Arriving in Seattle, the briny air, diverse neighbourhoods and café-lined streets are the first hints of a vibrant food scene characterised by fresh seafood, fusion eats and homegrown coffee. Surrounded by natural beauty, the Emerald City is a champion of locally-sourced produce and sustainable culinary practises; the best meals here are often paired with immersive views of the inky-blue Puget Sound.
Whether you’re catching flying fish at Pike Place Market, Seattle’s original farmers’ market, or feasting on handcrafted seasonal menus at local eateries, you’ll find that the city’s food connects you to the very heart of its culture. Read on to discover the Seattle dining spots doing it best.
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1. The Walrus and the Carpenter
The Walrus and the Carpenter is beloved among Seattle residents. Named after the famous Lewis Carroll poem, this oyster bar marries an airy, rustic-chic setting with a daily rotating menu of French-inspired seafood bites and whimsical cocktails – though its plates of crusty bread and mountains of freshly whipped butter also deserve an honourable mention. The restaurant’s culinary excellence earned it a James Beard Award nomination in 2022. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive early to guarantee your spot.
Credit: Aerlime Seattle
Credit: Aerlume Seattle
Credit: Aerlume Seattle
2. Aerlume Seattle
A stone’s throw from Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, Aerlume Seattle is a champion of traditional Pacific Northwest cuisine – think seasonal vegetables, wild mushrooms and fresh seafood, all sourced locally and sustainably. Menu highlights include the wild Alaskan black cod, citrus marinated beets and Peruvian steak. Dishes are enjoyed amid modern, spacious interiors, complete with counter seating arranged around an open fire pit and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular sea views.
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3. Il Nido
Located mere steps from Alki Beach, Il Nido is a homestyle Italian restaurant housed within a charming log cabin. Its cosy rustic interiors, combined with the warmth of the staff, evoke the feeling of dining at a loved one’s home. While the property was once the abode of a prominent 19th-century Seattle businessman, it has evolved into a humble retreat away from the bustling city, serving dishes that warm the heart and fill the stomach. The kitchen’s specialities are undoubtedly its house-made pasta and focaccia, prepared fresh every day.
4. Market Seafood Eatery
Nothing is more quintessentially Seattle than the city’s famed seafood market eateries, and you’ll find their lively atmosphere and tantalising array of produce replicated at this fuss-free spot. Market Seafood Eatery serves up a buffet-like menu of classic seafood bites including fish and chips, lobster rolls and clam chowder, in a casual cafeteria-style setting. Adjacent to the Seattle Art Museum, it’s the perfect pit stop before you discover the city’s most impressive artworks.
Credit: Surrell
Credit: Surrell
Credit: Surrell
5. Surrell
When it comes an elevated dining experience, Surrell delivers every time. Its refined, contemporary take on Pacific Northwest cuisine can be savoured via either a five- or 11-course tasting menu, designed by chef Aaron Tekulve. Each menu adapts according to the season and can be tailored to suit a range of dietary requirements, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Located in a centuries-old Victorian home, Surrell boasts a moody, intimate atmosphere, with seating split between a main dining area, six-seater chef’s counter and breezy garden terrace.
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6. Oriental Mart Lunch Counter
Occupying a corner of Pike Place Market, Oriental Mart Lunch Counter might seem like your typical market kiosk. However, its wall of polaroids, featuring smiling customers, tells a more intimate story. This cosy 18-seater is run by three generations of women, who make a point of getting to know each diner as they cook up plates of authentic Filipino cuisine, from fresh lumpia to adobo. This personalised dining experience has earned the outlet both a loyal following and national recognition, including a prestigious “America’s Classics” dining award.