The Ultimate Guide to the Seattle Food Scene

Arguably one of the best foodie cities in America, the Seattle food scene is an incredible mix of laid back and upscale restaurants.  The one thing they all have in common?  They each serve incredibly innovative and tasty dishes day after day.  Salty, fresh-shucked oysters, melt in your mouth croissants, authentic Thai food cooked right in front of your eyes.  That, plus more, is what the Seattle food scene has to offer.  Situated on the coast of Washington, the epicenter of the Pacific Northwest, you may think of Seattle and think of seafood.  While the seafood in Seattle can’t be beaten, there’s so much more that this trendy city offers aside from what comes from the sea.

Below, I break up the best restaurants by which neighborhood you can find them in.  From cheap to expensive, casual to fine dining, these are the best restaurants in Seattle.

 

DINE LIKE A LOCAL.  BOOK A FOOD TOUR HERE!

 

For more food tours, don’t miss…

• Best Tours in Seattle – Top Experiences for Exploring the Emerald City

 

The Best Restaurants in Ballard

 

Cafe Munir

Lebanese | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

Cafe Munir has to be one of my favorite recent finds on the Seattle food scene.  The food is excellent here and whether or not you’re familiar with Lebanese food, you’re sure to love it after dining at Cafe Munir.  I highly recommend letting your waiter guide your choices, but don’t out on the miss the lamb hummus.

 

Rosellini’s Fine Cakes & Baked Goods

Bakery | Go for:  Breakfast | Atmosphere:  Casual

Seattle has some pretty incredible bakeries, and Rosellini’s in Ballard doesn’t disappoint.  With a small outdoor seating area, Rosellini’s is an ideal spot for takeaway pastries and more savory breakfast items.  It started out as a French bakery and has maintained its roots, but it’s also expanded into Italian as well.  Rosellini’s is quite famous for their kougin amann, but I was partial to their onion, gruyere, and thyme pastry.

 

Rupee Bar

Sri Lanken/Indian | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

Located in Ballard, Rupee Bar brings an elevated feel to the grungy (but cool) neighborhood of Ballard.  Its innovative menu of Sri Lankan and Indian fusion food is the perfect touch to a nice, date night out, or even a meal to soak up the beer you may have drank from being out at the breweries all day.  The restaurant is quite small so I highly suggest making reservations far in advance.

 

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Oyster Bar | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

With an enthusiastic kitchen and wait staff, and set in an intimate setting, The Walrus and the Carpenter is the place to go for oysters, small plates, and fresh and innovative seafood.  The Walrus and the Carpenter falls under the Sea Creatures umbrella, a group that owns many of the incredible restaurants in Seattle.  While reservations are not accepted, know that it is perfectly acceptable to wait 2.5 hours for a table at this popular spot.  I suggest putting your name in and heading next door to their sister bar, Barnacle, for apéritifs and small plates to munch on.

 

Un Bien

Caribbean | Go for:  Lunch or Dinner/Take Out | Atmosphere:  Casual

A laid-back and casual sandwich shop, Un Bien dishes up some of the best sandwiches in Seattle.  Order at the window and sit at one of the picnic tables offered outside, or better yet take it to go.  Golden Gardens Park is nearby where you can enjoy a Caribbean sandwich on the beach!

 

For a more robust guide to Ballard, don’t miss…

• A Guide to the Ballard Neighborhood in Seattle

 

The Best Restaurants in Beacon Hill

 

Bar Del Corso

Italian | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

A modern and warm Italian eatery in the heart of Beacon Hill.  Also reservation-free, Bar Del Corso often has a wait on the weekends due to its popularity amongst neighborhood locals and Seattle residents.  With this restaurant being more off the beaten path, if you’re a tourist visiting Seattle it’s definitely worth checking out a place that isn’t quite as widely known.

 

Homer

Mediterranean | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

One of the more under-the-radar places to eat in Seattle, the dishes at Homer transport you back to a breezy summer day in Greece.  With its friendly staff, and a packed house almost every night of the week, Homer makes you feel at home while taking your tastebuds on an adventure.  The bright spot to this restaurant is the homemade, soft-serve ice cream that is served out the side window on a nice night.

