Food in Seattle, United States is never boring. Fresh supply of fish daily, smell of fresh bread in local small bakeries and fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Pacific Northwest – all that makes food in Seattle unique. No matter if it’s your first visit to Seattle or you’ve been in the city for several times and just discovered new neighborhoods of Seattle, having a good meal will make your stay in the city more immersive.
After trying some best Seattle restaurants,
I have to say that most memorable meals are not in the most expensive restaurants or even restaurants located next to water in downtown area of the city. Meals in small local cafes, seafood counters and restaurants loved by locals turned out to be most memorable.

Seattle is not only the city with unique food scene, but also the city which has everything in terms of food budget. From the most expensive restaurants offering Michelin starred food to cheap noodle and taco restaurants, food halls and seafood counters – Seattle has everything. The combination of different types of restaurants is the best choice.

This article will describe restaurants with great food, friendly atmosphere and unforgettable dining experience. This list does not include all popular restaurants in the city, but the ones that have to be visited while staying in Seattle.

This guide combined with our Seattle Travel Guide, Seattle Waterfront Guide, and 3 Days in Seattle Itinerary will help you to experience the best of Seattle between meals.

Why Seattle is one of the Best Food Cities in America

Location defines the type of food available in Seattle restaurants.

Puget Sound provides Seattle with fresh oysters, salmon, halibut, Dungeness crab and other seafood practically throughout the whole year. Fresh vegetables, berries, mushrooms and artisan cheese are supplied by local farms.

The second characteristic of Seattle’s food scene is multiculturalism of the city. Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Scandinavian food cultures are merged with the products of Pacific Northwest making unique dishes which are not found anywhere else.

The preference of Seattle’s restaurants for quality over presentation is another characteristic of this city. Some restaurants are famous for their complicated menus, while other restaurants are famous for food which consists of simple ingredients but is prepared in exceptional way.

Moreover, Seattle is famous for its coffee culture. In addition to chain restaurants, there are many independent cafes roasting unique coffee and offering exceptional drinks. Morning in cozy cafe with freshly brewed coffee roasted locally will turn your morning into experience of living in Seattle.

However, evening in Seattle feels very casual despite the fact that many of the best Seattle restaurants offer exceptional food. It makes Seattle great destination for everybody.

1. Best Seafood Restaurant: Elliott’s Oyster House

No guide to Seattle can be called complete without seafood restaurant. If you want to have the best seafood experience in restaurants with a view on water, then Elliott’s Oyster House is one of the best options in Seattle.

Located in Seattle’s waterfront, the restaurant specializes in fresh oysters delivered right from Pacific Northwest. Oyster menu varies each season and you can feel the difference in taste and texture of this product.

It’s better to start your visit to Elliott’s Oyster House with the plate of oysters because this is the easiest way to enjoy this amazing ingredient.

In addition to oysters, you can order salmon, Dungeness crab, clam chowder, fresh halibut and other dishes consisting of seasonal ingredients.

The outdoor patio of the restaurant becomes particularly popular in warm months. Enjoying delicious seafood while looking at Elliott Bay and watching ferries is the dining experience which can be experienced nowhere in Seattle.

Price range: $50 to $100 Per Person
Best for: seafood lovers, couples, waterfront dining, first-time visitors
Don’t miss: fresh Pacific Northwest oysters, Dungeness crab, cedar-plank salmon
Reservation tip: make sure to get a table before sunset to enjoy waterfront view from your table.

2. Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Canlis

If you are looking for a restaurant for special occasions then Canlis is one of the most iconic places in Seattle which offers luxury dining experience.

The restaurant operates for decades and constantly offers new seasonal menus. Each dish in the restaurant focuses on local ingredients which are cooked with exceptional precision.

The service in this restaurant is professional but not overly formal. The servers are always ready to tell you about each dish and recommend you wine pairings.

The large windows of the restaurant allow you to admire Lake Union and Cascade Mountains.

