Seattle, Washington is home to many great restaurants that offer a variety of dining experiences.
Washington State is known for its snow dusted volcanic mountains, multiple national parks, and agricultural expertise. One of it’s most amazing large cities, Seattle, sits on the state’s west coast and is is full of fun things to do. Seattle’s cuisine is also very diverse, so there are many great restaurants to try when visiting.
Aside from taking in new sights and experiences, traveling is a great opportunity to enjoy new cuisines! Being an ever-growing city and popular cruise port allows Seattle to offer many restaurant dining options for travelers.
From traditional Pacific Northwest fare to innovative global cuisine, Seattle’s gastronomic landscape is as diverse as it is delicious. Here’s a roundup of some of the best restaurants in Seattle selected by our Travel Makes Me Happy Team, each delivering unique and unforgettable culinary experiences.
If you are visiting Seattle on a trip or even on an Alaskan cruise pre-trip, you will not want to miss these great foodie options for delicious eats!
Also, if you are visiting Seattle soon don’t forget to read our 20 Unique Things to do in Seattle article too or get some great weekend trip ideas for Victoria, British Columbia which is an easy day trip from Seattle!
Best Seattle, WA Restaurants to try:
Table of contents
Archipelago (Amazing restaurant experience)
Located in Hillman City, Archipelago serves up an exceptional Pacific Northwest tasting menu. Owners Aaron Verzosa and Amber Manuguid have masterfully crafted a menu that pays homage to their Filipino heritage while also incorporating local Washington ingredients. Each dish tells a story, making dining at Archipelago a truly immersive experience.
| Cuisine: Pacific Northwestern / Filipino-American Flavors | Service Options: Dine In / Delivery |
- Intimate Seasonal 9-12 Course Tasting Menu [Tells a Story through Flavors] – The chef describes and gives great info on each dish. It’s a really great experience!
- Locally Sourced Produce
- 12-Seat Restaurant [Be Sure to Book Months in Advance]It is very hard to get a reservation here, but it is worth it!
| Address: 5607 Rainier Ave S Seattle, WA |
If you get the chance, Achipelago is a great restaurant to try, but if you can’t get in there are many other amazing options.
Bar del Corso
Situated in Beacon Hill, Bar del Corso is a neighborhood gem specializing in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. The dough is perfectly fermented, giving it a unique and complex flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh, locally-sourced toppings. Don’t miss their vibrant antipasti and delicate homemade desserts.
| Cuisine: Italian | Service Options: Dine In / Take Out |
- Neapolitan Style Pizzas – They also have grilled octopus and mussels that are amazing!
- Large Variety on Menu – The Romana pizza was our favorite, but the mussels were best!
- Outdoor Seating Options with a great patio!
| Address: 3057 Beacon Ave S Seattle, WA |
This restaurant is a definite one to try if in the area. The clams and mussels were great!
Canlis
Canlis is a Seattle institution, offering breathtaking views of Lake Union and the city skyline. Known for its James Beard award-winning cuisine, Canlis serves up modern Pacific Northwest dishes in an elegant, mid-century modern dining room. This upscale restaurant is a perfect place for special occasions.
| Cuisine: Pacific Northwest | Service Options: Dine In /Take Out |
- Fine Dining and they have great service!
- Seasonal Menu Approach – The Wagyu New York Strip is delicious as well as the Muscovy Duck!
| Address: 2576 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA |
Joule
Joule, a contemporary Korean steakhouse in Wallingford, presents a unique fusion of Asian flavors and classic steakhouse fare. Chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi have curated a creative menu, featuring favorites like short rib steak and their famous rice cake.
| Cuisine: Asian Fusion / Korean | Service Options: Dine In / Take Out |
- Upscale yet Casual Atmosphere [Inviting and Open]
- Simple but Refined Dishes
- Creative Cocktails
- Focuses on Different Cuts and Preparations of Beef
| Address: 3506 Stone Way N Seattle, WA |
Distinctive Seattle restaurant and the craft cocktails here are great too.
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Kamonegi
This Fremont-based gem is renowned for its handmade soba noodles and tempura. Chef Mutsuko Soma brings a slice of Japan to Seattle, and her rotating seasonal menu ensures there’s always something new to try at Kamonegi.
| Cuisine: Japanese | Service Options: Dine In Only |
- Traditional Soba Dishes with Creative dishes
- The duck meatballs are wonderful! Also, we love the Kabocha squash soup that they bring to the table.
- Great atmosphere
| Address: 1054 N 39th St Seattle, WA |
The fresh ingredients make this Seattle restaurant a mush-try on a visit! The sake is nice too.
