The 35 restaurants in Seattle I suggest eating at, for locals or first-timers

Come to Seattle hungry and get ready to pig out — I’m a local who can point you to some of the city’s best restaurants.

You’ll find something delicious no matter which neighborhood you’re in. Expect mouthwatering dishes from around the world and tasty meals for every budget. This guide features some of the city’s most popular eateries, restaurants serving up classic Seattle fare, and a few hidden gems I know you’ll love as much as I do.

35 Best Restaurants in Seattle

Arthur’s

🍽️ Australian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 829-8235

Let’s start with something a bit under-the-radar: Arthur’s is a hidden gem tucked away in West Seattle’s Admiral District. It’s one of my favorite places to go when I want to treat myself to a nice brunch without the crowds. 

Arthur’s menu is full of tasty dishes with an Australian flair. Some of the most raved-about items are its sammies. These include the ever-popular bacon sammie and the flavorful Lebanese chicken sammie. 

Order fluffy ricotta pancakes for a sweet breakfast or go with my personal favorite, Arthur’s Brunch Bowl. This super satisfying meal consists of smoked trout, coconut rice, pickled onions, greens, lemon aioli, an egg, and Aleppo powder.

Nue

🍽️ Global Eclectic | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 257-0312

Nue is an unusual restaurant. It doesn’t serve one type of cuisine. Instead, it specializes in specific dishes from different countries around the world.

Its menu is quite eclectic and interesting, so if you’re an adventurous eater, you’ll enjoy the variety of dishes. Only at Nue can you get South African bunny chow, Sri Lankan squash curry, and Balinese barbecued spare ribs in one place.

The dining room at Nue is as quirky and fun as the menu. It’s decorated with pictures, lanterns, and trinkets from cultures around the world. On a budget? Try to visit during the weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 pm.

👉 Don’t Miss: After dinner at Nue, I recommend popping over to Molly Moon’s for dessert and ending that night at Rock Box for drinks and karaoke. Check out my Seattle itinerary for more area recommendations!

Cafe Salem

🍽️ Ethiopian | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 328-0404

Seattle has a large Ethiopian population, meaning there are endless options for incredible Ethiopian food. Visit the Central District gem that is Cafe Salem for some of the best of this cuisine. 

Never tried Ethiopian food before? This is the perfect place to get an introduction to the staples. This casual and comfortable eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a no-frills dining room inside a cozy house-turned-restaurant. 

For breakfast, order the delicious foul plate. It consists of puréed fava beans, olive oil, eggs, serrano chilis, and feta. For lunch or dinner, enjoy beef tibs or doro wat, all served over spongy, sourdough-like injera.

Lonely Siren

🍽️ Portuguese | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 538-0260

After returning from a trip to Portugal, my husband and I lamented that there weren’t any good Portuguese restaurants in Seattle… but that was before we discovered Lonely Siren. 

This gem is close to Pike Place Market, but it’s out-of-the-way enough that I’ve never seen it packed with tourists. Reservations are a good idea regardless. Sit in the airy glasshouse or opt for a table in the dim and romantic dining room.

The food is flavorful, and the menu features a slightly elevated interpretation of Portuguese classics. To start, order conservas (tinned fish) and vinho verde before sampling the shareable plates. We particularly loved the grilled sardines and “batatas bravas.” On a repeat visit, the lulas (squid) were a stand-out.

The dessert, a pastel de nata, was not exactly a match for what we had in Portugal. But it was tasty in its own way. Plus, we had no complaints about the side of cinnamon ice cream that came with it.

Taqueria La Fondita

🍽️ Mexican | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 307-3008

Taqueria La Fondita is my go-to spot for Mexican food in Seattle. You’ll find the original location in White Center and another in north Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.

There’s nothing particularly fancy about Taqueria La Fondita. But what it loses in style, it makes up for in flavor, quality, and price. 

While the tacos are phenomenal, you’ll enjoy any of their other Mexican classics, too. Order a generously sized burrito, quesadilla, and perfectly seasoned beans and rice. Both locations have covered outdoor patios for you to sit at and enjoy your food immediately while it’s nice and hot.

Itto’s Tapas

🍽️ Tapas | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 659-0465

You’ll love Ittos if you love tapas. It was opened by two brothers in honor of their late mother, and this romantic and dimly lit restaurant is perfect for date nights. When you visit, you’ll be rewarded with expertly prepared Moroccan and Spanish dishes.

Of its varied menu items, the stuffed dates, cumin beet salad, and beef tenderloin often steal the show. Its lamb dishes also never disappoint. 