 

Milk Drunk

American | Go for:  Lunch/Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

Operated by the same owners of Homer, Milk Drunk is an amazing friend chicken and ice cream restaurant.  It’s very casual with limited seating, but it’s the perfect spot for a night out when you don’t want to cook or are looking for some classic American comfort food.  I highly recommend trying this restaurant if you’re in Beacon Hill or Seattle in general.

 

Tacos Chukis

Mexican | Go for:  Lunch or Dinner/Take Out | Atmosphere:  Casual

With multiple locations around Seattle (Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and Central District) , Tacos Chukis is one of the best taco restaurants in Seattle.  Order when you walk in and wait at your table until someone delivers your food, Tacos Chukis is cheap and offers an authentic flair on no-frill, Mexican tacos.  At this simple restaurant don’t expect all the bells and whistles.  While you can drink beer, they don’t serve margaritas or cocktails, and the tacos don’t have a lot of “extras” added to them.

 

If you’re looking for more to do in Beacon Hill aside from restaurants, make sure to check out…

• A Guide to Seattle’s Most Underrated Neighborhood – Beacon Hill

 

The Best Restaurants in Capitol Hill

 

Bakery Nouveau

Bakery | Go for:  Breakfast, Lunch, or Dessert/Take Out | Atmosphere:  Casual

Serving freshly made, melt in your mouth croissants, pastries, and sandwiches, Bakery Nouveau is the place to go for a sweet or savory treat.  With limited seating offered inside and out, take your food to go and enjoy it elsewhere with a fresh brewed Seattle coffee.  And while a wait is usually involved at Bakery Nouveau, it is well worth your time to stand in line.

There is also a Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle.

 

Harry’s Fine Foods

American | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

Harry’s Fine Foods is an incredible restaurant in the heart of Capitol Hill.  With a beautifully decorated patio space, and a well thought out menu, Harry’s is a great spot for a date night, a night out with friends, or even a solo meal at the bar!

 

Momiji

Sushi | Go for:  Lunch or Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

A Japanese sushi house, I would firmly argue that Momiji rolls some of the best, fresh, sushi rolls in Seattle.  With a casual but intimate dining atmosphere make sure to call ahead for a reservation if you don’t want to wait long.  Or you can “walk in” and be seated in the small bar portion at the front of the restaurant.

 

Nue

International Street Food | Go for:  Dinner (or Bottomless Brunch) | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

In this eclectic restaurant, the owners of Nue figured out a way to bring a new and unique experience to the already popular Seattle food scene, and it worked!  Nue is (relatively) new to Seattle but already popular amongst locals.  The owners traveled the world and when they got back to Seattle they realized that they missed all of the food they would eat from food trucks abroad.  So they opened Nue where they serve their favorite international food found around the world and decked it out in memorabilia they collected across the globe.

Nue is also one of the only bottomless brunch spots in Seattle.  I don’t prefer their breakfast, but if you want bottomless mimosas, it is an easy choice!

 

Oddfellows Café and Bar

American | Go for:  Appetizers | Atmosphere:  Casual

I appreciate Oddfellows for what it is, an intimate and cozy bar setting with an epic outdoor patio.  And while people flock here to eat, I enjoy it more for appetizers and cocktails before setting off to dinner somewhere else.  I recommend Oddfellows for a quick bite if you need to rest your feet, before dinner apps, or a late-night snack.

 

Ox Burger

American, Laotian Fusion | Go for:  Lunch | Atmosphere:  Casual

This casual burger spot is a hidden gem in the heart of Seattle.  With a few Laotian twists and Laotian inspiration integrated throughout the menu and restaurant design, it isn’t your typical American burger joint.  If you’re looking for a casual lunch, you should absolutely consider Ox Burger.

 

Rondo Japanese Kitchen

Japanese | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

On my most recent trip to Seattle I ended up dining at Rondo Japanese Kitchen and wow – it was amazing.  The restaurant has an old school Japanese feel but the food feels fresh and modern.  The only downside to Rondo’s is that the restaurant does not take reservations so be prepared to wait; but I promise it’s worth it!

