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52 Best Restaurants in Seattle for 2025: Local Favorites and Hidden Gems

best restaurants in seattle 2025

“Seattle is not a place where you eat to survive; it’s where you survive so you can eat.” โ€“ Tom Douglas, Seattle Chef

Seattleโ€™s food scene is a melting pot of innovation, tradition, and unforgettable flavors. Whether youโ€™re in the mood for a Michelin-worthy tasting menu, a classic Seattle institution, or a hole-in-the-wall hidden gem, weโ€™ve got you covered.

This 2025 guide to Seattleโ€™s best restaurants is broken down into three essential lists:

๐Ÿ”ฅ 52 Best Restaurants in Seattle โ€“ A mix of fine dining, casual eats, and local favorites that define the cityโ€™s culinary excellence.
๐Ÿ† 15 Most Iconic Restaurants โ€“ Legendary Seattle spots that have stood the test of time, from waterfront seafood classics to historic steakhouses.
๐Ÿ’Ž 11 Hidden Gems โ€“ Under-the-radar spots serving some of the best food in town, without the hype.

Whether you’re a longtime Seattleite, a new resident, or just visiting, this list will help you navigate the cityโ€™s ever-evolving food scene like a pro.


What to Expect in This Guide:

โœ… A curated list of the 52 best restaurants in Seattle
โœ… A ranked list of Seattleโ€™s 15 most iconic restaurants
โœ… 11 hidden gem spots that locals swear by
โœ… Categories including fine dining, casual eats, seafood, and international cuisine
โœ… Links to official websites for menus and reservations

Seattleโ€™s restaurant scene is constantly changing, but these places continue to set the bar for quality, flavor, and experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hunting for the best happy hour, or just craving a great meal, this guide will point you in the right direction.


Best Restaurants in Seattle for 2025


1. Canlis

๐Ÿ“ 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
๐ŸŒ canlis.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Fine dining, Wagyu steak, tasting menus
โœจ Seattleโ€™s most iconic fine-dining restaurant. An unforgettable meal in an elegant mid-century setting with incredible views of Lake Union.


2. The Pink Door

๐Ÿ“ 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ thepinkdoor.net
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Italian, seafood, burlesque shows
โœจ This Pike Place favorite has it allโ€”delicious handmade pasta, incredible seafood, and live entertainment, from trapeze artists to jazz nights.


3. Tilikum Place Cafรฉ

๐Ÿ“ 407 Cedar St, Seattle, WA 98121
๐ŸŒ tilikumplacecafe.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Dutch babies, European brunch
โœจ Known for their legendary Dutch baby pancakes, this cozy cafรฉ serves up some of the best brunch in town.

๐Ÿ“ธ


4. Sushi Kashiba

๐Ÿ“ 86 Pine St Suite #1, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ sushikashiba.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Omakase, sushi, sashimi
โœจ Chef Shiro Kashibaโ€™s omakase is legendary. If you want the best sushi in Seattle, this is it.

๐Ÿ“ธ


5. Archipelago

๐Ÿ“ 5607 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
๐ŸŒ archipelagoseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Filipino fine dining, tasting menus
โœจ An intimate 10-seat dining experience that blends Filipino flavors with the Pacific Northwestโ€™s best ingredients.

๐Ÿ“ธ


6. Kamonegi

๐Ÿ“ 1054 N 39th St, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ kamonegiseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Handmade soba, tempura
โœจ The hand-pulled soba noodles here are a work of art. Add some duck broth or tempura for the ultimate experience.

๐Ÿ“ธ


7. Communion

๐Ÿ“ 2350 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ communionseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Soul food, Southern fusion
โœจ Chef Kristi Brownโ€™s soul food spot is a must-visit. Try the shrimp and grits or the collard green fried rice.