The cocktail list at Itto’s is extensive. The drinks are strong, complex, and well-balanced. Grab the Macho if you like something bright and unusual, or the Kiss From Kenitra for a drink that’s light and effervescent.

📚 Related Reading: 31 Seattle Date Ideas

Annapurna

🍽️ Nepalese | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 320-7770

This cozy, underground restaurant became an instant favorite of mine when I first moved to the city. Luckily, it still holds up years later.

Annapurna looks nondescript from the outside. But once you enter and go downstairs, you’ll emerge in its lively and colorful dining room. The smells will immediately make your mouth water.

Annapurna is a staple in the Capitol Hill food scene and the perfect place to meet up with friends after work on a cold night. Come here for incredible Nepalese, Indian, and Tibetan bites. 

Try its best-selling chicken tikka masala with a side of crispy garlic naan. The Himalayan curry and creamy vegetable kofta will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.

Off the Rez

🍽️ Native American | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 414-8226

Off The Rez is a Native American restaurant that started as a food truck. Luckily, it now has a permanent cafe connected to the Burke Museum in the U-District. Visit this budget-friendly spot for some creative and interesting quick-bite options. 

Off The Rez’s specialty is chewy Indian fry bread tacos. The classic chili Indian taco has a slightly spicy kick. For the most filling thing on the menu, order the wild rice bowl with pickled veggies and succulent braised bison. 

Try the sweet fry bread too! You have tons of topping options. Choose from seasonal jams, lemon curd, cinnamon sugar, honey, and more. 

Un Bien

🍽️ Caribbean | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 588-2040

Un Bien is the place to go for a Caribbean roast sandwich. You’ll find all sorts of succulent marinated meat sandwiches on the menu, and they’re as good as the lines to Un Bien are long.

It’s impossible to miss the bright pink building that houses Un Bien at its main location in Ballard (though, there’s another by Shilshoe and in Queen Anne). You’ll place your order at the window and can take it to go or eat it right away in the small covered patio area.

In addition to sandwiches, Un Bien serves various rice and bean bowls, sides like fire-roasted corn, and several filling seafood dishes.

MOTO

🍽️ Pizza | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 420-8880

MOTO is my favorite pizza restaurant in the city. Come here for delicious and off-beat Detroit-style pizzas, plus truly exceptional service. 

The owner, Lee, is kind, enthusiastic, and passionate about his craft. He even gave my husband some sourdough starter when we mentioned we wanted to try our hand at pizza-making!  

The fun and offbeat flavors explain why MOTO claims to serve “Seattle’s odd pizza.” Try its clam chowder pie with housemade garlic chili oil. The bestseller, Mr Pig, features spicy pork sausage and calamansi lime sauce. All of MOTO’s pizzas are made with a thick, crispy, and golden sourdough crust.

It used to be hard to get this pizza, with pre-orders filling up months in advance. But now MOTO has locations in West Seattle, Belltown, and at T-Mobile Park. Order online for pick-up and enjoy it the same day!

Off Alley

🍽️ New American | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 488-6170

Off Alley is a hidden gem that even most locals don’t know about. It’s easy to miss, especially since the whole place is only about as wide as an alleyway. 

The taste and preparation of the food are on par with any fine dining restaurant, but Off Alley provides a more casual experience with some unusual ingredients. Don’t be surprised to see some form of offal or vegetables you’ve never heard of on the menu.

I was hesitant to try the sweetbread, but it was so well-prepared, I was tempted to ask for more. Try the tasting menu for the full Off Alley experience, and order crisp, natural wines that go perfectly with everything.

Sisters and Brothers

🍽️ Hot Chicken | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 283-2078

Seattle may not have a plethora of delicious Nashville hot chicken restaurants, but what it does have is delightful. Sisters and Brothers is in Interbay, the point where Queen Anne meets Magnolia. Stop here if you’re interested in getting some spicy and delicious chicken, plus classic Southern sides.

The menu at Sisters and Brothers is short and simple. You can’t go wrong with the chicken tenders and smoked Gouda mac and cheese. The chicken sandwich, fried green tomatoes, and house-fried pickles are also excellent. 

As for your chicken’s spice level, I highly recommend the “Seattle hot” if you want to enjoy the heat without feeling like your mouth is on fire. If you choose the “Nashville hot” or “insane,” …you may want to consider ordering a glass of milk when you place your order.

Xi’an Noodles

🍽️ Chinese | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 522-8888

Xi’an Noodles is one of many excellent food options for people visiting Seattle on a budget. Go to the University District location. The menu includes various Chinese street food options and soups, but its main dishes are biang biang noodles — wide, hand-pulled noodles coated in chili oil sauce. 

