Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Explore the Greatest Restaurants on OpenTable
  3. The 10 Greatest Restaurants in Seattle
Restaurant list

The 10 Greatest Restaurants in Seattle

A photo of Red logo
by Alana Al-Hatlani
Updated April 04, 2022
There’s great seafood to be consumed in Seattle, but it’s only the beginning of what the Emerald City has to offer. Boasting one of the country’s most creative and diverse dining scenes, Seattle is dedicated to sourcing locally—from land to sea. Storied restaurants, from Canlis, the pinnacle of Pacific Northwestern fine-dining, to chic modern hangouts like the Walrus and the Carpenter, prove Seattle’s range and prowess. And even as the city’s changed over the last decade, growing and evolving under a massive tech boom, its soul remains as vibrant and bold as ever.
Elliott's Oyster House
4.6 (6129)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown
A Seattle waterfront landmark since 1975, this seafood spot on Pier 56 has long held its reputation for some of the best fish in the city. From excellent crab cakes to salmon, the menu is classic without feeling dated. In a town with plenty of oyster bars, Elliott’s holds its own, offering more than a dozen local varieties on the half-shell as well as pan-fried and baked renditions that showcase the region’s freshest bivalves. Though it's a tourist magnet, it’s also a local favorite for dining alongside stunning views of the Puget Sound. Elliott’s takes care to only source sustainable seafood, priding itself on protecting the sound it overlooks.
Top review
BillVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Our waitperson was Eddi and she was excellent. Highly recommend asking for her section.
A Seattle waterfront landmark since 1975, this seafood spot on Pier 56 has long held its reputation for some of the best fish in the city. From excellent crab cakes to salmon, the menu is classic without feeling dated. In a town with plenty of oyster bars, Elliott’s holds its own, offering more than a dozen local varieties on the half-shell as well as pan-fried and baked renditions that showcase the region’s freshest bivalves. Though it's a tourist magnet, it’s also a local favorite for dining alongside stunning views of the Puget Sound. Elliott’s takes care to only source sustainable seafood, priding itself on protecting the sound it overlooks.
Top review
BillVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Our waitperson was Eddi and she was excellent. Highly recommend asking for her section.
Walrus and the Carpenter
4.7 (398)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Ballard
Oysters are a Seattle staple, and lauded chef and owner Renee Erickson’s chic spot is a French-meets-Pacific Northwest take on the quintessential raw bar. Despite earning plenty of local and national attention, in addition to becoming one of 2022’s finalists for a James Beard for Outstanding Restaurant, The Walrus and the Carpenter remains a local neighborhood spot with down-to-earth vibes. Aside from plump ice-cold oysters, the menu is filled with sumptuous small plates such as steak tartare and chicken liver mousse—plus delicious local Sea Wolf sourdough to sop it all up. The bar serves cocktails such as the aptly named Sea Level, a mix of gin, manzanilla sherry, cap corse blanc, and shiso, and an excellent wine list featuring Washingtonian and international selections. It’s no wonder this Old Ballard spot is a great place to grab an after-dinner drink.
Top review
sallyVIP
Dined on Feb 17, 2025
Food was delicious!! Atmosphere was excellent. A win all around.
Oysters are a Seattle staple, and lauded chef and owner Renee Erickson’s chic spot is a French-meets-Pacific Northwest take on the quintessential raw bar. Despite earning plenty of local and national attention, in addition to becoming one of 2022’s finalists for a James Beard for Outstanding Restaurant, The Walrus and the Carpenter remains a local neighborhood spot with down-to-earth vibes. Aside from plump ice-cold oysters, the menu is filled with sumptuous small plates such as steak tartare and chicken liver mousse—plus delicious local Sea Wolf sourdough to sop it all up. The bar serves cocktails such as the aptly named Sea Level, a mix of gin, manzanilla sherry, cap corse blanc, and shiso, and an excellent wine list featuring Washingtonian and international selections. It’s no wonder this Old Ballard spot is a great place to grab an after-dinner drink.
Top review
sallyVIP
Dined on Feb 17, 2025
Food was delicious!! Atmosphere was excellent. A win all around.
Revel
4.4 (541)
$30 and under
Korean
Fremont
Chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi fell in love while working in a New York City kitchen run by French chef Alain Ducasse, but eventually settled across the country in Seattle where they opened Revel, a Korean street food-inspired restaurant. Kimchi pancakes, short rib wontons, and spicy miso cakes with pork belly are all served inside a dining room decorated with pop art, perfect for a casual night out. While the duo run their own restaurant group, both chefs can still be found on the line at any of their restaurants, which also includes the Korean-fusion steakhouse Joule, for which they have earned numerous James Beard Award nominations.
