Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in South of Seattle

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in South of Seattle? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Grazie Ristorante - Southcenter/Tukwila

4.8

4.8 (1906)

$31 to $50

Italian

Tukwila

About the restaurant

We are an authentic Italian restaurant featuring wines and foods from the different regions of Italy. A remarkable aspect that sets our restaurants apart is our employees are taken to Italy for education in Italian food and wine knowledge. Our servers are personable and also educated to help you with your dining selections. We take no shortcuts with our food and make everything on our menu from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients and imported products. When you step inside the door of our restaurant our goal is to take your senses on a culinary journey to Italia.

Top review

Wayne

Dined 2 days ago

Great service. Hostess remembered our last visit—10 years ago on our 40th anniversary celebration. Very touching. Food was great too. Highly recommend for a memorable meal.

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Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (2179)

$31 to $50

Northwest

Seatac

About the restaurant

Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar is a Northwest gathering spot serving seasonally-inspired farm-to-table cuisine. Our team is committed to sustainable practices that bring the season's bounty to your table. We hand select products from small local farms, fishermen, ranchers and artisans to curate all our menus. Arrive early and experience a seasonal cocktail or glass of Washington State wine in Copperleaf Bar! Come see why Copperleaf Restaurant is a quintessentially Northwest experience.

Table reservations for the patio are honored based on request and availability at the time of arrival; due to the frequently changing weather circumstances of the Seattle area and the popularity of our outdoor dining spaces, we are unable to guarantee reservations for the patio.

Top review

Andrew

Dined today

I had a fantastic time at Copperleaf for my birthday tonight. Our server Adrianna was so nice and provided great service, the food was delicious, and both of the cocktails I ordered really hit the spot. Being here while the weather is cooler really matches the vibe of the interior. It feels like you’re inside a very nice ski resort/lodge. Definitely wouldn’t know you were near SeaTac Airport. It was just the two of us, and so we were sat in a row of bistro tables with oversized chairs. The tables themselves are a bit small, but the seats were so comfortable. We got the smoked scallop chowder, pork belly, black cod, and steak frites. My steak frites were exactly as I’d hoped. The Mishima wagyu flat iron was so tender and perfectly seasoned — not overly salty, just enough to let the steak and accompanying chimichurri sing. I was also surprised by the portion of pomme frites. At this price point, you almost think they’re not gonna feed you, but I was quite full afterwards. I managed to find room for the basque cheesecake with fall spiced caramel sauce, which was also fantastic. Our server Adrianna ended by inviting us to walk around the back patio and see the outdoor space. It was beautiful. Makes me want to come back during warmer weather and eat outside. The koi ponds, greenery, and sounds of running water are so serene. The night was a definite win. We’ll have to come back with friends next time!

Paolo's Italian Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1277)

$30 and under

Italian

Kent

About the restaurant

For more than 20 years, Paolo’s has been bringing the taste of Italy to Kent. Paul Raftis founded the restaurant after growing up learning to cook along side his mother, Darlene Raftis. He enjoys the open kitchen he can chat with guests as he works. He never tires of hearing "It smells so good in here!" As a marathoner, he is living proof that that you can eat Italian and be healthy. In fact, one of his signature dishes, "Fettucine Paolo" was featured in Runner's World magazine. "It's one of the dishes I developed, it has no cream in it, no butter." It's a delicious pasta dish that utilizes olive oil, garlic, chicken stock, garlic, balsamic vinegar, sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and chicken. So whether it's bruschetta, cioppino, pizza, or spaghetti and meatballs, Paul thanks each of you for choosing to dine here.

Top review

Kathyvip

Dined 6 days ago

When we want great Italian food we always think of Paolo’s. You can tell they take priced in the food and the eating experience. The staff is ALWAYS wonderful. This restaurant is at the top of my list!

Duke's Seafood - Southcenter

4.7

4.7 (1083)

$30 and under

Seafood

Tukwila

About the restaurant

Duke's Restaurant Southcenter, located in Tukwila at the south end of The Westfield Mall, is an upscale casual Pacific Northweset seafood restaurant offering signature, flavorful, 100% sustainable wild seafood, Award Winning Chowder, and grass-fed burgers in a gathering place that is friendly, comfortable, unpretentious, and filled with personality. We only source all-natural, healthful ingredients. Duke's food is free of hormones, antibiotics, and free of harmful chemicals. Guests sum up their favorable assessment of what Duke's has to offer with three words: It’s so good! Great Fish Tacos, Wild Halibut & Salmon, Salads and amazing sandwiches.

Please note: We do not accept reservations for the outdoor deck seating. First come, first serve. Please feel free to designate outdoor seating as your preference when making a reservation or checking in and we'll do our best to see you on our patio.

Top review

CaroleB

Dined 2 days ago

Dukes is my absolute favorite restaurant! Food is high quality and delicious, and the service is excellent.

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Popular dish

Dungeness Crab "Un"Cakes

Popular dish

Dungeness Crab Dip

Experience

Happy Hour at Duke's Seafood - Southcenter

Duke's Seafood - Kent Station

4.7

4.7 (775)

$30 and under

Seafood

Kent

About the restaurant

Duke's Kent Seafood Restaurant is an upscale casual Pacific Northwest restaurant & bar offering signature, flavorful, 100% sustainable wild seafood, Award Winning Chowder and grass fed burgers in a gathering place that is friendly, comfortable, unpretentious and filled with personality. We only source all natural, healthful ingredients. Duke's food is free of hormones, antibiotics and free of harmful chemicals. Guests sum up their favorable assessment of what Duke's has to offer with three words: It’s so good! Duke's in Kent is a locals favorite, perfect for grabbing a drink at the bar, lunch, dinner, outdoor dining or dinner with the family or group of friends.