Saffron Grill
An Indian culinary gem nestled in the heart of Fremont, Saffron Grill serves up a stunning array of traditional Indian dishes. From rich and flavorful biryanis to the silky butter chicken, each dish is crafted with precision and a deep respect for the traditional flavors and techniques of Indian cooking. The warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with the intoxicating aroma of Indian spices, makes Saffron Grill a must-visit for any food lover in Seattle.
| Cuisine: Indian | Service Options: Dine In / Take Out / Delivery |
- Smart casual
- Ample Cocktail and Wine Choices
- Nice atmosphere
| Address: 2132 N Northgate Way, Seattle, WA |
Musang
In Beacon Hill, Musang serves up soulful Filipino dishes rooted in family recipes. Chef Melissa Miranda’s menu is a love letter to her heritage, and each dish feels like a warm embrace.
| Cuisine: Filipino with a Pacific Northwest Twist | Service Options: Dine In / Take Out |
- Warm and Homey Atmosphere
- Dynamic Filipino dishes
- Restaurant is Involved in Community Outreach: Community Kitchen Serves Two Free Meals a Week to Those in Need & Runs a Program to Teach Children Recipes
| Address: 2524 Beacon Ave S Seattle, WA |
The unique cuisine and cocktails at Musang make this one a must-do restaurant in Seattle!
The Masonry Freemont
This laid-back pizzeria and beer bar in Fremont is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and carefully curated craft beer list. The Masonry’s casual atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for a relaxed evening with friends.
| Cuisine: Wood Pizza | Service Options: Dine In / Take Out / Delivery |
- Patio seating and indoor
- Great wood fired pizzas with a good wine selection and craft beers.
| Address: 730 N 34th St Seattle, WA |
We love the vibe of the Seattle Freemont area and just like hanging out on the patio here, but the pizzas were great too so it’s on our list for a restaurant that is great to try if you’ll be in the area.
Spinasse
In Capitol Hill, Spinasse offers an elegant dining experience with its traditional Piedmontese cuisine. Its handmade pastas, such as the tajarin al ragu, have earned it a place among the top Italian restaurants in the city.
| Cuisine: Italian | Service Options: Dine In / Delivery / Take Out |
- Romantic Atmosphere
- Menu Inspired by Piedmont Region of Italy
- Novelty Menu Items
- some outdoor seating
| Address: 1531 14th Ave Seattle, WA |
This Seattle restaurant is a great one to try if on a date or just dining with your sweetie!
Super Six
Columbia City’s Super Six serves up a delicious blend of Asian and Pacific Northwest cuisines. With its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and innovative dishes like the miso buttered corn, Super Six is a must-visit.
| Cuisine: Hawaiian / Korean | Service Options: Dine In / Take Out / Delivery |
- Relaxed, Vintage, Festival Vibes
- Unique Location [Restaurant is within a Renovated Auto Repair Shop]
- Large Patio with lots of Seating Options
| Address: 3714 S Hudson St Seattle, WA |
The unique menu here and great craft cocktails make this restaurant a definite must-try on the Seattle restaurant list.
Sushi Kappo Tamura
Located on Eastlake, Sushi Kappo Tamura offers some of Seattle’s best sushi. Chef Taichi Kitamura focuses on sustainable, local seafood, offering a seasonally changing menu that highlights the freshest ingredients.
| Cuisine: Japanese | Service Options: Dine In / Take Out / Delivery |
- Located in a Quiet Eastlake Neighborhood
- Wide Variety on Menu
- Locally Sourced Seafood and Produce
| Address: 2968 Eastlake Ave E Seattle, WA |
If you try this great Seattle restaurant, also try the Lychee Martini! It was the best version!
Sushi Kashiba
This Pike Place sushi bar is a creation of Shiro Kashiba, a legendary figure in Seattle’s sushi scene. At Sushi Kashiba, you can experience the art of Edomae sushi, traditional Tokyo-style sushi, in its purest form. Opt for the omakase at the sushi bar to witness the master at work.
| Cuisine: Sushi | Service Options: Dine In Only |
- Upscale
- Seasonal Offerings
- Restaurant Bar Seats Overlooking the Master Sushi Chef at Work
- *in lieu of tipping a 20% service charge is added to the bill here (or it was when we visited)
| Address: 86 Pine St #1 Seattle, WA |
Great sushi restaurants in Seattle are abundant, but this one was a step above for us.
The Walrus & the Carpenter
Nestled in Ballard, The Walrus and the Carpenter is one of the city’s premier spots for oysters. This maritime-themed eatery, with its cozy and rustic charm, offers a range of seafood, from fresh local oysters to smoked trout. The restaurant’s name, inspired by a Lewis Carroll poem, reflects its whimsical approach to cuisine, offering a dining experience that is both memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.
| Cuisine: Seafood / Oyster Bar | Service Options: Dine In Only |
- Hipster, Relaxed-Vibes
- Bright and Airy Dining Area
- Restaurant has Decorated Patio [Heated, Covered, String Lighting]
- Simple Dishes Plated Prettily
| Address: 4743 Ballard Ave NW Seattle, WA |
The varied Seattle cuisine makes it such a fun foodie time to try and experience it all!
Final Thoughts on Great Restaurant Choices in Seattle
Seattle’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, offering something for everyone, from the discerning foodie to the casual diner. Each of these restaurants offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich culinary tapestry, showcasing local ingredients and global flavors.
From the type of cuisine to dining style to sophistication and elegance, diners truly have the world at their finger tips throughout the city of Seattle.
Have you eaten at any other incredible restaurants in Seattle?
Travel Resources
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