The Best Restaurants in Seattle, Washington
From oysters to omakase, these are the best restaurants in Seattle, WA worth planning your entire trip around.
Seattle is a city that eats well — inventive, seasonal, and endlessly influenced by its surroundings. You’ll find oysters pulled straight from Puget Sound, wood-fired vegetables at the latest farm-to-table gem, and bold, global flavors in every corner of the city. It’s a place where chefs care deeply about ingredients, and it shows on every plate.
I’ve spent the better part of a decade chasing great meals around the world, and every time I return to Seattle, I’m reminded just how exciting — and seriously underrated — this city’s dining scene really is. On my latest trip, I set out to uncover the best restaurants in Seattle right now — the ones that are shaping the city’s food scene in real time.
Not the overhyped spots or the legacy names coasting on reputation, but the kitchens turning out thoughtful, exciting food with a clear point of view. From fine dining to neighborhood favorites, each Seattle restaurant on this list offers something worth going out of your way for.
If you’re planning a longer visit, my 4-day Seattle itinerary will help you make the most of it — meals included.
Short on Time? Here are my top picks for Seattle
Where to Stay: Palihotel Seattle , Thompson Seattle, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, 1 Hotel Seattle
Where to Eat: Canlis, Spinasse, The Walrus and the Carpenter, Cafe Juanita
Things to Do: Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and Ferry across Puget Sound.
23 Best Restaurants in Seattle, WA
1. Canlis
Canlis is Seattle’s elevated fine‑dining landmark perched above Lake Union in its iconic mid‑century modern building, offering sweeping views of the city and the Cascade Mountains.
A three‐course tasting menu is what to order here, and lets you choose from meat, fish, or vegetable across courses—plus the kitchen slips in inventive surprises like scallop‑mousse amuse‑bouches or sake‑lees glazed squash.
Since 2021, chef Aisha Ibrahim—Canlis’s first female executive chef—has infused Pacific flavors, Japanese techniques, and personal flourishes into the menu, while steering the restaurant to new heights of creativity and inclusivity.
The service is polished yet warm, in a space designed by Roland Terry that blends Frank Lloyd Wright vibes with Northwest materiality. Reservations can be famously tricky, so make sure to book well in advance, though the bar offers cocktails, snacks, and live piano if you can’t get a table.
2. Le Pichet
Le Pichet is a cozy, authentic French bistro located just above Pike Place Market, where timeless Parisian soul meets Seattle’s freshest market ingredients.
Though the menu is compact, its standout dishes are anything but—especially the classic Raclette Savoyarde, where gooey melted cheese blankets potatoes and house‑cured charcuterie. The roast chicken for two takes about an hour to prepare, and I have to say it’s worth every minute—crispy skin, tender interior, a must-order signature.
Come for lunch and don’t miss the charcuterie board overflowing with pâtés, rillettes, and cured meats, nor the addictive goat‑cheese beignets dusted in spiced sugar. Add in a steak frites that holds its own alongside French favorites, and you’ve got a Seattle dining room that feels like a Paris basement café, only better.
3. Altura
Altura is an intimate, fine-dining gem on Capitol Hill offering a seasonal Italian-inspired tasting menu rooted in the Pacific Northwest. Each night’s menu showcases hyper-local ingredients through refined dishes like sea urchin cannoli, short rib tortelloni, Columbia River king salmon, and mascarpone cheesecake with olive oil and strawberry.
The open kitchen adds a bit of culinary theater to the elegant 3-hour experience, making it perfect for special occasions. Reservations are essential (especially in summer and on weekends), and the menu shifts with the seasons — no two visits are ever quite the same.
4. Sushi Kashiba
Sushi Kashiba is a refined omakase institution tucked into Pike Place Market, helmed by legendary chef Shiro Kashiba—trained under Jiro Ono, no less—in whose minimalist, blond‑wood dining room every nigiri is a quiet masterpiece of seafood and rice.
Expect pristine local and imported fish—flounder fin, multiple tuna grades, uni, geoduck, sweet egg—served with precision, some brushed with soy or wasabi per the chef’s guidance.
If you’re serious about sushi, the bar seating at the counter is non‑negotiable. Here you’ll watch knife work in real time, sometimes even served directly by Chef Kashiba himself if you’re among the first diners—truly an intimate, kinetic experience that turns each piece of nigiri into a memory.
