Restaurants with a View: Seattle Dining

02/09/2023 | by Andy | Bars & Restaurants

When it comes to Seattle, few things are as memorable and enjoyable as grabbing a bite at one of the city’s many restaurants with stunning views.

From romantic restaurants perched atop the tallest buildings downtown to cozy bistros quietly tucked away in the most peaceful corners of Seattle, these eateries prove why Washington’s largest city is renowned for its culinary prowess and incredible scenery.

Whether it’s an intimate evening out or just looking for upscale cuisine overlooking some of the best sights in town while staying at your boutique vacation rental, here are some of our favorite waterfront hot spots with unbeatable views across Seattle

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Ray’s Boathouse

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There’s no better place than Ray’s of Shishole Bay in Ballard for classic seafood dishes with an incomparable view.

With the stunning sight of Puget Sound and the sunset behind the Olympic Mountains, every meal here is an unforgettable experience. From fried oysters to pan-seared scallops, Ray’s offers great flavors without reinventing the wheel.

The Loupe Lounge

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Can you get any more “iconic Seattle” than to dine at the top of the Space Needle? Enjoy a 360-degree view of the city in this slowly rotating restaurant 500 feet in the sky!

Loupe’s dining and cocktail experiences range from $85 to $275, which includes admission to the iconic Space Needle and a reserved spot to enjoy drinks and dishes such as wagyu sliders, caviar, and oysters.

The fee also includes parking, making it an excellent option for those looking to ensure their out-of-town guests have an unforgettable experience at Seattle’s beloved landmark.

Marination Ma Kai

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When you visit the Marination in West Seattle, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay.

This Hawaiian-Korean food truck serves views and flavors. Savor tantalizing “aloha-laden” fare cuisine such as Spam sliders or Kimchi fried rice. Afterward, take a much-deserved break at their spacious outdoor seating area just steps away from the water taxi for a leisurely ride over to Alki Beach.

Canlis

Photo Credit: Poke Bros. via Flickr CC2.0
  • Price point: $$$$
  • Address: 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle
  • Website: canlis.com

Canlis, one of Seattle’s most highly decorated restaurants, offers its patrons a stunning view of the Cascade Mountains and Lake Washington to complement their multi-course fine dining experience.

With reservations booked out months in advance and a menu inspired by the founder’s time around Hawaiian cuisine and Japanese hospitality, a visit to Canlis is surely an unbeatable experience.

Place Pigalle

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Providing one of the most remarkable sights at Pike Place Market, Place Pigalle is an artfully tucked away French eatery with a waterfront outlook.

The spot is intimate, comfortable, and charming, precisely the flawless atmosphere for somebody who wants to stop to admire Seattle’s loveliness. The enchanting view of the lake and the famous waterfront Great Ferris Wheel generates a romantic mood, particularly during nightfall.

You can’t miss out on the opportunity to try Place Pigalle’s Steamed Mussels Pigalle– an iconic dish with the perfect lemon butter sauce and the freshest mussels. Don’t forget to ask for a side of bread to savor every bite of this delectable meal fully!

Come on a weekday to secure the ideal seats in the patio section.

Smith Tower Observatory Bar

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Visiting the top of the historic Smith Tower will be a unique, speakeasy-inspired experience, with a dining room with amazing panoramic views of Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

Tantalizing appetizers such as potstickers and noodle bowls can be enjoyed in this class atmosphere, perfect for special occasions. To take it up a notch, small groups can even attend a cocktail class!

The Fisherman’s Restaurant

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Chef Nick Novello’s dishes at the renowned Fisherman’s Restaurant near the waterfront draws crowds of tourists. Local delights like oysters, clams (by the bucket!), crab sourdough toast, and smoked salmon are perfect for satisfying a fresh seafood fix.

This eatery is positioned in Downtown Seattle and snuggled right beneath the Great Ferris Wheel. It even provides an unforgettable four-course meal inside the wheel itself for those brave enough to soar above the city.

Charlotte Restaurant and Lounge

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Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge, located on the 16th floor of the Lotte Hotel, provides the best views of the Smith Tower and Seattle’s waterfront with a cozy atmosphere. Every detail in their interior design, paired with impeccable service and an array of delectable dishes made with local ingredients, leaves no doubt that Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge delivers.

The Eggs Bernard, a seductive pick on their breakfast menu, is Charlotte’s take on the classic eggs benedict. Every detail of this dish is carefully crafted, from its appearance to its zingy taste. The cilantro salsa verde provides an additional zest while giving the meal a tanginess that will be remembered long after it’s gone.

