13 Tastiest Waterfront Restaurants in Seattle

04/17/2023 | by Andy | Bars & Restaurants

Looking to indulge in a scrumptious meal while soaking in the mesmerizing sights of the Seattle waterfront? Look no further! 

One of the highlights of staying at a Seattle Vacation Rental is their proximity to one of the foodie epicenters of the United States. 

Seattle restaurants are a treasure trove of waterfront view eateries that serve up not just delectable cuisine but also jaw-dropping views. This capital city’s location on the Puget Sound provides a unique opportunity to explore the best seafood restaurants on the West Coast. 

To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best waterfront restaurants in Seattle. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as we take you on a culinary journey along the Seattle waterfront.

Elliott’s Oyster House

Photo Credit: Ken Lund via Flickr CC2,0

Are you a hungry cruise-goer or a selfie-taking tourist? Then you’re in luck! Elliott’s Oyster House, located centrally on Pier 56 in Seattle, is the perfect spot for you. 

Sure, locals may skirt around this touristy area, but they’re missing out on one of Seattle’s best oyster experiences. 

You can even sign up for an interactive oyster-shucking class! The variety of beautifully shucked oysters will have you slurping and savoring every last bite. And let’s not forget the stunning Elliott Bay views that will leave you in awe. The rest of the menu is good, but the oysters are outstanding.

Agua Verde Cafe

Photo Credit: etorres

Picture this – you’ve just finished a long, exhilarating paddle-boarding session. What’s the only thing that could make this moment better? A plate overflowing with chips, salsa, and guac, of course! And where’s the best place to satisfy that post-SUP hunger? 

Look no further than Agua Verde Cafe. This casual Mexican joint and paddle board rental shop sits pretty in Portage Bay, and it’s the ultimate spot to eat after working up an appetite. 

Their lakeside deck is dreamy, but their food is even better. Think mouthwatering tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and more. This popular Seattle waterfront spot doesn’t take reservations and is walk-ins only, but definitely worth it (don’t miss out on the rockfish tacos with mango salsa). Trust us; your taste buds will thank you.

Ray’s Boathouse 

Photo Credit: Artur Begel
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Address: 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA
  • Website: rays.com

A visit to Seattle isn’t complete without dining at Ray’s. Imagine majestic views of Puget Sound and the Cascades at sunset, coupled with delicious cuisine. It’s the perfect spot after a day on the beach at Golden Gardens. 

Some of the cuisine has Asian influences, such as the pan-seared scallops in green curry or kasu-marinated black cod, but you’ll also find more traditional PNW fare like fresh oysters, crab cakes, or grilled wild salmon. 

The upscale dining downstairs is a treat, while the casual atmosphere of the cafe upstairs is perfect for a laid-back evening. And with an impressive wine list, you will surely find the perfect pairing for your meal. 

For the freshest catch, ask about their monthly Seafood Spotlight!

Ray’s Cafe

Photo Credit: Joshua Resnick
  • Price Point: $$
  • Address: 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA
  • Website: rays.com/cafe

Iconic. That’s the one word that sums up Ray’s. Since 1939, this seafood eatery has been a dockside legend. It’s the casual but oh-so-cool sibling of the upscale Ray’s Boathouse downstairs– a favorite place to grab a classy bite. 

But when the skies are blue, nothing’s better than posting up on the Cafe’s open-air deck, ordering a Blacked Salmon Sandwich and Crispy Calamari. 

Any time of day is great, but watching a Shilshole Bay sunset while dining is drop-dead gorgeous. Before leaving, snap a pic under the massive red neon “RAYS” sign, proving you’ve got the inside scoop on Seattle’s best waterfront restaurants.

Westward

Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks

Summer in Seattle isn’t complete without a visit to Westward. This lakeside dining spot always manages to give you a holiday feel, helped along by cheery beachside seating, a crisp drink, and a fried oyster sandwich in hand. 