Top review
Julie
Dined 6 days ago
Very enjoyable. Chinese Broccoli was undercooked and for the first time the Kimchi pancake was not delicious. Regardless, great place, super nice people.
Chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi fell in love while working in a New York City kitchen run by French chef Alain Ducasse, but eventually settled across the country in Seattle where they opened Revel, a Korean street food-inspired restaurant. Kimchi pancakes, short rib wontons, and spicy miso cakes with pork belly are all served inside a dining room decorated with pop art, perfect for a casual night out. While the duo run their own restaurant group, both chefs can still be found on the line at any of their restaurants, which also includes the Korean-fusion steakhouse Joule, for which they have earned numerous James Beard Award nominations.
Top review
Julie
Dined 6 days ago
Very enjoyable. Chinese Broccoli was undercooked and for the first time the Kimchi pancake was not delicious. Regardless, great place, super nice people.
Spinasse
4.8 (3894)
$50 and over
Italian
Capitol Hill / First Hill
Opened in 2008, this Northern Italian-style trattoria is hyper-focused on handmade pasta, a tradition chef Stuart Lane has continued since he took the reins in 2015. Don’t let the simplicity of the dishes fool you—the popular tajarin hand-cut pasta with butter and sage may contain few ingredients but shows off delicate artisanship at its finest. Artusi, the celebrated aperitivo bar and sibling to Spinasse next door, focuses on small plates, but also dishes out its neighbor’s signature pastas for a perfect post-work happy hour.
Top review
Kathy
Dined 4 days ago
One of two fantastic meals we've had this year. Highly recommend!
Opened in 2008, this Northern Italian-style trattoria is hyper-focused on handmade pasta, a tradition chef Stuart Lane has continued since he took the reins in 2015. Don’t let the simplicity of the dishes fool you—the popular tajarin hand-cut pasta with butter and sage may contain few ingredients but shows off delicate artisanship at its finest. Artusi, the celebrated aperitivo bar and sibling to Spinasse next door, focuses on small plates, but also dishes out its neighbor’s signature pastas for a perfect post-work happy hour.
Top review
Kathy
Dined 4 days ago
One of two fantastic meals we've had this year. Highly recommend!
Terra Plata
4.6 (4302)
$50 and over
Farm-to-table
Capitol Hill / First Hill
Chef Tamara Murphy let local produce take center stage on her menus before farmers' markets cropped up all over the city; Murphy began cultivating relationships with farmers and serving their bounty when she opened her Mediterranean restaurant Brasa in 1999. After it closed, she opened Terra Plata, complete with an edible rooftop garden. The James Beard Award-winning menu here is composed of mostly Spanish-inspired small plates, featuring patatas bravas, blistered shishito peppers, and a delectable roasted pig with clams and chorizo. The chef is also a vocal community supporter, championing a range of causes such as advocacy for low-income women, breast cancer awareness, and local issues that affect small businesses and the restaurant industry.
Top review
Anne Marie
Dined 4 days ago
This place is amazing!! I loved the vibe, the food, the drinks, the music, and the rooftop was such a treat💕
Chef Tamara Murphy let local produce take center stage on her menus before farmers' markets cropped up all over the city; Murphy began cultivating relationships with farmers and serving their bounty when she opened her Mediterranean restaurant Brasa in 1999. After it closed, she opened Terra Plata, complete with an edible rooftop garden. The James Beard Award-winning menu here is composed of mostly Spanish-inspired small plates, featuring patatas bravas, blistered shishito peppers, and a delectable roasted pig with clams and chorizo. The chef is also a vocal community supporter, championing a range of causes such as advocacy for low-income women, breast cancer awareness, and local issues that affect small businesses and the restaurant industry.
Top review
Anne Marie
Dined 4 days ago
This place is amazing!! I loved the vibe, the food, the drinks, the music, and the rooftop was such a treat💕
Cafe Juanita
4.9 (3445)
$50 and over
Italian
Kirkland
Chef Holly Smith celebrates Northern Italian cuisine from this sleek suburban spot. Nominated for Outstanding Service and Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, this tasting menu-only restaurant offers four seasonal menus to choose from: omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan, all of which include excellent pasta, a delicious chocolate torta, and the beautiful use of local produce. Explore stellar wine pairings with Cafe Juanita's award-winning wine list, which prioritizes Italian producers but also includes outstanding Northwest wines.