The Nest Rooftop Bar

Photo Credit: Marie Sonmez Photography

Rooftop bars in Seattle are some of the most sought-after sunset destinations. The Thompson Seattle Hotel’s luxurious Nest Rooftop Bar offers an exquisite lounge experience and stunning views of Elliott Bay. This chic establishment features high-end beverages, with a small indoor area for seating and many outdoor options to fully appreciate the scene.

What bar food pairs with such a spectacular view? The Nest’s Jerk Chicken Skewers are delectably tender. They come with a delicious pineapple salsa that takes the dish up a notch, and for any skewer enthusiasts, this is an absolute must-try!

Also, the warm housemade cookies are a perfect last course when it gets chilly! Their cozy and comforting taste pairs perfectly with a beautiful view and a comfy blanket.

Little Water Cantina

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Nestled underneath a bloc of flats, the location of Little Water Cantina in Eastlake is not very prominent. However, the back area of this Mexican cuisine favorite expands onto a terrace that offers delightful glimpses of Lake Union. Entrees include wild boar, chicken tinga, chimichanga burritos, and an entire side menu dedicated to tacos!

Sip your spicy margarita amidst the buzz of happy locals and live music. They are also famous for their late evening happy hour, giving complimentary snacks and salsa.

mBar

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The nightlife in Seattle can’t be beaten. This Emerald City rooftop bar is the place to go if you’ve already worked up an appetite; their bar food is legendary!

Keep a sharp eye out for the entrance: you’ll first have to go in the 400 Fairview Office building, where you’ll then be greeted by a host and ushered up to the 14th floor.

Despite the occasional club or busy post-work vibe, the views of Lake Union and the Space Needle can’t be beaten. The best dishes to try here are undoubtedly the chicken kebab and mezze platter with three delectable dips.

Iconiq

Nestled in the Mount Baker neighborhood, Iconiq offers a scenic view of Seattle at night with its windows pointing towards the city skyline. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic date night as you savor their exquisite fusion cuisine made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

Pink Door

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At The Pink Door, locals and tourists alike enjoy the Pike’s Place Market and Elliott Bay views, flower boxes in full bloom, and delicious Italian cuisine. And good news for dog lovers: the patio area is dog-friendly!

This restaurant gives “dinner and a show” a new meaning, as you can catch performances of trapeze, tarot readings, and cabaret over your produce-driven meal.

Mountaineering Club

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The climb starts early at the Mountaineering Club, located sixteen floors up in the Graduate Hotel overlooking the University of Washington District.

Here you can relax in rustic leather-bound rocking chairs surrounded by artifacts, photographs inside glass-topped tables, and retired snow skis while admiring the stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

The restaurant has a special Sunday brunch menu inspired by camp outings that includes dishes like a scrumptious s’mores-style pull-apart bread and a delectable Dungeness crab scramble.

Sip on the exciting cocktail menu with a unique Pacific Northwest twist of the Long Island iced tea, prepared with blackberry liqueur from Whidbey Island Distillery and freshly foraged berries.

Patio Cielo at Mercado Luna

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Capitol Hill is brimming with great dining options. When the weather is warm, swing by this popular Capitol Hill spot with plenty of margarita choices to help you cool down. For a classic Mexican street food experience, try their amazing tacos, burritos, and churros!

Various fillings like al pastor, shrimp, or vegetarian-friendly crispy potatoes and crema are served here. This taco joint has got it all. Making a reservation ahead of time can be helpful, especially on busy summer days, as the rooftop patio tends to fill up quickly.

Maximilien

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For over three decades, Maximilien has been a cozy French downtown gem. Step inside to admire the antique mirrors and crisp white linens, or settle outside for stunning views of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, West Seattle, and the Olympic mountains.

Refresh yourself with a bite of oysters on the half shell and a splash of champagne mignonette while being surrounded by that salty sea air!

Paseo Caribbean

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  • Price point: $$
  • Address: 4225 Fremont Ave N, Seattle
  • Website: www.paseo.com/

Featured by the Food Network as the 2nd Best Sandwich Shop in America, you won’t miss this succulent Caribbean slice.

Rather than a dining establishment, Paseo’s is more like a carry-out sandwich shack situated near the Puget Sound at its Ballard location in north Seattle, giving it a large sandy shore.

Get one of its renowned Caribbean-style sandwiches and cross the road to the beach or head down to Golden Gardens for a delightful meal in the company of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Get ready for the most tender sandwich of your life! Try their celebrated sandwich, known as the Caribbean Roast, filled with their famously mouth-watering pork.

A Table with a View

If you want to impress someone special with dinner and a view or just want something aesthetically pleasing while you eat, consider heading out to one of Seattle’s best restaurants with stunning views. It’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach!

Looking for a vacation home rental near your favorite dining spot? Let us help pair you with the location and amenities that suit your needs!