People regularly ask me for tips on the best places to eat dinner in Seattle. Obviously that’s a bit of a broad question since Seattle is teeming with every type of cuisine, price point, and vibe you can imagine. Still, I would be remiss not to offer up some of my all-time favorite spots around the city.
Sometimes, dinner is the highlight of the night. Other times, it’s just a means to keep the party going. Regardless if you’re looking for fine dining or a casual weeknight spot, you’ll love this roundup of my must-visit restaurants to grab dinner and enjoy the nighttime ambiance of the Emerald City.
Best Places to Eat Dinner in Seattle
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more dinner spots in Seattle as I discover them!
RockCreek
website | neighborhoods: Fremont (get directions) & Kirkland (get directions) | cuisine: seafood | price point: $$$
I have a bit of a crush on RockCreek, which is why they’re listed in my self-guided food tour of Fremont. I love the rustic cabin vibe and the fact that they are one of the most consistently-good restaurants in Seattle.
RockCreek’s menu focuses on sustainably caught seafood centered around the PNW. The fish Provençal with crispy shallots and Vietnamese-style nuoc cham sauce is a must get. I’m also obsessed with their key lime pies and s’mores cups, AKA some of the best desserts in Seattle.
Ciudad
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: Portuguese-ish | price point: $$$
Ciudad is a fun and lively spot serving a grilled take on Portuguese, a cuisine you don’t see nearly enough in Seattle. It’s unassuming from the outside, but the dining room is brightly adorned with a colorful mural and loads of natural lighting. I bring my brothers-in-law here anytime they visit because they think it’s one of the best places to eat dinner in Seattle.
It’s a great stop if you’re looking for small plates or if you’re coming with a crowd and want to try a bit of everything. They’re probably best known for their grilled meat, but Ciudad is surprisingly one of the best restaurants for vegetarians in Seattle. In fact, two of my favorite dishes are veg: the grilled halloumi and cauliflower head. Make sure those are part of your order!
The Walrus and the Carpenter
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: French | price point: $$$
Walrus is the oldest Renee Erickson spot still open and has been on my list of best places to eat dinner in Seattle for years. The vibe is upscale, but relaxed. Expect bright lighting, a sleek aesthetic, and one of Seattle’s most Instagrammable dining rooms.
First and foremost, Walrus is a Seattle oyster bar, so you’ll have to grab a dozen oysters on the half-shell to start. After that, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but I always get the grilled sardines and tartare because it’s one of the best steak tartare in Seattle.
Delancey
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: pizza | price point: $$
Delancey is one of my favorite Italian spots in Seattle, which is saying something because I grew up in New Jersey eating the most authentic Italian food this side of the Atlantic.
The pizzas are wood-fired, which creates that unmistakable crisp exterior and chewy interior. I usually beeline it straight for the plain Brooklyn and white pie, but you can add seasonal toppings if you want to get fancy.
Homer
website | neighborhood: Beacon Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern | price point: $$$
Homer is one of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants in Seattle. It’s owned by the people that run Milk Drunk down the street. They specialize in authentic, expertly-seasoned dishes served alongside fresh pita bread and house-made soft serve.
The space is intimate and most of the dining room is dedicated to walk-in only. They used to refuse reservations for parties of 6+ but now offer four large party reservations per night, which you can make online. Luckily, if you get stuck waiting, you can pop in next door to Couple & Flute for a glass of bubbly.
La Cabaña
website | neighborhood: Greenwood (get directions) | cuisine: Latin/Central American | price point: $$
La Cabaña is a hidden gem in Seattle that not enough people know about. They specialize in authentic Central American dishes like plantains, pupusas, and my favorite, molcajete, which comes in a steaming molcajete stone with freshly made tortillas. It’s one of the best places to eat dinner in Seattle and, as a result, I visit regularly.
The vibe is very relaxed, so it’s the perfect spot to stop when you’re craving good food served simply for a reasonable price. If you plan on staying in for the night, they have the best takeout in Seattle.
Cafe Juanita
website | neighborhood: Kirkland (get directions) | cuisine: Northern Italian | price point: $$$$$
While not technically in Seattle, Cafe Juanita is worth the short drive out of town if you’re craving the best fine dining in Seattle. It’s owned by the James Beard winner and former Top Chef Masters contestant, Chef Holly Smith.
Cafe Juanita offers constantly changing tasting menus centered around northern Italian with a focus on PNW ingredients. You can add a sommelier-paired wine pairing and additional courses à la carte. Guests can choose between an omnivore, vegetarian, or vegan tasting menu.
Stoneburner
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | price point: $$$
Stoneburner has a permanent home in my self-guided food tour through Ballard, namely for their awe-inspiring pasta carbonara and restautant decor. Their menu focuses on seasonally available ingredients served in a classic Italian fashion.