 

Terra Plata

New American | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

With an incredible rooftop patio, I’d be letting you down if I didn’t mention this breezy American restaurant.  I’ve eaten at Terra Plata several times now and can confidently say whether you’re looking for appetizers, an entire dinner, or a nightcap – the rooftop at Terra Plata is where it’s at.

 

The Best Restaurants Downtown

 

The Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar

Seafood | Go for:  Lunch or Happy Hour | Atmosphere:  Casual

Located in Pike Place Market, Athenian is the restaurant that is featured in Sleepless in Seattle.  While that draws a lot of tourists, they still do seafood well and if you’re visiting Pike Place I’d highly recommend stopping in for a bite to eat.  I prefer to go for the fried calamari and drinks at the bar overlooking Elliott Bay, but even their entrees are worthy of trying.

 

For a more in-depth guide to Pike Place Market, don’t miss…

• Everything to Know When Visiting Pike Place Market

 

Conversation

American | Go for:  Appetizers or Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

Conversation is located on the first floor of the Thompson Hotel near Pike Place Market.  Here expect to find a twist on every food item you can think of.  Instead of freshly shucked oysters, try the freshly shucked oysters with homemade strawberry dip n’ dots on top.  It’s the perfect place to grab appetizers before heading up to The Nest, (one of the best rooftops in Seattle), or eat a more hearty dinner.

 

The Pink Door

Italian | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

One of the well-known fancy restaurants in Seattle, The Pink Door draws a large crowd of tourists… and it’s easy to see why!  With a fun and inviting atmosphere, yummy Italian food, and tucked away behind a brick wall near Pike Place Market this restaurant has all of the fixings to be one of the best.  The Pink Door also draws a crowd for its cabaret shows and live music.  If you plan to visit, especially during a popular show, make sure to reserve a table months in advance.  Seats fill up quickly.  (Please note, I love The Pink Door for its charming and cheery atmosphere.  But there are much better Italian restaurants to eat at in Seattle if you’re strictly looking for a food experience).

 

The Best Restaurants in Fremont/Wallingford

 

El Camino

Mexican | Go for:  Appetizers or Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

The perfect restaurant for a lively, feisty night out, El Camino is located in Fremont and is the perfect spot for a fun date night or night out with the girls.  A casual dinner option, El Camino is decked to the nines with fun decor with lively music playing overhead.  With both an indoor and outdoor option it’s a great choice for any type of weather.  Come for margaritas and queso or welcome an entire meal!

 

Joule

Asian Fusion | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

In an upscale and intimate setting, make sure to add Joule to your list if you’re looking for elevated Asian cuisine.  With some of the most unique food items on the menu, and never truly knowing what I was ordering, nothing at Joule disappointed.

 

Pablo y Pablo

Mexican | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

Different from some of the other restaurants in Seattle, Pablo y Pablo is a light, airy, and bright restaurant known for its margaritas and unique tacos.  Charred broccoli and soft shell crab tacos adorn the menu along with street food corn and other Mexican-inspired dishes drawing quite the crowd to this indoor/outdoor restaurant.  It’s the perfect place for a date night, girls night, or if you just need a quick bite to eat!

 

RockCreek Seafood & Spirits

Seafood | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

RockCreek was opened in 2013 and it’s one of the best places in Seattle for seafood.  Not only is the menu ever changing with fresh ingredients and what’s in season, but RockCreek is a great place to host a private party or event.  They have a large event space upstairs with a door for privacy.

 

Westward

New American | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining

There are good restaurants in Seattle, and then there are great restaurants in Seattle and Westward is one of those great restaurants in Seattle.  Also part of the Sea Creatures restaurant group, Westward is best known for its atmosphere and is the hot spot to sit back, relax, and “ah” over the views that downtown Seattle has to offer.  Sitting on Lake Union, Westward offers some of the best views of the Seattle skyline.

