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Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Ballard

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76 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Stoneburner restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1747)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ballard
Booked 33 times today
Stoneburner sits on the ground floor of Hotel Ballard alongside Ballard Avenue, where longtime Seattle chef and owner Jason Stoneburner cooks with the confidence of 20+ years in the region’s kitchens. His food blends the bounty of the Northwest — wood-fired meats, seasonal vegetables, and handmade pastas served without pretense. Inside, the restaurant feels both worldly and lived-in, with salvaged wood, antique fixtures, and a cozy, layered design. On warmer days, massive front windows slide open to Ballard Avenue, filling the space with light and breeze. It’s the kind of place that welcomes you in—whether you're gathering with friends, celebrating something big, or just stopping by for a great plate of food.
A photo of Sabine Café and Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(88)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Ballard
Booked 7 times today
reservations accepted for dinner only, from 5pm-9pm. our day café remains walk-up and counter-service only - NO reservations accepted for brunch. we are 21+ after 10pm on friday and saturday.sabine is a café, bar, and bakery serving a lively daytime and nighttime experience for all on ballard ave. here you'll find vibrant espresso drinks, colorful cocktails, and fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily. our inviting menus by chef dunkelberger draw upon mediterranean influences with middle eastern spices and herbs, while our dedication to using local, in-season, and organic ingredients wherever we can highlights the bounty of the northwest. our mezze and salatim dishes are meant to be shared; here we value the community that dining together brings.
A photo of The Ivy - Seattle restaurant
4.0
Excellent(40)
Price: Expensive
• Fusion / Eclectic • Ballard
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to The Ivy, where culinary tradition meets innovative flair! Nestled in Ballard, just north of downtown Seattle, we invite you to embark on a vibrant journey through Asian fusion cuisine. Our diverse menu features everything from expertly crafted sushi rolls to our indulgent double wagyu smash burger, all designed to tantalize your taste buds.We are a 21+ only establishment.
A photo of The Ballard Cut restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(657)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Ballard
Booked 6 times today
The Ballard Cut is a creative cuisine restaurant as it focuses on using local ingredients and features a mix of contemporary and unique dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the food's freshness, balanced flavors, and the creativity of its presentation. Furthermore, the restaurant's selection of over 950 whisk(e)y, bourbon, and single malts, as well as its esoteric wines, adds to the overall creative and unique dining experience.
A photo of Atoma Seattle restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(74)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Wallingford
Booked 26 times today
We are a contemporary restaurant that celebrates the diverse and global influences of our team's culinary background. Our mission is to provide a space that fosters and inspires creativity. From this environment comes a unique experience that pays homage to our surroundings. We take pride in the farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and winemakers that surround us in the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on our experiences, childhood, and travels, we aim to invoke a sense of nostalgia and thoughtfulness throughout your dining experience.Our cuisine is a true reflection of the seasons, drawing inspiration from the bountiful offerings of our surroundings. With a deep reverence for our culinary heritage, we present dishes that marry traditional European techniques and flavors with a contemporary twist. Every plate that emerges from our kitchen is a testament to our commitment to humble yet inspired creations.
A photo of Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4724)
Price: Moderate
• American • Queen Anne
Booked 99 times today
Centered around the cuisine, decor and imagery of the French Quarter and New Orleans and creating the feel of the Big Easy, Toulouse is one of the most intricate and ambitiously built restaurants in a generation.Our expansive menus offer culinary diversity and range from traditional Creole and French Quarter menu choices to traditional Parisian and French countryside preparations to more innovative dishes that are entirely unique to Toulouse.
A photo of Westward restaurant
4.2
Awesome(1876)
Price: Expensive
• Northwest • Wallingford
Booked 32 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 Umi Sake House restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2615)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 86 times today
Umi Sake House is a unique Japanese cuisine restaurant in the Belltown area of Seattle featuring the highest quality seafood available in the Northwest, a large izakaya-style tapas menu, and boasting a sake list of over 60 imported Japanese bottles. The interior is multi-faceted, with a black slate tiled traditional dining room, a gorgeous 14 person capacity wooden sushi bar, a semi private "tatami" room which holds 12 people, a larger 25 person private dining room, an enclosed "back patio" casual dining room complete with tropical garden, a black concrete liquor bar with custom sake cocktails and fusion traditional cocktails. The variety of atmospheres allows for a different experience with every visit, and the vastness and quality of the menu does the same. For the budding sake enthusiast or the seasoned veteran, the sake menu at Umi is bottle for bottle the best found anywhere outside of Japan!
