I love seeking out the best Seattle Fremont restaurants, partly because I live in that neck of the woods and partly because it’s such an underrated neighborhood for quality dining. In truth, Fremont is home to a diverse and eclectic lineup of restaurants, many of which are the best at what they do.
Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, ultra-creamy gelato, or the best Caribbean sammys in Seattle, Fremont is definitely worth dedicating a few days to explore.
So here’s my roundup of the best restaurants in Fremont, Seattle that are guaranteed to satisfy your inner gourmand. And, if you’re on the hunt for an even more curated list of North Seattle restaurants to try, definitely check out my self-guided Fremont food tour.
17 Best Seattle Fremont Restaurants
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’m always adding and updating to this list as I taste my way through more of the best Seattle Fremont restaurants!
RockCreek
website | get directions | cuisine: seafood | price range: $$$ | best for: seafood and desserts
RockCreek is easily at the top of my list when it comes to the best North Seattle restaurants. I love them for their covered patio, fire pit, creative cocktail list, consistent execution, and what they’re best known for: sustainably-caught seafood.
Named after Rock Creek, Montana where the Chef and owner Eric Donnelly regularly goes fishing, it’s clear he’s brought that same cabin vibe to the restaurant. There’s a huge image of his go-to fishing spot on the wall and a ton of wood and metal accents. The loft gives the restaurant a barn feel, yet there’s a lot of posh lighting to make it feel fancier.
What to order: Just about everything on the menu is good, but my go-to order for dinner is their cauliflower salad and fish provençal. The salad is perfectly balanced and has a ton of texture thanks to thinly sliced raw cauliflower and nuts. You’ll get equally as balanced flavors on the fish, which has a Vietnamese-like flare with a ton of herbs and nuoc cham-like sauce.
If I’m with a bigger group, I’ll also add on the octopus and mussel toast. However, I always make sure to leave room for dessert. Their s’more and key lime pie cups are some of the best desserts in Seattle.
Brunch wise, I always get their beignets, citrus and ricotta, and oyster Benedict. As you can see, I named half the menu so you can expect excellence at RockCreek! If you can only go to one of the best Seattle Fremont restaurants, make sure it’s here.
Pro tip: RockCreek’s sister restaurant, FlintCreek Cattle Co., is located in Greenwood and is one of the best steak restaurants in Seattle. Next door to FlintCreek is their other spot, Bar Sur Mer, one of my favorite date night spots in Seattle. They offer Spanish tapas alongside a killer list of gin and tonics.
Made in House
website | get directions | cuisine: Korean | price range: $$ | best for: a casual lunch
Made in House is a relatively recent addition to the Fremont neighborhood, though they’ve already won me over for their delicious and authentic Korean comfort food. In fact they’re one of my new favorite restaurants in the city right now, so it’s a no-brainer to add them to my list of best Seattle Fremont restaurants.
Owner Jeanny Rhee opened this spot to provide grab-and-go classic Korean dishes like bibimbop and japchae alongside a full espresso bar. She began her Seattle food journey through her line of hemp-cashew mylks, which are still offered at Made in House, either straight up or in a latte.
What to get: My go-to order is the Mom’s Medley bibimbop with bulgogi beef. Jeanny, her mom, and her aunt hand shred and prepare all the veggies, changing it a bit with what’s in season. You’ll find boiled, pickled, and fried pieces creating a cacophony of textures that go beautifully with the crispy rice.
Pro tip: Made in House has a second restaurant, BOPBOX, based in Georgetown, which is more of a casual spot for takeout, as opposed to the bustling cafe vibe of Made in House. It’s on Georgetown self-guided food tour, so it’s worth a stop!
Hamdi
website | get directions | cuisine: Turkish | price range: $$$$ | best for: fine dining in an unstuffy setting
Hamdi began as a frequent pop-up at Ballard’s Fair Isle Brewing, one of the best Ballard breweries, and has since become one of Fremont’s most exciting restaurants. They offer authentic Turkish and Anatolian cuisine in a bustling and lively atmosphere.