๐Ÿ“ธ


8. Can Bar

๐Ÿ“ 9529 1/2 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
๐ŸŒ canbarseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Burgers, craft beer
โœจ A true hidden gem with some of the best smash burgers in Seattle. Plus, a fantastic rotating selection of craft beers.

๐Ÿ“ธ


9. The Walrus and the Carpenter

๐Ÿ“ 4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
๐ŸŒ thewalrusbar.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Oysters, seafood small plates
โœจ Seattleโ€™s premier oyster bar. Get there early because they donโ€™t take reservations!

๐Ÿ“ธ


10. Marination Ma Kai

๐Ÿ“ 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
๐ŸŒ marinationmobile.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Hawaiian-Korean fusion, Loco Moco
โœจ One of the best waterfront views in the city, plus delicious Hawaiian-Korean flavors.

๐Ÿ“ธ


11. Joule

๐Ÿ“ 3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ joulerestaurant.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Korean steakhouse, inventive small plates
โœจ A modern Korean-fusion steakhouse with bold flavors and an ever-changing menu that never disappoints.

๐Ÿ“ธ


12. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

๐Ÿ“ 1521 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 (Multiple Locations)
๐ŸŒ taylorshellfishfarms.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Fresh oysters, seafood platters
โœจ If you love oysters, this is paradise. Taylor Shellfish brings the freshest bivalves straight from their own farms.

๐Ÿ“ธ


13. Maneki

๐Ÿ“ 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
๐ŸŒ https://manekiseattle.com/
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Traditional Japanese, izakaya-style dining
โœจ Seattleโ€™s oldest Japanese restaurant (since 1904!) still serves some of the best sushi and home-style Japanese comfort food.

๐Ÿ“ธ


14. Samara

๐Ÿ“ 6414 32nd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
๐ŸŒ samaraseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Wood-fired Pacific Northwest cuisine
โœจ A cozy neighborhood gem focused on wood-fired cooking using local meats, fish, and vegetables. A hidden treasure for seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes.

๐Ÿ“ธ


15. The Whale Wins

๐Ÿ“ 3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ thewhalewins.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Wood-fired dishes, European bistro fare
โœจ Rustic and cozy, this place makes everything taste better with a hint of wood-fired perfection.

๐Ÿ“ธ


16. Ba Bar

๐Ÿ“ 550 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (Multiple Locations)
๐ŸŒ babarseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Pho, Vietnamese street food
โœจ A go-to for late-night pho and crispy imperial rolls that will make you a lifelong fan.

๐Ÿ“ธ


17. Tacos Chukis

๐Ÿ“ 219 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102 (Multiple Locations)
๐ŸŒ No official website
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Tacos al pastor, Mexican street food
โœจ Arguably the best tacos in Seattle, with marinated pork, grilled pineapple, and addictive house-made sauces.

๐Ÿ“ธ


18. Spinasse

๐Ÿ“ 1531 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ spinasse.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Handmade pasta, Northern Italian cuisine
โœจ Pasta lovers, rejoice! The tajarin pasta with butter and sage is one of the best bites in the city.

๐Ÿ“ธ


19. Beast & Cleaver

๐Ÿ“ 2362 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117
๐ŸŒ beastandcleaver.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Butcher shop by day, tasting menu at night
โœจ A hidden gem where whole-animal butchery meets elegant, creative tasting menus.

๐Ÿ“ธ


20. Revel

๐Ÿ“ 401 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ revelseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Korean fusion, dumplings
โœจ A fun, casual spot where dumplings, rice bowls, and savory pancakes steal the show.

๐Ÿ“ธ


21. Musang

๐Ÿ“ 2524 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
๐ŸŒ musangseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Filipino comfort food, family-style dining
โœจ A Filipino restaurant with heart and soul, serving comforting dishes like adobo and pancit in a cozy space that feels like home.

๐Ÿ“ธ


22. Le Pichet

๐Ÿ“ 1933 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ lepichetseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: French bistro classics, charcuterie
โœจ A classic Parisian cafรฉ in the heart of Seattle. Perfect for a morning cafรฉ au lait or a late-night glass of wine.

