Destination Guidebook for Seattle, Washington
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| Dining Overview | Top  |
Perched on the Pacific Rim and home to a diverse population, Seattle offers everything from Afghan and Ethiopian food to Hawaiian, South American and, well, you name it. But it's best known for its fresh seafood, and Asian and Northwest cuisines. The latter is a tasty mix of cultural influences (Asian, northern Italian, French and Californian) with fresh ingredients—locally caught seafood as well as vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices. Canlis, Dahlia Lounge, Cascadia, Anthony's Pier 66, Oceanaire Seafood Room and Etta's Seafood are top-notch places to sample Northwest cuisine.
When ordering seafood, make sure you're getting fresh local fare, not frozen. Snow crab and mahimahi are usually not local, for instance; Dungeness crab, clams, oysters, halibut, cod and snapper (actually rockfish) are. The best salmon are sockeye, king (chinook) and coho (silver). Try Ivar's Acres of Clams on the waterfront for alder-smoked salmon or fish-and-chips eaten in the open air.
A number of hotel restaurants stand out, especially The Georgian in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and Andaluca in the Mayflower Hotel. And we love the desserts at The Dilettante on Broadway, the chocolate-lover's equivalent of an opium den. Of course, Seattle is the coffee capital of North America, and residents like their coffee strong. Sample some from the hundreds of espresso carts and coffee shops.
From Belltown to Pioneer Square, the city offers more than 600 restaurants. Locals typically hit the restaurants for dinner 6:30-9 pm, but it's not unusual to see International District eateries open and packing in the crowds until the early hours. Expect to pay within these general guidelines for a single dinner without tax, tip or drinks: $ = less than US$20; $$ = US$20-$30; $$$ = US$31-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50. | Local & Regional | Top |
Dine on Mediterranean/Northwest cuisine at this highly regarded restaurant, located downtown in the Mayflower Park Hotel. The decor is contemporary yet restrained and artistic, and the food is robust and dramatic. The seasonal menu often features foraged foods, such as morel mushrooms with grilled double-cut pork chops. Open Monday-Friday for lunch, daily for breakfast and dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. 407 Olive Way, Seattle. Phone 206-382-6999. http://www.andaluca.com. Since 1950, well-heeled locals have headed to Canlis to propose, commemorate major anniversaries and celebrate big business deals. Billed as "the birthplace of Northwest cuisine," this Old Seattle establishment has a beautiful view of Lake Union and great service. A fireplace and piano music from the bar set the mood. Beef, lamb and seafood are specialties. Try the US$85 tasting menu, a five-course dinner that changes every month, and be sure to check out the wine list. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner. It's recommended to call two or three weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday dinners. Reservations required. Dressy. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 2576 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle. Phone 206-283-3313. http://www.canlis.com. This well-loved restaurant is known for inventive, quality cuisine. The menu, which changes seasonally, always features local fish and meats: Dungeness crab cakes and the sea bar (an assortment of chilled, fresh seafood) top the list. Don't leave without ordering the doughnuts for dessert. The restaurant also has a bakery where you can sample soups, sandwiches and sweets, including a wonderful coconut-cream pie. Open Monday-Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations recommended on the weekend. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2001 Fourth Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-682-4142. http://www.tomdouglas.com/dahlia. Housed in an old hardware store in Ballard's historic district, this neighborhood favorite is packed in the evening, but relatively empty earlier in the day—good news when you're craving a juicy burger (or veggie burger) around noon. Its famous for the "After School Special," a meat patty topped with peanut butter, jelly and bacon. Enjoy a well-garnished Bloody Mary while challenging your pals to a game of skee-ball. Monday-Friday 4 pm-2 am, Saturday and Sunday from noon. $. 