The reservations for this restaurant are usually booked several weeks in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.

Although dining at Canlis is rather expensive activity, this experience is definitely worth every penny.

Price range: $100+ Per Person
Best for: anniversaries, celebrations, luxury dining
Don’t miss: seasonal menu with wine pairing
Reservation tip: book your table several weeks before the visit.

3. Best Casual Local Favorite: The Pink Door

Located in Pike Place Market, The Pink Door has become beloved place for both locals and tourists.

The entrance of the restaurant looks quite unusual and finding it feels like discovery of local neighborhood’s secret. The atmosphere in the restaurant is warm and friendly, while the food is classical Italian-American cuisine with sometimes live entertainment.

Home-made pasta is the best choice for you if you are visiting The Pink Door. Lasagna, seafood linguini and ravioli are some of the best dishes in the restaurant.

If the weather is nice, try to get an outdoor table which overlooks Elliott Bay. Such combination of relaxed atmosphere and fresh pasta in Pike Place Market will turn your meal into unforgettable experience.

Despite the popularity of the restaurant, it does not feel overly formal. Everybody, from families to couples and solo travelers will feel comfortable in this restaurant.

Price range: $30-80 Per Person
Best for: lunch, dinner, couples, Pike Place Market visitors
Don’t miss: home-made lasagna, seafood pasta, tiramisu
Reservation tip: tables during evenings are booked quickly, especially during summer.

4. Best Brunch Restaurant: Tilikum Place Cafe

Seattle is famous for its brunches. Tilikum Place Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Seattle and is rather secluded from tourist locations although being close to downtown Seattle. Comfortable European cuisine made from locally sourced products represents the menu of the restaurant. Every dish is beautifully presented without being too complicated.

The most famous dish in this cafe is the Dutch Baby pancake that takes some time to cook to order. This is also one of the best breakfast dishes in Seattle. Together with sweet dishes, restaurant provides excellent choices for breakfast such as smoked salmon, eggs, and seasonal vegetables.

Reservation is highly recommended if one plans to visit the restaurant during the weekends.

Price range: $20-50 Per Person
Best for: Brunch, couples, weekend breakfasts
Don’t miss: Dutch Baby Pancake, Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon dishes
Reservation tip: Make a reservation for weekend brunch several days in advance.

5. Best Breakfast Café: Storyville Coffee

If one needs a quiet place with great coffee and breakfasts, Storyville Coffee will be a good choice.

Being located close to Pike Place Market, the café is offering not only great coffee but also great views on Elliott Bay.

Menu of the café is rather limited but all the dishes are made with precision. Perfect pastries, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches and homemade granola served together with signature coffee of the café are quite a pleasant experience.

Excellent coffee is the main advantage of this café. Beans of the café are roasted with high precision that results in perfect taste in a city where coffee can be very high quality.

Visiting this café early enough guarantees no lines and quiet atmosphere.

Price range: $10-20 Per Person
Best for: Breakfast, coffee lovers, solo travelers
Don’t miss: Signature latte, avocado toast, fresh pastries
Local tip: Sit near windows with view on Elliott Bay.

6. Best Asian Restaurant: Kau Kau Barbecue Restaurant

Asian cuisine is superb in Seattle and Kau Kau Barbecue Restaurant is one of the best places for Asian food attracting tourists and locals.

Cantonese barbecue is a specialty of this restaurant. Portions are generous and prices are affordable.

Roast duck, barbecue pork, and crispy pork belly are the most popular dishes. All of them are served with rice and side dishes.

Interior of the restaurant is rather modest. All attention is paid to the food.

Going to this restaurant off peak times is the way to avoid long waiting lines.

Price range: $10-20 Per Person
Best for: Budget travelers, families, authentic Cantonese cuisine
Don’t miss: Roast duck, barbecue pork, combination plates
Local tip: Order family style portions when traveling with group.

