Belle Boudoir is located in the heart of Ballard, Wa. which is a food lovers paradise. If you are from out of town or simply haven’t had the excuse to explore Ballard, you have the opportunity to do so on your break at the studio. After your hair, makeup, and 2 hour photoshoot, you will have an hour break while I prepare your photos for you to view and select. If it is a meal you seek in your down time, we will provide you with a copy of the map above of some of our favorite local spots to catch a bite. If you want to check out some restaurants before your big day, read through this list of 5 of our client’s favorites.

Alison’s Coastal Café & Bakery not only has THE BEST sandwiches and treats in town but it is a local woman-owned business which we love to support. This Café serves up all your favorite breakfast and lunch comfort foods. From the Bacon Waffle Breakfast Sandwich to the Cinnamon Roll French Toast, coffee, and fruit smoothies, they have your breakfast and brunch needs covered. Looking for something more lunch worthy? Try the Ultimate Grilled Cheese that has a 3-cheese blend and comes on drool worthy bread they bake fresh every morning or, my favorite, the Tuna Melt. Top your meal off with one of Alison’s fresh baked Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies and you will be walking on sunshine back to the studio.

If you are looking for a sit-down dining experience, Stoneburner is the restaurant that I would recommend. Stoneburner is Ballard’s own slice of heaven from restaurateur Deming Maclise. Known mostly for their dinner offering and incredible weekend brunch, they also serve up a simple but delicious happy hour from 3-6pm which makes it a perfect stop for those of our clients who have booked afternoon sessions. You can order from a list of four basic Pizza Pies and add on a Gem Lettuce Caesar or some Asparagus & Quinoa to round out your meal. Looking for a little something to help you relax? Their cocktail menu is remarkable. If you have a session booked with us on the weekend, consider yourself lucky because that means that you will have the opportunity to taste the brunch menu at Stoneburner. With drool worthy selections like Huckleberry Ricotta Coffee Cake, Turkish Eggs, and lunch eats like Spaghetti Carbonara and Burgers, they have a little something for everyone.

When I first started working in Ballard, I had lunch at Thai Thani Kitchen almost every day. Not only am I a lover of Thai cuisine but I love everything Thai Thani Kitchen has to offer. The environment is friendly and relaxed and the dining room is open and bright. I love occupying a window seat and watching all the passersby, but I also never feel uncomfortable if I need to answer emails on my phone or laptop while I’m waiting for my meal. The menu is traditional, reasonably priced, and delicious every single time. No frills here. Another bonus is that the service here is prompt which makes it a great choice for anyone a little short on time. Don’t know what to get? Go with my go-to order: Pad See Ew with Fresh Rolls and Hot Tea. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Palermo is a small local Italian family restaurant. It may not look like much from outside but once you catch a scent from the kitchen and set your gaze on the menu, you will never want to leave. You could start your meal with Roasted Beets or Baked Cauliflower, move on to a Mediterranean or Antipasto salad, finish with Fettuccini Carbonara and Baklava, and you still will have barely sampled the menu. They have hot sandwiches, calzones, pizza, pasta, and all the Italian sides and appetizers you could imagine. Don’t eat carbs? Don’t worry. The salad menu is extensive and there are tons of low carb options on the appetizer menu: from buffalo wings to a hummus plate. My favorite dish is called Yogurt and Eggs and it’s on the breakfast menu but served all day. SOOOOO good! You will leave with your belly full and smile on your face. In a hurry? You can order online to save time.

If you are a lover of authentic Mexican Cuisine, you do not want to miss your opportunity to eat at La Carta De Oaxaca. One bite and you will be magically transported to a quaint little Mexican restaurant in the heart of Oaxaca with sounds of El Jarabe Tapatio ringing in your ears. Ok, not really, but it will taste like you were! The Tacos Al Pastor and Enchiladas de Coloradito are staples on the extensive menu but if you are seeking a more adventurous dish, I suggest ordering the Lamb Birria. You won’t be disappointed. The Matriarch of La Carta De Oaxaca, Gloria Perez, has passed on her family recipes to three generations of Perez women ensure an authentic and delicious experience every time you dine. Featured on James Beard award-winning broadcast program, Food Talkies, we are not the only ones who think this place is a go to for good Mexican food.