The Whale Wins
Wood-oven-cooked vegetables, fresh seafood, a beach vibe, and big, bold wines from Greece, Portugal, France, Spain and California. 3506 Stone Way N.; thewhalewins.com
The Walrus and the Carpenter
A singular oyster bar. French white wines dominate the list, with a few light reds and one token big red. 4743 Ballard Ave. NW; thewalrusbar.com
Barnacle
The lure: dozens of amaros and excellent canned-fish snacks, plus Italian and Corsican wines. 4743 Ballard Ave. NW; thebarnaclebar.com
Bar Melusine
A light, bright space with an upscale snack menu--fried fish skin, crèpes, steak tartare. The wine list is 95 percent French. 1060 E. Union St.; barmelusine.com
Bateau
Dry-aged meat is the focus at this French-inspired steakhouse pouring mostly Burgundy, Bordeaux and Chablis. 1040 E. Union St.; restaurantbateau.com
General Porpoise
Sublime doughnuts come filled with seasonal jams. 1020 E. Union St.; gpdoughnuts.com
