The Absolute Best Seattle Restaurants You Need to Try

05/19/2022 | by Andy | Bars & Restaurants

If you are planning a trip to Seattle, you will definitely want to take advantage of some of the best restaurants the area has to offer.

 Ranging from Capitol Hill to Pike Place Market, there are plenty of options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. With everything ranging from American food to Japanese food, and from Italian to traditional American food, it is easy to see why so many people love Seattle restaurants. 

Regardless of whether you are looking for dine-in, delivery, or take-out options, take a look at a few of the options below, and think about checking out some of the top restaurants in the Pacific Northwest.

 

1. Meesha

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Price: $$$
Address: 127 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103

For a long time, Meesha has been considered one of the top restaurants in the greater Seattle area, and it is the perfect spot if you are looking for Indian food. Located in the trendy hidden gem of Fremont, you’ll love hanging out in this lesser-known neighborhood. 

They have plenty of traditional Indian dishes, such as butter chicken and pakoras, but be sure to reach for some of the more inventive options as well, such as Amritsari fish. From time to time, they have specials as well.

Regardless of whether you are looking for a romantic date night out or a celebration with a bunch of friends, this is a great opportunity to try something new.

 

2. Canlis

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Price: $$$$
Address: 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

If you are in the mood for some fine dining in the local area, then you will definitely want to check out Canlis. Located in Queen Anne, this neighborhood not only has great food, it also boasts great views of the city. This is the perfect place if you have special occasions planned, and the restaurant has plenty of exceptional sommeliers on hand to help you select the best wine for your meal.

Of course, this restaurant will also treat you to some amazing views of the city, which includes Lake Union and the surrounding Cascade mountain range. Even though everything on the menu is absolutely delicious, you may want to talk to the bartenders to see if they have any specials on tap.

 

3. Bruciato

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Price: $$
Address: 236 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

If you want to access this delicious restaurant, you will need to do so by ferry. This restaurant has a wood-burning stove on-site, and they will deliver some of the best pizza you have ever had. For example, you may want to try topping your pizza with morel mushrooms, chorizo, or even honey. The pizza is absolutely transcendent, and you will definitely be glad you swung by.

In a lot of ways, this restaurant will treat you to dinner and a show.

 

4. Sushi Kashiba

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Price: $$$$
Address: 86 Pine St Suite #1, Seattle, WA 98101

When people think about Pike Place Market, they usually think about street fare; however, it is also home to Sushi Kashiba, which has a James Beard Outstanding Chef nominee. If you really want to take in the entire experience, you need to sit at the bar. That way, you can watch the amazing sushi chefs go to work.

There are plenty of delicious choices available. Every item on the menu is both fresh and delicious, but you should also take advantage of the omakase option, which has a wide variety of seasonal offerings. This is a place you can come back to again and again. If you want to experience Sushi Kashiba, you can find this amazing Japanese restaurant in the heart of downtown Seattle.

 

5. Archipelago

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Price: $$$
Address: 5607 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Another option in the local area you may want to consider is called Archipelago. This popular spot is located south of downtown near Columbia City. As the name suggests, this is a restaurant that will provide you with access to a wide variety of Cuisine from the Pacific Rim. It is filled with numerous Filipino flavors blended with traditional American fare. There are plenty of options available, but if you want to try a bit of everything, consider reaching for one of their tasting menus.

A lot of the meals have a tremendous amount of history behind them, so if you really want to appreciate what you are eating, consider asking the chef about the history of the dish.

 

6. Super Six

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Price: $$
Address: 3714 S Hudson St, Seattle, WA 98118

Fusion cuisine is very common in the Seattle area, and that is exactly what you will get if you check out Super Six. Also located in Columbia City, this restaurant is an absolute gem.

This is a restaurant that beautifully fuses Hawaiian and Korean cuisine. All of it is set up in an old garage. The menu is available all day, and you can choose from items such as Sichuan pork noodles, sweet malasadas, and loco moco.

When you take a look at the menu, there is a good chance that you will not have heard of anything before. That is okay! If you are unsure of what to get, talk to the staff about what they recommend.