If you’ve never tried pasta for brunch, you’ll want to address that immediately and stop by Stoneburner for one of the best brunches in Seattle.
Copine
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | price point: $$$$
Copine is one best places to eat dinner in Seattle when you’re celebrating a special occasion. The vibe is modern and sophisticated, which matches the artistic dishes perfectly.
The menu is a three-course pre-fixed tasting menu priced at ~$140/person with an optional mid-course supplement. Alternatively, you can snag a seat at their 8-seat bar and order off the à la carte bar menu as you taste through the extensive wine list.
Spinasse
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | price point: $$$
If you’ve been following for long then you know I’m pretty picky about Italian food, but Spinasse has some of the best pasta in Seattle, hands down. It’s all homemade and the intimate dining space reminds me of an authentic Piemonte eatery.
If you only have time for one dish, make it the tajarin pasta with butter and sage. But if you have the stomach for it, I suggest the Menu Degustazione. It comes with everything on the menu (minus dessert and sides) served family-style for the oh-so-worth-it price of $115/person.
Off Alley
website | neighborhood: Columbia City (get directions) | cuisine: farm-to-table | price point: $$$
Off Alley is one of my favorite farm-to-table restaurants in Seattle. The space is super tiny, which makes sense, considering it’s literally an enclosed alleyway that was converted into a restaurant.
The menu changes daily so they don’t bother to print them out. Instead, they just update the handwritten chalkboard menu. If you can’t decide what to order, let the staff guide you or opt for the tasting menu and try a bit of everything, along with an optional wine pairing.
Kamonegi
website | neighborhood: Wallingford (get directions) | cuisine: Japanese | price point: $$$
Award-winning Chef Matsuko Soma runs Kamonegi, a pocket-sized Japanese restaurant serving some of the only handmade soba noodles in the US. It’s also one of the few spots serving hot and cold soba, so you can compare both.
This soba is some of the best soup in Seattle, though I also enjoy their tempura and foie gras tofu, which is surprising since I’m not a foie gras fan. This place gets crowded, so make a reservation!
Pro tip: Chef Soma also runs the popular sake bar next door, Hannyatou, and Pizzakaya, a Japanese-style pizza popup hosted at Lupo.
Musang
website | neighborhood: Beacon Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Filipino | price point: $$$
I’m not gonna lie. I’m torn between Musang or Archipelago for this list. Archipelago has been impossible to get into, but luckily Musang is nearby and consistently churning out top-notch, authentic Filipino food with a nod to PNW ingredients.
You can’t go wrong with any of Musang’s small plates. I love their joy fried chicken, which comes with gravy and zucchini turmeric pickles. The vibe is fun, with plenty of outdoor seating and the constant buzz of happy customers.
Pro tip: Musang is currently closed for renovations, so they’re operating out of Wild Cat next door. They also have a more casual sister restaurant called Kilig in Chinatown-International District.
Hong Kong Bistro
website | neighborhood: Chinatown-International District (get directions) | cuisine: Cantonese | price point: $$
People often confuse Hong Kong Bistro with A+ Hong Kong Kitchen around the corner. I like A+, too, but I tend to lean more towards the Bistro for dinner since the dining room is more upscale and they have all-day dim sum.
HK Bistro is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Seattle. I loved their dumplings, especially the pan-fried shrimp dumplings that come out huge and stuffed to the brim with filling. The honey walnut prawns are another winner, so make sure they make it to your table.
El Moose
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Mexican | price point: $$
Formerly known as Señor Moose, El Moose has been a Ballard staple for almost 20 years. They have one of the best breakfasts in Seattle, with authentic street tacos, tortas, and more.
The vibe is bright and colorful, with bubblegum pink walls and bright flags lining the covered patio. They don’t take reservations. You just add your name to the board by the hostess stand. I usually have to wait if I’m with a big group, but the line moves fairly quickly. Don’t miss their guac and chilaquiles!
Sushi Kashiba
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | cuisine: sushi | price point: $$$$
If you want authentic omakase-style sushi in the middle of Pike Place Market, Sushi Kashiba is one of the best sushi spots in Seattle. It’s owned by Chef Shiro Kashiba, a three-times James Beard nominated chef and former student of Jiro Ono of the Netflix documentary Jiro Loves Sushi.
Dinner will cost you about $200 per person, but the expertly-made nigiri are worth it. Guests can choose the à la carte menu or the chef counter omakase experience.
Pro tip: If you’re craving omakase but don’t want to wade through the Pike Place traffic, try to snag a reservation at Taneda or Ltd Edition Sushi, both by Cal Anderson Park in Cap Hill. I prefer them slightly over Kashiba, but they’re difficult to get into.
