If you live in or often visit Bremerton, Washington, then you know what a great little city it is.

With a population of around 41,000, it's the biggest city on the Kitsap Peninsula and is a gateway to the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula including Olympic National Park. Some of Bremerton's residents work across the sound in Seattle and take ferries back and forth to work each day. When it comes to natural beauty, this part of the country and the state is absolutely breathtaking.

Whether you are living in, visiting, or passing through Bremerton, you'll find the people to be friendly and welcoming. Chances are, at some point along the way you'll want to get a bite to eat. You're in luck. In addition to great public spaces, amiable folks, and gorgeous views, Bremerton also has some fantastic restaurants.

If you're interested in learning about the best restaurants in Bremerton, read on. There's something for everyone in this town.

1. El Balcon @ 326 Pacific Avenue

Many people consider El Balcon the very best restaurant in Bremerton. This little hole-in-the-wall is owned and operated by some really pleasant people, and the menu offers something for everyone. El Balcon is Salvadorian first and foremost, but they offer some Mexican cuisine as well, and their menu includes a number of vegetarian options.

The numerous tortas here are all fantastic, but their specialty is pupusas. If you've never had a pupusa before, this is a great place to try your first. This Salvadorian specialty is somewhat like a calzone but is even better. Have one at El Balcon, and you'll be glad you did. Be aware, though; El Balcon is closed on Sundays.

2. Cafe Kai @ 2518 Wheaton Way

The Pacific Northwest is much more like Hawaii than most people who haven't visited both might realize. Cafe Kai brings a little more of the Aloha State to the Evergreen State with its incredible cuisine. You'll be amazed at what these folks can do with Spam and all of their musubis, across the board, are to die for. They also offer a range of specialty coffees that will brighten up even the rainiest day.

This cafe is a great place for lunch with a friend, but before you go, make sure they're open. Their hours are normally ten to three, and they are closed Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

3. Hi-Lo's 15th Street Cafe @ 2720 15th Street

If you're looking for the best breakfast in Bremerton, you'll find it at Hi-Lo's 15th Street Cafe. The food is great, but the atmosphere and friendly service is what keeps people coming back time and time again. Owners Heidi and Lowell know many of the repeat customers by name. There is almost always a line to get in, but the wait is absolutely worth it.

There are a lot of dishes here that are quite popular with visitors so it's hard to know what to recommend, but the Moon Biscuits & Gravy, the Green Eggs & Ham, and the 15th Street Special are big crowd-pleasers; no matter what you order, however, you can't go wrong. At the end of your meal, you'll be thrilled to see Hi-Lo's affordable prices, and you'll always leave with a smile on your face thanks to the staff's unique ways of saying goodbye.

4. Suzy's Kitchen @ 2665 6th Street

If you love Korean food, then you will love Suzy's kitchen. This place is a bit small, but that's to its benefit; while dining here, you truly feel as though you are eating in Suzy's home, and the hospitality you will receive is memorable. Suzy's has the best bibimbap in the area and the iced Korean coffee is tasty and refreshing. Everything here is fresh and you'll be impressed by every bite you take.

When you're done, you're not too far from our location in Silverdale, and we'd love to help you to choose a tasty post-lunchtime treat!

5. 4 Sisters @ 1600 NE Roseway Ln

There is much and intense competition for high-quality, perfectly-prepared Asian cuisine in the Pacific Northwest, so it takes a very special restaurant to come out on top. 4 Sisters is one of those restaurants. It specializes in Vietnamese food and every dish is the best of its kind in the area. Their pad thai, bahn mi sandwiches, and each and every one of their different phos are delectable and unforgettable. If you love Vietnamese food, you'll love this spot.

6. The Curry Indian Cuisine & Lounge @ 221 Washington Ave

If you're looking for great vegetarian Indian cuisine, then The Curry Indian Cuisine and Lounge will be perfect for your lunch and dinner. For your carnivorous friends, they also serve a variety of fantastic Indian dishes with meat as well.

In fact, not only is this one of the best restaurants in Bremerton, but this may actually be one of the very best Indian restaurants you have ever visited in your life.

The staff is friendly and attentive and does everything in their power to get your meal just right, and somehow succeeds in adding the exactly correct amount of spice for each individual patron's tastes. Don't miss this place; after one visit, you'll surely want to come back for more.

7. Axe & Arrow Gastropub @ 232 4th Street

When you're in Bremerton and you find yourself craving some killer pub food, then the Axe and Arrow Gastropub is where you should go. This spot serves incredible burgers and perfectly cooked seafood dishes and they all go down smoothly followed by some great local beer. Further, the menu offers some enticing appetizers, large portioned entrees, and a number of tantalizing desserts. Try the daily cheesecake for the perfect end to a perfect meal.

Enjoy the Best Restaurants in Bremerton

Bremerton has a little bit of everything but so much of it is so wonderful. Again, whether you are a local resident or a visitor passing through, we hope you find every bit of Bremerton as lovely as we do. We also hope you'll enjoy these, the best restaurants in Bremerton, and that you'll come by and see us at Granite Vapor after your meal. We, too, have something for everyone and we can't wait to serve you in our store. See you soon!