5225 Ballard Ave. N.W., Seattle. Phone 206-782-0027. This Belltown favorite is run by a native Seattleite, chef Scott Carsberg. The atmosphere is modern and sparse, but mustard-yellow walls provide just the right backdrop for the personal touches the chef adds to the cuisine. The menu features such seasonal dishes as morel mushrooms with zucchini flowers or bluefin tuna belly with citrus. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2400 First Ave. at Battery Street, Seattle. Phone 206-443-3301. http://www.lampreiarestaurant.com. Slip into Steelhead Diner for a delicious Sunday brunch, or after an afternoon exploring Pike Place. This downtown spot is quickly gaining popularity, so visit now before the crowds catch on. The atmosphere is casual, but the market-inspired menu could hold its own in much fancier venues. Don't miss the heirloom beef tartare, Gabe's Vegetable Chili, or the wild Alaskan king salmon. Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Brunch Sunday. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 95 Pine St., Seattle. Phone 206-625-0129. http://www.steelheaddiner.com. This award-winning restaurant is for serious diners who love beautiful crystal and china, fine service and exquisitely prepared food—and are willing to pay for it. The prix-fixe nine-course menu, including wines, costs around US$159-$189 per person. Long-time Executive Chef Jerry Traunfeld recently passed the culinary torch to Keith Luce, an award-winning chef who was a former sous chef at the White House. The menu changes every two to three weeks to take advantage of what's available in the Herbfarm kitchen gardens and farm, not to mention the sea. Dishes often feature Copper River salmon, Kobe beef, wild native plants and grass-grazed lamb. Open Thursday-Sunday for dinner. Reservations are a must (make them as far in advance as possible), but call to ask about cancellations. Dressy casual. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 14590 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville. Phone 425-485-5300. http://www.herbfarm.com. You're a long way from the South in Seattle, but this Capitol Hill restaurant is run by two southern sisters who know their stuff. Savory fried tomatoes, cornmeal fried chicken and tender catfish are among the delectable choices. Get there early for dinner, because the line snakes around the block long before the cafe opens. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 602 19th Ave. E., Seattle. Phone 206-320-8757. http://www.thekingfishcafe.com. Kyoto-born chef Taichi stresses wild fish and other products with low environmental impact. This chic Japanese restaurant in Fremont even offers a vegetarian tasting platter, featuring both nasu and inari. The sake list is renowned. Keep an eye out for the sign, as the entrance is below street level. Open Wednesday-Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. Open late Friday and Saturday. $$. Most major credit cards. 3520 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle. Phone 206-632-3430. http://www.chisoseattle.com. This relaxed restaurant routinely is listed as a local favorite. Its cuisine includes fenugreek lamb, nine-vegetable korma with farmer's cheese and nuts in cream, and Tandoori dishes baked in an authentic clay oven. The lunch buffet is an excellent value. Locations in Ballard and Green Lake. Daily for lunch and dinner (no lunch on Sunday at Ballard location). $-$$. Most major credit cards. 2301 N.W. Market St., Ballard (phone 206-783-5080), or 6414 Roosevelt Way N.E., Green Lake (phone 206-517-4444), Seattle. http://www.seattleindiabistro.com. This Southeast Asian treasure is hidden in a Little Saigon strip mall above the International District. The hut is famous for its roti canai (soft flatbread with potato curry), Buddha yam pot and Malaysian Chinese pork chops. Long lines form at this spot, but service is swift, and takeaway is available. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 212 12th Ave. S., Seattle. Phone 206-324-4091. http://www.malaysatayhut.com. This classy noodle house in trendy Belltown serves everything from tasty curries and luscious noodles to gyoza, satays, spring rolls and more at reasonable prices. Chaca, a traditional Vietnamese meal of grilled catfish over vermicelli rice noodles, is a house specialty. Popular with locals, this place offers brightly painted green-and-yellow walls and a lively rock 'n' roll atmosphere. Try the unusual ice creams: The green tea, red bean, ginger and mango flavors are delicious. Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. $$. 2228 Second Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-728-0463. If it's good enough for the Japanese ambassador and the Seattle Mariners' three Japanese superstars, it must be exceptional Japanese food. The sushi, tempura and other traditional Japanese specialties are made with the freshest available produce and seafood, so the menu offerings change in this Belltown joint. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. 2122 Second Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-728-1333. http://www.saitos-cafe.com. Considered by many to be Seattle's best sushi restaurant, this cheerful Belltown place serves only quality fish, expertly handled in the classical way. Sit at the bar and let master chef Shiro Kashiba, who has been in the business more than 30 years, serve you. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2401 Second Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-443-9844. http://www.shiros.com. Rarely are there empty tables at Wild Ginger. Located across from Benaroya Hall on the south side of Pike Place Market, this established eatery is popular with fans of pan-Asian food, thanks to entrees such as fiery curries, stir-fries, satays and crispy duck. The same tasty cuisine awaits music lovers at the Triple Door, beneath Wild Ginger. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only. Reservations highly recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1401 Third Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-623-4450. http://www.wildginger.net. This is the more casual bistro version of Campagne, and adjoins its sister restaurant. There's the same South-of-France ambience and good food, but it's a bit less formal. Open Monday-Friday for lunch, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 1600 Post Alley (at Pine Street), Seattle. Phone 206-728-2233. http://www.campagnerestaurant.com. Sample the food of southern France—with eclectic variations—at this cozy but elegant restaurant just up Post Alley in the Pike Place Market, overlooking Elliott Bay. The chef creates wonderful dishes with meats, fish and even game on occasion. Linen tablecloths, fresh flowers and an extensive wine list. Nightly for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 86 Pine St. (at Pine Street), Seattle. Phone 206-728-2800. http://www.campagnerestaurant.com. This noisy, crowded French bistro in Belltown offers an ever-changing menu built around seasonal delicacies. Go there for simple comfort foods such as salad, pate, rotisserie chicken, baked eggs, quiche, steak frites and choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages). The wine list is long, the little bar is sweet, and it's fun to sit on the sidewalk in summer. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (open until 2 am on Friday and Saturday). $$-$$$. Accepts Visa and MasterCard. 1933 First Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-256-1499. http://www.lepichetseattle.com. Hidden in the south end of Pike Place Market, Maximilien serves classically prepared French cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients cooked with flair. The intimate, charmingly informal decor is brightened by antique mirrors and a spectacular view of Elliott Bay. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 81-A Pike St. (in Pike Place Market, to the left of the fish market), Seattle. Phone 206-682-7270. http://www.maximilienrestaurant.com. Oregano-dusted fries are the menu's highlight, but this Greek diner also serves great tzatziki (yogurt dip), souvlaki (meat skewers) and baklava (honey-drenched pistachio pastries). The right-hand room caters more to cafe regulars who sip sludgy Greek coffee or retsina (pine-infused wine). The Lagos family isn't lavish with the decor, but the food and friendliness make this University District restaurant exceptional. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 4549 University Way N.E., Seattle. Phone 206-632-4700. The classic Italian cuisine is served in an attractive Pioneer Square courtyard and elegant dining room. Try the osso buco, the fish of the day or the venison ravioli with wild-mushroom sauce. Also recommended are the calamari, rack of lamb and spaghettini di mare (pasta with seafood). Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$$. Most major credit cards. 411 First Ave. S., Seattle. Phone 206-467-7797. http://www.ilterrazzocarmine.com. Tucked in the corner of a quaint apartment complex in Belltown, this cozy little Italian gem serves Sicilian food in an intimate setting. It offers a large variety of pasta dishes such as pasta con le sarde (sardines, pine nuts, raisins and fennel) or tortellini Gorgonzola laced in a cream-basil sauce. Another dish to try is the lamb loin with figs. Desserts are made in-house. Open Thursday and Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. 