Senior Writer

Seattle native Kathryn Robinson, award-winning restaurant critic and senior writer at Seattle Met, has been anonymously reviewing restaurants for over 30 years—first as editor of the Best Places guidebook series, then as staff critic at Seattle Weekly and contributing critic at The Seattle Times and Seattle magazine. 

Midcareer she spent a year-long sabbatical studying comparative religion as a Knight Fellow at Stanford University where she had been an undergrad 10 years earlier, gaining a knowledge base she now calls upon for her monthly “Back Fence” column on our collective urban existence and the meaning it holds for our personal lives. In her off hours she is a partner and a parent—which means she has no off hours.

Critic's Notebook

Guess Which City Gets Some of the Crappiest Online Restaurant Reviews?

All right, you guessed it. Now guess why.

04/28/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Restaurateurs Use Social Media to Shame Annoying Customers

Including one in Seattle who probably wishes he’d just spat in their food.

04/21/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

The Rise of the Teenage Foodie

They’re everywhere. Especially Seattle.

04/14/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

A Critic’s Guide to Seattle Restaurant Week 2014

How are you going to pick which restaurant deal to go for?

04/07/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Restaurant Review

Save Room for Dessert

The pear-cherry galette with black pepper ice cream, for starters.

04/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Dining Out

Of Meat and Men

Jason Wilson of Crush goes all caveman at Miller's Guild. Did we mention they butcher whole animals?

04/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Back Fence

Hive Minded

What backyard beekeeping really does for people.

04/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

What’s the Hottest Look in Seattle Restaurants Right Now?

(Hint: Make that the coolest.)

03/31/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

The Two Types of Burger Lover

Which type are you? Where should that tell you to go? A connoisseur’s guide.

03/24/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Best Lunch in Seattle Revealed Last Week

It’s not what you’re expecting. It’s better.

03/17/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Wanted: Promising Young Chefs

Know someone who’s a rising star in a professional kitchen? Nominate!

03/10/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

One Perfect Sandwich a Day for a Month

We're tweeting a stunning Seattle sandwich every day this month. Hope you're hungry.

03/03/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Ultimate Lunch Guide

The Working Stiff's Guide to Lunch in the City

Over 90 of the best diners, delis, and joints for mid-day meals, deals, and steals amid the high-rise canyons.

03/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Dining Out

Ooh La La, Loulay

Thierry Rautureau, aka the Chef in the Hat, serves up a cosmopolitan French treasure in the heart of Downtown Seattle.

03/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Midnight Snack

Critic's Picks: Open Late

Nineteen Seattle eateries where you can get your nocturnal nosh on—all open until at least midnight on the weekends.

03/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Seattle Ultimate Lunch Guide

25 Drop-Dead Extraordinary Sandwiches

The best things between two (or three or four) slices of bread in Seattle.

03/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Back Fence

Seattle Buzzkill

Six things Seattleites should stop talking about.

03/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Seattle Ultimate Lunch Guide

7 Seattle Power Lunch Picks

The big deals go better when you can order reliably great food, get sophisticated service, and hear your guests talk.

03/01/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Music Festival

Top Picks for Wintergrass 2014

This year’s lineup for the Bellevue bluegrass festival is more varied than ever.

02/25/2014 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Study Shows Lunchtime Choice Reduces Fatigue

We got 90 great lunch recommendations, just steps from your office. Sounds like choice to us.

02/24/2014 By Kathryn Robinson