5. Cafe Juanita
On the other side of Lake Washington, you’ll find Café Juanita — a serene, Northern Italian fine-dining destination tucked into a residential Kirkland neighborhood.
Helmed by chef-owner Holly Smith, a James Beard Award winner, this intimate restaurant has built a loyal following for its elegant, hyper-seasonal approach to Italian cuisine. The tasting menus (omnivore, pescatarian, and vegan) are thoughtful and beautifully paced, often featuring standout dishes like handmade agnolotti with rabbit, slow-braised wagyu beef cheeks, or delicate crudos drizzled with Ligurian olive oil.
The setting is warm and understated, with picture windows that look out onto a quiet, leafy ravine. Café Juanita feels personal — like being invited into someone’s home, if that someone happened to cook better than almost anyone else in the Pacific Northwest. Plan well ahead: reservations are snapped up quickly, especially for weekends.
6. Archipelago
Archipelago, nestled in Hillman City, delivers a standout Filipino‑American tasting experience that easily ranks among the best restaurants in Seattle.
With just a dozen seats, every 10–12‑course dinner unfolds as a culinary journey: signature twists include kinilaw with ginger‑bright local fish, dry‑aged rib‑eye with their renowned squash–based “Orosa” banana‑ketchup, chewy handmade noodles, and halo‑halo with pine‑infused ice. Dishes are served with thoughtful context—each bite rooted in Filipino history and Pacific Northwest ingredients
7. Taneda
Tucked into a quiet alley on Capitol Hill, Taneda delivers a stellar fusion of sushi omakase and kaiseki in an intimate, nine-seat counter experience.
The 25-course seasonal tasting menu blends pristine seafood—like chutoro, otoro, uni, and Miyazaki wagyu topped with caviar—with nuanced small-format bites such as lobster-scallop quince and portobello sushi.
It’s a must for sushi enthusiasts who care about precision, provenance, and presentation.
8. Spinasse
Spinasse, on Capitol Hill, was easily one of my favorite meals in Seattle — the kind that just stayed with me like a slow afternoon in Piedmont might. From the moment I stepped inside, it felt like being transported to an intimate, upscale osteria somewhere deep in Northern Italy.
The space is warm and rustic, with soft lighting, wood-beamed ceilings, and an open kitchen where you can watch pasta being rolled by hand. Their iconic tajarin al burro e salvia — golden strands of hand-cut egg yolk pasta bathed in brown butter and sage — is a dish so simple and so perfect, it rivals any bowl I’ve had in Italy.
Every course, from the seasonal antipasti to the rich braised meats, was beautifully composed and deeply satisfying. Spinasse isn’t just one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle — it’s where to eat in Seattle for a little slice of Italy.
9. Lark
Lark is a Capitol Hill staple and another standout among the best restaurants in Seattle, where Chef John Sundstrom crafts New American dishes grounded in Pacific Northwest ingredients with quiet elegance and bold technique.
Think hamachi crudo dressed in preserved lemon and green olive, chicken liver parfait paired with sweet huckleberries, and pasta tagliatelle swimming in lemon‑brown butter with shaved bottarga—each bite driven by clean, confident flavor.
The intimate dining room features twinkling overhead bulbs and deep‑blue banquettes, creating a place that balances upscale polish with rustic warmth. After a few visits to the Emerald City, Lark remains a favorite of mine for special meals, weekend outfits, and memorable evenings out.
10. Il Nido
In Alki Beach hides a real gem Il Nido, located inside the historic Alki Homestead cabin. This stylish yet cozy Italian spot blends handmade pasta, seasonal antipasti, and thoughtful service with rustic chic—the stone fireplace, antler chandelier, and log-cabin warmth all part of the charm.
Il Nido’s pasta is the star: silky tagliatelle al ragu di maiale e manzo layered in a pork‑beef ragù, or bright gnocchi primavera tossed in an herb sauce studded with mint and vegetables—both signature dishes worth the trip alone.
Reservations are needed, but the bar is walk‑in friendly—perfect for antipasti hour, cozy cocktails, and a genuine West Seattle Italian experience.
11. Eden Hill Restaurant
Eden Hill Restaurant is a tiny, 24-seat gem perched atop Queen Anne that punches well above its size — culinary ambition kick-started by chef-owner Maximillian Petty, a former Olivia (Austin) alum.