The most popular choice is the spicy cumin lamb noodles, but try the tingly beef noodles if you like the numbing sensation of Szechuan peppercorns. 

This is a popular spot, but the wait is never too long. There’s seating inside or you can enjoy your meal outside at the covered patio.

Tacos Chukis

🍽️ Mexican | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 905-8537

Tacos Chukis is where I go if I’m looking for something quick, tasty, and cheap. Its menu is simple. In my humble opinion, the adobada tacos with grilled pineapple are perfect. Chukis also serves mulitas, tortas, and burritos if you want something other than tacos. 

Find Tacos Chukis in multiple Seattle neighborhoods including Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and Beacon Hill.

Maneki

🍽️ Japanese | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 662-2814

Tempting as it may be, you can’t waltz into Maneki on any day and expect to be seated. This Japanese restaurant is an International District icon. Plan ahead by texting the number on its website to guarantee your spot in this coveted space. 

Maneki opened in 1904, making it one of the oldest restaurants on this list. Walking in, you’ll be welcomed to a cozy, traditional dining room. I recommend grabbing dinner here if you have only one day in Seattle — and for good reason!

Sushi is one of its specialties, but you’ll find plenty of other items on the menu to please your palate. In particular, the unagi rice, black cod miso collar, and beef sukiyaki get rave reviews. 

Visiting with a group? Consider renting out one of the tatami rooms for an elevated experience.

Tat’s Delicatessen

🍽️ Sandwich | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 264-8287

Go to Tat’s Delicatessen in Pioneer Square for a really good sandwich. This East Coast-style deli serves nearly all the classics.

Try its pastrami, Reuben, roast beef, cheesesteak, or my personal favorite: the grinder. The prices are on the higher side, but the portions more than make up for it. An eight-inch sandwich is plenty of food for two, especially if you add on a bag of chips and a side of soup.

Tat’s gets pretty busy and the lines can be long, especially around noon during the weekday lunch rush. However, the wait is usually short, and there is plenty of seating inside once you have your sandwich. This is a great spot to hit up for lunch if you’re traveling solo.

The Corson Building

🍽️ New American | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 762-3330

You may be surprised to find The Corson Building in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. This neighborhood is known for being industrial and gritty, but it’s home to one of the prettiest restaurants in Seattle. 

At The Corson Building, you’ll have a fine dining experience in a vintage 1900s-era building with a gorgeous patio garden. It’s upscale but comfortable with friendly waitstaff and delicious food sourced from local farms.

Make a reservation for a Saturday or Sunday to get a prix fixe meal that includes wine. Come on Thursday or Friday for à la carte dishes. The menu changes often. Previous dishes have included Moroccan spiced beef cheek, ricotta dumplings with chanterelles, and za’atar focaccia bread with marinated feta.

Oriental Mart

🍽️ Filipino | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 622-8488

Searching for a lunch spot in Pike Place Market that feels a bit removed from the hustle and bustle? Check out Oriental Mart for a homey and filling meal at a decent price. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you stumble upon the cacophony of sassy, quirky, and colorful signs at the eating area.

Oriental Mart offers a limited menu of homestyle Filipino food. Try its chicken or pork adobo, or salmon sinigang, all served with pancit and rice. The woman who does all the cooking is friendly and chatty, and she’s been running the show for years.

Revel

🍽️ Korean | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 547-2040

Revel is in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, and it’s a stylish, contemporary restaurant with plenty of space and a drool-worthy menu. Visit with friends to try a little bit of everything. 

Some of Revel’s popular dishes include the kimchi pancake, spicy miso rice cake, and short rib wontons. Try the Dungeness crab noodles for something well-balanced, flavorful, and downright addictive. 

Don’t pass up on the cocktail menu, where you’ll find drinks that are equal parts tasty and attractive. Its menu does change every once in a while, so make sure you double check its current offerings before going to know what to expect.

Communion

🍽️ Seattle Soul / New American | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 806-1916

Communion has rightfully gotten a lot of buzz since its 2020 opening. This restaurant offers a dining experience that’s all about community.

Come with a group to enjoy the communal dining spaces and the family-style servings. Reservations are smart if this spot is at the top of your list.

The dishes are inspired by the owner’s Southern roots and her experience living in Seattle’s Central and International Districts. She calls it “Seattle Soul.” Chow down on yeast rolls with Dungeness crab butter, sushi made with fried catfish, or the grilled mojo chicken with garlic rice.

