It may come as no surprise that my favorite bread heralds from Columbia City Bakery; there’s a reason why it’s a staple on most restauarant menus in Seattle. While all their loaves are generally delicious, my personal favorite is their Walnut Levain, spontaneously leavened and studded with big chunks of walnut. It’s chewy with a thick hearty crust, and the nuts make it a perfect accompaniment for cheese or in a chicken-salad sandwich. Of course, it’s also delicious on its own.

4865 Rainier Ave. S., 723-6023, columbiacitybakery.com

Read all of our picks for Food & Drink, and explore the rest of this year’s edition of Best of Seattle.