Due’ Cucina
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions), Totem Lake (get directions), Roosevelt (get directions) & West Seattle (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | price point: $
Due’ is a fast-casual Seattle chain owned by two MIT grads who wanted to create healthy pasta using ancient grains. All the pasta is made in-house and there are gluten-free alternatives.
This is a great spot for well-executed pasta if you’re short on time or just want the best cheap eats around. The cacio e pepe is my favorite dish since it comes out super creamy (but with no cream!) and pink peppercorns for a subtle heat.
Bongos
website | neighborhood: Green Lake (get directions) | cuisine: Caribbean | price point: $
Bongos has the perfect beach vibe, with tons of outdoor seating, metal sheeting walls, comfy patio furniture, and sand (yup, sand). You’d never guess it’s a converted 76 gas station.
In addition to the vibe, the food is delicious. Zero pretensions, just authentic dishes like jerk chicken, yuca fries, and juicy braised pork. The desi pork and shrimp po’boy are my go-to’s. Just don’t forget to get an extra side of sweet plantains!
Paju
website | neighborhood: South Lake Union (get directions) | cuisine: Korean | price point: $$
Just a quick 10-minute walk from the Space Needle is Paju, a progressive Korean spot serving authentic dishes with modern influence. The dining room is kept sleek and minimal so the food and curated wine pairings can take center stage.
Don’t miss the squid ink kimchi fried rice. It’s a vibrant black and has all the umami notes of the late-night comfort food craving.
The Corson Building
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | price point: $$$$
The Corson Building is one of Seattle’s best date night spots, namely for its dreamy energy and French cottage vibes. The food is seasonally driven, so this is one of the best places to eat dinner in Seattle when you want something different each visit.
Guests can choose between a pre-fixed menu or order à la carte. They also offer a shortened pre-fixed menu specifically for Sunday supper. Considering this is a destination, not just a dinner spot, I suggest getting the pre-fixed menu and making a night out of it.
Taurus Ox
website | neighborhood: First Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Laotian | price point: $$
Between the Seattle Asian Art Museum and Japanese Gardens is Taurus Ox, one of the far too-few spots serving authentic Laotian cuisine. Most regulars know them for their stews, fried rice, and generously portioned plates. However, I’m obsessed with their burger.
It comes with two smashed patties topped with provolone cheese, jaew tomato, cured pork belly, pickled onions, taro steam, and cilantro. It’s seriously one of the best burgers in Seattle, a title I don’t take lightly. Others must agree, as their burger’s popularity allowed them to open a burger-only spot called Ox Burger.
Cafe Turko
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: Turkish | price point: $$
Located a stone’s throw from Lake Union, Cafe Turko is perfect if you’re coming with a crew of vegetarians or other dietary restrictions. They one of the best restaurants in Fremont, and I can personally attest to their rockstar catering team.
The dining room is covered in gorgeous lanterns and wall hangings, making you feel like you stepped into a bazaar. I recommend the rainbow hummus plate and lamb beyti kebabs. The hummus is creamy and vibrantly colored. The lamb is wrapped in lavash bread and served with an addictive dipping sauce.
Lady Jaye
website | neighborhood: West Seattle (get directions) | cuisine: barbecue | price point: $$
Lady Jaye is one of my favorite restaurants in West Seattle for their generous portions, relaxing outdoor seating, and mouthwatering aromas steaming off the smoker at all hours of the day.
In addition to having some of the best BBQ in Seattle, Lady Jaye also functions as one of Seattle’s best butchers. So, after you’ve filled up on smothered chicken wings, juicy rib short melts, and house-smoked cocktails, make sure to pop into the butchery and snag some meat for later.
Pro tip: They also have a bakery called Little Jaye. There’s nothing they can’t do!
CrackleMi
website | neighborhoods: Ballard (get directions) & Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: Vietnamese | price point: $
CrackleMi is one of my go-to restaurants in Seattle when I want something good, affordable, and healthy-ish. I crave this a lot, so I think this is low-key one of the best places to eat dinner in Seattle.
Some people tend to favor Ba Bar for this type of dining experience, but I prefer CrackleMi despite them not having pho on the menu because it’s more consistent and casual. I usually get the Cookout Bowl, which comes with boneless short rib, grilled chicken, and a dark-soy hardboiled egg over crispy veg and hot broken rice.
Thaiku
website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge (get directions) | cuisine: Thai | price point: $$
Aside from an adorable name, Thaiku makes you feel right at home as soon as you step in. That’s because it’s literally a home-turned-restaurant, with tables strategically placed in each room and a back porch that’s been converted into a cozy, private outdoor dining area.