120 Blanchard Ave. at First Avenue, Seattle. Phone 206-441-1045. http://www.lafontanasiciliana.com. This romantic little Belltown ristorante and pizzeria, with its tile floors and flamboyantly painted walls, has a plucked-from-Sicily feel rare in Seattle. The kitchen excels in authentic Italian cooking, and you can't go wrong with the pasta or meat dishes. The caponata, a Sicilian eggplant appetizer, is noteworthy, as is the piatto misto. The pizzeria offers more than 20 types of authentic thin-crust pizzas. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch, daily for dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 2411 Second Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-441-5322. http://www.lavitaebella.us. This whimsical, reasonably priced trattoria is located in the Pike Place Market area. There is no sign, just a pink door: Open and enter. The terrace has a panoramic view of Elliott Bay. The antipasto features prosciutto, bagna cauda, Tuscan bean salad, salami, tapenade and more. Hearty pasta combinations with sausage or meatballs are tasty and satisfying. Live music every night, whether it's the staff singing impromptu, jazz or cabaret acts, or street musicians. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended in the summer and on weekends for a table outdoors. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1919 Post Alley, Seattle. Phone 206-443-3241. http://thepinkdoor.net. | Middle Eastern | Top  |
Indian and Asian flavors blend rich dishes such as saffron pilaf, yogurt-marinated chicken and cardamom-rosewater custard. An elaborate mural on the side of the building (including the famed green-eyed Afghan girl from the National Geographic cover) makes this cozy restaurant a Wallingford landmark. Nightly for dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 2301 N. 45th St., Seattle. Phone 206-545-9000. http://www.kabulrestaurant.com. The food is so good in this Madison Park restaurant that some people don't even realize it's vegetarian. The menu changes frequently, but the signature dish is portabella Wellington with a Madeira sauce. Their new prix-fixe three-course Market Menu (US$35) showcases local organic produce. Also try the nectarine pizza or a chocolate mousse dessert with candied hazelnuts. The weekend brunches are very popular: Go for the beignets with berries and creme anglaise or a breakfast quesadilla. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 2901 E. Madison St., Seattle. Phone 206-325-9100. http://www.cafeflora.com. | Breakfast & Brunch | Top |
This tiny eatery, nestled in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market, prides itself on freshness and creative dishes. All ingredients are purchased from the market. For breakfast, try Belgian waffles with hot syrup and fresh fruit, eggs Benedict made with Dungeness crab and avocado, or hot oatmeal topped with fresh fruit. There is also a juice bar. A lunch favorite is the Dungeness crab sandwich. Open daily for breakfast and lunch; evening hours in warm weather or by customer demand. $$. Most major credit cards. 86 Pine St., Seattle. Phone 206-443-5443. http://www.baccobeverage.com. This Ballard nook evokes a European neighborhood bakery. Small, bright and always bustling, the patisserie draws a thick crowd around 10 am, when the feted puff-pastry quiches emerge. Handmade, organic loaves such as sour cherry pumpernickel and hominy draw many customers next door to the Tall Grass Bakery as well. Open Wednesday-Sunday 7 am-3 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 5909 24th Ave. N.W., Seattle. Phone 206-789-1463. Macrina's owner and chef Leslie Mackie is one of the most highly regarded figures among the country's artisan bakers. She was head baker at Seattle's Grand Central Bakery before opening this Belltown eatery in the early 1990s. Stop in for a fresh herb baguette, cinnamon monkey bread or a cherry almond scone. Brunch fare includes a smoked salmon scramble and brioche french toast. Don't forget to sample their house-made vanilla sugar with your coffee. Monday-Saturday 7 am-7 pm, Sunday 8 am-6 pm. $. 2408 First Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-448-4032 or 206-283-5900 at 615 W. McGraw St. (in Queen Anne). http://www.macrinabakery.com. Downright funky is the ambience of this cow-themed restaurant, whose ads say "Graze at Mae's." There are plenty of reasons to do so: homemade cinnamon rolls, great omelettes and the signature milkshake-and-eggs special. Expect long lines on weekends. Daily for breakfast and lunch. $. Accepts MasterCard and Visa. 6412 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle. Phone 206-782-1222. http://www.maescafe.com. Tattooed waitstaff dote on the diner's core clientele, who drain bottomless cups of coffee. Fuel up en route to the Sunday market or Ballard locks. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. $. No credit cards. 5417 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle. Phone 206-782-9966. | Coffeehouses | Top |
