Bellingham is a mid-sized coastal city near the Canadian border, and if you’ve spent any time there, you know how delightfully charming it is. So it isn’t entirely surprising that a top-notch wood-fired meat and seafood-focused eatery recently opened here – and Carnal is already a beloved local treasure. Along with its delicious food, Carnal is known for its top New York City chefs.

Carnal opened at the end of August on North State Street.
Mike Williamson / Google
Opening a restaurant in the middle of a global pandemic is certainly courageous, but fortunately, things are going well.
More often than not, patrons tend to utilize the outdoor dining space.
eat.carnal / Instagram
Reservations can be made online, or you can order a meal on the website for takeout.
The restaurant was opened by an extremely talented culinary team, which includes James Zamory, Aaron Saurer, and Sean McDermott, who met while opening one of New York City's top restaurants, NoMad (and all three have worked for other successful NYC eateries as well).
CARNAL / Facebook
During their time at NoMad, the team created one of the top-grossing food stands at the most well-known outdoor food market in Brooklyn, Smorgasburg.
The Brooklyn food stand's most popular menu item was a slow-cooked bone-in beef short rib finished over charcoal and brushed with bone marrow fat.
Carnal / Google
As luck would have it, you can enjoy the same short rib at Carnal.

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So... how does a small group of the country's top chefs end up in Bellingham?
Carnal / Google
That would be thanks to Skip Williamson, a Pacific Northwest native and feature film producer who recruited them (thank you, Skip).
In addition to a daily selection of wood-fired meats, you'll often see seafood and veggie dishes on the menu as well.
CARNAL / Facebook
Everything is hyper-seasonal, which means it's always fresh and delicious.
Don't forget to wash your dinner down with a craft cocktail, a glass of wine, or something from the tap, if you imbibe.
Carnal / Google
As you can imagine, the drink list has been carefully curated as well.
Carnal is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner.
CARNAL / Facebook
Due to its popularity and current capacity restrictions, reservations are highly recommended.

Pay a visit to Carnal the next time you’re in the area. Bellingham is the opposite of New York City, but this restaurant has the character and menu to rival any of Manhattan’s top spots.

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1234 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA