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The 10 Greatest Restaurants in Seattle

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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
AlejandroVIP
Dined on May 29, 2025
We had a sampler of raw oysters that was excellent. Our server was informative and efficient. Will like to repeat the experience in the future.
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
AlejandroVIP
Dined on May 29, 2025
We had a sampler of raw oysters that was excellent. Our server was informative and efficient. Will like to repeat the experience in the future.
Walrus and the Carpenter
4.4 (397)
$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
sally
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
sally
Dined on Feb 17, 2025
Food was delicious!! Atmosphere was excellent. A win all around.
Revel
4.4 (538)
$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
Janie
Dined 6 days ago
It was very good. We were there celebrating my husband’s birthday. It did get pretty busy around the time we were ready for dessert. When the dessert came, it was without the birthday candle I’d requested on Open Table. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice if that detail had happened.
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
Janie
Dined 6 days ago
It was very good. We were there celebrating my husband’s birthday. It did get pretty busy around the time we were ready for dessert. When the dessert came, it was without the birthday candle I’d requested on Open Table. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice if that detail had happened.
Spinasse
4.8 (3872)
$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
BruceVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Spinasse never disappoints. Brought 2 friends. They were wowed! Couldn't talk them into the tasting menu as they wanted to focus on the pasta. So we each ordered a different pasta and I did 2 of the 1/2 portions so we did taste them all. And the tasting of all 4 of the first course. Then 2 deserts. Not a crrumb remained! Sommelier was extremely helpful. Wine was a 2013 and it was sublime. Wait staff was a lot of fun and attentive. I can't say enough good things about this place.
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
BruceVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Spinasse never disappoints. Brought 2 friends. They were wowed! Couldn't talk them into the tasting menu as they wanted to focus on the pasta. So we each ordered a different pasta and I did 2 of the 1/2 portions so we did taste them all. And the tasting of all 4 of the first course. Then 2 deserts. Not a crrumb remained! Sommelier was extremely helpful. Wine was a 2013 and it was sublime. Wait staff was a lot of fun and attentive. I can't say enough good things about this place.
Terra Plata
4.5 (4284)
$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
TaraVIP
Dined 3 days ago
A Truly Special Seattle Dining Experience! We had an amazing dinner at Terra Plata last night, and I can’t recommend it enough—especially if you’re hosting out-of-town guests! I brought a visitor who was new to Seattle, and the team went above and beyond by creating custom menus that said, “Welcome to Seattle, Jinny!” Such a thoughtful touch that made my guest feel so special. We arrived about an hour early and asked if we could be seated ahead of our reservation—they were super accommodating and got us seated right away. First impressions were warm and welcoming. We started with a few appetizers: the house chips, shishito peppers, beet salad, and the mixto paella. The shishito peppers had a nice kick, but the creamy dip balanced it out perfectly. Everything was fresh and flavorful. For dessert, we shared the churros, which were just the right portion for our group of three—crispy, warm, and delicious. We also enjoyed two bottles of prosecco. The staff was attentive, always making sure our glasses were full and checking in just the right amount. We sat on the rooftop, which was absolutely perfect. The sun was out, there was a cover for shade, and as the evening cooled down, it became even more comfortable. The ambiance really added to the experience. I’ll definitely be coming back and would recommend Terra Plata to friends and family visiting Seattle. A memorable evening from start to finish!
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
TaraVIP
Dined 3 days ago
A Truly Special Seattle Dining Experience! We had an amazing dinner at Terra Plata last night, and I can’t recommend it enough—especially if you’re hosting out-of-town guests! I brought a visitor who was new to Seattle, and the team went above and beyond by creating custom menus that said, “Welcome to Seattle, Jinny!” Such a thoughtful touch that made my guest feel so special. We arrived about an hour early and asked if we could be seated ahead of our reservation—they were super accommodating and got us seated right away. First impressions were warm and welcoming. We started with a few appetizers: the house chips, shishito peppers, beet salad, and the mixto paella. The shishito peppers had a nice kick, but the creamy dip balanced it out perfectly. Everything was fresh and flavorful. For dessert, we shared the churros, which were just the right portion for our group of three—crispy, warm, and delicious. We also enjoyed two bottles of prosecco. The staff was attentive, always making sure our glasses were full and checking in just the right amount. We sat on the rooftop, which was absolutely perfect. The sun was out, there was a cover for shade, and as the evening cooled down, it became even more comfortable. The ambiance really added to the experience. I’ll definitely be coming back and would recommend Terra Plata to friends and family visiting Seattle. A memorable evening from start to finish!
Cafe Juanita
4.9 (3438)
$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
Becky
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful meal. The room is lovely, service impeccable yet not stuffy. The food is heavenly.
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
Becky
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful meal. The room is lovely, service impeccable yet not stuffy. The food is heavenly.
Matt's in the Market
4.8 (2054)
$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
Uma
Dined 2 days ago
Super friendly staff, great food and beautiful water view
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
Uma
Dined 2 days ago
Super friendly staff, great food and beautiful water view
Cafe Campagne
4.7 (3124)
$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
Betsy
Dined 6 days ago
As always, excellent food and service. Very lively atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends, unless you're fine with just waiting for a table.
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
Betsy
Dined 6 days ago
As always, excellent food and service. Very lively atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends, unless you're fine with just waiting for a table.
Sushi Kappo Tamura - Dining Room
4.7 (1768)
$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
Adele
Dined on May 16, 2025
The freshest fish and spot on service. The room is relaxed, friendly and the noise level is low so easy to have a conversation. Everything was delicious, but highlights were the hamachi, toro, unagi, and mochi cake. Superb dining experience and they have parking now!
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
Adele
Dined on May 16, 2025
The freshest fish and spot on service. The room is relaxed, friendly and the noise level is low so easy to have a conversation. Everything was delicious, but highlights were the hamachi, toro, unagi, and mochi cake. Superb dining experience and they have parking now!
Canlis
4.7 (2695)
$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.

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