 

If you’re looking for more things to do in the Fremont area, make sure to check out…

• Best Neighborhoods in Seattle – Things to Do in Fremont

 

The Best Restaurants in Madrona

 

Red Cow

French | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

Red Cow located in Madrona (near one of my favorite wine bars in Seattle – Bottlehouse) is a no-fuss, amazing French restaurant.  The food served at Red Cow is exceptional, and while my French boyfriend would say “this is not typical French food”, I would say that Red Cow has done an amazing job at putting an American spin on classic French dishes.  With choices like escargot and steak tartare, if you’re wanting to try French food (or you’re a French food lover like me), I highly recommend a visit to Red Cow.

 

The Best Restaurants in Pioneer Square

 

Casco Antiguo

Mexican | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

If you’re looking for a fun night out on the town, look no further than Casco Antiguo with its lively atmosphere and strong, off-the-wall margaritas.  At Casco Antiguo, it’s hard not to have a good time with margaritas on tap, ever-flowing, and chips and salsa readily served.

 

Damn the Weather

New American | Go for:  Happy Hour | Atmosphere:  Casual

A type of upscale gastropub, Damn the Weather is an ode, too well, the rainy weather in Seattle!  In a cozy setting of exposed brick walls and wooden beams.  With a long happy hour served from 11-5 each day, I prefer going for discounted drinks and small bites/shared plates.  Oh, and the burger is one of the best I’ve had in Seattle!

 

Taylor Shellfish

Seafood | Go for:  Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

Arguably the best casual seafood restaurant in Seattle, Taylor Shellfish has traditional menu items such as oysters and Po’boys; but they also have a twist on seafood too.  Venture out and try the fried oysters dipped in buffalo sauce and placed on deviled eggs if you’re looking for a real treat!  With its proximity to the football and baseball stadiums in Seattle, Taylor Shellfish is also a great place to go for a filling meal before heading to a big game.

 

The Best Restaurants in Queen Anne

 

Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge

Creole | Go for:  Brunch | Atmosphere:  Casual

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Toulouse Petit is extra especially known around Seattle for its epic brunch menu.  An extensive cajun, creole menu features a wide variety of foods from fried green tomatoes to duck hash, sandwiches and salads, to classics like jambalaya.  Because it’s well-known I’d recommend making a reservation in advance to eat here.

 

The Best Restaurants in University Village

 

Thai Tom

Thai | Go for:  Lunch or Dinner/Take Out | Atmosphere:  Casual

A true hidden gem in the city of Seattle, Thai Tom is a no-frills Thai restaurant that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.  Requiring cash only, Thai Tom only sits a limited number of people but you can easily get your food to take away.  Here the food is cheap and full of flavor.

 

The Best Restaurants in West Seattle

 

Cactus Alki Beach

Southwestern Mexican | Go for:  Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

After a long day at the beach – Cactus is the perfect cure.  However, I also recently went for brunch and I have to say that I was equally impressed.  In my opinion, Cactus Alki Beach is perfect for any time of the day – or if you just want to pop in for happy hour and chips and guac!

 

Harry’s Beach House

Pacific Northwest | Go for:  Lunch or Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

Harry’s Beach House is a breezy, beachside restaurant that specializes in classic, Pacific Northwestern cuisine.  It’s the perfect spot for any occasion – happy hour drinks with girlfriends, a romantic date night, or even a solo lunch date.  If you visit West Seattle, I highly recommend Harry’s Beach House.

 

Marination Ma Kai

Hawaiian-Korean Fusion | Go for:  Lunch or Dinner | Atmosphere:  Casual

With locations throughout Seattle (demand is high!), Marination Ma Kai is best experienced in West Seattle where you can enjoy outdoor views of the Seattle skyline.  Here, you’ll order at the counter and get a page when your food is ready, where you’ll then take it to your picnic table to eat.  Come hungry so you can stuff yourself with incredible kimchi fried rice, fish tacos, french fries topped with pork belly and aioli, and lychee margaritas.

 

Washington Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Washington

 

With so many restaurants in Seattle, the Seattle food scene is one of the best in America.  Here you can find all different types of cuisines, from casual to fine dining, and everything in between.  There is truly a restaurant for everyone!

 

For more food recommendations in Seattle, don’t miss…

• 5 Dessert Places in Seattle to Get Your Sugar Fix

 

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