๐Ÿ“ธ


23. Il Nido

๐Ÿ“ 2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
๐ŸŒ ilnidoseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Handmade pasta, rustic Italian dishes
โœจ A West Seattle Italian spot serving seasonal, house-made pastas and expertly crafted dishes with a farm-to-table approach.

๐Ÿ“ธ


24. Dough Zone

๐Ÿ“ Multiple Locations in Seattle
๐ŸŒ doughzonedumplinghouse.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Soup dumplings, scallion pancakes
โœจ A fantastic, casual dumpling house that rivals Din Tai Fung with soup dumplings that burst with flavor.

๐Ÿ“ธ


25. Opus Co.

๐Ÿ“ 7410 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ opuscorestaurant.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Wood-fired meats, creative small plates
โœจ A cozy neighborhood spot focused on open-fire cooking and seasonal dishes. The rotating tasting menu always surprises and delights.

๐Ÿ“ธ


26. Westward

๐Ÿ“ 2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ westwardseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Waterfront seafood, oysters
โœจ Sit on Adirondack chairs by the lake while enjoying seafood and cocktails at one of Seattleโ€™s most scenic restaurants.

๐Ÿ“ธ


27. Asadero

๐Ÿ“ 5405 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
๐ŸŒ asaderoseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Mesquite-grilled steak, wagyu tacos
โœจ A Mexican steakhouse that brings bold, smoky flavors with top-quality beef and open-flame grilling. Their wagyu tacos are a must-try, and the tomahawk steak is a showstopper.

๐Ÿ“ธ


28. Tavolร ta

๐Ÿ“ 2323 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
๐ŸŒ ethanstowellrestaurants.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: House-made pasta, Italian comfort food
โœจ Known for big bowls of fresh pasta, this is a go-to for anyone who loves Italian food with a modern twist.

๐Ÿ“ธ


29. The Shambles

๐Ÿ“ 7777 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
๐ŸŒ shamblesseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: House-cured charcuterie, craft beer
โœจ A neighborhood favorite where butchery meets beer, with an outstanding selection of meats and local brews.

๐Ÿ“ธ


30. Sawyer

๐Ÿ“ 5309 22nd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
๐ŸŒ sawyerseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Inventive small plates, elevated comfort food
โœจ From wood-fired duck wings to upscale mac and cheese, Sawyer delivers bold flavors in a fun, lively space.

๐Ÿ“ธ


31. Adana

๐Ÿ“ 1449 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ adanaseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Japanese comfort food, kaiseki
โœจ A relaxed take on Japanese dining with a rotating seasonal tasting menu and some of the best donburi bowls in town.

๐Ÿ“ธ


32. Elliottโ€™s Oyster House

๐Ÿ“ 1201 Alaskan Way Pier 56, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ elliottsoysterhouse.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Fresh oysters, seafood platters
โœจ A classic waterfront seafood spot with an incredible raw bar and some of the best chowder in town.

๐Ÿ“ธ


33. Bateau

๐Ÿ“ 1040 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ bateauseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Dry-aged steaks, craft cocktails
โœจ A modern steakhouse with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced meats and impeccable technique.

๐Ÿ“ธ


34. RockCreek Seafood & Spirits

๐Ÿ“ 4300 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ rockcreekseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Sustainable seafood, oysters
โœจ A seafood loverโ€™s dream, featuring fresh, sustainably sourced fish and incredible ceviche.

๐Ÿ“ธ


35. Serious Pie

๐Ÿ“ 316 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ seriouspieseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Artisan pizza, wood-fired pies
โœจ Tom Douglasโ€™ legendary pizza spot, known for its crispy, wood-fired crust and high-quality toppings.

๐Ÿ“ธ


36. Kedai Makan

๐Ÿ“ 1802 Bellevue Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ kedaiseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Malaysian street food, nasi goreng
โœจ An unmissable hole-in-the-wall spot serving up bold, spicy, and incredibly flavorful Malaysian food.

๐Ÿ“ธ


37. Mamnoon

๐Ÿ“ 1508 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ mamnoonrestaurant.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Lebanese, Syrian, Mediterranean flavors
โœจ One of Seattleโ€™s top Middle Eastern restaurants, with standout dishes like lamb hummus and crispy falafel.

๐Ÿ“ธ


38. Delancey

๐Ÿ“ 1415 NW 70th St, Seattle, WA 98117
๐ŸŒ delanceyseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Wood-fired pizza, house-made mozzarella
โœจ A Ballard gem serving up some of the best wood-fired pizza in Seattle.

๐Ÿ“ธ


39. Meet Korean BBQ

๐Ÿ“ 500 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ meetkoreanbbq.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Interactive Korean BBQ, wagyu beef
โœจ A sleek, high-end Korean BBQ spot with premium cuts and incredible banchan.

๐Ÿ“ธ


40. Bizzarro Italian Cafรฉ

๐Ÿ“ 1307 N 46th St, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ bizzarroitaliancafe.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: House-made pasta, quirky Italian comfort food
โœจ A funky, eclectic Italian spot where the ambiance is as playful as the food is delicious. Their wild boar Bolognese is a fan favorite.

๐Ÿ“ธ


41. Homer

๐Ÿ“ 3013 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
๐ŸŒ homerseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Mediterranean small plates, house-made soft serve
โœจ A cozy neighborhood favorite featuring wood-fired pita, lamb meatballs, and their famous soft serve with rotating flavors.

๐Ÿ“ธ


42. Sushi Kappo Tamura

๐Ÿ“ 2968 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
๐ŸŒ sushikappotamura.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Sushi, sashimi, sustainable seafood
โœจ A sushi spot dedicated to local and sustainable seafood. Their omakase is one of the best in the city.

๐Ÿ“ธ


43. Meesha

๐Ÿ“ 127 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ meeshaseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Modern Indian cuisine, tandoori dishes
โœจ One of the best Indian restaurants in Seattle, serving vibrant, spice-forward dishes with a contemporary twist.

๐Ÿ“ธ


44. FlintCreek Cattle Co.

๐Ÿ“ 8421 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
๐ŸŒ flintcreekseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Game meats, steakhouse classics
โœจ If you love bison, elk, and perfectly cooked steaks, FlintCreek is a must-visit. A sleek, modern take on a classic steakhouse.

๐Ÿ“ธ


45. The London Plane

๐Ÿ“ 300 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
๐ŸŒ thelondonplaneseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Bakery, fresh salads, charcuterie
โœจ Part cafรฉ, part bakery, part flower shopโ€”this airy spot in Pioneer Square is perfect for brunch or a quick pastry stop.

๐Ÿ“ธ


46. Pho Bac Sup Shop

๐Ÿ“ 1240 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144
๐ŸŒ phobacseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Pho, Vietnamese street food
โœจ Seattleโ€™s OG pho shop, now with a modern twistโ€”offering rich, comforting broths and delicious vermicelli bowls.

๐Ÿ“ธ


47. Terra Plata

๐Ÿ“ 1501 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ terraplata.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Farm-to-table, rooftop dining
โœจ A must-visit for lovers of seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine, served in a stunning rooftop setting.

๐Ÿ“ธ


48. Tatโ€™s Delicatessen

๐Ÿ“ 159 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104
๐ŸŒ tatsdeli.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: East Coast-style deli sandwiches
โœจ If youโ€™re craving a legit Philly cheesesteak or a towering pastrami sandwich, this Pioneer Square deli has you covered.

๐Ÿ“ธ


49. Taku

๐Ÿ“ 706 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ takuseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Japanese fried chicken (karaage), izakaya-style small plates
โœจ A lively Capitol Hill spot specializing in crispy, juicy Japanese-style fried chicken served by the bucket. Perfect for late-night eats with a fun, casual vibe.