 

7. Un Bien

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Price: $$
Address: 6226 Seaview Ave NW

If you are in the mood for some delicious sandwiches, then you need to explore Un Bien in Ballard. This is a restaurant that is widely regarded as the best location for sandwiches in all of Seattle. All of their meats are cooked for numerous hours, and they are drenched in some of the best sauces and juices from the Caribbean. Even though you will need to wait on the side of the street for your meal, it will definitely be worth it.

Even though the line can be long during lunch hour, you will definitely be happy with the result. The sandwiches also rotate from time to time, so do not hesitate to come back to see what else they have on the menu. If you are willing to wait for these amazing sandwiches, head on up to Un Bien.

 

8. Xi’an Noodles

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Price: $$
Address: 5259 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

The University District is home to some amazing ethnic fare, and that is exactly where you will find Xi’an Noodles. This is a place that is known for having some of the best noodles in town. This Asian restaurant features a wide variety of options, including hand-pulled noodles with spicy lamb, hot chili oil, and stewed pork. Even if you are not a fan of spicy food, you will still have plenty of options available.

This is the perfect place to Branch out from your comfort zone and try something new. If you want to truly experience everything this restaurant has to offer, consider talking to the chefs about the sauces. That is where the true flavors emerge. 

 

9. Kau Kau

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Price: $
Address: 656 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104

This is an amazing BBQ restaurant located in the International District, just south of downtown Seattle. Even though just about all of the restaurants in this area have some amazing food, you may want to start with this delicious Chinese restaurant. 

There is so much barbecue pork available that there is also a service window where you can get some takeout. Even though a lot of people love to swing by this restaurant after a long night at the bar, you can also swing by for lunch or dinner as well. There are plenty of unique options on the menu, and it is a very festive place. 

Everyone is extremely friendly, and they will be happy to talk with you about the history of their cuisine.

 

10. Bar Del Corso

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Price: $$
Address: 3057 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

If you find yourself craving some amazing Neapolitan pizzas, then you need to head to the Beacon Hill area. Even though it might be a bit hard to find, Bar Del Corso is definitely the place to go. If you are having a difficult time finding it, just look for the line!

Even though you might have to wait for a little while, the pizza is definitely worth it. The crispy crust is famous, and there are plenty of non-pizza options as well. For example, you might be interested in some grilled octopus, some salt cod fritters, or some meatballs. If you want the best pizza in town, this is definitely the place to go. 

 

11. Matt’s in the Market

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Price: $$$
Address: 94 Pike St #32, Seattle, WA 98101

You might be looking for a way to get away from the crowds in Pike Place Market, and one of the best ways to do so is by checking out this restaurant. Even though it is a bit hard to find, you can find it up a set of stairs just off of 1st Avenue. This is a great location for some fresh fish and veggies. You can also take in an amazing view of the Olympic Mountains.

There is a good chance that you will be so impressed with what you see that you will want to share pictures with just about everyone. Therefore, come prepared, bring your camera, and bring your appetite! 

 

12. Thai Tom

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Price: $
Address: 4543 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

If you are looking for some delicious soup noodles, you will definitely want to check out this restaurant in the University District of University of Washington. This is a Thai noodle shop that has a relatively small menu and just a few dozen seats, but you should definitely wait in line for a delicious bowl. It is one of the most popular soup noodle shops in the city, and you will definitely see why.

Even though the menu is not very large, they have options for everyone. They have a vegetarian option, they have plenty of spicy options, and they have plenty of mild choices. Of note, this is a restaurant that only accepts cash, so you need to be prepared. 

 

13. Joule Restaurant

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Price: $$$$
Address: 3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103

Have you ever had a meal prepared by a master chef? If not, now is the time to do so. This restaurant is run by Rachel Yang, who has a few amazing locations throughout Seattle, including Revelry, Revel, and Trove; however, most people will agree that Joule is the best one.

This is an amazing restaurant that will provide you with access to some of the best Korean dishes you have ever enjoyed. There are different cuts of beef, and each option is prepared differently. Therefore, do not hesitate to get a sampler if you really want to send your taste buds on a journey they will never forget.

