Despite its small size, Poulsbo has one of the best collections of eating places on the Kitsap. Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse (19003 Front St., 360/779-9199, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.–Sun.) is a friendly and funky gathering place, with espresso, giant chocolate chip cookies, cozy couches and chairs, art on the walls, and ongoing arts events of all sorts. Great water views, too.

Get delicious lunches at Liberty Bay Bakery and Café (18996 Front St., 360/779-2828, 4:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily).

Perhaps the best known Poulsbo food is Poulsbo Bread, originally baked at Sluys Poulsbo Bakery (18924 Front St. NE, 360/779-2798, 4:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. daily). The Poulsbo bread sold in grocery stores is now made elsewhere, but Sluys still bakes excellent pastries, Norwegian lefse, and coarse-grained European breads.

That’s a Some Italian Ristorante (18881 Front St. NE, 360/779-2266, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.) has the traditional red-checked tablecloths, but the Italian food and pizzas have West Coast influences, including an Anaheim chili penne.

Casa Luna (18830 Front St. NE, 360/779-7676, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily) is one of the more distinctive Mexican-inspired restaurants in the Puget Sound area. The menu isn't the same old mashed beans and colored rice. Everything is made to order in the open kitchen and packed with flavor.

Aroydy Thai Cuisine (225 Lindvig Way NW, 360/779-4888, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tues.–Fri. and 5–8 p.m. Tues.–Sun.) is just north of town in the basement of a small shopping mall, but the food is authentic and exceptional.

Molly Ward Gardens (27462 Big Valley Rd., 360/779-4471, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 6–9 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 6–9 p.m. Sun., closed Mon.–Tues.) is Poulsbo’s splurge place, emphasizing fine Northwest seafood, along with fresh salads and herbs from its beautiful gardens. The menu changes seasonally.