๐Ÿ“ธ


50. Manao Thai Street Eats

๐Ÿ“ 1222 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
๐ŸŒ No official website
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Thai street food, crispy pork belly
โœจ One of Capitol Hillโ€™s best Thai spots, serving bold, authentic flavors and a killer crispy pork belly dish.

๐Ÿ“ธ


51. Frelard Tamales

๐Ÿ“ 6412 Latona Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
๐ŸŒ frelardtamales.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Handmade tamales, Mexican comfort food
โœจ A small, family-run spot specializing in homemade tamales, available in a variety of flavors from traditional pork to vegan-friendly options.

๐Ÿ“ธ


52. AQUA by El Gaucho

๐Ÿ“ 2801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
๐ŸŒ elgaucho.com/aqua
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Seafood, premium steaks, waterfront dining
โœจ One of Seattleโ€™s most stunning waterfront restaurants, AQUA offers top-tier seafood, dry-aged steaks, and a world-class wine list. The sunset views over Elliott Bay are unbeatable.

๐Ÿ“ธ


Top 15 Most Iconic Restaurants in Seattle

Seattleโ€™s food scene is constantly evolving, but some spots are forever classics. Whether theyโ€™ve been around for decades or are integral to Seattleโ€™s identity, these legendary restaurants have earned their place in history.


1. Canlis

๐Ÿ“ 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
๐ŸŒ canlis.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Fine dining, Wagyu steak, tasting menus
โœจ Seattleโ€™s most famous fine-dining restaurant. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu or an anniversary celebration, Canlis sets the bar.


2. El Gaucho

๐Ÿ“ 2200 Western Ave, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98121
๐ŸŒ elgaucho.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Tableside steaks, seafood, classic cocktails
โœจ A swanky steakhouse with old-school charmโ€”think dim lighting, tuxedoed servers, and tableside flambรฉ.


3. Metropolitan Grill

๐Ÿ“ 820 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
๐ŸŒ themetropolitangrill.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Dry-aged steaks, fine wines, power lunches
โœจ The most famous steakhouse in Seattle. A go-to for business deals, celebrations, and legendary cuts of beef.


4. Elliottโ€™s Oyster House

๐Ÿ“ 1201 Alaskan Way Pier 56, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ elliottsoysterhouse.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Fresh oysters, seafood platters
โœจ If you love seafood, this is Seattleโ€™s waterfront classic. Their fresh-shucked oysters are legendary.


5. The Pink Door

๐Ÿ“ 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ thepinkdoor.net
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Italian-American, seafood, burlesque shows
โœจ A romantic Pike Place staple where you can enjoy handmade pasta while watching an aerialist swing overhead.


6. 13 Coins

๐Ÿ“ 255 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 (Multiple Locations)
๐ŸŒ 13coins.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: 24-hour dining, comfort food, steaks
โœจ Known for its late-night eats, deep booths, and old-school vibe, 13 Coins is a true Seattle original.


7. The Walrus and the Carpenter

๐Ÿ“ 4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
๐ŸŒ thewalrusbar.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Oysters, seafood small plates
โœจ A tiny but mighty oyster bar that helped define Seattleโ€™s modern food movement. Get there earlyโ€”itโ€™s worth the wait.


8. Palisade

๐Ÿ“ 2601 W Marina Pl, Seattle, WA 98199
๐ŸŒ palisaderestaurant.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Seafood, prime rib, waterfront dining
โœจ Breathtaking views, elegant seafood, and the best brunch buffet in townโ€”Palisade is a Seattle classic.


9. Tilikum Place Cafรฉ

๐Ÿ“ 407 Cedar St, Seattle, WA 98121
๐ŸŒ tilikumplacecafe.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Dutch baby pancakes, European brunch
โœจ Seattleโ€™s most famous brunch spot, known for its puffy, custardy Dutch babies and cozy European vibe.