This classic, exposed-brick student hangout celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2005. The ivy-swathed entrance is down an alley, behind Bulldog News and Magus Books. Free Wi-Fi on-site. Open Monday-Friday 6:30 am-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-2 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 4214 University Way N.E., Seattle. Phone 206-633-3030. Just a few blocks from Pike Place Market, this unassuming coffeehouse serves up one of the city's best mochas (usually with a fun design drawn in the foam). Caffeine-sensitive folks beware, however—these innocent-looking drinks really pack a punch. Or, their Italian sodas make a cool treat when the sun is out. Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 125 Stewart St., Seattle. Phone 206-728-4468. Unless you've spent time in European coffeehouses, you probably haven't tasted hot chocolate like this. Even Chocolati's regular house chocolate will change your life, just a little. Feeling macho? Try one of their fancier concoctions—peppermint patty, turtle, royale and others. Word of advice, however: The 8-ounce size may be just plenty. Also enjoy each location's rotating artwork and hip soundtrack. Hours vary at each of the four locations: 1000 4th Ave. (downtown, in the Seattle Public Library), 1716 North 45th St. (Wallingford), 7810 E. Greenlake Drive N. (Green Lake), 8319 Greenwood Ave. N. (Greenwood). $. Most major credit cards. http://www.chocolati.com. High on Phinney Ridge, this boutique-beanery fires up vintage, cast-iron roasters daily, supplying a slew of boho cafes, as well as its own unassuming and airy space. The long outdoor bench and rock garden go perfectly with the smooth bean buzz. Monday-Friday 6 am-7 pm; Saturday and Sunday 6:30 am-7 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 400 N. 43rd St., Seattle. Phone 206-634-3140. http://lighthouseroasters.com. This Scandinavian barista drew such a big following with her first hole-in-the-wall cafe that she's moved to more spacious lodgings, though still in Ballard. The menu offers the same coffee, plus butter-soaked, cheese-topped Swedish toast. Monday-Friday 6 am-3 pm; Saturday and Sunday 7 am-3 pm. $. No credit cards. 1556 N.W. 56th St., Seattle. Phone 206-706-1095. Visit the original store that started the enormous coffeehouse chain in 1971. This outlet at Pike Place Market is small and dark, but it's a tourist mecca. (Look for the old, racier version of the company's logo, which shows the mermaid with bare breasts.) Buskers often perform on the sidewalk outside, even in winter—everything from gospel singers to small chamber groups. Monday-Friday 6 am-7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 6:30 am-7:30 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 1912 Pike Place, Seattle. Phone 206-448-8762. http://www.starbucks.com. Seattle's grandest restaurant is filled with glittering glass, glimmering brass and elegant appointments, but it prides itself on being smart casual, meaning you can leave your dinner jacket at home. The food is certainly elaborate, though—Northwest cuisine done with great flair. Popular dishes include game-bird consomme with squab wrapped in apple-smoked bacon, filet of Kobe beef topped with shallot and oxtail braisage, and The Georgian black-and-white-chocolate souffle. Treat yourself to the sumptuous Georgian tea. Both elegant and fun, it's served daily 11:30 am-2:30 pm (adults US$35, children US$18). Daily for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 411 University St. (in the Fairmont Olympic hotel), Seattle. Phone 206-621-7889. http://www.fairmont.com/seattle/GuestServices/Restaurants/TheGeorgian.htm. A Green Lake institution, Beth's has been serving 12-egg omelettes for more than 50 years. The menu also features biscuits and gravy, a veggie scramble, breakfast burrito, corned beef and pancakes, along with burgers and dogs. Add a crayon masterpiece to the walls as you wait for your food in this brightly lit cafe. Daily 24 hours. $. Most major credit cards. 7311 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle. Phone 206-782-5588. http://www.bethscafe.com. This Capitol Hill shop sells award-winning chocolates by the pound, notably its signature ephemere (dark chocolate) and champagne truffles, but it's also a late-night, after-movie or after-theater hangout. You can keep your engines stoked with cakes, tortes, cookies, brownies, espresso or pots of brewed tea. Try the hot "schmoca," a combination of peppermint schnapps and ephemere truffle sauce. On weekend evenings, expect a wait. Also has locations downtown in Ranier Square (1300 5th Ave.) and Westlake Mall (400 Pine St.). Open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-midnight, Friday and Saturday noon-1 am. $. Most major credit cards. 