Seattle offers a diverse and exciting culinary scene with options to suit every taste, from fresh seafood to international flavors and upscale dining.
Here are some great dinner places in Seattle:
For Seafood Lovers:
* The Walrus and the Carpenter: This is an acclaimed oyster bar known for its upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. It's an excellent spot to start with a dozen oysters on the half-shell, and they also offer grilled sardines and steak tartare.
* RockCreek Seafood & Spirits: Often cited as one of Seattle's best seafood restaurants, RockCreek is known for its excellent and consistent dishes, especially their small plates.
* Taylor Shellfish: A classic Seattle establishment for local oysters and other seafood in a very casual setting.
* Luke's Lobster: Located in Pike Place Market, this East Coast-style seafood shack is a great choice for lobster, crab, or shrimp rolls.
* Pike Place Chowder: A Seattle staple, a visit here is considered a must-do. You can even try a "Chowder Flight" to sample several of their offerings.
* Japonessa: This restaurant offers a unique blend of Japanese techniques with bold Mexican flavors, creating distinctive sushi dishes.
For a Special Occasion or Upscale Dining:
* Copine: This restaurant is ideal for celebrations, offering a modern and sophisticated ambiance with artistic dishes. They have a three-course pre-fixed tasting menu, or you can order à la carte at their bar.
* The Metropolitan Grill: A Seattle landmark since 1983, this premier steakhouse is known for serving the finest USDA Prime cuts and Japanese A-5 Wagyu. It also boasts an award-winning wine list and has received Wine Spectator's Grand Award for seven consecutive years.
* The Butcher's Table: This modern steakhouse features Mishima Reserve American Wagyu Beef, providing a top-tier culinary experience with fine dining and a lively bar.
* Cafe Juanita: A short drive outside Seattle, this James Beard winner and former Top Chef Masters contestant's restaurant offers constantly changing tasting menus focused on Northern Italian cuisine with a Pacific Northwest influence. They offer omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan tasting menus with optional sommelier-paired wine.
* The Corson Building: This restaurant features seasonally driven food and offers a pre-fixed menu or à la carte options, including a shortened pre-fixed menu for Sunday supper.
* Lola: This Mediterranean restaurant, attached to Hotel Andra, is helmed by James Beard Award-winner Chef Tom Douglas. They are open for all meals, and their Lola spreads are a popular starter.
* Patagon Restaurant: If you're looking for South American flair, Patagon offers smoky, tender, and flavorful wood-fired meats in an upscale but approachable atmosphere.
For Diverse Flavors & Unique Experiences:
* Vivienne's Bistro: Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, this bistro is praised for its top-tier Chinese food, including what has been called the "best general tso's chicken ever."
* Pho Bac Súp Shop: As Seattle's first pho shop, this spot is renowned for its robust noodle soup, with tender brisket and flavorful broth. They also offer bar snacks and cocktails in a hip dining room.
* Musang: This restaurant is a tribute to Filipino food, offering dishes like kare kare, seasonal pancits, lumpia, and squid adobo, all with a soulful touch and lovely cocktails.
* Communion: Chef Kristi Brown's establishment offers a unique take on Soul food, blending it with Seattle's Asian flavors. You'll find dishes like a po' boy-banh mi hybrid and pho-inspired gumbo.
* MariPili Tapas Bar: This tapas bar creatively combines the seafood-focused cuisine of Spain's northwest with Pacific Northwest ingredients, offering unique dishes like octopus folded into brioche and eggplant-stuffed canelones.
* La Cabaña: A hidden gem specializing in authentic Central American dishes like plantains, pupusas, and molcajete, served in a relaxed atmosphere at a reasonable price.
* Marrakesh: For an immersive experience, this Moroccan restaurant offers flavorful tagines, sweet and savory Bastilia, and Turkish coffee.
* The Pink Door: This restaurant is a memorable "piece of Seattle" offering an experience without unnecessary pomp.
When planning, it's always a good idea to make reservations, especially for popular or upscale establishments.