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Best Casual Restaurants in Ballard

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78 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Westward restaurant
1. Westward
4.3
Awesome(1865)
Price: Expensive
• Northwest • Wallingford
Booked 43 times today
Waterfront dining on the north shore of Lake Union, featuring outdoor fire pit, cheery beachside seating, sustainable seafood, and imaginative marine fare of the Pacific Coast-- including a variety of fresh, local oysters.Arrive by foot, vehicle, boat, kayak or tie up to our dock.We have a limited number of tables available for reservations inside in our dining room for parties of 8 or less. Weather permitting, we do our best to move reservations to outside when desired. For larger parties, we also offer a semi-private dining room that can accommodate up to 12 guests. We look forward to hosting you at Westward! We hope to see you soon. Until we meet at the table....
A photo of The Whale Wins restaurant
2. The Whale Wins
4.6
Exceptional(949)
Price: Expensive
• American • Wallingford
Booked 12 times today
The Whale Wins: A Culinary Oasis in Seattle Located in Seattle's Fremont-Wallingford neighborhood, The Whale Wins is a culinary experience led by award-winning chef Renee Erickson. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant combines rustic charm with modern elegance. Upon entering, you'll find a warm atmosphere and an open kitchen that showcases culinary artistry. The light-filled dining room creates a tranquil setting. The menu highlights the Pacific Northwest's bounty, featuring wood-fired dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. From succulent roast chicken to delectable trout, each dish reflects Erickson's dedication to quality and creativity. Be sure to try the signature butter-roasted zucchini bread, a delightful sweet and savory treat. The Whale Wins also offers an impressive wine list with local and international selections. Whether you're a wine expert or a novice, the knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect pairing. Ideal for romantic dinners, casual lunches, or celebrations, The Whale Wins is a must-visit.
A photo of Messina restaurant
3. Messina
4.1
Excellent(362)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Queen Anne
Booked 24 times today
Messina Modern Italian Kitchen, located just a few steps away from the iconic Climate Pledge Arena, combines modern Italian cuisine with the distinct flavors of the Pacific Northwest. We are all about creating unforgettable experiences for family dinners, a romantic date night, or celebrating and watching a game. We include a 22% service charge on all guest checks to offer competitve, above-industry standard wages for all our staff.
A photo of Autumn Seattle restaurant
4. Autumn Seattle
4.5
Awesome(502)
Price: Expensive
• American • Phinney Ridge
Booked 5 times today
Welcome to Autumn Seattle! Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Autumn Restaurant focuses on a simple approach to pasta, seafood & vegetables.
A photo of The George restaurant
5. The George
4.5
Awesome(1300)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 35 times today
Discover The George: A modern dining destination led by Director of Culinary Eraj Jayawickreme. Indulge in a brasserie-inspired menu within a high-design space, marking a new era for this historic hotel's iconic dining room. The menu celebrates local, seasonal ingredients through small plates, raw selections, vegetarian options, mains, and desserts. Savor Pacific Northwest flavors with the freshest seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant produce. The George pays homage to the historic Georgian Room, a Seattle icon since 1924. Designed by renowned Spanish studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the space blends history with timeless aesthetics. Hand-painted tiles, Art Deco chandeliers, and marble floors enhance the ambiance, while floor-to-ceiling iron and glass doors and original Palladian windows complete the vision. With a private dining room and semi-private enclaves, The George is perfect for groups and special occasions.Restaurant & Bar Design Awards: Best Design, Americas, 2023.
A photo of Walrus and the Carpenter restaurant
6. Walrus and the Carpenter
4.7
Exceptional(398)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Ballard
***We do not take reservations during regular service but do offer them for Valentine's Day weekend, February 12th-16th. On all other days, please just stop in and we will seat you as soon as possible***Fishing pub meets restaurant. This bustling neighborhood restaurant specializes in oysters and other seafood dishes. Using nothing but the freshest ingredients, Chef Taylor Thomas creates seasonal food. The Walrus and the Carpenter also serves wine, smart cocktails, beer and cider. It makes an ideal after-hours hangout spot. Enjoy some fried oysters with a cold beer, surrounded by cozy rustic furnishings. If you prefer an alternative to seafood, look no further than the steak tartare, which comes with thinly sliced rye toast and egg yolk. Launched in 2010 to rave reviews, The Walrus and the Carpenter is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. We hope to see you soon! Until we meet at the table....