7. Best Japanese Restaurant: Sushi Kashiba

For those who are looking for one sushi experience, Sushi Kashiba is one of the best restaurants in Seattle.

Situated close to Pike Place Market, the restaurant uses fish from the Pacific Northwest along with other Japanese products.

The omakase experience of the restaurant allows choosing dishes by the chef according to the seasonality. Every dish is fresh, balanced, and precise.

Seats in the sushi bar provide the most impressive experience allowing watching the work of chefs preparing the dishes.

Making reservation at this restaurant is necessary all year round.

Price range: $100+ Per Person
Best for: Sushi lovers, special occasions
Don’t miss: Omakase tasting menu
Reservation tip: Make a reservation in advance.

8. Best Italian Restaurant: Spinasse

There are many good Italian restaurants in Seattle, but Spinasse is one of the best of them.

Inspired by cuisine of Northern Italy, specifically Piedmont, the restaurant specializes in homemade pasta that is cooked daily.

Signature dish of the restaurant is Tajarin al Burro that includes delicate egg pasta with butter and sage. The simplicity makes it unique.

Good appetizers, properly chosen wines, and hospitable service complete the experience.

Intimate dining room provides cozy atmosphere that is suitable for couples and a small company.

Price range: $100+ Per Person
Best for: Date nights, authentic Italian cuisine
Don’t miss: Tajarin al Burro, homemade pasta, Piedmont wines

9. Best Steakhouse: Metropolitan Grill

When one needs high-quality steak, Metropolitan Grill is setting standards in Seattle.

Combining the style of traditional steakhouse with great service, the restaurant specializes in dry-aged USDA Prime beef.

Traditional sides, fresh seafood, and great wine selection complement the menu of the restaurant.

Despite the prestige of the restaurant, Metropolitan Grill is still hospitable place for various visitors – business travelers, couples, celebrating families.

Price range: $100+ Per Person
Best for: Celebrations, business dinners, steak lovers
Don’t miss: Dry-aged ribeye, filet mignon, lobster mashed potatoes
Reservation tip: Make an evening reservation.

10. Best Waterfront Restaurant: Six Seven Restaurant

Few restaurants succeed in offering tastiest meals along with views on Seattle landscape. However, Six Seven Restaurant manages to achieve this goal. You can find Table at Resy

11. Best Budget Restaurant: Biscuit Bitch

Delicious food does not have to be expensive. This hypothesis is perfectly confirmed by Biscuit Bitch.

Located near Pike Place Market, the restaurant has become famous for serving hearty Southern-inspired food.

Freshly baked biscuits are a basis of majority of meals there. They can be served with fried chicken, sausage gravy, eggs, cheese and even vegetarian toppings.

Generous portions represent excellent value for budget travelers.

During brunch time a queue appears, but the service is quite fast.

Casual atmosphere perfectly matches active atmosphere of Pike Place Market.

Price Range: $10-20 Per Person
Good For: Budget travelers, breakfast, quick lunches
Must Try: The “Bitchwich,” biscuits and gravy, fried chicken biscuit
Tip: Come to the restaurant before 9:00 am to avoid standing in a queue.

12. Best Dessert Spot: Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery

Eating a dessert after the dinner is inevitable when dining in Seattle.

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery is a restaurant specialized in making molten chocolate cakes using only local ingredients.

Every dessert is served hot and has perfect soft center. Seasonal toppings and homemade ice cream are a final touch of delicious desserts.

Drinking chocolate is served in Seattle in winter.

Despite its popularity, the atmosphere of the restaurant remains relaxed.

Chocoholics should be prepared to come to the restaurant hungry as portions at Hot Cakes are rather generous.

Price Range: $10-20 Per Person
Good For: Couples, families, dessert lovers
Must Try: Molten chocolate cake, salted caramel sauce, drinking chocolate

13. Best Coffee Experience: Espresso Vivace

The list of the best restaurants for coffee lovers cannot be complete without Seattle café.

