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

It’s Only Monday, But I’ve Got Your Friday Plans

Restaurant critic extraordinaire Karen Brooks reads from her smart new book about the Portland restaurant scene, 'The Mighty Gastropolis,' at Book Larder. You’re welcome.

01/14/2013 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

The Most Annoying Dining Trend of 2013

And why I am professionally ambivalent about it. A restaurant critic’s dilemma.

01/07/2013 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Cavatelli with Golden Chanterelles, Duck Sugo, Duck Liver, and Sage at Altura

Dish #1: Surely you’re not surprised that it’s from Altura.

12/31/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Oyster BOLT at Wandering Goose

Dish #2: The best sandwich I ate all year.

12/28/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Mussels and Fries at Restaurant Marché

Dish #3: A classic moules-frites you don’t have to cross a pond to savor. Just a Sound.

12/27/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Fried Chicken at Ma’ono Fried Chicken and Whisky

Dish #4 is the best fried chicken you have ever tasted, period.

12/26/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Smoked Paprika Cheddar Croissant at Crumble and Flake

Dish #5: The pastry you wish you were eating this minute.

12/24/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Painted Hills Burger at Restaurant Zoë

A burger is Dish #6? You bet your smoked onion marmalade.

12/21/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Oxtail at LloydMartin

As in anything oxtail. That’s my dish #7.

12/20/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Pan-seared Scallops with Beluga Lentils at Restaurant Bea

Dish #8 combines culinary comfort and culinary smarts.

12/19/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

Culinary Smackdown

All right, once and for all: Does Portland or Seattle have the better dining scene? For goodness sake don’t ask Karen Brooks.

12/19/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

Restaurant Bea’s Reboot

Under a new chef, Bea works to please local diners.

12/19/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

The Tale of the Wandering Goose

A skinny little restaurant is stuffed with personal history and Southern charms.

12/19/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

Let There Be LightBox

A Seattleite’s cure for seasonal affective disorder.

12/19/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Tartines with Salt-Brined Zucchini and Goat Cheese at A La Bonne Franquette

Dish #9: What eatin’ good in the neighborhood really looks like.

12/18/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

My Ten Favorite Dishes of 2012

Bucatini Amatriciana at Rione XIII

Dish #10 is one fine, feisty pasta.

12/17/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

Here They Are: The Best Seattle-Area Restaurants and Bars for Holiday Merrymaking

As chosen by you, the readers of 'Seattle Met.' And what fine taste you have!

12/10/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Critic's Notebook

'The Mighty Gastropolis: Portland'

The book you’ve been looking to get for the Northwest food connoisseurs on your list? Comes out next week. Here’s why you’ll like it.

12/03/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

Responding: So Very Painful

Seattle etiquette: It’s my party and you’ll RSVP if you want to.

11/28/2012 By Kathryn Robinson

Article

Two Euro Classics in the South End

A taste of Tuscany in Rainier Beach; a promise of Paris in Mount Baker.

11/28/2012 By Kathryn Robinson