Hamdi is owned by Michelin-star couple Berk Güldal and Katrina Schult, who previously worked at the French Laundry and Single Thread in Napa Valley. Their expertise is shown through their execution of savory, well-balanced, and perfectly seasoned dishes. And since I’ve basically tried everything on the menu by now, I can guarantee it’s good!
Along with the delicious food is the colorful and fun vibe. There’s Turkish music constantly playing so it’s a perfect spot to bring a first date since there’s plenty of background music to take up any of those awkward pauses.
What to order: The menu changes regularly, but don’t miss the kebab. It’s some of the juiciest meat you’ll ever try!
Kamonegi
website | get directions | cuisine: Japanese | price range: $$$ | best for: soba
Owner and chef, Mutsuko Soma, has won awards and received national press for her soba noodles because she’s one of the few in the US making them by hand. So even though Kamonegi is tiny, it’s worth trying to snag a reservation to taste her craft.
What to order: Soma’s soba is some of the best soup in Seattle, so definitely get this. You can order it warm or cold, so try both to see which you prefer!
Besides soba, definitely order the foie gras tofu. I don’t even typically like foie gras but Soma’s team deftly turns it into a silky tofu consistency that is mind boggling.
Sea Wolf Bakers
website | get directions | cuisine: bakery | price range: $ | best for: breads and pastries
Next door to Manolin is the insanely popular Sea Wolf Bakery. They specialize in fresh sourdough bread, croissants, and a small selection of sandwiches and cafeteria-style pizzas. In addition, you can also get some grocery items while you’re there, like their housemade granola or small-batch coffee.
Sea Wolf has a small sitting area outside in case you want to enjoy your pastries there, though I usually just snag something to eat on the go. If you want to ensure you get first picks on their goods, consider preordering a few days in advance.
What to order: I always get their cheddar lye roll. I took a pretzel-making class with owner Jesse once and can attest, he knows his stuff. People also go crazy over their cinnamon rolls if you prefer something sweeter.
Lupo
website | get directions | cuisine: Neapolitan style pizza | price range: $$ | best for: sourdough pizza
Lupo and I began with a sordid history, as I wasn’t a huge fan of their takeout the first time I tried them. That said, I’ve since revised my opinion and even put them on my list of the best pizza in Seattle.
They use a sourdough crust which is obvious on the first bite. The wood-fired char and the balance of zesty tomato sauce and cheese perfectly complement the tangy, fluffy texture of the dough.
What to order: You can’t go wrong with any pie, so just let your gut make the decision for you. I usually narrow it down to two choices, one of them always being Margherita, and then panic when it’s my turn to order. So just pick one, they’re all good!
Pro tip: Lupo and Kamonegi often partner to host “pizzakaya” popups, a word play on pizza and the popular bar snacking concept in Japan, izakaya.
The Whale Wins
website | get directions | cuisine: European and vegetable-focused | price range: $$$ | best for: take-home souvenirs
No best Seattle Fremont restaurants list would be complete with mentioning The Whale Wins. It’s one of the exceptional restaurants in Renee Erickson’s empire along with The Walrus and the Carpenter, Willmott’s Ghost, and Westward. Erickson is known for creating some of the cutest restaurants in Seattle, so you can expect great ambiance.
The Whale Wins focuses on Chef Erickson’s love of Europe’s simple but elegant approach to vegetables and local fare. It’s an approachable spot that offers mostly vegetarian-driven dishes with some highly curated land fare options. By day it feels like a bustling cafe, but at night when the lights go dim it feels like an intimate bistro.
The Whale Wins circulates through three different menus throughout the day, with each menu featuring small plates like their house pickled veggies, serrano ham, and Spanish olives. The dining space is very bright and reminiscent of a European boutique market. This is fitting because you’ll find a small larder in the back of the restaurant with imported foodie items.