10. Rayโ€™s Boathouse

๐Ÿ“ 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
๐ŸŒ rays.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Seafood, waterfront dining
โœจ One of the best places to watch the sunset over Puget Sound while feasting on fresh seafood.


11. Salumi

๐Ÿ“ 404 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
๐ŸŒ salumiseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: House-cured meats, Italian sandwiches
โœจ Started by Armandino Batali (yep, Mario Bataliโ€™s dad), this tiny sandwich shop makes some of the best cured meats in the U.S.


12. Dickโ€™s Drive-In

๐Ÿ“ Multiple Locations
๐ŸŒ ddir.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Classic burgers, fries, shakes
โœจ Seattleโ€™s answer to In-N-Outโ€”serving up cheap, delicious burgers since 1954. And yes, they still only take cash.


13. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

๐Ÿ“ 1521 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 (Multiple Locations)
๐ŸŒ taylorshellfishfarms.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Oysters, geoduck, fresh shellfish
โœจ A must-visit for seafood lovers, serving farm-fresh oysters straight from the source.


14. Ivarโ€™s Acres of Clams

๐Ÿ“ 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104
๐ŸŒ ivars.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Fish & chips, clam chowder
โœจ Founded in 1938, Ivarโ€™s is Seattleโ€™s most famous fish & chips spotโ€”and yes, you should feed the seagulls.


15. Mattโ€™s in the Market

๐Ÿ“ 94 Pike St #32, Seattle, WA 98101
๐ŸŒ mattsinthemarket.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Fresh seafood, farm-to-table dishes
โœจ A Pike Place staple with stunning views of the market, seasonal ingredients, and amazing seafood.


11 Hidden Gem Best Restaurants in Seattle You Need to Try

(For those in the know, these under-the-radar spots serve some of the best food in Seattle.)


1. La Cabaรฑa

๐Ÿ“ Greenwood
๐ŸŒ No official website
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Central American, pupusas, chicharrones
โœจ This small family-run spot serves up rich, homey flavors from El Salvador and beyond. Donโ€™t skip the molcajeteโ€”itโ€™s big, sizzling, and packed with flavor.


2. Made in House / BOPBOX

๐Ÿ“ Fremont (Made in House) & Georgetown (BOPBOX)
๐ŸŒ bopboxseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Korean bowls, house-made kimchi
โœจ Two locations, same killer Korean food. Whether youโ€™re grabbing a quick rice bowl or a full spread, this place does it right.


3. Stumbletown

๐Ÿ“ Ballard
๐ŸŒ No official website
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Italian-inspired sandwiches
โœจ A tiny spot making some of the best sandwiches in Seattle. The chicken sandwich with garlic aioli and sweet peppers is a must.


4. Cakes of Paradise Bakery

๐Ÿ“ Georgetown
๐ŸŒ Youtube
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Hawaiian cakes, guava chiffon
โœจ A hidden bakery in an industrial park serving some of the softest, fluffiest cakes in tropical flavors.


5. Tresโ€™ House of Cheesesteaks

๐Ÿ“ Ballard & Greenwood
๐ŸŒ No official website
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Authentic Philly cheesesteaks
โœจ This no-frills shop is turning out cheesesteaks that rival anything from Philly. Get extra whiz.


6. Ristorante Picolinos

๐Ÿ“ Sunset Hill
๐ŸŒ picolinos.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Italian, house-made pastries
โœจ A neighborhood favorite that feels like a little slice of Tuscany. The outdoor garden is perfect for a date night.


7. Eight Row

๐Ÿ“ 7102 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
๐ŸŒ eightrow.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Pacific Northwest farm-to-table, seasonal tasting menus
โœจ A hidden gem in Green Lake that focuses on hyper-seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Expect beautifully plated dishes that change with the seasons.