Loretta’s Northwesterner

🍽️ American | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 251-2821

Venture to Loretta’s Northwesterner in the South Park neighborhood if you’re searching for a true local watering hole.

Nothing about this old-school dive bar is fancy, but that’s part of its charm. Dine in the dim and cozy wood-paneled bar area or out on the patio (all year long, thanks to its wood-burning stove). 

The no-frills, bare-bones tavern burger is the most popular menu item at Loretta’s. Order a side of fries and beer, and your meal will clock in around $20 — a steal in Seattle. Spend more for a delectable pork tenderloin sandwich, a cup of chili, or Irish nachos.

Donburi Station

🍽️ Japanese | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 767-8075

Donburi Station is another restaurant I go to when I want something delicious and filling that will last me multiple meals. Choose from a range of donburi including chicken katsu, salmon poke, chirashi, and grilled beef short ribs. 

The bowls are always hot, filled to the brim, and well-priced. I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve gotten here. It’s by far one of the best takeaway spots in the city.

Cafe Munir

🍽️ Lebanese / Arabic | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 472-4150

You’ll be lucky to get a seat at Cafe Munir. This tiny restaurant is a hidden gem in north Ballard where locals enjoy Lebanese delights. Its intimate and cozy ambiance makes Cafe Munir the perfect place for a date.

Some menu items include hummus with spiced lamb, perfectly crisp pitas, and roasted beets and tahini. Order a tasty lamb skewer with chiles, bulgar, and fresh herbs, or choose one of its eggplant dishes cooked in flavorful spices. For drinks, it has an extensive whiskey selection.

Any day you can grab a seat at Cafe Munir is a good one, but a visit on Sunday is extra special. On Sundays, the entire menu is the chef’s choice, so you’re guaranteed to get something unique.

Walrus and Carpenter

🍽️ Oyster Bar | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 395-9227

Eat at Ballard’s Walrus and Carpenter for some of the best seafood in the city. This small and bright restaurant specializes in oysters sourced from local seafood farms.

Other popular dishes include salmon terrine, shrimp toast with spicy honey, and grilled sardines. Its menu extends beyond the sea, too. The beef shank terrine is one beloved dish you’ll want to try if it’s available on your visit.

This is a popular place, and it takes people on a first-come, first-served basis. The menu changes based on what’s available, so check online before you visit to get an idea of your options.

Mashiko

🍽️ Japanese/Sushi | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 935-4339

This hidden gem sushi spot in West Seattle should be on way more people’s radar. Mashiko prides itself on serving only sustainable seafood. All of its fish are high quality and delicious, with a low impact on the environment.

The restaurant is quiet with a subtle elegance and simple decor. It’s great for a date night and the prices reflect that. But it’s well worth the splurge, especially if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to sushi.

Try one of Mashiko’s omakase options to keep things easy and see the chef’s skills shine. I recommend the oiwai if you love seafood. The sashimi was incredible and we left feeling pleasantly full, but not weighed down. However, if you’ve never tried omakase, the umi is a good choice that caters to newcomers.

Musang

🍽️ Filipino Fusion | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 535-5564

Musang is a mainstay in the Beacon Hill neighborhood that serves elevated Filipino food. Expect well-known dishes prepared creatively and with interesting flavor profiles. 

Enjoy sinigang with halibut, a kare kare short rib with succotash, and chocolate bibingka for dessert. The menu changes seasonally, so make sure you double check what’s on it for return visits. This is a popular restaurant, so reservations are smart.

Pho Bac Súp Shop

🍽️ Vietnamese / Pho | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 568-0882

Winter may not be the most popular time to visit Seattle, but nothing hits the spot more than pho on those cold and rainy evenings. Fortunately, good pho isn’t hard to come by in Seattle. You can find some of the best of this noodle soup at Pho Bac Súp Shop. 

Its broth is heavenly and simmered to perfection. Order beef, veggie, prawn, chicken, or other tasty options. It also serves spring rolls, lemongrass fries, and chicken wings if you’re looking for a little variety.

The restaurant is large, bright, and spacious, making it a good place to meet up with friends.

The Pink Door

🍽️ Italian | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 443-3241

The Pink Door is the perfect Italian restaurant for a romantic night out. It’s in Pike Place Market’s Post Alley and is identifiable only by, you guessed it, a pink door.

You’ll be charmed from the moment you step inside. The bohemian decor, waterfront views, and live entertainment add to the experience. Watch burlesque shows and aerial performances, and listen to mood-setting jazz while you enjoy dinner. 