What to order: For dinner I always get the roast chicken because it’s one of the most perfectly-prepared birds in the city. If I’m there for brunch I like their gordita. You wouldn’t think to get a Mexican-inspired dish here, but the tangy salsa is super addictive!
Cafe Turko
website | get directions | cuisine: Turkish | price range: $$ | best for: casual Mediterranean fare
As soon as you walk into Cafe Turko, you’ll notice the vibrant wall colors and ceiling decorated with lanterns. The owners also couldn’t be more friendly, as I’ve worked with them personally on a catering order in the past. All of this makes Cafe Turko a warm and inviting space for a casual weeknight meal.
What to order: I strongly recommend their rainbow hummus plate and lamb beyti kebab. The hummus is super creamy and loaded with fresh flavor. The kebabs come wrapped in flatbread, almost like a quesadilla. It’s addictive!
Pro tip: With some of the best Halal food in Seattle and a veg-forward menu, Cafe Turko is a great spot for people with dietary restrictions.
Paseo
website | get directions | cuisine: Caribbean | price range: $ | best for: sandwiches
Paseo is a Caribbean sandwich shop that feels like a hole-in-the-wall. Despite the unassuming appearance, Paseo has been featured on Food Network and gets rave reviews for some of the best sandwiches in Seattle. They’re served heaping with meat…I mean, you need napkins and a hair tie to enjoy these bad boys!
What to order: The Caribbean Roast. I love the balance of flavors from the tender pork shoulder, sweet grilled onions, and tang aioli.
Tio Baby’s
website | get directions | cuisine: bar grub | price range: $$ | best for: nachos
If you read my latest post on comfort food spots in Seattle, I mentioned how Tio Baby’s is Chef/Owner Will Gordon’s love letter to all things dive bar. With high-quality nachos and a lengthy tap list, this is definitely not your average bar.
Each item on the menu is a nod to the simple things in life, but with curated ingredients made in-house. They also have a well-stocked bar and even make their own non-alcoholic cocktails from scratch.
What to order: If you’re coming here with a friend, I suggest sharing a plate of their nachos (with the queso) and a salad, which is surprisingly balanced and makes a refreshing compliment to the hearty nachos.
Joule
website | get directions | cuisine: Korean-fusion | price range: $$$ | best for: rice cakes
Joule, along with Chef Rachel Yang’s sister restaurant, Revel, is a Korean fusion spot serving up Korean-Northwest fusion with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Their menu is designed to be served family style, with mostly small plates and a few bigger main courses.
What to order: I love their spicy rice cakes, which are chewy and gummy but hold onto the sauce well. I’m also a sucker for ground beef and they deftly transform it into an excellent beef tartare and burger.
Local Tide
website | get directions | cuisine: seafood | price range: $$ | best for: elevated fish shack grub
Local Tide is taking everything I miss about the east coast and putting a hipster spin on it. You’ll find seaside fish shack favorites like fish and chips, clam chowder, and the like, but with a chef-y spin that makes this spot one of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle. Plus you’re able to eat in the comfort of a bright, plant-filled space rather than hunching over your meal on the beach.
What to order: I always recommend their crab roll, smash burger, and rockfish banh mi in that order. Their crab roll is typically only served on weekends and it’s pricey, but the flavors are worth the splurge. And I love when people realize this fish-focused spot is making one of the best burgers in Seattle, so don’t skip this! Get the salt and pepper fries on the side and thank me later.
Royal Grinders
website | get directions | cuisine: sandwiches | price range: $ | best for: toasted sandwiches
Being an original east coaster, if there’s one thing I haven’t found enough of in Seattle, it’s grinders. Luckily Royal Grinders fill thats void with a large selecting of toasted and pressed sandwiches. Many people skip this hole-in-the-wall, but it’s worth a stop.