๐Ÿ“ธ


8. Lโ€™Oursin

๐Ÿ“ Central District
๐ŸŒ loursinseattle.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: French seafood, natural wines
โœจ A small, intimate seafood bistro with an impeccable wine list. If you love oysters and champagne, this is your spot.


9. Bongos Cafรฉ

๐Ÿ“ Green Lake
๐ŸŒ No official website
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Caribbean flavors, Cuban sandwiches
โœจ A fun, colorful, outdoor-only spot serving Caribbean flavors with a Seattle twist. The jerk chicken plate is incredible.


10. Rondo Japanese Kitchen

๐Ÿ“ Capitol Hill
๐ŸŒ No official website
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Izakaya-style dishes, ramen
โœจ A cozy, low-key izakaya where locals go for rich tonkotsu ramen and crispy karaage.


11. Biscuit Bitch

๐Ÿ“ Multiple Locations
๐ŸŒ biscuitbitch.com
๐Ÿฝ Specialties: Southern biscuits, sausage gravy
โœจ Seattleโ€™s most badass biscuit shop. From “Bitchwich” breakfast sandwiches to biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy, this place does Southern comfort food with attitude.


Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Seattle

Seattleโ€™s food scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re searching for a fine-dining experience, a classic Seattle institution, or a hidden gem that only locals know about, this guide has something for every taste and budget.

Weโ€™ve covered:
โœ… 52 of the best restaurants in Seattle โ€“ From Michelin-worthy meals to casual neighborhood favorites.
โœ… 15 iconic Seattle restaurants โ€“ The places that define the cityโ€™s culinary history and culture.
โœ… 11 hidden gems โ€“ Under-the-radar spots serving some of the best food in town.

Seattleโ€™s restaurant landscape is constantly evolving, and new spots pop up all the time. Did we miss your favorite place? Drop it in the comments! Weโ€™d love to hear about the restaurants that make your taste buds happy.

Seattle is full of incredible neighborhoods, and for many people, living near great restaurants is a top priority when buying a home. From the seafood-rich waterfront areas to the lively streets of Capitol Hill and Ballard, Seattleโ€™s best neighborhoods are also home to some of its best dining options.

If youโ€™re thinking about buying or selling a home in Seattle, The Madrona Group can help you find the perfect placeโ€”whether you want to be within walking distance of your favorite cafรฉ or near a thriving food district.

So go out, explore, and eat well. And donโ€™t forgetโ€”if we missed your favorite spot, tell us in the comments! ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ๐Ÿ‘‡

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About the Author

Jason Fox

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"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Gandhi [ Recognized as a top 3.5% agent in the United States. ] [ Jason Fox was born in Everett, WA currently lives in the Meadowdale neighborhood in Lynnwood and has lived in different parts of the Puget Sound area in between. He has been in the real estate industry for 20 years in many different capacities. From General Manager of a real estate CRM engagement business, Founder of 2 real estate marketing agencies, nationally recognized blogger with the Jason Fox Real Estate Marketing Blog, Marketing Manager for a top title and escrow service. ] [ Jason is now an award winning residential real estate sales agent, Co-Founder of The Madrona Group, Co-Owner of John L. Scott Ballard and John L. Scott Westwood. ] [ Active in the community, Jason is a proud part of the Autism Speaks effort to raise awareness for autism. This project is very dear to him as he has an 8 year old son, Hudson, diagnosed ASD. Jason is also involved with Neighbor's in Need, the Forgotten Children's Fund, WELD Seattle and the Union Gospel Mission assisting the homeless population in the greater Seattle area. ] [ "My passion is being able to give back to the community that has given so much to me." ] [ When he is not assisting his friends and family with the services of home ownership he loves being a dad to his 4 children, Carter, Rowen, Tyler and Hudson and being a husband to his amazing wife Sarah. Hiking, working around the house, cheering for the Seahawk's, Mariners and Huskies and golfing. ]

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