Seattle is known as one of the best foodie cities in the United States. And, although Seattle is well known for its impeccable seafood, the city has an abundance of other cuisines that are outstanding.
This article delves into the 20 Best Restaurants in Seattle, Washington. The history of each restaurant, awards and other recognition, location, and diner reviews were all studied to form this exclusive list.
To be included, each restaurant had to have a uniqueness that set them apart from other restaurants with similar foods in the city. From pizzerias to Indian cuisine, this list has a restaurant for everyone.
1. The Pink Door
$$$ | 206-443-3241 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Only a three-minute walk from Pike Place Market, this upscale Italian restaurant is housed in a historic building and wows guests with a variety of live entertainment nightly.
Entertainment is unique, including cabaret, trapeze, tarot, jazz ensembles, and more. Another fascinating aspect of this restaurant is that the produce used is locally sourced. The Pink Door is open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.
2. Canlis
$$$$ | 206-283-3313 | WEBSITE
If you’re searching for fancy, fine dining- Canlis is your place. This restaurant is one of the most award-winning restaurants in the Northwest, receiving 22 consecutive Wine Spectator Grand awards, nominated for 15 James Beard Awards, and winning three of them.
Canlis serves New American and Pacific Northwest cuisine. Reservations are required, and tables become available six months in advance. Guests rave about the quality of the food served here.
All ages are welcome to dine. However, caution should be taken when bringing children as the dining experience takes anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge
$$ | 206-432-9069 | WEBSITE
Located in South Queen Anne, Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge prides itself on being the most visited restaurant and lounge in Seattle. This fabulous restaurant serves phenomenal New Orleans and cajun creole cuisine and is known for having the city’s favorite happy hour, offering an exceptional cocktail list.
Diners rave about the restaurant’s atmosphere and flavor-packed dishes. Toulouse Petit is open every day for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
4. Von’s 1000 Spirits
$$ | 206-621-8667 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
True to its name, Von’s offers a massive bar menu with over 1000 spirits. This restaurant serves made-from-scratch American foods and is famous for its sourdough bread, buns, and pizzas- all made from a 65-year-old starter.
The atmosphere is perfect for casual dining in a tavern setting. But, don’t be fooled by the low-key atmosphere. Von’s dishes are elegant and full of flavor.
5. Sushi Kashiba
$$$$ | 206-441-8844 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Located next to the Pike Place Market, Sushi Kashiba offers an elegant dining experience with the most exquisite sushi dishes. Many are attracted to this establishment due to the sushi chef himself, Chef Shiro Kashiba.
Chef Kashiba has cooked for Japanese Prime Ministers, Hollywood celebrities, and has served as Executive Chef for the Westin Hotels.
Chef Kashiba is a three-time James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Chef and was appointed as the official Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese Cuisine by the Government of Japan.
6. Cafe Campagne
$$ | 206-728-2233 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Located in Pike Place Market, Cafe Campagne offers casual, French dining. Diners rave about the charming ambiance and exceptional traditional food and wine.
This restaurant is a favorite of both regulars and out-of-town guests. Cafe Campagne serves large portion sizes, so it is the perfect spot for hungry guests or those who love to enjoy leftovers the next day.
7. COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar
$$ | 206-391-8140 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
COMMUNION wants guests to feel comfort, relief, and peace while enjoying the New American food served at this restaurant. When dining here, you can enjoy international cuisine and delicious cocktails.
COMMUNION has been named one of the 12 best new restaurants in the world, one of the NY Times’ “The 50 places in America we’re most excited about right now”, Seattle Met’s Restaurant of the Year, and Seattle Eater’s Best New Restaurant.
8. Bateau
$$ | 206-900-8699 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Bateau places emphasis on reimagining the American steakhouse around quality, sustainability, and animal welfare. All of the cows used for meat at this restaurant are grass-fed and grass-finished.
Bateau’s beef is dry-aged for 21 days and butchered in-house. Specialty cuts are sold by weight and availability. Along with several delicious side options, Bateau offers an extensive bottle list and cocktail menu. This is not your typical steakhouse- it is classy, stunning, and contemporary.
9. Stateside
$$$ | 206-557-7273 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Stateside is open Wednesday-Saturday evenings and offers French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine. The atmosphere at this restaurant is modern and casual.
Diners find this to be an excellent spot for a date night to enjoy unique dishes and delicious cocktails. You can make reservations, but 50% of the bartop and dining area are utilized on a first come first served basis.
10. Shaker + Spear
$$$ | 206-826-1700 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Located in the Kimpton Palladian Hotel, Shaker + Spear offers a chic dining experience with Northwest Pacific seafood plates. This restaurant offers a rotating menu, which highlights trending, seasonal dishes.
These coastal plates are prepared with local, sustainable ingredients, and the pale wood decor of the restaurant accentuates the colorful meals.
