafel, schnitzel, burgers, salads, and a full bakery with challah, babka, and pastries. Perfect for low-pressure lunch dates or stocking up before a date-day adventure around Queen Elizabeth Park.

Online / Various Locations

OLAM Global Jewish Market — Oregon (◎ Kosher-Friendly)

Cuisine: Jewish & Israeli Inspired Price: $$ Ambience: Available at local farmers markets in Oregon or online. OLAM Global Jewish Market is a regional startup by Megan Steinberg, selling Jewish and Israeli-inspired foods.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Finding kosher and kosher-friendly dining in the Pacific Northwest takes some creativity. This guide makes it ideal for singles while encouraging conversation, curiosity, and dates that feel like exploring together. Whether you're sharing vegan mac on South Hill, splitting mezze in Portland, grabbing challah in Oakland, or enjoying a glatt dinner in Vancouver, there's something for everyone.

If you're ready to meet people who understand your lifestyle and dietary needs, you know where to find us—right here at Ahava Northwest, connecting you with your people, one delicious date at a time.