I’ve touted it before, but I have yet to find a challenger to the sockeye salmon crostini at Spur Gastropub. For $4 each, an ultra-fresh slab of salmon is layed with mascarpone, capers, and pickled shallot. The mascarpone adds a deft touch of sweetness, and its creamy texture calls out the lushness of the fish. I usually sit at the bar (the better to watch bartender Ken Gray work his magic) and share four of these with a friend before moving onto other small plates and tasty cocktails.

113 Blanchard St., 728-6706, spurseattle.com

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