A photo of Von's 1000 Spirits - Seattle restaurant
7. Von's 1000 Spirits - Seattle
4.7
Exceptional(206)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Enjoy creatively prepared American fare at Von's 1000Spirits Gusto Bistro. This charming spot features various flags draped across the ceiling and an open kitchen where patrons can watch the chefs at work. Owner Merrisa Firnstahl-Claridge and Executive Chef Jason Amador delight in offering delicious food with friendly service in a comfortable atmosphere. Patrons can choose from entrées like salmon cakes with pickled vegetables, homemade meatballs with pasta or a hoisin-glazed prime rib burger at Von's 1000Spirits Gusto Bistro. Sourdough pizza with a choice of toppings, salads, hearty sandwiches and vegetarian dishes also make for fulfilling meals. Von's 1000Spirits Gusto Bistro is featured in publications such as The Seattle Times and The Stranger. It has happy hour with a sizable bar that serves cocktails as well as housemade vodka, gin and tequila. This bistro hosts private events for parties as well.
A photo of Sugo Hand Roll Bar restaurant
8. Sugo Hand Roll Bar
4.6
Exceptional(26)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Belltown / Pike Place Market
Booked 34 times today
Born in Seattle near the heart of historic Pike Place Market, SUGO is Seattle’s first dedicated hand roll bar. Our handrolls meet at the intersection of the freshest seafood from the Pacific Northwest and Tokyo, fluffy Koshihikari rice, and the crispiest nori this side of Japan.We believe in sourcing our sustainable seafood responsibly so we work closely with local fishmongers who share our commitment to ocean health, ensuring that every bite supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant fisheries. The open-style temaki allows guests to enjoy a wide variety of flavors, in fun-to-eat and visually tempting bites. SUGO aims to reimagine the Seattle sushi experience by taking inspiration and paying homage to the preparation and quality of traditional Japanese sushi but introducing new fusion flavors and incorporating various other Asian and West Coast flavors.Whether you’re a seasoned sushi aficionado or a curious newcomer, come join us and experience the magic of hand rolls.
A photo of The Hart and the Hunter - Seattle restaurant
9. The Hart and the Hunter - Seattle
4.4
Awesome(197)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Southern • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Palihotel Seattle is home to The Hart and The Hunter, our laid-back Americana diner featuring elevated diner classics and easygoing cocktails. Established in Los Angeles in 2012, this family-friendly and cheerful Pike market adjacent neighborhood spot offers crave-worthy dishes such as Smoked Corn Beef Hash, Griddled Sandwiches, Pie à la Mode, Savory or Sweet Waffles and other delights! Cocktails range from seasonal specialties to the classics done right.
A photo of Palace Kitchen restaurant
10. Palace Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(601)
Price: Expensive
• American • Belltown / Pike Place Market
Booked 11 times today
Palace Kitchen offers an open kitchen concept to allow guests to watch the chefs at work. Settle in for dinner at one of the booths or our horseshoe shaped bar with low, intimate lighting and enjoy fresh, seasonal food that is served late into the night. Diners at Palace Kitchen love the whole trout, rotisserie chicken and burger royale that are grilled over the apple wood grill in house.Palace Kitchen offers late night dining with a full menu until 12:00am. Our King Boletus Parlor and Chanterelle Rooms offer private dining for groups of up to either 16 guests or up to 20 guests.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • nikki
    Las Vegas •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Had a great time at dinner last night. Our server was very friendly. We ordered the pasta flight and the way the bring out the flight is so fun! The food tasted great. awesome wine selections. The hostess were very understanding to your situation and moved our reservation around to help us out without any difficulty!
    More info
    MessinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Queen Anne
    •
    4.1
  • TraceeVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Beautiful evening, special place, neighborhood vibes- upscale
    More info
    The Whale WinsPrice: Expensive• American• Wallingford
    •
    4.6
  • heather
    Tahoe / Reno Area •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our experience started off with being greeted by an amazing team, so friendly and they seemed genuinely happy to have us. Our server was an absolute delight! He knew the menu as if he were the chef and he had THE BEST sense of humor. That just added to our amazing time celebrating our son’s birthday. Oh, the food was some of the best Italian we have had in the US plus we got an outstanding recommendation on wine! Having this 5 star combination of the above left us sooooo happy and excited to return. Thank you for having us Autumn Seattle!!!
    More info
    Autumn SeattlePrice: Expensive• American• Phinney Ridge
    •
    4.5
  • MelissaH
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •10 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The freshest of shellfish (oysters) and a delicious garden salad. The bread plate slathered with butter was delicious. The drinks were a little off (Last Word and Paloma), much better at Walrus & Carpenter. Service was efficient and attentive.
    More info
    WestwardPrice: Expensive• Northwest• Wallingford
    •
    4.3
  • FrankVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 15, 2025
    An all round wonderful experience- a beautiful setting, delicious food and a really attentive, personable server who really enhanced the special occasion!
    More info
    The GeorgePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.5

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