Shaker + Spear has won several awards for their quality, including one of Seattle’s 12 Outstanding Spots for Celebrating Special Occasions, Diner’s Choice Seattle- Best Seafood Restaurant, The Best Places to Eat in Seattle, Washington, and Chef’s on the Move award.
11. Nue
$$ | 206-257-0312 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
An eclectic restaurant with a memorabilia-filled dining area is a great place to enjoy street food from around the globe. The uniqueness of Nue’s culinary cuisine has earned features on Food Network and the Cooking Channel.
Nue has also been featured in The Seattle Times, New York Weekly, Thrillist, Eater’s Digest, AsainWeekly, and more. Nue is open 7 days a week for brunch and dinner
12. Phnom Penh Noodle House
$ | 206-785-6936 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Phnom Penh Noodle House has become a well-known establishment in Seattle that serves traditional Cambodian noodle dishes, spicy salads, and more.
The minimalist bamboo decor creates a calm, welcoming environment for a low-key and affordable lunch or dinner. Phnom Penh Noodle House has received several culinary awards and has had countless articles featured in both local and international press.
13. Spinasse
$$$ | 206-251-7673 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Spinasse has been named one of the Top 5 Italian Restaurants in the nation. The tasty dishes served at Spinasse are inspired by Piemonte.
Aside from wonderful pasta dishes, Spinasse offers a welcoming, rustic, and quaint environment. Limited outdoor seating is available for those who wish to enjoy the weather with their elegant meal. Spinasse is open for dinner from 5 pm-10 pm daily.
14. Matt’s in the Market
$$$ | 206-467-7909 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Located in the Pike Place Market area, Matt’s in the Market, an American restaurant, serves Pacific Northwest cuisine. This restaurant offers breathtaking views overlooking Elliott Bay.
An extensive wine list is available to compliment the intricate dishes served here. Matt’s in the Market is open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for lunch only.
15. 8oz Burger & Co
$$ | 206-466-5989 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Located in the Harvard Market, 8oz Burger & Co is a Seattle favorite and is redefining the hamburger. This restaurant only uses organic, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients to create burgers with unique flavors.
For those who don’t eat beef, veggie burger options and other meats are available. This restaurant is family-friendly and has a full bar with over 50 different whisky options. With modern-rustic decor, the environment at 8oz Burger & Co is welcoming and relaxed.
16. Wood Shop BBQ
$$ | 206-485-7381 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for a delicious BBQ, this is your place. All of the meats at Wood Shop BBQ are smoked using Post Oak and Hickory wood imported from Texas and the Ozark Mountains, which influences the taste of the BBQ served here.
Only the highest quality of meat is used for meals at this restaurant. Along with your traditional BBQ sandwiches, Wood Shop BBQ serves perfectly paired, mouth-watering side dishes. This restaurant is family-friendly and laid back.
17. The Independent Pizzeria
$$ | 206-860-6110 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
The Independent Pizzeria is arguably the best pizza restaurant in Seattle. Family-owned and operated, affordable and delicious food is a priority. Unique toppings and flavor combinations give the pizza at this pizzeria flare.
With light and airy decor, this restaurant gives the community a relaxed place to enjoy a slice. The Independent Pizzeria is located in Madison Park and is open Thursday-Sunday from 3 pm-8 pm or until sold out.
18. MotherIndia Cuisine
$$ | 206-257-0701 | WEBSITE
MotherIndia Cuisine is a unique restaurant in a shotgun-style building surrounded by greenery that serves authentic Indian cuisine packed full of flavor.
The quality of the food at this restaurant is second to none, and all fresh ingredients used are sourced from local farmers’ markets regardless of the season. A small patio area is available for guests who prefer outdoor seating.
19. Mantra Thai
$$ | 206-659-0466 | WEBSITE
Located inside Verve Apartments in downtown Seattle, Mantra Thai offers guests fresh, authentic, Thai dishes. If you’re not a fan of traditional curry dishes, do not worry. Mantra Thai serves food for everyone to enjoy.
Along with the fantastic dishes, Mantra Thai is known for their tasty cocktails. The contemporary dining area is welcoming for guests of all ages and perfect for date night. This restaurant is open every day during lunch and dinner hours.
20. RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
$$ | 206-557-7532 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
RockCreek Seafood & Spirits is located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The seafood on the menu is globally sourced from well-managed fisheries and fresh ingredients arrive daily to provide flavors from around the world.
This bi-level venue was constructed from local and reclaimed resources and includes the main dining area, an outdoor patio, a loft upstairs, and a private dining room. RockCreek is open daily for service.
Summary
Each of the 20 Best Restaurants in Seattle has unique features that would make for an exceptional dining experience for both local and visiting foodies.
Whether you are into casual or fine dining, this list can guide you to your next venue. There is no doubt that while dining at any of these restaurants, you will enjoy high-quality food that will leave a lasting impression.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