416 Broadway E., Seattle. Phone 206-329-6463. http://www.dilettante.com. Half the fun is sitting at the counter, watching the energetic cooks grill amazing quantities of food. Booths and table seating are also available, but you'll miss the action. Full breakfasts are served all day, as well as salads, chicken, steak, burgers and thick fries. Daily 24 hours. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 125 Boren Ave. N., Seattle. Phone 206-682-2513. http://www.13coins.com. This upscale waterfront restaurant offers matchless views of the city skyline and the ferry boats on Elliott Bay. You can even sit outdoors in summer. The emphasis is on simple preparations of the freshest possible seafood, including willipa oysters, tombo ahi, salmon, Dungeness crab and mahimahi. If you just want a quick bite, head downstairs to where Anthony's Bell Street Diner offers fish-and-chips and other seafood dishes at lower prices. Ask for a view table. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended for the restaurant. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2201 Alaskan Way, Seattle. Phone 206-448-6688. http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/pier66.html. Chef Kerry Sear, formerly of The Georgian, built this elegant restaurant around clever interpretations of Northwest cuisine. Try seafood plucked from the nearby Pike Place Market, including caramelized, spice-rubbed wild king salmon. Meats range from fenugreek-crusted spring lamb to grilled beef tenderloin. Don't have a trust fund? Stop off at the bar for apple martinis and quick bites for less than US$10, including the popular miniburgers with a variety of toppings. Chef Sear also offers cooking lessons and Market tours. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2328 First Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-448-8884. http://www.cascadiarestaurant.com. Located in the heart of Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal, Chinook's gives diners not just a culinary experience, but the chance to observe the big picture—the city's fishing industry. Watch working boats arrive and depart as you eat the freshest seafood around. You can't go wrong ordering from the daily special sheet. Other great choices are the oyster stew made with Quilcene oysters, wild king salmon baked with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil butter, or fresh Alaskan halibut charbroiled with cherry and sweet onion compote. After dining, visit the Wild Salmon Seafood Market on one side of the restaurant or the art gallery on the other, featuring many local artists. Outdoor dining in summer. Daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for breakfast. Reservations not accepted; get there early on weekends. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1900 W. Nickerson St., Seattle. Phone 206-283-4665. http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/chinooks.html. Dahlia Lounge's Tom Douglas owns this great seafood place, along with Greek-cuisine-oriented Lola on Fourth Avenue, plus Palace Kitchen on Fifth Avenue and Serious Pie on Virginia Street. Etta's takes food and its presentation seriously, but the atmosphere is less formal than at Dahlia. Try the famous crab cakes, the pit-smoked salmon or the fresh crab. Daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2020 Western Ave. (a half-block north from the Pike Place Market), Seattle. Phone 206-443-6000. http://www.tomdouglas.com/ettas. This place features beautiful people and beautiful food. The focus is on Northwest ingredients cooked with Asian flair. Just reading the list of appetizers gets you going: salmon cakes, lobster ravioli, Asian pear salad. The menu varies, but it's likely to feature grilled blue prawns in parsley, blackened tuna or salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab to share. Desserts are lovely—try the homemade ice creams and sorbets or the chocolate grappa brownie. Monday-Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2234 First Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-728-8595. http://www.flyingfishseattle.com. It's not a fancy seafood place, and nearly everything is fried. But that's why Seattleites have loved this fish bar since Ivar Haglund opened it on the waterfront in 1938. Line up for takeout with the locals and order some tasty fried clams, chowder, salmon, halibut