What else do you need for an enjoyable afternoon? This waterfront restaurant embodies everything we love about the Seattle summer. The bright colors and fresh breeze off of Lake Union make for an unbeatable ambiance, and the Mediterranean-infused menu is simply divine. 

It’s no wonder Westward is one of our top picks for Seattle waterfront dining. Bring your friends and enjoy a weekend brunch or an early dinner that will inevitably turn into a magical evening gathered around the fire pit (especially once you take advantage of their late-night happy hour). Don’t miss out on this slice of paradise!

Un Bien 

Photo Credit: SUZI PRATT

Un Bien’s Caribbean Roast Sandwich will have you hooked after just one bite. This masterpiece features slow-roasted pork shoulder coated in marinade and falling apart in all the right ways. 

The succulent pork is piled high on a toasted baguette slathered with aioli and topped with fresh cilantro, crisp romaine, pickled jalapeños, and the thickest, most mouthwatering caramelized onions you’ll ever have. It’s a deliciously messy masterpiece that’s sure to blow your mind. 

Un Bien’s Shilshole location is a must-visit Seattle waterfront gem with a breezy beach town vibe, bright pink exterior, and communal patio tables. Plus, a kayak rental shop is next door, so you can enjoy your sandwich and then hit the water. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day. So dig into this taste of the Caribbean!

Stonehouse Cafe 

Photo Credit: WS-Studio

Step inside the charming stone house that is Stonehouse Cafe and prepare to be delighted. Built in an old service station directly across from Lake Washington, the Stonehouse Cafe’s menu is bursting with options to satisfy any craving. 

Breakfast lovers, rejoice: breakfast is served all day here. But don’t worry, non-breakfast folks; there’s plenty for you too. 

Sink your teeth into one of our thick, juicy burgers made from the best meat around. Or, get creative and build your own burger with a variety of toppings. The grilled cheese is a cheesy, stringy masterpiece you won’t soon forget. 

As for sweet treats – their ice cream and milkshakes will leave you in a state of bliss. The beverage menu is extensive and highlights the best of Seattle’s drinking scene. Take your pick from a cold beer or a locally made red wine. 

So what are you waiting for? Come on in and indulge in this cozy local spot!

Marination Ma Kai

Photo Credit: Joe Wolf via Flickr CC2.0

Seattle isn’t known for its balmy weather, but a visit to Marination Ma Kai will give you a taste of the tropical. Come to West Seattle’s Alki Beach and feast on the most delicious Hawaiian-Korean cuisine while taking in the spectacular Seattle skyline. 

This is the place where locals go to chow down, and tourists simply can’t miss. Every dish will leave you wanting more from the succulent Kalua Pork Sliders to the scrumptious Kimchi Fried Rice and the creamy Mac Salad. And let’s not forget about dessert – their shave ice is the perfect end to any meal. 

Don’t just drive here; take the downtown water taxi and arrive right at Marination Ma Kai’s front door. Come for the food, and stay for the views!

Anthony’s Pier 66 

Photo Credit: amadeustx
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Address: 2201 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 
  • Website: anthonys.com

Come for the views, and stay for the seafood! Located just a ten-minute walk from Pike Place Market, Anthony’s is a well-established PNW institution–you can always depend on fresh, flavorful seafood. 

Anthony’s on the waterfront is perfect for a bright and inviting dining experience. Multiple dining areas and outdoor seating make this place a gem. And don’t even get us started on the menu – fresh, well-prepared Northwestern seafood that changes with the seasons. 

Lobster, salmon, Dungeness crab cakes, clam chowder, coconut prawn, Alaskan halibut – the options are endless! But save room for dessert because Anthony’s has a killer selection. Cheesecake lovers, you won’t be disappointed. 

Oh, and did we mention the views? Panoramic scenes of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and Elliott Bay’s boating scene are sure to impress. And if you’re in a hurry, don’t worry! Anthony’s has a to-go fish bar. 

So come for the seafood, and stay for the experience. You won’t regret it.

