10 Best Restaurants in Seattle

Seattle’s food scene reflects the city’s diversity, creativity, and love for locally sourced ingredients. As a local realtor helping clients explore this beautiful city, I’m often asked where to find the 10 best restaurants in Seattle. Whether you’re moving here or already calling Seattle home, these dining spots showcase the city’s exceptional culinary talent and community spirit.

1. Canlis

A Seattle icon since 1950, Canlis defines Pacific Northwest fine dining. Overlooking Lake Union, it offers a seasonal menu featuring dishes like Dungeness crab salad and wagyu beef tenderloin. The elegant mid-century modern design and attentive service make it ideal for celebrations or client dinners.

2. The Walrus and the Carpenter

Located in Ballard, this cozy oyster bar perfectly embodies Seattle’s maritime roots. The Walrus and the Carpenter serves fresh oysters, local seafood, and small plates that rotate with the seasons. It’s a must-visit for those who appreciate craftsmanship and sustainability.

3. Spinasse

For lovers of Italian cuisine, Spinasse on Capitol Hill offers handmade pastas and authentic Northern Italian flavors. The tajarin with butter and sage has become legendary among Seattleites. Its rustic yet intimate setting feels like a quiet escape from city life.

4. Salare

Chef Edouardo Jordan’s Salare in Ravenna is one of Seattle’s most innovative dining experiences. The menu blends African, European, and Southern U.S. influences, highlighting the global heritage of American cuisine. The rotating dishes ensure every visit feels like a new adventure.

5. Archipelago

A Filipino-inspired tasting menu restaurant in Columbia City, Archipelago explores Pacific Northwest ingredients through the lens of Filipino heritage. This intimate dining experience—limited to a handful of guests per evening—is both cultural and culinary storytelling at its finest.

6. Shiro’s Sushi

In Belltown, Shiro’s is synonymous with high-quality omakase sushi. Established by Shiro Kashiba, Seattle’s sushi pioneer, the restaurant continues his legacy of precision and freshness. It’s a remarkable blend of tradition and modern artistry.

7. The Pink Door

Tucked away near Pike Place Market, The Pink Door is a romantic Italian-American restaurant with a hidden entrance and an enchanting atmosphere. Live music, trapeze performances, and waterfront views make it one of Seattle’s most beloved destinations.

8. Musang

Helmed by Chef Melissa Miranda, Musang in Beacon Hill celebrates Filipino comfort food with local ingredients. The communal dining experience reflects Seattle’s strong sense of neighborhood connection and cultural pride.

9. The Whale Wins

This Fremont favorite, from chef Renee Erickson, showcases wood-fired dishes with Mediterranean flair. Think roasted vegetables, clams with butter, and freshly baked bread. The bright, open space is ideal for casual lunches or Sunday brunches.

10. Taylor Shellfish Farms Oyster Bar

If you love seafood, Taylor Shellfish in Pioneer Square is essential. With oysters harvested from their own farms, the freshness is unbeatable. Pair it with a local craft beer for a quintessential Seattle experience.

Exploring Seattle’s Neighborhoods Through Food

Each of these restaurants represents a different piece of Seattle’s vibrant mosaic—from Ballard’s Scandinavian roots to Beacon Hill’s Filipino heritage. Exploring the 10 best restaurants in Seattle also gives you a glimpse of the communities where locals live, work, and connect.

As a Seattle realtor, I always encourage newcomers to explore neighborhoods through their food. Whether you’re tasting handmade pasta on Capitol Hill or enjoying oysters in Ballard, you’re discovering what makes each area unique. If you’re considering moving to Seattle, let’s find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle and your palate.