“What’s the best lunch in Bellingham?”

We get it – you’re hungry. As often-hungry Intellitonic employees, we take advantage of the numerous local restaurants in downtown Bellingham. Whether you’re meeting a friend for a quick lunch, here on business, or need some solo time over delicious food, downtown Bellingham boasts a wide array of easily accessible lunch options.

We’ve put a list together that features our favorite Bellingham lunch spots for every occasion.

Restaurants in Downtown Bellingham

For Tacos: Black Sheep // @blacksheepbham

Address: 211 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Black Sheep recently reopened its doors after taking over the old location of Goat Mountain Pizza on Holly St. This bar-turned-infamous-taco-spot offers a wide selection of (cheap) margaritas and excellent street-style tacos. The Black Sheep Taco Salad is a fun mix of greens and tortilla chips ⁠— great for sharing. Perfect for a lively but low-key, lunch experience.

Note: 21+ only

For Sandwiches: Avenue Bread // @avenuebread

Address: 1313 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

When you’re craving freshly baked bread straight from the oven, this is the place to go. Avenue Bread bakes all of their bread in-house and delivers it to its four cafe locations daily. The downtown location features a full kitchen and extensive seating. Classics like turkey pesto, Avenue club and the reuben share space with more unique features like the Chuckanut, Boundary, and Californian. Great for a quick breakfast or lunch while reading the local paper.

Note: Most sandwiches come with a pickle – bonus!

For Pizza: La Fiamma

200 E Chestnut St, Bellingham, WA 98225

A Bellingham staple, La Fiamma boasts a vibrant atmosphere that delights customers of all ages. Their open kitchen concept means enjoying pizza-making in action, and the view of the San Juan Islands from the patio is hard to beat. Enjoy classic pizza toppings like margarita and pepperoni or try something more original. The Major Grigio, featuring curry roasted veggies, cilantro, and sriracha sauce, and the smoked salmon with roast garlic and a cilantro-almond-caper sauce, aim to please more adventurous palates. This is a great place for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Note: La Fiamma can get busy at night, but there are usually open tables at lunch times

For Soup + Salad: Leaf and Ladle

1113 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Sometimes you just need a soup and salad. Leaf and Ladle is a big kitchen in a little cafe. Their food is always fresh with an authentic homemade taste. The to-go case is packed with different soups and, occasionally, homemade salad dressings. Our favorites are the vegan BLTA: coconut bacon and tempeh on a wrap of your choice.

Note: A new menu is posted to Facebook daily so check it out if you’re ordering to-go.

For European Style Delicatessen: Old World Deli

1228 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Old World Deli provides a unique culinary experience. Half artisan deli, half specialty grocer, the quiet delicatessen is the perfect place for both picky foodies and those looking for a hearty lunch. Try their sausage, smoked bacon, and roasted meats all made in-house. You can find the soup of the day on their facebook page.

Note: Old World Deli is meat-heavy, but that doesn’t stop them from making a few delicious veggie-based sandwiches and salads.

For Beer + Upscale Brewery Food: Aslan Brewing // @aslanbrewing

1330 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA 98225

If you haven’t been to Aslan, have you really been to Bellingham? (We’re kidding, but they do have quite the following.) This iconic brewery features rotating taps including their speciality: hazy beers. Delicious upscale brewery food abounds ⁠— try the waffle fry poutine, Korean BBQ tofu, bison burger, salmon po-mi, Hawaiian pork tacos, coconut curry, and more. Aslan’s mission is to produce organic beer and use local, sustainable ingredients whenever possible to promote a healthier, happier, and more environmentally conscious community. We dig it.

Note: Looking for a more upscale experience sans food? Try the Aslan Depot. This barrel-aged facility serves as a 21+ taproom, and event space located in the historic Union Depot Building in downtown Bellingham, WA. The tap list contains a diverse range of artisan beer, cider, and wine.

For Quick, Ready-Made Food: The Co-op // @communityfoodcoop

1220 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Feeling pressed for time? Skip the fast food and stop in to the Community Food Co-op. This natural food grocery story features a self-service organic salad bar, hot soups, and other daily hot dishes. The deli case is chock full of salads, entrees, charcuteries, sliced deli meats and cheeses, and made-to-go sandwiches. There is even a coffee station featuring espresso, smoothies, and tea. Great for those looking for gluten-free, vegan, or paleo options.

Note: There is an upstairs eating area, limited outdoor seating, and wifi.

For Burgers: Fiamma Burger

1309 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Burger lovers rejoice! Fiamma Burger serves all-natural, hormone-free, northwest beef ground fresh in-house. The brioche buns are baked daily and delivered via cargo bike from their own bakery. The burgers are made to order using local and seasonal ingredients. We love this place for its wide variety of burger options. Late lunch? Fiamma Burger has an excellent happy hour – grab a $3.50 16 oz draft beer starting at 3:00 PM.

Note: Swap out any burger for a house made veggie patty.

For Peruvian: Cafe Rumba

1140 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225

This unassuming Peruvian restaurant has a delectable menu to explore. Café Rumba is run by local owners, Marco Mellet and Antonio Diaz, who both grew up in Lima, Peru. Their love of Peruvian culture and drive for quality food comes through in their delicious “sanguches.”  While you’re there, try one of their house made drinks: chicha morada (purple corn juice, cloves, cinnamon, pineapple), maracuya (Peruvian passion fruit juice), or Inca Cola (Lemongrass Peruvian soda)

Note: Their insanely delicious and addictive spicy house escabeche sauce is available to-go. Grab some and drizzle it on all your dishes at home.

For Sushi + Ramen: Muto

105 E Chestnut St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Two words: lunch specials. Sushi can be expensive (especially if you’re hungry). Muto has an entire lunch menu dedicated to different combinations that fill your tummy but won’t drain your bank account. Grab a 4pc Spicy Tuna Roll for $2.50, a small Beef Curry for $3.50, or a spicy karaage bowl for $3.95. Mix and match your perfect Japanese lunch!

Note: Muto is closed on Tuesdays.

For Vegetarian Fare + Sustainable Practices: ANMLY Cafe

119 N Commercial Street #130, Bellingham, WA 98225

This new, refreshingly simple cafe is perfect for a light lunch followed by coffee. The nutrient dense, vegetarian-friendly menu is a mixture of breakfast and lunch. Try the avocado and smashed pea tacos or the All-Time bowl. Conveniently located across from the Mt. Baker Theatre.

Note: Because ANMLY is moving towards zero waste, they do not use single use plastics, and therefore will give you a returnable glass jar for your coffee/drink.

Something for Everyone: Brandywine Kitchen

1317 Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225

From seasonal fresh salads to comfort food like mac & cheese to hearty sandwiches and burgers, there is something to satisfy every palate at Brandywine Kitchen. Try the apple jalapeno bacon sandwich, posole rojo (gf), salmon cakes, or BBQ burger. Brandywine’s “seed to plate” motto means when you eat here, you support local vendors and farmers in the area.

Note: Need to feed a large group? The mezzanine level offers privacy and convenience for large parties up to 40 people. Visit their website to see options.

Too early for lunch? Check out our favorite Bellingham coffee shops.