Although there are hundreds of excellent coffee cafes in Seattle, Espresso Vivace is definitely one of the most popular espresso spots in the city.

The role of this cafe in development of the Seattle coffee culture is huge due to high-quality roasting of beans and preparation of the coffee.

The signature drink of the café is the Caffè Nico which is flavored with orange zest and cinnamon.

Observation of the work of experienced baristas while they prepare each cup of coffee, will help you to understand why Seattle is still one of the best coffee cities in America.

Price Range: $1-10 Per Person
Good For: Coffee enthusiasts, afternoon breaks
Must Try: Caffè Nico, classic espresso, cappuccino

Tips for Dining in Seattle

Some of the best Seattle restaurants become crowded very quickly, especially on weekends and in summer.
Table reservation will make a difference in fine-dining and popular waterfront restaurants.
Brunch is extremely popular in Seattle. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid queueing.

Happy hour provides good value in many Seattle restaurants and bars.
It is better to explore the city outside downtown. Capitol Hill, Ballard, Fremont and International District provide excellent meals to tourists without crowding of other visitors.
It is necessary to balance the number of casual restaurants with one or two unforgettable fine-dining restaurants.

Local Dishes You Should Try

Seattle’s restaurants will be even more interesting if you know what to order there.

Pacific fresh oysters must be definitely included in your menu if you like seafood. There are different kinds of oysters, and each of them has unique taste according to its place of growing.

Cedar-planked salmon is a symbol of Seattle. Cooking of salmon on cedar plank gives special taste to this dish.

Dungeness crab is another symbol of Seattle. You can taste it in form of whole crab, crab cakes, or with pasta.

Seattle’s famous clam chowder must be enjoyed not only in touristic places, but also in local restaurants. This dish tastes extremely good in local variations because of using fresh local seafood.

Coffee is also an important part of Seattle.

Beside chain coffee shops with espresso you should visit local independent cafes with roasted espresso. It will be one of the unforgettable moments of your trip.

Don’t forget about seasonal berries, artisanal cheese, wild mushrooms, and local wine. You can find these products in menus of many restaurants.

Practical Tips on Dining in Seattle

Proper planning will help you a lot during dining in Seattle.

Fine-dining restaurants should be booked several weeks prior your arrival especially in summer and holiday periods.

Visit brunch restaurants in the early morning to avoid queue.

Happy hour will give you great value for money in almost all restaurants. They offer you small portions of their signature dishes and cocktails at discounts.

You should walk in the neighborhoods of Seattle in order to visit local cafés, bakeries, and coffee shops which are not mentioned in travel guides.

Tips in the range of 18% to 20% are expected as a compensation for table service in all over the USA.

Finally, don’t plan all your meals.

Sometimes the best dining experience in Seattle happens by accident when you visit neighborhood restaurant which was not included in your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Seattle’s restaurant scene reveals the essence of this city: it is creative, hospitable, and connected with Pacific Northwest.

Fresh seafood, seasonable products, artisan coffee, and influence of other cuisines make one of the best food scenes in America.

What impressed me the most besides the quality of restaurants was incredible variety. In one day you will be able to start with locally roasted coffee and pastries in Pike Place Market, then go to fresh oysters with view to Elliott Bay, and end your day with handmade pasta or sushi prepared by one of the best chefs in the country.

Also, Seattle impressed me by the fact that you don’t need to spend a lot of money for good dining experience. Usually, the most delicious meals were served by neighborhood cafés, family restaurants, busy food markets, and casual seafood stands where locals come every day.

No matter whether you are going to make quick weekend trip or longer Pacific Northwest vacation you should include restaurants in your itinerary. This is one of the best ways to explore the city.

And if you will continue to explore Seattle, you shouldn’t miss Seattle Travel Guide, 3 Days in Seattle Itinerary, Pike Place Market Guide, Seattle Waterfront Guide, and Best Time to Visit Seattle. With their help you will see the best sights, neighborhoods, and restaurants in Seattle.