The food matches the restaurant’s energy. Its menu features classic Italian food like lasagna and risotto, which are executed wonderfully. Make sure to try other standouts like the squid ink pasta and the tuna crudo as well. 

Matt’s in the Market

🍽️ American / Pacific Northwest | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 467-7909

Matt’s in the Market is in the bustling Pike Place Market, but the restaurant has a calm atmosphere. Arched windows frame the market sign, and the waitstaff is kind and accommodating. 

Come here for tasty, regional cuisine and expect artfully presented dishes made with high-quality local ingredients. Matt’s is open for both lunch and dinner, but you’ll have more seafood options at dinner time. 

Try some of the most highly-rated menu items: Spanish octopus, a Dungeness crab roll, seafood stew, and deviled eggs. Matt’s is an ideal place to impress out-of-town guests when they visit.

Nikko Teriyaki

🍽️ Teriyaki | $$ | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 247-8798

Teriyaki is another Seattle classic you’ll want to get your hands on. Trust me, rainy days and teriyaki go together perfectly.

Nikko Teriyaki in West Seattle is unassuming from the outside, but it does teriyaki right. The food is made quickly and the portions are generous. 

For a nice, savory kick, get the spicy chicken teriyaki. I also recommend the chicken katsu, which is always nice and crispy. My go-to is the teriyaki and katsu combo since I love to have the best of both. 

The restaurant has a bit of seating, but it’s barebones at best. This is primarily a takeaway joint, so be sure to plan for that.

Canlis

🍽️ Pacific Northwest | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 283-3313

Canlis provides the most upscale dining experience in Seattle. The tasting menu features rotating small plates. You’ll choose from several options for three courses, and be surprised by others. Needless to say, the preparation, execution, and taste of every dish prepared at Canlis is top tier.

Canlis has been a powerhouse of the Seattle fine dining scene since 1950. It opens reservations 6 months in advance and requires a $100 deposit per person at the time of reservation. 

This is one of the only Seattle restaurants with a strict dress code, so make sure you have some nice evening attire on your Seattle packing list if you want to dine at Canlis.

Dough Zone

🍽️ Chinese / Asian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 285-9999

Dough Zone is a local chain that specializes in fried, steamed, and soup dumplings. The rest of the extensive menu features bao, dan dan noodles, and a delightful scallion pancake. You’ll find several locations throughout Seattle, with the most popular one in the International District. 

This is a good place to go for lunch, whether you’re traveling solo or with a group. The prices are reasonable so budget travelers need not shy away from this popular joint, either.

Cafe Campagne

🍽️ French | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 728-2233

Cafe Campagne is a French restaurant and yet another Pike Place gem. Come for a weekend brunch and lunch to enjoy a croque monsieur or a croque madame. Visit during dinner for its roasted chicken, cassoulet, and coveted steak frites. The dessert menu includes a delectable crème brûlée. 

Cafe Campagne has been in business for over 20 years and it’s no secret how good it is. Make reservations in advance if you want to enjoy some seriously good French food. Even better, book a hotel in downtown Seattle to be as close to this spot as possible.

Buddha Ruksa

🍽️ Thai | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 937-7676

Buddha Ruksa may not look like much from the outside, but you’ll find all your Thai classics here. 

I’ll admit that I rarely venture far from the phad Thai or phad kee mao — they’re just that good! But the tom yum soup, rama noodle, and crispy garlic chicken are also big winners. Make sure you get a good spread of dishes so you can try a ton of things at once.

Sensitive to spicy food? They can be generous with the heat, so go a little lower on the spice scale than you might otherwise. But if you can take a little heat, you won’t be disappointed here.

TOMO

🍽️ Japanese American Fusion | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps

TOMO is a Seattle-style fine dining restaurant in a place you’d never expect it to be. It’s located in the cool, no-frills commercial district of White Center… in what used to be an adult video store. 

When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a small and elegant, yet dark and moody dining room. TOMO serves complex cocktails, wine, and Japanese-American fusion cuisine. The owner and chef was once the executive chef at Canlis. Needless to say, he knows his stuff.

You can order à la carte or try the family-style menu. The menu changes seasonally, but I still regularly think about the Dungeness crab rice dish I had here months ago. 

Reviews for TOMO tend to be mixed, so take that into consideration (and read all the fine print) before making your reservation. Personally, I’ve only ever had positive experiences and the most succulent dishes here, so I stand firmly by this pick.

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I hope I’ve helped you find a few great Seattle restaurants to put on your itinerary! Leave a comment if you have any questions and I’ll help you out.

And now that you know where to eat when you visit, check out my guide to the best things to do in Seattle so you can figure out where to spend your time.