What to order: My favorite is probably the chicken pesto or the Italian grinder, both of which come on a garlic and herb-oil-seasoned French roll. The vibe is really more suited for grab-and-go, though they do also offer some of the best delivery in Seattle if you’re in a rush or just looking for an easy lunch.
Fremont Bowl
website | get directions | cuisine: Japanese | price range: $$ | best for: chirashi
If you love authentic Japanese donburi served without the fuss, then you’ve got to check out Fremont Bowl. It’s a fast-dining casual spot that serves fresh seafood with perfectly cooked rice in generous portions. Many people consider them to have some of the best sushi in Seattle, so this is a must try for sushi lovers.
They emphasize takeout though they do have a small dining room. That said, peak hours can be pretty busy, so be prepared to wait for a counter spot.
What to order: The chirashi is my favorite because it features eight different types of seafood served on a bed of fluffy white rice. And if you’re not a big fish eater, their chicken katsu is some of the best I’ve had in Seattle.
Pro tip: Fremont Bowl has two additional locations called Donburi Station, one in Georgetown and one in Bellevue.
S/T Hooligans
website | get directions | cuisine: Creole comfort food | price range: $$ | best for: fried chicken
S/T Hooligans focuses on Creole/Southern comfort food classics like fried chicken, slow-roasted pork, and gumbo. They’re on my list of the best burgers in Seattle, but the truth is everything I’ve tried on their menu has been a winner. And the people agree: they’re one of the five star restaurants in Seattle. So obviously they also belong on this list of the best Seattle Fremont restaurants.
What to order: They’re best known for fried chicken, so don’t miss this! It’s served either on a sandwich or as a plate with spicy honey.
Kamakura
website | get directions | cuisine: Japanese | price range: $$ | best for: vegan sushi
Kamakura is a sushi restaurant that went into the late Chiso’s space, which was another sushi spot. They had big shoes to fill because Chiso was so loved, but I’d say they’ve succeeded in becoming one of the best Seattle Fremont restaurants.
What to order: They make a lot of traditional sushi rolls, but I think the best thing to get here is the vegan rolls. So many vegan spots just use fake meat, but Kamakura also uses veggies and texture to add interest. It makes this restaurant a great alternative when you want a healthy meal in Seattle.
Fainting Goat
website | get directions | cuisine: dessert | price range: $ | best for: gelato
Fainting Goat has locations in Fremont and Wallingford, but it’s their Fremont location I find myself at most often. They use only organic milk sourced from the Seattle staple Smith Brothers, along with organic sugar and seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
You’ll find classic gelato flavors like stracciatella, sour cherry, and tiramisu, but there are also quirky ones like rose and Ferrero Rocher. The consistency is super creamy, so it’s perfect for those times you’re craving some ice cream goodness.
What to order: I always order pistachio gelato because I consider it the Litmus Test of gelato shops. Fainting Goat’s version passes with flying colors.
Le Coin
website | get directions | cuisine: French | price range: $$$ | best for: tasting menu
Le Coin is one of the few French restaurants in Seattle. With a lengthy list of shareable plates, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy high-end French courses like grilled octopus, fresh oysters, and foie gras.
That said, if you feel like treating yourself, then I definitely recommend the tasting menu. It’s ~$105/pp and features seven courses alongside an optional wine or non-alcoholic beverage pairing.
What to order: I actually really love Le Coin’s brunch. I usually switch between their burger and chicken and waffles.
More to do around Fremont
Check out more of my recommendations for what to do after exploring the best Seattle Fremont restaurants.
- Best Things to Do in Fremont
- My Favorite Seattle Coffee Shops (many are in Fremont!)
- Ballard Self-Guided Food Tour
- The Ultimate Guide to the Ballard Breweries
- Seattle’s Stunning Viewpoints (one of which is in Fremont!)
- Seattle Bucket List: 70 Things to Do Your Lifetime