Top review
Timothy
Dined on Jun 26, 2025
I've been in Michelin starred restaurants that aren't as exceptional. Service is outstanding, the sommelier knowledge and flexibility top-notch, and the food incredible. You won't necessarily be 'stuffed' at the end but that's not why you visit a place like this. Fantastic for special occasions. Bonus, the car valets are courteous and careful.
Chef Holly Smith celebrates Northern Italian cuisine from this sleek suburban spot. Nominated for Outstanding Service and Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, this tasting menu-only restaurant offers four seasonal menus to choose from: omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan, all of which include excellent pasta, a delicious chocolate torta, and the beautiful use of local produce. Explore stellar wine pairings with Cafe Juanita's award-winning wine list, which prioritizes Italian producers but also includes outstanding Northwest wines.
Top review
Timothy
Dined on Jun 26, 2025
I've been in Michelin starred restaurants that aren't as exceptional. Service is outstanding, the sommelier knowledge and flexibility top-notch, and the food incredible. You won't necessarily be 'stuffed' at the end but that's not why you visit a place like this. Fantastic for special occasions. Bonus, the car valets are courteous and careful.
Matt's in the Market
4.8 (2070)
$50 and over
Northwest
Downtown
Perched above Pike Place Market with giant arched windows for viewing the bustle below, this institution, which has been in business since 1996, is a must-visit. Executive chef Matt Fortner’s menu is a mix of dressed-up diner mainstays, from the cobb salad to the tuna sandwich with local Mama Lil’s pepper relish. It’s also open for dinner with a seafood-forward fine-dining menu, featuring king salmon over squid ink arancini and a seafood stew with fresh catch from the market. Both menus are inspired by what is currently in season from the market—Fortner regularly sources from iconic Pike Place purveyors such as Le Panier bakery and DeLaurenti's Specialty Foods.
Top review
David
Dined 7 days ago
I had clams & mussels in a brilliantly seasoned broth. Terrific!
Perched above Pike Place Market with giant arched windows for viewing the bustle below, this institution, which has been in business since 1996, is a must-visit. Executive chef Matt Fortner’s menu is a mix of dressed-up diner mainstays, from the cobb salad to the tuna sandwich with local Mama Lil’s pepper relish. It’s also open for dinner with a seafood-forward fine-dining menu, featuring king salmon over squid ink arancini and a seafood stew with fresh catch from the market. Both menus are inspired by what is currently in season from the market—Fortner regularly sources from iconic Pike Place purveyors such as Le Panier bakery and DeLaurenti's Specialty Foods.
Top review
David
Dined 7 days ago
I had clams & mussels in a brilliantly seasoned broth. Terrific!
Cafe Campagne
4.7 (3135)
$31 to $50
French
Belltown / Pike Place Market
A Pike Place Market fixture since 1994, this spot is a Parisian cafe complete with streetside al fresco dining. It’s helmed by chef Daisley Gordon, who started fresh out of the Culinary Institute of America just one year after the cafe opened, working his way up from lead line cook to eventually become the executive chef and owner. Today the seasonal cassoulet—offered only for part of the year—drives locals to return often, as does the excellent happy hour, while savvy tourists venture here to savor the roast chicken and steak frites.
Top review
Linda
Dined 4 days ago
Every time I come to Seattle I enjoy a great meal at Cafe Campagne. The food is delicious, the staff is impeccable, kind and experienced and the portions are just right. The wine info is thorough. Always a wonderful experience!!!!
A Pike Place Market fixture since 1994, this spot is a Parisian cafe complete with streetside al fresco dining. It’s helmed by chef Daisley Gordon, who started fresh out of the Culinary Institute of America just one year after the cafe opened, working his way up from lead line cook to eventually become the executive chef and owner. Today the seasonal cassoulet—offered only for part of the year—drives locals to return often, as does the excellent happy hour, while savvy tourists venture here to savor the roast chicken and steak frites.
Top review
Linda
Dined 4 days ago
Every time I come to Seattle I enjoy a great meal at Cafe Campagne. The food is delicious, the staff is impeccable, kind and experienced and the portions are just right. The wine info is thorough. Always a wonderful experience!!!!
