FOOD BIZNOTES: Opening day for Miso; more info on Banh Mi XO; Portage Bay Café change

Three restaurant notes:

MISO OPENS: The new Highland Park “K-food” restaurant at 16th/Holden is open at last, as of today. We took pics yesterday as their preparation stretched out one more day. Ben is the proprietor:

He tells us Miso (which is Korean for “smile”) will be open 11 am-8 pm Mondays through Saturdays, closed Sundays. We photographed the menu: here and here.

MORE ABOUT BANH MI XO: We mentioned briefly Tuesday that this sign had gone up at 35th/Henderson:

We’ve since connected with proprietor Guy by email. He says hours will be “most likely breakfast and lunch (8 am-3/4 pm).” Menu plans: “Banh mi, bun (vermicelli), fresh spring rolls, bubble-tea drinks, fruit smoothies, and Vietnamese waffles.” Guy adds, “This will be our first sandwich shop, but hope we can expand. We have been in the restaurant for 10 years+ in the past.” As for when they’ll open, “Later October/November will be our best guess.”

PORTAGE BAY CAFE: Peter from Portage Bay Café emailed us with news of a fall change in hours:

Our location in West Seattle will be shifting to our fall hours starting next week. Like our smaller neighborhood stores in Ballard and near Ravenna, West Seattle will be switching to five days a week, open Thursday through Monday. Thursday, Friday, and Monday, we’ll be open 8-1:30, and on Saturdays and Sundays, we’ll be open 8-2.”

September 26 and 27 will be the first weekdays we’ll be closed, resuming five day a week service starting on the 28th.

It’s been almost nine months since Portage Bay opened at 4725 42nd SW.

13 Replies to "FOOD BIZNOTES: Opening day for Miso; more info on Banh Mi XO; Portage Bay Café change"

  • Hungry in Gatewood September 21, 2023 (4:32 pm)

    Excited about the Bahn Mi Xo!Any news/ updates on when GH opens in the old Best of hands? There’s a menu on the door now at least.

  • Marco September 21, 2023 (5:15 pm)

    Awesome, a lot of my favorite foods at both those new restaurants!For convenience, here’s the Insta link from Miso’s menu https://www.instagram.com/miso.chef.korea/

    • Pm September 22, 2023 (10:06 pm)

      There’s no menu in that link 

  • waikikigirl September 21, 2023 (6:25 pm)

    Mom-in-law just came from Alki and said Sunfish was closed for the week but had refer equipment outside??? Anyone know why?

  • Justin September 21, 2023 (7:54 pm)

    Excited for all these new restaurants. @WSB, any update on when the bakery in the Original Bakery spot will open? 

    • WSB September 21, 2023 (8:18 pm)

      I am overdue for checking in on that one, though we drove by the other day and noticed nothing new from the exterior.

  • I ❤️ K-Food! September 21, 2023 (8:12 pm)

    Welcome, Ben, welcome! Congrats on the opening!! I’ll be coming by soon (tomorrow probably) and I can’t wait! 

  • Claire September 21, 2023 (8:33 pm)

    Wonder if the Vietnamese waffles are going to be like Vietnamese crepes. Those are amazing savory delights.

    • LyndaB September 21, 2023 (10:55 pm)

      I’m looking forward to this place, too.  If they’re selling the ones I’m used to, they’re like pandan flavored waffles (sweet).  They will look green.  If you’re thinking of Vietnamese crepes, it’ll be named bánh xèo (savory).  WSB, have you heard anything about Hương Xưa Deli n White Center?  I don’t know if they’re coming back  It’ll be almost 2 yrs since the fire. 😞

      • WSB September 22, 2023 (12:06 am)

        Justin at Full Tilt next door told us this summer that they were. And we noticed new windows on a recent trip through WC. So I’d say it’s hopeful!

  • Libra September 22, 2023 (12:30 am)

    Miso…i wish you luck but your prices are outrageous for a neighborhood cafe.  

    • Jack September 29, 2023 (4:26 pm)

      agreed, plus or shrimp was cold and soggy. No dressing on the salad (just lettuce), and chicken was fatty and cold. Way to expensive for the quality. I hope it’s just growing pains 

  • Matt September 22, 2023 (12:47 pm)

    Miso was great! Wife and I each got Bibimbap and then shared an order of the Korean spicy fried chicken. Everything was delicious with nice and big portions. Will absolutely be back. 

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