15 perfect restaurants in Seattle, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to Seattle, a foodie's paradise where the coffee is strong and the seafood is even stronger! If you're ready to embark on a culinary adventure, make sure to visit the 15 best restaurants in the Emerald City. From Pike Place Market's seafood haven, where seagulls fight over every bite, to a trendy rooftop spot with a view that will make your food taste even better, Seattle has got your taste buds covered. Just beware of the infamous Seattle drizzle - don't let it dampen your spirits or your plate!
Save destination1. Sitka & Spruce
1531 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Welcome to Sitka & Spruce, the culinary cocoon hidden in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Tucked away like a secret passage, this charming eatery offers a dining experience that will make your taste buds do a lively rendition of the Macarena. Prepare to have your palate pampered by the chef's artsy concoctions, all lovingly crafted with ingredients so fresh that they've taken up a morning yoga routine. Just make sure to bring your adventurous spirit – whether you’re nibbling on a mysterious root vegetable or indulging in a dessert that looks like it's plotting world domination, Sitka & Spruce will keep you on your toes in the most deliciously peculiar way.
Learn more2. Salare
2404 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
Seattle's culinary landscape just got turned up to eleven with the presence of Salare, an absolute gem in the Emerald City. As you step into this restaurant, prepare your taste buds for a wild rollercoaster ride, where flavors collide like bumper cars, leaving you stunned in the most delightful way. Sit down, buckle up, and let Chef Edouardo Jordan craft a symphony of dishes that will make your stomach dance a jig you never knew it had in it.
Learn more3. Le Pichet
1933 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Welcome to Le Pichet in Seattle, where each sip of coffee packs enough caffeine to make a sloth sprint faster than Usain Bolt. Prepare for a gastronomic adventure that will put a spring in your step and stretch your waistline beyond its limits. This French bistro, nestled in the heart of the city, is like a culinary time capsule, transporting you straight to Paris without the pesky jet lag or aggressive accordion playing.
Learn more4. Bateau
1040 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Welcome to Bateau, where beef-eating dreams come true in the heart of Seattle! This carnivorous paradise promises a dining experience that will make your taste buds do a joyful tango. Nestled in the charming Capitol Hill neighborhood, Bateau offers a whimsical retreat where you can savor superbly cooked cuts of steak that are so delectable, they could make even the strictest vegetarian consider a life change. So prepare your palate for an extraordinary meaty adventure, and get ready to exclaim, "Holy cow!" at every mouthwatering bite.
Learn more5. Shiro's Sushi
2401 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Shiro's Sushi is a mecca for sushi enthusiasts seeking a taste adventure that will make their taste buds scream with delight (in a good way, of course!). Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where fresh catches from the sea are transformed into edible masterpieces by the skillful hands of Shiro himself, like an artist armed with a rice-filled brush. The quaint, unassuming exterior might make you think twice, but fear not, fellow sushi lovers, for within these humble walls lies a sushi nirvana that will leave you exclaiming "Shiro, you culinary wizard!"
Learn more6. Tilikum Place Cafe
407 Cedar St, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Welcome to Tilikum Place Cafe, a charming little spot nestled in the heart of Seattle, where brunch dreams come true. This place takes its caffeine seriously, so prepare to be buzzed like a caffeinated bumblebee on a mission. With a cozy yet stylish atmosphere, you'll feel like you stumbled into a hipster granny's living room, complete with mismatched vintage chairs and a wall decorated with quirky art that will make you chuckle (or scratch your head in confusion, we won't judge).
Learn more7. Stateside
300 E Pike St #1200, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Stateside is the culinary haven that combines the elegance of French-Vietnamese cuisine with the charm of a laid-back, flannel-clad Northwesterner. Step into this whimsical eatery where the decor is as eye-catching as a peacock in a plaid suit. Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable adventure as you indulge in their famous crispy duck rolls, leaving you wondering how something so delicious could make any state feel like the paradise of your dreams.
Learn more8. Joule
3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Welcome to Seattle, where the rain is as abundant as the coffee shops! One must-visit destination for caffeine enthusiasts is Joule, a restaurant that will have you jumping for joy, and not just from the caffeine-induced jitters. With its elegant fusion of Korean and American flavors, Joule will make your taste buds sing like a caffeinated choir, and leave you wondering why life itself isn't available in a tall, non-fat, extra foam latte form outside of this magical city.