A photo of The Whale Wins restaurant
4.5
Awesome(952)
Price: Expensive
• American • Wallingford
Booked 7 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 Sophon restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(208)
Price: Expensive
• Cambodian • Phinney Ridge
Booked 12 times today
From the beautifully prepared and exquisitely presented dishes, to the hand crafted local foraged cocktails, it is our goal to bring a homage of gratitude for Khmer cuisine to the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. Every dish is designed thoughtfully, by the owner, Karuna Long for you and your family to share. Our menu and preparations take emphasis on fresh local ingredients that arrive daily with pronounced flavors from all parts of Cambodia. Within the first year of opening, They have gathered accolades including but not limited to Best 20 new restaurants via Bon Appetite Mag and became a James Beard Semifinalist. Sophon is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, WA.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • theodoraVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •65 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Our favorite family spot in downtown Ballard!!! We had some new items in the menu featuring the freshest ingredients. So so good!!
    More info
    StoneburnerPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ballard
    4.8
  • LorienVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Fantastic food and cocktails! Overall great experience.
    More info
    Atoma SeattlePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Wallingford
    4.8
  • Steve
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 21, 2025
    Come when you're not in a hurry. This is the place to come and have a drink,, treat, and listen to the tunes streaming. The Pear salad was tasty with a piece of broiled salmon. Don't forget the tempura shrimp. Breathe. Relax. Enjoy.
    More info
    The Ivy - SeattlePrice: Expensive• Fusion / Eclectic• Ballard
    4
  • ChristenVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 21, 2025
    Great food and service! 11 out of 10!!! Highly recommend everything, don’t miss pita!!
    More info
    Sabine Café and BarPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Ballard
    4.6
  • Matt
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 19, 2025
    While in Seattle to catch a Mariners game, my group of 3 wanted to visit a nice Whiskey Bar. We found Ballard Cut through a Google search and gave it a shot. It was a short drive from the park and there was good parking. It’s in a cool neighborhood and was easy to find. We were warmly greeted and sat down during happy hour. The menu was easy to read with amazing options and great prices. We were beyond impressed with their drink selection. It would take years to try everything they have available. When served drinks, we had a bottle of the drink brought to the table. This was done so you could read about your drink, learn about its character and really appreciate the dinner as an experience. The owner Tommy came by to chat. He was visiting with several patrons along the way but we enjoyed his genuine enthusiasm about his restaurant, its products and his employees. He shared insights on the menu, drinks and his passion for service. We purchased everything he recommended and were not disappointed. While there, we tried a flight of Makers Mark and were greeted by a rep from MM. This just coincidentally added a whole new element to our experience. We also had the most fun and efficient server named Sassy. She made us laugh, was clearly enjoying herself, her coworkers and customers and was a critical element of our dinner experience. The three of us in our group are already looking forward to visiting Tommy and Sassy and their team again. It’s extremely rare for me to write a review but when dinner turns into an experience, it’s worth sharing. Thank you to Ballard Cut for an amazing night! Oh- and if Makers Mark decides to name their next line of drinks after leadership principles, I recommended “retention” as a theme. You have amazing and happy employees because you value treating people right. MM is a legacy brand with similar values and the utmost important leadership trait is a retention focused mindset. Retention, Steadfast, Wisdom! You heard it here first!
    More info
    The Ballard CutPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Ballard
    4.7

Discover best creative cuisine restaurants in Ballard

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Ballard, Seattle, where the emphasis on creative cuisine captures the culinary creativity of the Pacific Northwest. In this eclectic neighborhood, you'll find restaurants that masterfully blend local ingredients with innovative cooking techniques to deliver unforgettable dining experiences. Each venue showcases a distinct flair, from modern twists on traditional dishes to entirely original culinary concepts, ensuring every meal is a unique adventure. The menus are diverse, featuring everything from contemporary seafood dishes to inventive vegetarian options, all prepared with an eye for detail and a commitment to quality. The ambiance of these establishments ranges from casual chic to sophisticated elegance, catering to all dining moods and occasions. Critics and patrons alike praise these Ballard eateries for their artistic presentations and the ability to consistently surprise and delight their guests. If you're seeking a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary and celebrates culinary innovation, Ballard's creative cuisine scene is sure to impress.

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