Top review

David

Dined on Oct 2, 2024

The food was wonderful and service was excellent. Thank you!!

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Popular dish

Chowder Samplers

Popular dish

Dungeness Crab "Un"Cakes

Smoke & Cedar Steakhouse

4.6

4.6 (260)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Auburn

About the restaurant

Located on top of the all-new Muckleshoot Casino Resort tower in the heart of the bountiful Pacific Northwest. Smoke & Cedar will be among one of the country's leading steakhouses, dedicated to providing excellent guest service, fine libations, prime steaks and the best seafood the PNW has to offer. This one-of-a-kind restaurant in Washington commands 270-degree views of Mt. Rainier, the Puget Sound and both the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges.

Smoke & Cedars menu is updated seasonally to best showcase ingredients collected by foragers from the farmers markets, regional farms, and other artisan purveyors. The soul of the restaurant quite literally extends through its decor to spectacular views, complimenting a menu that conveys the sentiment that quality procured ingredients-are better appreciated on a beautiful plate in an approachable but elegant setting.

Bon appétit!

Top review

Dined 1 day ago

The service was excellent, the food was amazing. The cost was high but seriously worth it. Overall outstanding and we will go back.

Anthony's HomePort - Des Moines

4.5

4.5 (3820)

$30 and under

Seafood

Des Moines

About the restaurant

We are a locally-owned, waterfront restaurant dedicated to giving our guests a truly Northwest dining experience. Anthony’s has earned the reputation for the finest fresh seafood, perfectly prepared and expertly served with an uncompromising commitment to quality and value. We feature fresh seasonal and sustainable fish and shellfish from our own seafood company accompanied by Northwest wines and micro brews as well our "Best of the Season" produce featured in our house-made desserts, salads, entrees, and beverages. Anthony’s in Des Moines features a lovely panoramic view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Open daily for lunch with a casual style no reservation necessary restaurant on the first floor featuring seafood, pastas, salads, burgers and fish tacos.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined 7 days ago

The waitress was nice but not very attentive. Had to wait to ask for things. It was busier this evening than it was the last time I was there. We had a window seat and it was very lovely.

The Restaurant at Alderbrook

4.4

4.4 (1432)

$31 to $50

Northwest

Union

About the restaurant

Our location brings out the best in fresh local seafood, dry aged beef, world-class wines and waterfront views - making The Restaurant at Alderbrook a destination in itself.

The interior setting of The Restaurant at Alderbrook takes its inspiration from the outdoors with warm colors of chocolate brown and sage green representing the gardens and lawn of the resort. Floor-to-ceiling windows and multi-levels amplify views of the brilliant shore and snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains.

The cuisine showcases local seafood harvested from Puget Sound and Hood Canal. After all, our shores are encrusted with oysters, our docks lined with mussels, and our sea teems with salmon.

Top review

Joyce

Dined 7 days ago

Incredible food and service. Can’t wait to go back

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Claim Jumper - Tukwila

4.4

4.4 (618)

$30 and under

American

Tukwila

About the restaurant

Our friendly environment is ideal for celebrating special occasions, hosting a business lunch or gathering for a delicious meal with friends and family. Our saloons are a comfortable gathering place to relax after a day at work, to catch a game or share an appetizer with friends. The saloon menu features signature cocktails, chilled martinis, premium and ultra-premium spirits, specialty non-alcoholic beverages, an extensive wine list, and imported and American craft beers including Claim Jumper’s own Honey Blonde, Original Red Ale and IPA. In addition to the saloon menu Claim Jumper offers a Steakhouse menu which includes USDA Prime steaks and premium house made shareable sides. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Claim Jumper offers a selection of freshly prepared items using only the finest ingredients available. Favorites include Certified Angus Beef®, fresh fish, baby back pork ribs, fresh baked pot pie, specialty salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and more.

Top review

Kathi

Dined 5 days ago

Went to celebrate a birthday and our waitress was excellent. The food on the most part was very good. I would not order the tri-tips or the broccoli again, however. The ribs were excellent and enjoyed by several of our party. They provided the birthday girl with a large piece of cake also enjoyed by more than one at the table. All in all we had an enjoyable dinner.

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Experience

Happy Hour: Sun-Fri 3pm-Close & Saturday 3-7pm

Mizu Steakhouse - Covington

4.0

4 (447)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Kent

About the restaurant

Mizu Steakhouse in Covington, WA serves creative Japanese fare. Its welcoming setting features hibachi chefs that are eager to show off their cooking skills right at the table. Mizu Steakhouse serves a large variety of dishes prepared with quality produce, meat and seafood. Fried pot stickers, edamame or tempura make for tasty appetizers. Guests can dine on a main course of filet mignon, New York steak with shrimp or a variety of seafood. This restaurant also serves gluten-free sauces, vegetarian dishes.

Mizu Steakhouse offers a variety of libations to pair with meals. It provides outdoor seating and take-out service.

Top review

Gloria

Dined 6 days ago

A fun place to celebrate special events with family and friends. The food is tasty and our chef was great.

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