The menu is seasonal, inventive, and packed with personality: think fermented carrot-nasturtium soup layered with creamy Dungeness chunks, cauliflower “chilaquiles” dressed with jalapeño honey crema and manchego, and even a crispy pig‑head “candy bar” that plays whimsy and richness in perfect counterpoint.
The vibe is lively-romantic — not hushed — the kind of place where the music hums, plates arrive with flair, and service feels warm yet polished. It’s an ideal spot for special occasions or those nights when you’re craving food that surprises and delights. Highly recommended.
12. The Walrus and the Carpenter
Up in Ballard, The Walrus and the Carpenter serves up one of Seattle’s most iconic seafood experiences — a buzzy, unpretentious oyster bar that perfectly captures the city’s salty-sweet spirit.
Set in a light-filled, industrial-chic space with a marble counter and driftwood chandelier, this spot is all about pristine shellfish and seasonal small plates.
Start with a flight of local oysters on the half shell, arranged from delicate to briny, then move on to plates like steak tartare with crispy shallots, smoked trout with lentils, or their cult-favorite sea urchin custard topped with roe.
It’s casual but electric, and while they don’t take reservations, the wait is part of the ritual—grab a drink next door at Barnacle and you’ll be seated before you know it. This spot is a must for seafood in Seattle.
13. Momiji
In both Capitol Hill and in South Lake Union, Momiji earns its stripes as one of Seattle’s sleekest Japanese dining destinations with two locations.
Both spots serve hand-crafted sushi, sashimi, izakaya bites, and inventive rolls showcasing Northwest seafood in refined, modern settings. The Capitol Hill location features a serene garden courtyard, front bar seating, and floor‑to‑ceiling windows overlooking a stone garden—ideal for a Zen-hued dinner or happy hour escape.
Meanwhile, the South Lake Union restaurant offers similar polished cuisine in a stylish, office‑adjacent space, perfect for post-work omakase or quiet dinner slices away from the buzz.
Momiji consistently ranks among the best sushi spots in Seattle—expect precision, seasonal ingredients, and an ambiance that balances warmth with minimalism.
14. The Pink Door
The Pink Door is a Seattle classic that blends soulful Italian-American fare with vintage charm and a touch of theater. Inside the moody, chandelier-lit dining room (or out on the patio with Elliott Bay views), you’ll find crowd favorites like the signature spinach and pesto lasagna, cioppino, and seasonal pastas made with local ingredients.
On select nights, expect live entertainment—from aerialists to jazz—that adds a playful twist without stealing the spotlight from the food. Cozy, whimsical, and consistently delicious, it’s one of the best restaurants in Seattle for a night that feels like a little bit of everything.
15. Westward
Perched on the north shore of Lake Union, Westward offers one of Seattle’s most picturesque dining settings—think Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and skyline views that practically beg for a glass of wine in hand.
The Mediterranean-leaning menu highlights Pacific Northwest seafood, with standout dishes like baked oysters with ’nduja butter (these are amazing), clam dip with housemade chips, and gigante beans with tomato and feta.
It’s especially perfect for small plates and summer evenings on the deck. You can even pull up by boat—making Westward a true Seattle classic with serious waterfront charm.
16. Local Tide
Located in Fremont, Local Tide is a casual seafood spot that punches way above its weight. Known for playful, high-flavor dishes like shrimp toast with sweet mayo and a creamy smoked salmon belly dip, the menu keeps things fresh and fun.
The weekend-only Dungeness crab roll is a must, and even the smash burger surprises. With counter service, laid-back vibes, and bold flavors, it’s one of the best restaurants in Seattle for a quick, satisfying seafood fix.
17. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
Another Seattle seafood classic is Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar, with locations in Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill (Melrose Market), and Queen Anne—each delivering pristine shellfish straight from the farm. These oyster bars showcase Pacific Northwest’s best, from delicate local oysters and geoduck sashimi to steamed clams and Dungeness crab cracked tableside.
The Pioneer Square spot is the one I always head to as it’s especially lively before games or shows, offering shuckers’ dozens, shrimp po’boys, and award‑winning Bloody Marys on tap.
You can grab a casual seat at the counter, chat with shuckers as they open oysters, then pick among seasonal shellfish paired with crisp wine or cocktails—simple, vibrant, crowd‑pleasing seafood that feels like pure Seattle in a shell.
