Seattle Food – A Guide to the City’s Best Dishes & Experiences

I’m a Seattle local here to guide you to every must-try food in the city! This round-up includes regional specialties and dishes from some of the best restaurants in Seattle.

Seafood straight from Puget Sound, perfectly roasted coffee, flavorful noodle soups, and organic, fair-trade chocolate await Rain City visitors. Here are all the classic Seattle food experiences, you won’t want to miss.

33 Best Seattle Food Experiences

Salmon

The number one fish to try when you visit Seattle.

🍽️ Where to Find Salmon: Ray’s Boathouse (Ballard)

Salmon is the fish most associated with Seattle. You’ll have the best Sockeye, King, Coho, and Chinook salmon when in the city. Try it grilled, baked, smoked, panfried, or a myriad of other ways.

You can get fresh or smoked salmon from several great spots in Pike Place Market including Pure Food Fish Market and Pike Place Fish Market. Venture to Mutual Fish in Rainier Valley for even more high-quality options.

Most locals prefer to cook it themselves, but Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard does it right if you’d prefer someone else to cook it for you.

Coffee

Coffee is everywhere in the Coffee Capital of the USA.

🍽️ Where to Find Coffee: Herkimer Coffee (Phinney Ridge), Sound and Fog (West Seattle)

If salmon is Seattle’s favorite fish, then coffee is Seattle’s favorite drink. You can find great coffee anywhere in the Emerald City. 

Seattle is the birthplace of the worldwide coffee chain, Starbucks. The one most worth visiting in the city is the Starbucks Roastery Reserve. Here, you can take tours, try new blends, and sip coffee cocktails.

However, my top coffee-related tip is to go beyond Starbucks for coffee. Visit various independent coffee shops throughout the city to understand local coffee culture. Herkimer Coffee, Sound and Fog, and Elm Coffee Roasters are just a few spots where you can expect a top-tier drink. 

Oysters

There’s no better place to have this dish than the Emerald City.

🍽️ Where to Find Oysters: The Walrus and the Carpenter (Ballard), Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar (Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square)

Oyster fans probably already have Seattle on their radar. The Pacific Northwest has some of the best oysters in the country.

Honestly, you can find great Washington oysters at a plethora of seafood restaurants, but there are two I suggest starting with. Go to Walrus and Carpenter for oysters and other seafood specialties like shrimp toast. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar is another excellent option with locations in several neighborhoods.

Want the absolute freshest oysters? Take a weekend getaway to the Hood Canal or Coupeville and go oyster farming yourself!

Seattle Dog

Cream cheese and grilled onions are the key toppings in this street food classic.

🍽️ Where to Find a Seattle Dog: Street Vendors (Capitol Hill, SoDo, Waterfront)

Late-night Capitol Hill bar crawls usually end with stumbling to a hot dog vendor and scarfing down a Seattle dog. You can also count on grabbing one from a street vendor outside of T-Mobile Park or Lumen Field on game days.

A Seattle-style hot dog is a beef frank smothered with cream cheese and topped with grilled onions. Some vendors add grilled peppers, and some people like to polish theirs off with sriracha. 

The uninitiated may raise a brow at this seemingly strange combo, but it’s a local staple that you should try at least once (I promise it’s delicious!).

📚 Related Reading: 57 Best Things to Do in Seattle (A Local’s List)

Teriyaki

A comforting Japanese meat and rice dish found all over the city.

🍽️ Where to Find Teriyaki: Toshi’s Teryaki (Various locations), Nikko Teriyaki (West Seattle)

Many people are surprised to learn that Seattle is considered the teriyaki capital of the United States. Locals love teriyaki and have local chain Toshi’s Teriyaki to thank for that. Toshi’s brought western-style teriyaki to the city in 1976. It’s only increased in popularity since then.

You can get teriyaki practically everywhere throughout the city, but Nikko Teriyaki in West Seattle is one of my favorites. The menus at most places are extensive and usually include much more than teriyaki. Still, I suggest sticking with the classic chicken teriyaki (with regular or spicy sauce) for a guaranteed hit.

Rainier Beer

The Seattle beer standard.

🍽️ Where to Find Rainier Beer: Any grocery store or bar

Rainier Beer is typically the cheapest beer you can get in bars, pubs, and restaurants. It’s the beer that most Seattleites will reach for before many of the other well-known American brands.

Created in 1878, it was brewed right in Seattle’s Georgetown and SoDo neighborhoods for years. You can still see the old brewery in SoDo, identifiable by the iconic ‘R’ at the top.