Even though it can be a bit expensive, this amazing East Queen Anne restaurant is definitely something that everyone should enjoy during their trip to Seattle. If you are ready to see what everyone has been talking about, head on out to East Queen Anne.

 

14. Le Pichet

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Price: $$
Address: 1933 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Seattle is also known for its French route, and you will definitely feel them if you visit this restaurant located in Pine Market. This is largely considered to be a pillar of the city, and the menu is even in French. Even if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, someone is always available to help you out! Even if you don’t take the time to truly understand what you are ordering, there is a good chance that you will love it anyway.

This French restaurant can be a bit busy, so if you have a hard time flagging down a waiter, Google Translate is definitely going to be your friend. One of the best options on the menu is a charcuterie plate, so make sure you get it when you swing by.

 

15. Sisters and Brothers

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Price: $$$
Address: 544 Elliott Ave W #3910, Seattle, WA 98119

You may not have known that you can find delicious Nashville hot fried chicken outside of the South, but you will definitely find something pretty close at this delicious restaurant. Of course, if you decide to bite into the hot chicken here, you definitely need to be ready for some impressive spice levels. For example, if you are really brave, you might want to reach for the “insane” Spice level.

They also have a unique brunch menu available on the weekend. You can enjoy some delicious chicken and waffles while also enjoying the vibe of vintage video game tables. It is easy to see why this restaurant is so popular. 

 

16. Hitchcock

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Price: $$$
Address: 818 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

This is a delicious restaurant located in the Van Asselt area. There are lots of delicious deli meats that have become synonymous with Bainbridge Island. If you are looking for sandwiches that are so big you can barely get your mouth around them, this is one of the best places to go.

Recently, the restaurant menu also got a bit of an overhaul, as of now includes a lot of healthy options that are considered farm to table. There are plenty of delicious sauces you can use to finish off your meal as well. If you are ready to bite into the delicious sandwiches at Hitchcock, you can find the restaurant in Madrona.

 

17. 13 Coins

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Price: $$
Address: 255 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104

If you are in need of a restaurant that is open all day and all night, then you will definitely want to check out 13 Coins. This is a restaurant that is steeped in history because it used to be a popular location among newspaper reporters who needed a place to wind down after a long day.

Even though the restaurant has moved from its original location, it is still considered to be a staple of the community. The steak is still top-notch even if the address has changed, but you can find the restaurant located just south of downtown.

 

18. Westward

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Price: $$
Address: 2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

Another amazing restaurant you will want to check out in the North Broadway area is Westward. This is a delicious restaurant that overlooks the beautiful area of Lake Union, and Westward will give you a glimpse into everything that the Pacific Northwest is known for. 

You can view the beautiful sunset from one of the outdoor dining opportunities, enjoy a romantic evening with some live music, and take advantage of one of the most diverse menus in the local area. They also have a lot of specials on the menu, so take a look at what is seasonal. There is a good chance that you will fall in love with this restaurant.

 

19. Ivar’s

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Price: $$
Address: 1001 Alaskan Way, Suite 102

If you are looking for a restaurant that specializes in clams and prawns, you will definitely want to swing by Ivar’s in the downtown area. They used to be known for their ridiculous television commercials and the decades prior, but they still serve some of the best seafood in the city. 

The fish is always fresh, the views are amazing, and the best place to sit is right by the fireplace. Be sure to try the smoked salmon, and wash it down with some delicious wine.

 

Check Out the Top Restaurants in Seattle

If you are a foodie, Seattle is the place to go. While the pandemic put a damper on some restaurants, the area is thriving again. 

With everything from Mexican tacos to Korean kimchi and Vietnamese Pho, Seattle eateries have something for everyone. From Belltown in West Seattle to Madrona in East Seattle, they have something for everyone, so don’t hesitate to try a few entrees in a local bistro or bite into some street food dumplings!.Don’t hesitate to swing by a fancy steakhouse for some steak tartare as well.

While in Seattle, enjoy all the local food you can!