or fish-and-chips. Enjoy them at a wooden table outside, with a beautiful view of Elliott Bay. Feel free to feed the seagulls. The indoor restaurant has a gorgeous view and a broader menu. Daily for lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch. $-$$. Most major credit cards. Pier 54 on the Seattle waterfront, Seattle. Phone 206-624-6852. http://www.ivars.net. This restaurant has everything: glorious water views, superb food and efficient, friendly service. It serves terrific broiled salmon with tasty whipped garlic potatoes, as well as grilled Alaskan halibut, ahi tuna and Alaskan baked cod. Although the menu includes a number of distinctive dishes, such as Dungeness crab salad or Thai curry penne with scallops, crab meat and ginger-tomato chutney, it also has lots of straightforward seafood choices. For dessert, the white-chocolate creme caramel is excellent. Daily for happy hour and dinner. Reservations recommended on weekends and holidays. $$$. Most major credit cards. 3014 Third Ave. N. (south of the ship canal, west of Fremont Bridge), Seattle. Phone 206-284-3000. http://www.pontiseafoodgrill.com. This is a local favorite for its waterfront views of Shilshole Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The menu always offers fresh shellfish and fish along with superb sweet-potato fries. Attire ranges from shorts and polo shirts to business suits. Reservations are a must in the boathouse (call weeks in advance in summer). The less-expensive cafe upstairs is more readily accessible without reservations (though it's still recommended) and offers an outdoor deck in summer. Both venues are open daily, but head to the cafe for lunch, because the boathouse serves dinner only. $-$$$. Most major credit cards. 6049 Seaview Ave. N.W., Seattle. Phone 206-789-3770 (boathouse) or 206-782-0094 (cafe). http://www.rays.com. Catch the terrific view of the Seattle skyline at night. Full bar with a cafe menu. Jazz on Monday. It can get noisy at times. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Dinner reservations recommended on weekends. $$$. 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W. (in West Seattle, a 15- or 20-minute taxi ride from downtown. Or, Salty's provides a free limo from most downtown hotels), Seattle. Phone 206-937-1600. http://www.saltys.com. | Steak Houses | Top |
At Seattle's swankiest steak house, you'll be pampered while you check out the colorful crowd. This is an old-fashioned, wildly expensive restaurant with great steaks, ribs, seafood and mixed drinks, especially martinis. Having your chateaubriand, Caesar salad or bananas Foster prepared at your table adds to the experience. One of the few gourmet restaurants open late at night, it also has a popular bar and cigar lounge. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 2505 First Ave. (in Belltown), Seattle. Phone 206-728-1377. http://www.elgaucho.com. Go there for succulent steaks in an upscale setting, popular with downtown lawyers, executives and other business types. The U.S. Prime steaks are broiled at 1,800 degrees, with many a side dish available. You can also order seafood, lamb and veal from the a la carte menu, but get the steak. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 727 Pine St., Seattle. Phone 206-624-8524 for reservations. http://www.ruthschris.com. | Other Options | Top |
Plush curtains and gilded mirrors cover this former brothel, where the bawdy backstory takes center stage and a bed looms over the bar. This exuberant nook is always packed with patrons, many of whom don the vampy ball gowns that double as decor. Don't miss the artichoke-and-parmesan-pate pizza and signature chocolate-chip cookie dessert. The outdoor patio is surprisingly green and pleasant in summer. Nightly for dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 5327 Ballard Ave. N.W., Seattle. Phone 206-783-9710. This chic and notoriously noisy little dining room awaits you in Belltown. The signature appetizer is flash-fried sage leaves with three dipping sauces (tomatillo, chipotle and aioli). Entrees rotate, but steak, fish, lamb and Jamaican jerk chicken are always good. Desserts are made in-house and change seasonally. Slide over to the bar for classic cocktails. Ask to sit on the back patio in summer. Monday-Saturday for dinner; open for lunch in summer only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2510 First Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-441-7801. http://www.marcossupperclub.com.
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Editor's Choice of Luxury, Deluxe, and Value priced hotels in Seattle, Washington:
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