You can get Rainier Beer at grocery stores and nearly anywhere else in the city. It tastes best while watching a ball game or after completing one of the best Seattle hikes. 

Geoduck

This strange-looking clam is a tasty surprise in a variety of dishes.

🍽️ Where to Find Geoduck: Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar (Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square), Sushi Kashiba (Downtown)

Geoduck (pronounced “gooey duck”) doesn’t look particularly appealing. When cooked, though, this funky-looking clam becomes deliciously meaty and tender. It’s harvested throughout Washington state and makes a tasty appearance in plenty of dishes at various restaurants. 

Try the geoduck sashimi or crudo at Taylor Shellfish Farms, and order sautéed geoduck at Sushi Kashiba.

👉 Pro Tip: You’ll want to get some seafood if you only have one day in Seattle, you’ll want to get some seafood! Check out my article for a rundown of other places to eat and see if you only have 24 hours in the city. 

Clam Chowder

A creamy soup loaded with chewy clams perfect for rainy days.

🍽️ Where to Find Clam Chowder: Pike Place Chowder (Downtown), Ivars (Downtown Waterfront)

New Englanders aren’t the only ones obsessed with this creamy, seafood soup! A delicious, thick chowder is the perfect meal for cold and rainy days. Find it easily at Pike Place Market and on the waterfront. 

Try some of the award-winning chowders from Pike Place Chowder and say yes to having it in a bread bowl. You can also visit the local chain Ivar’s for another spin on this delicious soup.

Pho

This savory Vietnamese noodle soup is a Seattle comfort food.

🍽️ Where to Find Pho: Pho Bac Sup Shop (International District/Central District), Rainier Restaurant and BBQ (Rainier Valley)

Pho is another dish you can’t go wrong with in Seattle. Find this comforting noodle soup at various Vietnamese restaurants throughout the city. Pho Bac Sup Shop is one of the best spots for it. Fair warning: it may ruin you for any other pho — it’s that good. 

Don’t skip out on Rainier Restaurant and BBQ either. It’s another spot that serves incredible pho among other tasty Vietnamese dishes.

Craft Beer

Get ready for a brewery crawl through the Emerald City.

🍽️ Where to Find Craft Beer: Georgetown Brewing (Georgetown), Lucky Envelope Brewing (Ballard), Future Primitive Brewing (West Seattle/White Center)

Craft beer is an art in Seattle. It’s not hard to find amazing beer throughout the city. It makes sense, given that around 70% of hops in the country are grown in Washington state! 

There are so many great local breweries that a beer crawl is a must. Go to the brewery district in Ballard to find some of Seattle’s most innovative beer spots in a walkable district. Or visit Georgetown Brewing to try Manny’s Pale Ale and Bodhizafa IPA, the unofficial Washington pale ale and IPA.

Sushi

An abundance of fresh fish equals a ton of great sushi.

🍽️ Where to Find Sushi: Sushi Kashiba (Downtown), Musashi’s (Wallingford, International District), Mashiko (West Seattle)

Seattle has plenty of fresh seafood, which means sushi fans have a wealth of great options in the city. You’ll find all the well-loved classics in addition to the Seattle roll, which has salmon, cream cheese, and avocado.

It’s not hard to find a good sushi restaurant, but one of the absolute best is Sushi Kashiba, which is known for its edomae-style sushi. For a more budget-friendly (but still tasty) sushi option, go to Musashi’s.

Burgers

Cheap, quick, greasy, and delicious.

🍽️ Where to Find Burgers: Dick’s Drive-In (Wallingford, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill), Rain City Burgers (Roosevelt)

Every city has its beloved greasy burger joints with quick service, late hours, and budget-friendly prices. Go to Dick’s if that’s what you’re looking for. 

No one will argue that Dick’s Drive-In serves the best food in the city. But this old-school joint is a classic Seattle spot. The menu is simple. Order a burger, fries, and your choice of a vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry milkshake.

For a burger restaurant with a wider selection, go to Rain City Burgers in the Roosevelt neighborhood. You can get chicken, beef, or vegetarian patties, sweet potato fries, and a dozen delicious milkshakes.

Beecher’s Cheese

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you.

🍽️ Where to Find Beecher’s Cheese: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (Pike Place Market), Various Grocery Stores

Big cheese fan? You’ll like this Pike Place Market shop. Beecher’s has been around for two decades and its cheese is a city-wide favorite. Plenty of restaurants use it in their dishes. 

You can find Beecher’s cheese in grocery stores, but visit the market location to get the full experience. At the brick-and-mortar shop, you can get prepared food, too. Any of the mac and cheese or grilled cheese options are winners. 

Don’t leave the market location without a pack of cheese curds or the famous flagship cheese to munch on later. And make sure you peek in the windows of the on-site factory — you’ll be able to watch the curd-making process in real-time.

Dutch Baby

A delightful brunch must-have.

🍽️ Where to Find Dutch Baby: Tilikum Place Cafe (Belltown)

Delightfully fluffy and crispy, a Dutch baby is a must-eat dish, especially if you’ve got at least 3 days in Seattle. The Dutch baby was first invented in Seattle at a family-owned restaurant called Manca Cafe.  Manca’s Cafe is no longer open, but there’s still one particular restaurant where you can order these delicious German-inspired pancakes.

Go to Tilikum Place Cafe to enjoy sweet and savory Dutch babies. They’re only available for weekend brunch, and reservations are required. Plan ahead if you want to get a taste of this mouthwatering breakfast dish.

Piroshkies

These meaty hand pies have been a local favorite since 1992.

🍽️ Where to Find Piroshkies: Piroshky Piroshky (Various Downtown Locations)

Piroshky Piroshky brought these delicious Eastern European pastries to Seattle’s food scene in the ‘90s. They’ve been going strong ever since. The flavor and quality of these hand pies have stayed consistently amazing. The lines to grab them are long for a reason!

I highly suggest ordering the bacon, hashbrown, egg, and cheese for early-morning munchies. The beef and cheese is perfect for early afternoons, and there are vegan options, too. Take some sweet pastries to go for dessert (if you can resist eating them on the spot).

📚 Related Reading: There are so many tasty food spots in Pike Place Market. Stay at a nearby hotel like the Inn at The Market if you want to check them all out. Check out my guide on where to stay in Seattle for other great options.

Ice Cream

With flavors this good, you’ll crave ice cream even on the rainiest days.

🍽️ Where to Find Ice Cream: Molly Moon’s Ice Cream (Various neighborhoods), Frankie and Jo’s (Ballard, Capitol Hill)

As a self-proclaimed sweets connoisseur, I can assure you that the city’s ice cream scene is phenomenal. 

Local shop Molly Moon’s Ice Cream serves some of the best ice cream in the city. The stand-out, always-available flavors are salted caramel, honey lavender, and scout mint. But you can’t go wrong with anything here.

My favorite ice cream spot is Frankie and Jo’s, which serves vegan ice cream. Try the chocolate tahini supercookie, strawberry beet rose, or salted caramel ash. They’ll easily convince you that plant-based ice cream is just as good as dairy. 

Dungeness Crab

From crab cakes to whole crab, this versatile shellfish is a citywide favorite.

🍽️ Where to Find Dungeness Crab: Duke’s Seafood and Chowder (South Lake Union, West Seattle, Greenlake), Cutter’s Crabhouse (Downtown)

Dungeness crab is a Pacific Northwest delicacy. There are plenty of places to eat this big, sweet, and delicate crab. Every restaurant puts its own spin on it. 

Have the Dungeness crab noodle at Revel, or the crab cakes, crab dip, and crab deviled eggs at Duke’s Seafood and Chowder. For the whole crab, look no further than Cutter’s Crabhouse.

Doro Wat

Visit the Central District for tons of options for this Ethiopian dish.

🍽️ Where to Find Doro Wat: Cafe Salem (Central District), Delish Ethiopian Cuisine (Hillman City)

Ethiopian food is super easy to find here, so you’re in luck if you’re craving doro wat! This well-spiced, meaty stew served with injera is available at Ethiopian restaurants all over the city. Don’t miss out on dishes like beef tibs, miser wot, and kaye siir either. 

Go to the Central District and South Seattle to find the goods. Cafe Salem is a hole-in-the-wall that’s one of the best spots for Ethiopian home cooking. Delish Ethiopian Cuisine is another option in Hillman City with mouthwatering food, friendly staff, and a cozy dining area.

🧳 Traveling to Seattle? Don’t forget to pack your stretchy pants! See my Seattle packing list so you don’t forget any of the essentials. 

Banh Mi

An irresistibly tasty Vietnamese sandwich.

🍽️ Where to Find Banh Mi: Saigon Deli (International District), Q Bakery (Hillman City)

Another Vietnamese dish Seattlelites love is Banh mi. You can find these crunchy, meaty, and pickle-y sandwiches for great prices. 

Go to Saigon Deli in the International District to get one of the best Banh mi in the city.  If you’re further south, the Bahn mi at Q Bakery is affordable, high-quality, and huge.

Theo Chocolate

This popular organic and fair-trade chocolate brand originates in Seattle.

🍽️ Where to Find Theo Chocolate: Nearly any grocery store

Theo Chocolate is in stores all over the country, but it originated in Seattle. The brand made a name for itself by committing to organic and fair-trade practices. Not to mention, they make some amazing chocolate in innovative, tasty flavors.

Sadly, its flagship store in Fremont is now closed, but you’ll still find chocolate bars in nearly every grocery store. I’ve sampled many different flavors, but the ones I always recommend are the bread and chocolate, cinnamon horchata, and turmeric spice.

Hom Bows

Don’t leave the market without snagging some of these coveted pastries.

🍽️ Where to Find Hom Bows: Mee Sum Pastry (Pike Place Market)

When it comes to hom bows, there’s one place in Seattle that stands above the rest. Mee Sum Pastry is known for its deliciously sweet and savory (and giant) Chinese hom bows and other takeaway dim sum bites. The BBQ pork and beef curry hom bows are both must-haves. Both have a slightly sweet, crunchy topping, fluffy bread, and succulent, savory center.

Cupcakes

Perfectly sweet treats for any occasion.

🍽️ Where to Find Cupcakes: Cupcake Royale (Ballard, Madrona, West Seattle, Downtown), Trophy Cupcakes (Queen Anne, Wallingford, U-District)

For something really sweet, go to one of these local bakeries with indulgent cupcakes.

Cupcake Royale’s pillowy soft cakes with buttercream frosting are made fresh daily, and you can’t go wrong with the salted caramel. Here’s how I enjoy these top-heavy cakes: separate the top and bottom and stick them together with the frosting in the middle. This guarantees frosting in every bite of your cupcake “sandwich.” 

Don’t miss Trophy Cupcakes either. The cupcakes are almost too pretty to eat… but so worth the sugar rush.

Lasagna

A classic Italian dish, elevated.

🍽️ Where to Find Lasagna: Pink Door (Pike Place Market)

Another Italian dish Seattle has down is lasagna. You can find it on the menu at many Italian restaurants, but try it at The Pink Door first. This lovely fine dining restaurant is tucked away in the market and has a cult following. 

The lasagna alone explains why it’s one of the best restaurants in the city. The tuna crudo, braised lamb shank, and the extensive wine list further confirm it. 

Uli’s Famous Sausage

Authentic and delicious German sausages in the heart of Pike Place Market.

🍽️ Where to Find Uli’s Sausage: Uli’s Famous Sausage (Pike Place Market), Various grocery stores

Uli’s Sausage has been serving the community authentic German sausages since 2000. Located in Pike Place Market, you can buy sausages to take home or sit down for a meal at the restaurant. 

Get a bratwurst, merguez, currywurst, and more in a sandwich or on a sample platter. Served with a side of fries, it’s an utterly delicious meal. If you can’t make it out to the market location, you can also find these sausages in grocery stores throughout the city.

Yogurt

Creamy yogurt in a variety of delicious flavors.

🍽️ Where to Find Yogurt: Various Grocery Stores (Whole Foods, Safeway)

Give Ellenos Yogurt a try even if you’re not a big yogurt fan. This Seattle-based brand is in stores throughout the country, but grab some while you’re in town to commemorate its origins.

Although its original Pike Place Market location is closed, you can still find dozens of its excellent flavors in stores like Whole Foods. Lemon curd and marionberry are some popular choices, and I highly recommend the seasonal pumpkin pie if you’re visiting Seattle in the fall.

Ginger Beer

A tangy drink to keep you cool and refreshed.

🍽️ Where to Find Ginger Beer: Rachel’s Ginger Beer (Pike Place Market – Post Alley, South Lake Union, U-District)

Take a single sip of ginger beer on a hot summer day, and you’ll be hooked. Rachel’s Ginger Beer is the Seattle standard when it comes to this tangy drink.

Choose from multiple flavors. Pink guava, cucumber tarragon, and spicy pineapple are my staples, but I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve tried. Rachel’s Ginger Beer also serves ginger beer cocktails that are just as tasty and refreshing as they sound.

The flagship location in Post Alley is 21+ only, but all other locations are family-friendly.

Fried Chicken

Quick and crispy fried chicken and tasty sides.

🍽️ Where to Find Fried Chicken: Ezell’s Famous Chicken (Central District, Wallingford, Rainier Valley), Sisters and Brothers (Interbay)

Craving fried chicken?

Ezell’s Famous Chicken has made crispy and juicy fried chicken for the community for nearly 40 years. If you’re near one, you’ll be able to smell it from blocks away. Let that smell lure you in and order the spicy chicken, potato salad, and extra rolls for a winning combo.

Head to Interbay to visit another popular fried chicken restaurant, especially if you love spice. Sisters and Brothers serves Nashville-style hot chicken with an emphasis on the hot. Order some smoked Gouda mac and cheese or fried okra to complete the meal.

Fran’s Chocolate

A nationwide chocolate brand with roots in Seattle.

🍽️ Where to Find Fran’s Chocolate: Fran’s Stores (Georgetown, U-District, Downtown), Specialty grocery stores

Fran Bigelow started Fran’s Chocolates in Seattle in 1982. Since then, the brand has grown, and you can find its chocolates, caramels, and more all over the country. Former President Barack Obama even claimed that Fran’s made his favorite chocolate caramels.

Because of this notoriety, it’s easy to find Fran’s Chocolates in specialty stores throughout the city. Visit the boutique locations in Georgetown, Downtown, and the University District. This way, you’ll get the widest selection of chocolate treats. I always recommend trying the bestselling salted caramel chocolate that the brand is so well known for. 

Rainier Cherries

The best cherries in the West (and possibly the world).

🍽️ Where to Find Rainier Cherries: Ballard Farmers Market (Ballard), Various Grocery Stores

In the summer, Rainier cherries draw many to local farmers’ markets. Visiting the markets is one of the best free things to do, though these yellow-red cherries often come at a hefty price. But the taste more than makes up for it. They’re so sweet and refreshing that it’s easy to eat a ton at once! 

Grab a bag from farmers markets or grocery stores when they’re in season (June-August) to try Seattle’s favorite summertime fruit.

Octopus

Braised or grilled, local chefs have mastered the preparation of this seafood dish.

🍽️ Where to Find Octopus: Matt’s In the Market (Pike Place Market), Lola (Belltown)

Octopus is another wonderful seafood option in Seattle, and Matt’s in the Market is known for its grilled octopus. Its simple yet flavorful take on this dish makes it a popular choice. 

For another option, go to Lola’s for brunch and try the octopus hash. With braised octopus, delicata squash, and garlic yogurt, it’s an unusual yet delicious creation. 

Kimchi Fried Rice

A fun spin on a tasty dish.

🍽️ Where to Find Kimchi Fried Rice: Marination Ma Kai (West Seattle), Kimchi House (City or Neighborhood)

You’ll love kimchi fried rice if you already like fried rice. You can find this popular dish at Marination Ma Kai, which serves many variations. Get it with kalbi beef, spicy pork, ginger miso chicken, and more. 

Another place to try it is Kimchi House, a delightful and unassuming Korean restaurant. It specializes in this dish and countless others like bulgogi, bibimbap, and japchae.

Handmade Pastas

Carefully crafted by expert chefs.

🍽️ Where to Find Handmade Pasta: Spinasse (Capitol Hill), La Rustica (West Seattle)

Spinasse, run by renowned chef Stuart Lane, is the place to go if you’re craving some of the freshest handmade pasta in Seattle. Try the tasting menu where you’ll be able to get small plates of every single dish on the menu.

La Rustica is a hidden gem, tucked away in the Alki neighborhood of West Seattle. It just so happens to serve some of the most delicious pasta in the city, so you’re in for a treat if you venture here. The restaurant is also quaint and cozy, making it a perfect option for a date night. 

Roast Chicken

Slow-roasted and delicious, classic Parisian fare.

🍽️ Where to Find Roasted Chicken: Le Pichet (Downtown), Cafe Campagne (Pike Place Market)

There are two French restaurants you don’t want to miss for some delicious roasted chicken. Le Pichet is known for this dish. They slow roast the chicken to order, creating a mouth-wateringly good meal that serves two. Be sure to call ahead or plan a leisurely dinner for this option. It takes an hour to prepare, but it’s worth it.

It’s up for debate whether Cafe Campagne’s roast chicken or steak frites is its best dish. Either way, if you order its poulet roti, you won’t be disappointed.

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And there you have it! The local food is just as unique as Seattle itself. One thing is certain: you’ll dine well in the Emerald City. Enjoy your food tour through the many local neighborhoods!