Though Olympia is a small city, its wide range of restaurants makes it a great place to try something new. On any given day, one could eat his or her way around the globe, from Thai and French dishes to Russian dumplings and hand-rolled Italian pasta.

Tucked away along 5th Ave. - a stone's throw from Heritage Park and Capital Lake - lie three restaurants where you can try Korean hotpot, Vietnamese pho soup and authentic ramen noodle soup.  Although you could easily make three trips to try each one (and you should), you can also make a day of it and eat your way from lunch to final cocktail while exploring the sights and sounds of downtown Olympia.

First things first: Parking.  Olympia has a few tricks up its sleeves that visitors may not know.  If you arrive before 5 p.m. on weekdays, press the green button (or plus sign under "time") on the meter.  You'll get 15 minutes free, and you can add more time as required.  Meters are free after 5 p.m. and on weekends for all street parking in the city center, but rates still apply in many parking lots, so be sure to check signs.

Although there is some parking along 5th Ave., a new building (home to the Kizuki Ramen restaurant location and new apartments) has taken up the previously available parking lot on the street, so try Columbia Street, which runs perpendicular to 5th.  Keep in mind that many of Olympia's streets are one way, so be sure to look for signs before turning.

Now that you're parked and on foot, head to the intersection of Columbia and 5th.  From there, you'll see all three restaurants and can choose where to begin.  Here's our recommended itinerary and menu (no passport required):

Saigon Rendez-Vous Restaurant

This eclectic restaurant has changed hands in recent years and features a wide range of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes with a strong focus on vegetarian options.  Unlike many bland attempts at making American classics vegetarian, Asian cuisine often features vegetables as the main component of a dish, and the blend of spices makes it easy to love your greens.  

If you haven't tried Vietnamese pho (pronounced "fa") soup, you're in for a treat.  Although it's delicious any time of year, this spiced broth soup is the perfect complement to our chilly evenings and wet winters in the South Sound.

Seat yourself and order up some pho noodle soup at the casual Saigon Rendezvous in Olympia. Photo credit: Susan Melnyk
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Pho soup looks underwhelming when it arrives. It's a fairly translucent broth with noodles and small slices of chicken, beef, or vegetables, depending on your preference, but don't be fooled:  One taste and you'll be amazed how spices like cinnamon, ginger and star anise can combine to make something so savory.  The soup will be accompanied by a platter of bean sprouts, Thai basil or cilantro, and sliced jalapeno.  Be sure to mix some in for even more flavor, a little spice, and a pleasant crunch.

Saigon Rendez-Vous is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Located at 117 5th Ave. in Olympia, order once you arrive and stay to eat at the restaurant or order takeout through the website, www.saigonrendezvous.com.

Hot Stone Authentic Korean Cuisine

Having lived in Seoul, South Korea, for almost two years, I was surprised to find when I arrived in the South Sound in 2012 that Olympia didn't have a Korean restaurant.  When Hotstone Authentic Korean restaurant opened earlier this year, I was a bit hesitant. The menu looked authentic and the family was warm and welcoming, but would the dishes help transport me back to the country I'd fallen in love with?  Rest assured that Hotstone delivers.  

If you're new to Korean food, let the friendly staff know and ask them to help you order.  Dishes can be served with a kick of heat or with very little for those with a tender palate; either way, the chef is happy to oblige.  

Plenty of seating inside cozy Hotstone Authentic Korean Cuisine. Photo credit: Susan Melnyk
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Bi Bim Bap (pronounced "be bim bp" and sometimes written as ‘bibimbap') means "mixed rice" and is often served in a hot stone bowl.  The dish includes a base of rice with shredded or julienned sautéed or stir-fried vegetables.  A fried egg and thinly sliced meat are often included, although Hotstone has a variety of different bibimbap from which to choose.

If your server indicates that the bowl is hot, be especially careful, but dig in and start mixing.  The rice at the very bottom will form a delicious crust from the heat of the bowl, while the rest is soft to absorb the sauces beautifully.  The colorful dish is a favorite in Korea and abroad, so add it to your culinary passport soon.

Hotstone is located at 119 5th Ave. in Olympia and is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya

Olympia's newest restaurant has hit the market with a bang.  Lines out the door move quickly but are a testament to the popularity of Kizuki and its take on ramen.

With four popular locations in the Seattle area, Kizuki is technically a chain, but it feels anything but cookie cutter.  Located in a brand-new building, the modern, open décor and friendly staff make this a necessary stop on any visit to the capital.

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup served in a meat or fish broth seasoned with miso or soy sauce.  The different combinations are endless, and vegetarian options are also available.  

Kizuki's menu is crisp and descriptive, but the staff is full of information if you can't quite decide or have questions.  The soup is served as a meal in and of itself and, although the appetizers are delicious, you'll want to share them so you have plenty of room to slurp up every last drop of broth in your bowl.

Although the word izakaya does not have a direct English translation, it indicates a place to drink after work, much like a pub, and Kizuki's cocktail and bar menu should not be ignored.  From creative mixed cocktails and authentic Japanese beer to gyoza (pan-fried dumpling) and onigiri (flavored rice ball), you'll be able to experience an evening in Japan without packing a single bag.

Kizuki is located at 120 5th Ave. and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m., with closing time extended on Saturdays until 11 p.m.  Check out the full menu online at www.kizuki.com.

If you need to work up an appetite, Capitol Lake and the waterfront are just a street or two away.  On a sunny day, the mountain range past the water offers a stunning view from the harbor, and the capitol building, sitting high on the bluff above the lake, is an equally beautiful view west.  Both areas are well-lit in the evenings, and if you're a PokemonGo! player, you'll find many fellow trainers down by the harbor trying to "catch ‘em all."