Sushi Kappo Tamura - Dining Room
4.8 (1773)
$50 and over
Japanese
Lake Union / Eastlake
Owned by renowned sushi chef Taichi Kitamura, who trained under legendary sushi master Shiro Kashiba (a three-time James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Chef), this lively and unpretentious restaurant is a titan among titans in sushi-centric Seattle. Seasonality drives the menu—highlights have previously included black cod nigiri and a rising salmon roll, topped with sliced jalapeño and golden tobiko—with chef Kitamura sourcing ingredients from local farms and fisheries such as Taylor Shellfish, Skagit River Ranch, and Wild West. He also partners with Seattle Urban Farm Company to plant and maintain a rooftop garden that provides hyper-local produce for some of the restaurant’s plant-based dishes such as shiso tempura and organic butter lettuce salad with Washington Fuji apples.
Top review
ClaraVIP
Dined on Jun 25, 2025
Always a treat to dine here! The food is unrivaled and always worth it.
Owned by renowned sushi chef Taichi Kitamura, who trained under legendary sushi master Shiro Kashiba (a three-time James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Chef), this lively and unpretentious restaurant is a titan among titans in sushi-centric Seattle. Seasonality drives the menu—highlights have previously included black cod nigiri and a rising salmon roll, topped with sliced jalapeño and golden tobiko—with chef Kitamura sourcing ingredients from local farms and fisheries such as Taylor Shellfish, Skagit River Ranch, and Wild West. He also partners with Seattle Urban Farm Company to plant and maintain a rooftop garden that provides hyper-local produce for some of the restaurant’s plant-based dishes such as shiso tempura and organic butter lettuce salad with Washington Fuji apples.
Top review
ClaraVIP
Dined on Jun 25, 2025
Always a treat to dine here! The food is unrivaled and always worth it.
Canlis
4.7 (2691)
$50 and over
Northwest
Queen Anne
No Seattle restaurant list would be complete without including Canlis. Since 1950, the family-owned establishment started by Peter Canlis has been a beacon of hospitality, celebrated by national magazines, the James Beard Foundation, and helmed by leaders with extensive culinary backgrounds, including current executive chef Aisha Ibrahim—the first female chef in the restaurant's history. Her menu is a three-course journey celebrating local delicacies such as geoduck with a refined technique she honed at MICHELIN-starred restaurants like Azurmendi in Spain. Ibrahim’s menu is also informed by her background in Japanese kaiseki restaurants, with a focus on seasonality; the famed Canlis salad, known for its fresh herbs and coddled egg vinaigrette, and soufflé remain the only holdovers from past menus. The award-winning wine program and the renowned mid-century modern design round out the iconic dining experience.
Top review
Excellentexperience
Dined on Jun 10, 2017
First, I want to say that service there is EXCELLENT! I have had the best service everyone I go there. The best patt was when my daughter was able to go into the kitchen and choose her ice cream with th e server. Nice touch! With that said, the selection of food was less to be desired... or more of a select taste. Presentation was excellent however. We will reserve a return visit for sure... when we are up for trying something out of norm.
No Seattle restaurant list would be complete without including Canlis. Since 1950, the family-owned establishment started by Peter Canlis has been a beacon of hospitality, celebrated by national magazines, the James Beard Foundation, and helmed by leaders with extensive culinary backgrounds, including current executive chef Aisha Ibrahim—the first female chef in the restaurant's history. Her menu is a three-course journey celebrating local delicacies such as geoduck with a refined technique she honed at MICHELIN-starred restaurants like Azurmendi in Spain. Ibrahim’s menu is also informed by her background in Japanese kaiseki restaurants, with a focus on seasonality; the famed Canlis salad, known for its fresh herbs and coddled egg vinaigrette, and soufflé remain the only holdovers from past menus. The award-winning wine program and the renowned mid-century modern design round out the iconic dining experience.
Top review
Excellentexperience
Dined on Jun 10, 2017
First, I want to say that service there is EXCELLENT! I have had the best service everyone I go there. The best patt was when my daughter was able to go into the kitchen and choose her ice cream with th e server. Nice touch! With that said, the selection of food was less to be desired... or more of a select taste. Presentation was excellent however. We will reserve a return visit for sure... when we are up for trying something out of norm.

More lists for you

Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Mobile
Mobile
A photo of Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida
A photo of Grand Rapids / Western Michigan
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan
A photo of New Orleans / Louisiana
New Orleans / Louisiana
A photo of Los Angeles
Los Angeles
A photo of Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale
A photo of Tucson
Tucson
A photo of Las Vegas
Las Vegas
A photo of Washington, D.C. Area
Washington, D.C. Area
A photo of California Central Coast
California Central Coast
A photo of Texas Panhandle
Texas Panhandle
A photo of Portland / Oregon
Portland / Oregon
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes The GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgersbest cafe in town
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo