Finding the best Pike Place restaurants can be difficult for those not in the know. There are a ton of places to eat, but because Pike Place is Seattle’s most famous attraction. Some of the most visible places cater more to tourists’ dollars than their palate.
I’ve thought long and hard about the best eats in Pike Place and have rounded up my ultimate favorites. So here it is, my ultimate list of the best Pike Place restaurants that should satisfy your cravings and help you organize a successful day at the market.
16 Best Pike Place Restaurants
Pin this for later and check back because I’ll add more as I discover new favorites. You can also check out my self-guided walking tour of Pike Place Market for an itinerary of how to fit in as many eats as possible into one trip.
Pasta Casalinga
website | 93 Pike St | cuisine: Italian | best for: pasta | lunch only
Pasta Casalinga is an authentic Italian restaurant that’s known for homemade pasta, an extensive wine list, and a laid-back atmosphere.
You’ll find a rotation of dishes each week based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. So expect to find a new flavor-packed pasta every time you eat here. You’ll often spot the co-owner Michaela making fresh pasta from the open-air kitchen just like she did growing up in Italy (that’s al dente and sprinkled with fresh herbs).
Pasta Casalinga is one of my go-to restaurants in Seattle for pasta. So be sure to stop by on your trip to the market.
What to get: The earthy bolognese is always a crowd-pleaser. But the signature lasagna finished with fresh cheese and olive oil is also delightful. Get these if they’re on the menu!
The Pink Door
website | 1919 Post Alley | cuisine: Italian | best for: bolognese and lasagna
Tucked away on Post Alley, The Pink Door is an excellent place to stop after sticking a triumphant sucker on the Seattle Gum Wall. It’s surprisingly hidden given its proximity to the market stalls. You’ll only know you’ve found it thanks to the restaurant’s signature pink door, as there isn’t a large sign.
Unlike Pasta Casalinga which works well as a pit stop, The Pink Door aims to get you through the door and keep you there with its burlesque shows, trapeze entertainment, and breathtaking views of Elliott Bay.
It feels as if you’re tucked inside a Venetian trattoria thanks to the carnival decor, rustic shutters, and muted lighting. If you’d prefer to dine on the outdoor patio, you’ll find colorful chairs, striped tablecloths, and dangling string lights adding to the unique vibe.
What to get: The rich and meaty sauce of the bolognese it a must-try and the lasagna is *chefs kiss*. Seriously, the combination of fresh spinach pasta, pesto, marinara, and a signature bechamel sauce is the reason this is one of the best Pike Place restaurants.
Oriental Mart
website |1506 Pike Pl | cuisine: Filipino | best for: soup | lunch only
Oriental Mart may not look like much at first glance. But locals know this hole in the wall is one of the best Pike Place restaurants for authentic Filipino food. Most tourists blow right past it because the food counter where you order is tucked in the back of what looks like a convenience store.
There’s not a single dud on the menu. And it serves up some of the best soups in Seattle that will warm you up when the city’s winter weather starts to bite.
What’s more, everything’s bundled into a takeout container for easy access. So, you can easily chow down on noodles, glazed meats, and hearty rice dishes as you meander through the market stalls.
What to get: The salmon sinigang is the ultimate jewel in the crown. This traditional stew is simple but packed with flavor. And Oriental Mart uses a light broth that’s generously spiced with tamarind for an extra kick.
Mee Sum Pastry
website |1526 Pike Pl | cuisine: Taiwanese | best for: pork buns | lunch only
This joint started its life as a humble bubble tea shop back in 2007. But it’s grown into one of Pike Place’s most popular eateries. Again, most tourists may pass it up because it’s nothing more than a counter with goodies displayed in glass cases.
Although Mee Sum is best known for ridiculously good pork buns. This restaurant also serves a selection of seafood, beef, chicken, and vegetarian entrees. Whether you’re craving a spicy curry, beef satay, kung pao chicken, or black pepper shrimp, this place has a surprisingly extensive menu given the lack of kitchen space.
What to get: I can wax lyrical about the pork buns here for days. Perfectly moist and brimming with juicy pork and authentic spices. These buns are among my favorite things to eat in Seattle.
Daily Dozen Donuts
website | 93 Pike St | cuisine: dessert | best for: mini donuts | breakfast and lunch only
Daily Dozen Donuts is a Pike Place Market staple where you’ll find some of the freshest donuts in town. I remember when I worked Downtown, one of my colleagues would grab a bag and shake it to announce doughnuts were available. You should of seen all of us stampeding in like wildebeest.
You can buy half or full dozen bags of mini doughnuts. Choose among plain, powdered sugar, sprinkles, maple, and cinnamon sugar. They’ll be served right off the belt piping hot, so be careful!
What to get: The pro move is to get a mix of flavors. It’ll give you plenty to choose from and lets you try as many variations as possible for a bargain price. Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar flavor.
Sushi Kashiba
website | 86 Pine St | cuisine: Japanese | best for: omakase sushi dinner | dinner only (reservations recommended)
If you’ve read my piece on the best fish restaurants in Seattle, then you’ll know that I can’t get enough of Sushi Kashiba. It’s a little pricey, but it’s one of the best fine dining restaurants in Seattle worth budgeting for. Because it’s adored by both tourists and Seattleites alike.
Although you’re unlikely to spot the namesake Chef Kashiba here during the week, he’ll often be behind the sushi bar on weekends. He’s been running the show for over 50 years and trained under the famous Jiro of the I Love Sushi documentary. So you can expect the highest quality Japanese cuisine in Seattle.
What to get: I always recommend doing the chef’s tasting omakase. It’s expensive, but you’re allowed to keep eating until you can’t handle another piece of nigiri or sashimi!
Ellenos
website | 1500 Pike Pl | cuisine: breakfast or dessert, depends how you look at it | best for: Greek yogurt
Ellenos Pike Place scoop shop is temporarily closed. You can pick up their yogurt at Kitchen & Market.
If you don’t feel like beating the heat with ice cream this summer, head to Ellenos for life-changing Greek yogurt with unique fresh fruit toppings and compotes.
The folks here believe that when yogurt is made in small handmade batches, it can be more delicious than even the sweetest desserts. While I’m strictly in the camp of “yogurt is only acceptable at breakfast”, my boyfriend swears by Ellenos for dessert. I see why, as Ellenos makes the creamiest yogurt I’ve ever tasted. And it’s not too tart like other Greek yogurt brands.
What to get: The lemon curd is the must get. It’s tart and plays beautifully against the creamy plain yogurt.
Shug’s Soda Fountain
website | 1525 1st Ave | cuisine: dessert | best for: sundaes and scoops | lunch and dinner only
I love finding the best ice cream in Seattle. So when I first came across Shug’s Soda Fountain, I just had to check it out. This place gives off old-school soda shop vibes but boasts a modern and minimalistic interior that brings it into the 21st century.
The desserts here are ridiculous – in a good way. You’ll find everything from towering ice cream cones made with Lopez Island Creamery ice cream to novelty sundaes, shakes, and soda floats. I mean, you can even get an ice cream cocktail if you feel like sweetening up your usual happy hour.
What to get: Their knockout banana split which is made using brûléed bananas. It has a creamy vanilla ice cream base but is lifted with the addition of dark cherries and decadent caramelized bananas. Get it if it’s available. Otherwise, get the brownie sundae.
The Crumpet Shop
website | 1503 1st Ave | cuisine: British | best for: a quick breakfast
The Crumpet Shop is a tiny spot along 1st Avenue just around the corner from the famous Pike Place sign in downtown Seattle. Crumpets are a British baked good not too unlike an English muffin. They can be eaten with either sweet or savory toppings like eggs, ricotta, curd, tomato, etc.
I got savory Green Eggs & Ham with cheese and tomato and sweet lemon curd & ricotta when I went. Neither of these are on the menu exactly, so you have to ask for the concoctions I constructed.
I was surprised to discover I liked the pesto egg one better. While I’m a savory person through and through, I love lemon curd and can be heard saying “ricotta is the gift of the gods” regularly. However, while I liked both the ricotta and curd separately, I found it came with way too much of both and overpowered the crumpet.
That’s a shame because the crumpet is so good I’d order it plain with some butter next time. It’s like the freshest, fluffiest version of an English muffin I’ve ever had, with the perfect balance of salt and yeastiness. If I still worked downtown, I’d be here regularly for a quick breakfast before beginning my day.
Cafe Campagne
website |1600 Post Alley | cuisine: French | best for: upscale dining
Cafe Campagne is a one of the best Pike Place restaurants for a fancy meal. It’s not the best pick for vegetarian travelers (unless you’re happy with upscale salads!), but it’s a mecca for meat-eaters and fans of classic French fare.
The interior at Café Campagne is homey and rustic, and you’ll spot several vintage posters dotted around the bistro that give the place an old-fashioned feel. Despite being an elegant dining spot, the setting is extremely relaxed and doesn’t feel intimidating in the slightest.
If you’re here on Saturday or Sunday, don’t miss their iconic weekend brunch which features classic French pastries and the gorgeous Oeufs en Muerette.
What to get: I get that steak tartare won’t float everyone’s boat, but it’s exceptionally good here and shouldn’t be missed!
Place Pigalle
website | 81 Pike St | cuisine: French | best for: bouillabaisse | lunch and dinner only
I’ve found a few Seattle restaurants with amazing views, but this place is my top pick in Pike Place Market. It’s located down a small hallway to the left of the market and is surprisingly peaceful (considering the swathes of tourists that are milling around a few yards away).
Service can be on the slow side, but the gorgeous views and impressive French fare more than make up for it. Although I always dine outside if I’m given the choice, the quaint checkerboard flooring and vibrant artwork are quirky pluses if you’re seated indoors.
What to get: The bouillabaisse is unreal and made with a tomato-saffron broth and a boatload of fresh seafood.
DeLaurenti
website | 1435 1st Ave | cuisine: Italian | best for: baked goods and sandwiches | breakfast and lunch only
If you’re walking through Pike Place Market, you’ll probably see people flocking to Le Panier for treats. Honestly, I prefer DeLaurenti Food and Wine for baked goods as it’s cheaper, less busy, and has way more options available.
DeLaurenti is an Italian wine and food specialty store that sells meats, cheeses, imported groceries, and everything in between. I usually duck in to check out their bakery section, as they serve incredible deli sandwiches and some of the cookies in the city.
What to get: Their peanut butter cookie and sandwiches are seriously next level and are both large enough to share which makes them super budget-friendly!
Matt’s in the Market
website | 94 Pike St | cuisine: Pacific Northwestern | best for: burgers | lunch and dinner only
If you’re looking to inhale a juicy burgers while taking in epic views of the market, you truly can’t beat Matt’s in the Market. This place is a Pike Place staple thanks to its prime location right in front of the market’s famous sign.
A lot of people stop here for lunch, but it’s worth visiting at dinnertime for slightly lower crowd levels and a relaxed atmosphere.
Burgers are their most popular offering, but you can also order a wide range of fish dishes and seafood platters that make the most of Seattle’s fresh catches.
What to get: The Steakhouse Burger with caramelized onion bacon dip and house-made chips is a winner, but the ‘Fishwich is equally good!
Radiator Whiskey
website | 94 Pike St | cuisine: pub grub | best for: meats and booze | dinner only
This vibrant, rustic-chic bar is one of my favorite places to stop for whiskey, large portions of meat, and classic sides. With its new-age cocktails, fun menu, and exciting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to visit after a day of souvenir shopping.
The Bourbon-colored décor adds warmth to the main bar area, and the constant flow of juicy meat platters and hot chips gives the place a classic pub vibe.
Whether you want to order melt-in-the-mouth burnt ends, mac and cheese, or an incredible pulled pork sandwich, this place will wine and dine you well into the night.
What to get: There’s lots to love about this greasy menu, but the sharing tater tots served with a soft fried egg and gravy are my guilty pleasure.
Old Stove Brewing
website | 1901 Western Avenue | cuisine: pub grub | best for: beer + fish and chips
Your jaw is likely going to drop when you walk into Old Stove Brewing. Not only does it serve some of the best craft beers in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s cool, comfortable, and boasts incredible views over the Seattle Waterfront from its outdoor patio area. Talk about a slam dunk!
This place produces much of its own beer onsite. The brews are this restaurant’s main draw, but don’t sleep on the sharing platters, pizzas, or enormous burgers. Almost everything on the menu is locally sourced, so you can expect bold and fresh flavors with every bite.
What to get: The fish and chips every time. This dish is made using Blue North cod and is smothered in the restaurant’s Belgian Blonde batter for the ultimate indulgence.
Maiz
website| 1914 Pike Pl | cuisine: Mexican | best for: tacos
I’m always on the hunt for the best street tacos in Seattle, so Maiz is an obvious place to stop when eating your way through Pike Place Market. Located right next to the first Starbucks on Pike Place, this small and authentic eatery serves everything from stuffed tacos to mouthwatering gorditas and tamales.
What makes this place so special, though, is its freshly-ground corn masa. The chefs are all about recreating authentic Mexican cooking techniques, so expect to sample the freshest corn tortillas you’ve ever tasted if you choose to eat here.
What to get: People all over Instagram rave about this place’s tamales, but it’s the tacos that take the cake. They’re crafted with tortillas fresh off the grill and handcrafted right before your eyes.
Pike Place eats to skip
I talked about the best restaurants in Pike Place Market, but what about all the other places you may have ready about? Here are the places I think are not worth your time.
Beecher’s
Beecher’s is amazing, but you can pick it up anywhere in Seattle. I’m talking grocery stores, airports, and corner shops. You can even ship it to you and find it in your local store back home. So skip the crowds at Pike Place Market and grab it elsewhere!
Original Starbucks
I get that this is a major tourist attraction in Seattle, but there’s way better coffee available from awesome independent Seattle roasters. Also, this isn’t technically the original Starbucks (it’s the second location), and you can waste a lot of valuable time waiting to get inside.
Fish stalls
There are several fish markets in the Pike Place Market, and they all sell solid seafood. But between you and me, they’re all ridiculously overpriced. If you’re looking to grab fresh fish at unbeatable prices, check out my guide to buying seafood in Seattle instead!
Piroshky Piroshky
I have such a soft spot for Piroshky Piroshky but trying to visit this popular bakery at Pike Place isn’t a pleasant experience. It’s overcrowded, noisy, and you probably won’t find the goodies you’re looking for. I suggest checking out their 3rd Avenue location instead, as it’s usually much emptier.
Pike Place Chowder
Okay so I love Pike Place Chowder, but it’s literally always crowded and you can get it shipped to your door nationwide. If you’re looking for awesome clam chowder in Seattle, it’s worth heading to the restaurant’s Pacific Place location, hitting up Jack’s Fish Spot, or venturing down to the Market Grill to beat the tourist trap. I’ve written a whole post on the best clam chowders in Seattle, so I promise you won’t miss out!
Explore More of Seattle Like a Local
After you make your way through these best Pike Place Market restaurants, check out my other guides to experiencing the city like a local.
