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There are a lot of places to get an outstanding meal in Seattle, but choosing where to go can get tricky. For sage advice and thoughtful tips, turn to Seattle magazine’s weekly Instagram Q&A with Dining and Lifestyle Editor Chelsea Lin. 

Have a question for Chelsea? Submit here.

Reader: Best happy hour with actual food?
CL: I’ve long loved the happy hour at Stoneburner in Ballard, and chef Jason Stoneburner’s new Kenmore restaurant Seaplane has kept the tradition: Beers are $5, cocktails are $7, and food is discounted, so a pizza that’s normally $23 is down to $17. Happens every day from 3 to 5:30 pm.

Best dinner spot in Burien?
It’s definitely not fancy, but the Burien Fish House is one of my favorite places to eat when I’m down there. The clam chowder is awesome and they’ve got a variety of fish and chips and fish tacos to choose from, and even a really good lobster roll.

Where is a good spot for Easter brunch with a view?
Ray’s Boathouse has a spectacular view, and they’re doing a three-course Easter brunch for $35, which honestly is a deal, considering they’re also doing three-course dinners for $65. Obviously, you’ll want to make reservations, though know they’re only taking groups up to eight people.

Any spots like 85 Degrees C bakery around Ballard/Fremont?
If you’re looking for Asian desserts, try Modern Japanese on Phinney, which has really beautiful slices of cake and panna cotta cups and that kind of thing. Hiroki, near Green Lake, has similar dessert offerings. But for more of the baked good category, try Fuji Bakery in Interbay. And hey, I heard Ballard is getting an 85 Degrees C sometime soon!

Where can I get a stromboli in Seattle?
If you’re willing to go to Shoreline, I love Grinders, which has the best Italian subs and Stromboli, served with a side of their excellent house-made marinara.

Best cheesemonger and charcuterie shop?
I would say one of our specialty grocers would give you the best variety, like DeLaurenti or Big John’s PFI. Both have excellent assortments of charcuterie and cheese, plus the breads and crackers and jams and olives and all the other stuff you need to go with it.

Molly Moon or Salt & Straw?
Ooh, you’re trying to get me in trouble! This is a hard one. I think Molly Moon does simple, pure flavors so well—that salted caramel can’t be beat. But for innovation and mix-ins—and I love a real chunky ice cream—I’d go for Salt & Straw.

Best tasting menu?
When we did our best restaurants issue last year, we gave Adana the top slot for tasting menu, and it’s still really excellent, and changes each month. I also really, really love Opus Co., Staple & Fancy, Altura and Eden Hill.

Exceptional carne asada?
The best I’ve had here is at Asadero, either in Ballard or the original Kent location. It’s essentially a Mexican steakhouse, so you have a lot to choose from. Splurge for the carne asada with wagyu beef if you really want a treat.

Restaurant most excited to go to during the upcoming restaurant week?
There are some really great options there! I think a lot of the places I’ve just talked about are participating even. I always say to use the restaurant week deals as a reason to go somewhere new, so try a recently opened place like Alcove, Fiasco, Le Messe, Tapas Lab or Sawyer. Remember to tip well!