The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar 

Photo Credit: Picture Partners

Get ready to indulge in fresh, mouth-watering seafood at the perfect spot: the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar at Miners Landing at Pier 57. 

Chef Nick Novello, following in his father’s footsteps, joined the team in 2018 and has been serving up delicious, sustainable creations ever since. 

With a mission to “support wild fish,” Chef Nick’s menu boasts fresh-shucked local oysters, coconut prawns, crab toast piled high on freshly baked sourdough bread, and a tantalizing Fisherman’s Cobb Salad loaded with pork belly, smoked albacore, and smoked salmon. And remember to try the seasonal, local crab and salmon entrees – you won’t be disappointed! 

After you finish your meal, indulge in other classic, nearby Seattle experiences such as watching Wings Over Washinton or riding Seattle’s Great Wheel.

Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge 

Photo Credit: VDB Photos

Get ready to be dazzled by Seattle’s one-of-a-kind over-water hotel, The Edgewater Hotel! This property is a picture-perfect paradise with a prime location overlooking Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. 

Their motto? “Where rock’n’roll history meets Pacific Northwest luxury.” And boy, do they deliver. 

Roughly half of the 223 rooms offer jaw-dropping Bay views, while the rest boast stunning views of the iconic Seattle skyline. Guests rave about the Pacific Northwest-inspired decor and the spectacular on-site dining at Six Seven. 

Speaking of Six Seven, prepare to have your taste buds blown away by their scrumptious fare. Locally sourced seafood match with expertly crafted cocktails to create an energetic dining experience. 

Don’t miss out on their outstanding options that show off the region’s local bounty, such as the brown sugar and black pepper king salmon. Voted as one of Seattle’s Best Restaurants by Seattle Magazine, you’re sure not to be disappointed.

Aqua by El Gaucho

Photo Credit: The Image Party
  • Price Point: $$$$
  • Address: 2801 Alaskan Way Pier 70, Seattle, WA
  • Website: aquabyelgaucho.com

A meal at Aqua by El Gaucho is a full-bodied experience at this restaurant which puts the highest emphasis on fine dining fit for royalty. 

Step into Aqua by El Gaucho and be dazzled by bright, open spaces and sculptural lighting! Sink into the inviting barrel-backed chairs and treat yourself to a seafood-based menu that’ll have your taste buds dancing. 

Fresh options that change regularly mean you can start with oven-roasted Manila clams or Northwest oysters paired with grapefruit tequila sorbet. 

For your main course, indulge in delectable lobster risotto, Thai seafood stew or sesame-seared sea bass. Meat lovers will love the rack of lamb, pork tenderloin, and grilled steaks, while vegetarians will swoon over the plank-roasted veggies. 

The stunning outdoor patio seating lets you take in the Pacific Northwest’s unmatched scenery as you enjoy your meal.

The White Swan Public House

Photo Credit: Foodio

Sing a sea shanty as you come aboard The White Swan Public House eatery, located just a few blocks from Irwin Yacht Sales and overlooking the bay. 

This trendy and playful pub is a seafood lover’s paradise, with scrumptious options like crab hush puppies, seafood stew, and smoked salmon salad. Feeling like a true sailor? Try the hearty seafood chowder or classic fish and chips. And don’t forget the Seattle Cider – the perfect drink for a nautical adventure (if you don’t have time to sit in, you can swing by their walk-up bar, the 100 Pound Clam)! 

For a meal deal, swing by for Happy Hour on weekdays from 3-5 p.m., where oysters are only $2 each! So settle in with your food, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and watch as seaplanes take off from Lake Union. Waterfront dining is sorted!

A Meal With a PNW View

In conclusion, Seattle has no shortage of waterfront restaurants to explore. From fine dining to classic pub fare, these spots have something for every visitor to a Seattle Vacation Rental. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or an afternoon snack with a view, the best waterfront restaurants in Seattle have you diving into the delicacies of the Pacific Northwest in no time!