Each dish is served in metal bowls, and the aromas wafting through the air make you feel like you’ve entered a Thai grandmother’s kitchen. I recommend the khao soi and panang curry with beef. Both are rich and have the perfect balance of heat. These dishes alone make it one of the best Thai restaurants in Seattle.
The Pink Door
website | neighborhood: Pike Place (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | price point: $$$
The Pink Door is a perfect dinner spot if you’re looking for an experience. In addition to dinner, they host regular burlesque shows, trapeze entertainment, live music, and tarot readings.
Luckily, the food aligns perfectly with the ambiance. Amidst the breathtaking views of Elliot Bay and Venitian carnival decor, they’re serving up some delicious pasta. The bolognese and lasagna are two items that put Pink Door on my list of best restaurants in Pike Place Market.
San Fermo
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | price point: $$$
San Fermo is another cute house-turned-restaurant. They offer traditional Italian dishes served with PNW ingredients, many of which come from their 34-acre farm outside La Conner, Washington.
In addition to being one of Seattle’s super Instagram-friendly restaurants, San Fermo serves one of the best bologneses I’ve ever had. It’s made with saffron, which gives it a beautiful color and complex level of flavor.
Maíz
website | neighborhoods: Downtown (get directions), SLU (get directions), & Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Mexican | price point: $$
Maíz is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a few locations around the city. Their first location in Pike Place Market is a tiny lunch spot, but Maíz Molino in SLU offers a more sit-down dinner and brunch experience, with generously portioned entrees and refreshing cocktails. Their newest Ballard location is an all day taqueria.
If you go for dinner, get the mole de mi ama, which comes with housemade mole paste, peanuts, and perfectly cooked chicken. For brunch, I’m a bit of a chilaquiles connoisseur, and they do a great job.
MariPili
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Spanish | price point: $$$
MariPili is a Galician tapas bar focused on small plates paired with Spanish and some of the best Washington wines. It’s dimly lit, but the natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows makes it so it’s not too romantic for a first date or get-together with friends.
They have classic Spanish dishes like paella and patatas bravas, alongside harder-to-find dishes like zamburiñas, baked scallops cooked in butter and chimichurri. They also have a cocktail menu dedicated to gin and tonics!
Communion
website | neighborhood: Central District (get directions) | cuisine: soul food | price point: $$$
Central District in general is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Seattle, and Communion is a big reason why. This popular Black-owned Seattle restaurant has gained national attention from James Beard and the New York Times. So chances are, most people would tell you this is one of the best places to eat dinner in Seattle.
I recommend getting the Hood Sushi, which comes with fried catfish, seaweed salad, pickled veg, and nori served with steamed rice and a Creole remoulade. This spot tends to fill up fast, so you’ll want to make a reservation or snag some takeout.
Darkalino’s
website | neighborhood: Pioneer Square (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | price point: $$
Located in Occidental Square, Darkalino’s is the sister restaurant to Ciudad and Mezzanotte. They’re an Italian deli serving homemade pastas, sandwiches, salads, and small plates. They also have a selection of spritzes you can sip on as you people-watch on their patio.
The ragu is some of the best I’ve had in Seattle. It has that same melt-in-your-mouth texture of the slow-cooked meat I grew up eating. If you’re in a sandwich mood, I suggest the mortadella sandwich, which comes on housemade focaccia with pistachio cream, roasted carrot, house pickles, and chili oil.
Tomo
website | neighborhood: White Center (get directions) | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | price point: $$$
Located in a former adult video store (yes, you read that right), Tomo claims to offer an affordable, upscale tasting menu centered around Pacific Northwest ingredients. It’s owned by former Canlis Chef Brady Williams, so it has some serious fine dining shops in a slightly more casual setting.
For ~$86 per person (plus an optional $68 wine pairing), you can explore the pre-fixed tasting menu or stick to ordering à la carte. We went with the tasting menu, and while there were some misses, overall, it was an exceptional experience.
Marination Mai Kai
website | neighborhood: West Seattle (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian-Korean | price point: $$
If I had to pick one restaurant to take out o towners, it would probably be Marination Mai Kai. It easily has one of the best views in Seattle, with a huge outdoor patio and an envious view of the Puget Sound and Seattle skyline.
Believe it or not, for being a Hawaiian-Korean fusion spot, they have some of the best fish and chips in Seattle. Their version is panko-breaded and beer-battered, which gives it an outrageous crackle with each bite. It comes with your choice of miso-ginger tartar or kimchi tartar sauce. Personally, I’ll pay the extra 50 cents to get both.
More Seattle dining ideas
Looking for even more places to eat? Check out my other guides after you make it through my list of the best places to eat dinner in Seattle.