18. Six Seven Restaurant
Inside The Edgewater Hotel on Pier 67, Six Seven pairs upscale Pacific Northwest cuisine with unbeatable views of Elliott Bay and the Olympics.
The menu leans seasonal and elegant—think miso-glazed black cod, cedar-planked salmon, and crab cakes with tomato-ginger jam. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a cozy-yet-sleek vibe, and standout brunch offerings, it’s one of Seattle’s top waterfront dining spots—ideal for a special night out or a slow, scenic lunch by the sea.
19. Elliott’s Oyster House
A longtime favorite on the Seattle waterfront, Elliott’s Oyster House is a go-to for freshly shucked oysters and classic seafood with a view. Located on Pier 56, it’s the kind of place where you can sample your way down the West Coast—dozens of oyster varieties are listed daily, with flavor notes from briny to buttery.
The menu also features crowd-pleasers like Dungeness crab, Alaskan king salmon, and a rich clam chowder that’s earned its loyal following, me included. There’s a spacious patio and a prime waterfront location.
Elliott’s is an easy pick if you’re visiting Seattle for the first time, sunset dinners, or anyone craving a classic Seattle seafood experience.
20. Lola
For something a little different there’s Lola. Located in downtown Belltown, Lola is a spirited and stylish Mediterranean-inspired gem from the Tom Douglas family, melding Greek and North African riffs with stellar Pacific Northwest ingredients.
The energy is upbeat and social — think house‑made spreads with grilled pita, ouzo‑spritzed kebabs, lamb burger with chickpea fries, and seasonal specials like braised rabbit or garlic falafel gyros.
Don’t skip dessert: the cinnamon doughnuts with mascarpone and fruit compote are famous for a reason. With friendly service and creative cocktails, Lola feels casual and vibrant — a perfect mix of approachable and memorable for brunch, dinner, or late-night bites.
21. Shaker + Spear
Located in Belltown’s Kimpton Palladian Hotel, Shaker + Spear is a chic, seafood-focused spot that brings Pacific Northwest ingredients to life with global flair.
Dishes like grilled octopus with salsa verde, hamachi crudo with passionfruit, and pan-seared scallops shine in a cozy, design-forward space. With friendly service, craft cocktails from neighboring Pennyroyal, and a warm, urban vibe, it’s one of Seattle’s best bets for a polished yet approachable seafood dinner.
22. Von’s 1000Spirits
Von’s 1000 Spirits sits just a block from Pike Place Market, known for its 75-year-old sourdough starter that shows up in everything—from hand‑tossed pizzas and sourdough pastas to house‑made sandwiches.
Standouts include the creamy Mac & Four Cheeses with braised pork, seafood stew, wild cod & chips beer-battered in Pike Place Hefeweizen, and king salmon chowder—rich, comforting, quintessential PNW fare.
The real fun lies in the bar: Von’s boasts over 1,500 spirits including their craft-made gin, vodka, tequila, and bourbon, all rolled into inventive cocktails like the legendary martinis or scratch margaritas with lava salt.
23. Oddfellows Cafe + Bar
Oddfellows Café + Bar, located in Capitol Hill’s historic Oddfellows Hall, is a beloved all-day hangout that shifts effortlessly from sunlit brunch spot to cozy cocktail bar.
With exposed brick, high ceilings, and a communal vibe, it’s both stylish and welcoming. The menu leans New American—think bacon-loaded French toast, shakshuka, mussels, and a standout mac and cheese with braised pork.
Brunch is a major draw, but the “fancy hour” (4–6 pm) is a local favorite too. With great coffee, cocktails, and an easygoing atmosphere, Oddfellows is one of Seattle’s best neighborhood cafés to linger in from morning to night.
Ready to experience the best Seattle restaurants? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.
Make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $56 per month. Get your quote below now.
Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favorite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!
Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals worldwide
Booking.com for great deals on hotels
Agoda also for great deals on hotels
Viator for tours and adventures around the world
Related posts you might like:
Uncover these Relaxing Wellness Retreats in Washington
26 Curated Things to Do in Seattle in the Summer
Best Places for Where to Watch the Sunset in Seattle
The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Seattle, WA
4 Days in Seattle: An Unbeatable Seattle Itinerary
2 Days in Olympic National Park: A Guide for First-Timers
Best Things to Do in Leavenworth, WA in Winter
FOUND THIS POST HELPFUL? PIN IT AND SHARE