Learn more9. Dahlia Lounge
2001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Welcome to Dahlia Lounge in Seattle, where culinary dreams come to reality faster than a snail racing a sloth. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant is like stepping into a whimsical time machine that catapults you straight into foodie paradise. Prepare for a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds boogie like nobody's watching, while the charmingly quirky ambiance will have you wondering if you've stumbled into a delightful parallel universe.
Learn more10. Spinasse
1531 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Tucked away in the heart of Seattle, Spinasse is like a culinary time machine that transports you straight to the romantic hills of Piemonte, Italy. This Italian gem boasts rustic charm with its warm, dimly lit ambiance and walls adorned with vintage photos (and I bet, a hidden stash of Mario and Luigi costumes). Prepare for an unforgettable dining experience as you savor their handmade pasta, so delicious it will make you believe you’ve discovered the secret behind nonna’s eternal youth.
Learn more11. Westward
2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Welcome to Westward, where the sea meets the land in the quirkiest way possible! This waterfront gem in Seattle is an absolute must-visit for those seeking equal measures of relaxation and fishy adventures. Enjoy their delicious cuisine while sitting on a converted old ship, which is basically like floating and feasting on seafood simultaneously—talk about multitasking! Plus, the breathtaking views of the city skyline will make you wonder if you accidentally stumbled upon Atlantis.
Learn more12. The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Welcome to The Walrus and the Carpenter, an absolute gem hidden in the vibrant city of Seattle! This whimsical oyster bar is a delightful concoction of nautical decor and delectable seafood. Don't be fooled by the name, there's no poetic recitation of Lewis Carroll's works here, but a culinary wonderland where bivalves and libations take center stage. Step inside this cozy establishment and let your taste buds embark on a delightful voyage. The menu boasts an impressive assortment of briny delicacies that will leave you shell-shocked in the best possible way. Whether you fancy plump Pacific oysters or succulent Dungeness crab, the sheer freshness and meticulous preparation will have you singing sea shanties in no time. Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance as the friendly shuckers and bartenders weave their magic, expertly crafting artisanal cocktails that perfectly complement the oceanic offerings. The Walrus and the Carpenter is the ideal spot to unwind, slurp mouthwatering oysters, and engage in pleasant banter with fellow seafood enthusiasts. Don't forget to bring your hunger and an appetite for laughter, for this Seattle treasure is sure to leave you flippered over heels.
Learn more13. Canlis
2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Welcome to Canlis, Seattle's fanciest spot where you can dine like royalty without sacrificing your firstborn child! The sophisticated atmosphere here will make you feel like you accidentally wandered into a classy James Bond film, so don't worry if you start instinctively searching for hidden cameras. Prepare yourself for delicious culinary creations that will make your taste buds forget about their mundane existence and spontaneously do a happy dance. Just remember, if you can't pronounce half the items on the menu, just point randomly and act like you're being oh-so-adventurous. Bon appétit!
Learn more14. The Pink Door
1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Nestled inconspicuously in the heart of Seattle, The Pink Door beckons you with its whimsical charm and enigmatic allure. This hidden gem, rumored to have been birthed from a forbidden love affair between a trapeze artist and a jazz musician, tantalizes your senses with its eclectic fusion of Italian cuisine and burlesque entertainment. Step through the enigmatic pink door, let your inhibitions unravel, and embark on a memorable journey filled with delicious food, captivating performances, and a palpable sense of whimsy.
Learn more15. Altura
617 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
Nestled in the heart of rainy Seattle, Altura is like a charming culinary oasis where foodies can seek refuge from the perpetual drizzle. This cozy Italian gem magically marries the flavors of Tuscany with the quirkiness of the Pacific Northwest, resulting in dishes that will make even your taste buds feel all warm and fuzzy. Just be prepared to leave your wet umbrella at the door – this place has enough Italian hospitality to dry it for you.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Seattle by plane is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. There are many airlines that fly into this airport from all over the world including United Airlines, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.
Car
The best way to get to Seattle by car is to take the I-5 highway if coming from the north or south. If coming from the east, take either the I-90 or US-2 highway. Traffic can be heavy during peak times so plan accordingly.
Train
Currently, there are no passenger train services that go directly to Seattle. However, Amtrak does operate a train that goes to nearby Tacoma. From there, passengers can take a bus or taxi to reach Seattle.
Boat
The best way to get to Seattle by boat is to take a ferry. The Washington State Ferries are a popular option for passengers coming from nearby islands or the Olympic Peninsula. The downtown Seattle ferry terminal is located at Pier 52 and serves multiple ferry routes.
Bus
The best way to get to Seattle by bus is to take Greyhound. Greyhound has many locations throughout the United States and has a station located in downtown Seattle.