We’re lucky to have so many five-star restaurants in Seattle. From fine dining to casual eats, we have high-quality dining options for every palate and budget.
What do I consider a five-star restaurant? Well, if it has 5 stars on Yelp, that’s a good start. But it also needs to be consistently excellent in creativity, execution, and service…maybe so much so that it’s earned awards. Even a place that has a lower Yelp score can be rated five stars in my book if it meets this criteria.
To help you weed through the noise, here’s a list of the best five-star restaurants in Seattle. Get ready for some of the best meals of your life!
Five-Star Restaurants in Seattle
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more five-star restaurants in Seattle when I discover them!
Taneda
website | 219 Broadway E (get directions) | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cuisine: Japanese | Yelp: 5 stars
Taneda is one of the five-star restaurants in Seattle that deserves its premium rating. I consider it one of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle…heck, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city period!
That’s because Chef Hideaki Taneda makes flawless sushi dishes right in front of you at a 9-seat chef’s counter. He sources fish from both the Pacific Northwest and abroad. He actually has a live feed set up with his contacts in Japan so he can see what’s fresh each morning. That’s the commitment to quality you’re getting when you dine here.
The one downside is unanimous among all the five-star reviews: this place is near impossible to get into. That’s because they only offer two seatings a night. Keep an eye on Instagram for when they announce reservations will drop. Then wait for when the moment strikes to try and snag a spot before they are gone within mere seconds.
Archipelago
website | 5607 Rainier Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Hillman City | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | Yelp: 4.7 stars
It took me a while to visit Archipelago for the first time as the pandemic kind of got in the way. I had a reservation for March 2020 that was unfortunately delayed.
But when I finally did visit, I realized why this place gets so much hype. It’s fancy, but it doesn’t feel overly bougie. Instead, it’s warm, intimate, and completely relaxed… almost as if you were invited into owners Amber and Aaron’s home for a dinner party. And this is totally fitting, as the cuisine is a glimpse into their Filipino-American heritage. They’re regale you with stories from their childhood, making each beautifully-plated dish that more meaningful.
It’s tricky to score a seat since only 12 people can dine at the chef’s table. This is great for creating an intimate atmosphere and giving you a prime look into the cooking process though! Plus it gives them the opportunity to talk to you and adjust the portions to match how hungry you are.
Beast & Cleaver
website | 2362 NW 80th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Loyal Heights/Ballard | cuisine: American | Yelp: 4.8 stars
Beast & Cleaver is a family-owned butcher shop I frequent for prime cuts. But what makes them unique is that they also serve food using their sustainably-sourced meats.
During the daytime on Thursdays and Fridays, they serve delicious sandwiches and burgers. As you’d expect from a butcher, the meat is always perfectly trimmed and moist. Try to get here when they open because things sell out quickly.
Come nighttime on weekends, they transform the butcher shop into an intimate five-star Seattle restaurant called Peasant. You get multiple courses of creative dishes featuring whole animal butchery. They keep the wine flowing too, so it feels as if you’re hanging with the kitchen crew after hours.
Layer’s Green Lake
website | 7900 E Greenlake Dr N (get directions) | cuisine: sandwiches | Yelp: 4.6 stars
Layer’s Sandwich Co. is a quaint 20-foot-long food truck that serves some of the fanciest sandwiches in town (though they’re working on opening a brick and mortar!). They’re all about using local ingredients and creating interesting flavor combos.
The menu is small but mighty. I love the Precocious Piggy for days when I’m craving pork belly. But I’d Date A Jalapeno is my go-to when I need something spicy. And the banana bread? Oh man, it’s just ridiculous. It’s griddled with olive oil and served warm with a sprinkle of sea salt to give it more depth.
Ltd Edition Sushi
website | 1641 Nagle Pl (get directions) | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cuisine: Japanese | Yelp: 4.7 stars
Ltd Edition Sushi is another omakase-style restaurant serving excellent sushi. You’ll find some of the best quality fish you’ve ever had, all served with minimal intervention to let each ingredient shine. They even offer temperature-controlled sake pairings for every course.
It’s worth knowing that they limit orders to 32 each day to keep things as fresh as possible. For this reason, I always make sure to book a reservation in advance to secure a spot.
S/T Hooligans
website | 4354 Leary Way NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Fremont | cuisine: Creole/American | Yelp: 4.7 stars
If you’re searching for the best burgers in Seattle, make a beeline for S/T Hooligans. It’s a cool and trendy restaurant in Fremont that serves comfort food in a casual atmosphere.
Their most popular dish is the fried chicken sandwich, but they do awesome BBQ meats and Creole classics if you’re after something heartier. Their Bal-Mont burger is topped with Tillamook cheddar, sweet onions, romaine lettuce, tomato, and an amazing garlic-chili aioli that has just the right amount of spice.
Midnite Ramen
website | roaming food cart | cuisine: Japanese | Yelp: 4.7 stars
Midnite Ramen is technically a food cart that stops outside local breweries. But it’s also one of the best five-star restaurants in Seattle! Their soups are always piping hot and bursting with savory goodness (especially the brisket ramen which melts in your mouth). The menu of steamed buns is also worth a look if you’re on the move.
The Chicken Supply
website | 7410 Greenwood Ave (get directions) | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | cuisine: Filipino/fried chicken | Yelp: 4.6 stars
I think The Chicken Supply describes their food best. They serve “really awesome chicken” in Phinney Ridge that’s packed with flavor and always super moist.
Seriously, the crisp outer layer on the chicken was unreal. But honestly, everything from the mongo beans to the spicy chicken thighs is worth trying. To make things even better, it’s one of the five-star restaurants in Seattle that doesn’t break the bank!
Moto
website | West Seattle (get directions) and Edmonds (get directions) | cuisine: pizza | Yelp: 4.6 stars
Moto used to be one of the new kids on the block. But it’s quickly made its mark as one of the best spots for pizza in Seattle. I’m surprised they haven’t earned 5-stars on Yelp considering you have to order their pies two months in advance!
First-timers should try the crab pizza as it’s zesty and fresh. However, anything on the menu that’s smothered with cheese is a good shout. The toppings are fabulous and the perfectly fluffy crust always keeps diners coming back for seconds. If you have time, pick up one of their ridiculously smooth soft-serve ice creams for dessert.
Maiz
website | 1914 Pike Pl (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: Mexican/tacos | Yelp: 4.4 stars
Maiz is one of the best Pike Place restaurants for street tacos and escaping crowds near the first Starbucks (well, technically second). It’s different from other Mexican restaurants in Seattle as it makes its tortillas with freshly-ground corn masa for an uber-authentic taste. And the fact that every taco is made to order with mouthwatering meats and fresh veggies doesn’t hurt either!
If you’re not feeling tacos, you can grab gorditas, tamales, or burritos before braving the market crowds. Just be warned that this place closes at 6 pm so it’s not exactly the best spot for a late dinner.
Pro tip: They also have bigger locations in Ballard and SLU with slightly different names and concepts.
Spice Waala
website | Capitol Hill (get directions) and Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Indian | Yelp: 4.5 stars
If anyone ever asks where to get Indian food in Seattle, I’ll always mention Spice Waala. This place is incredibly affordable and serves amazing kathi rolls and chaat that you won’t find elsewhere in the city. You’ll also find me putting their sweet tamarind sauce on everything as it’s just that good.
Hamdi
website | 4012 Leary Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Fremont | cuisine: Mediterranean | Yelp: 4 stars
Hamdi is one of my go-to spots for Mediterranean food in Seattle. They’ve scaled from a tiny pop-up to a full restaurant, but their flavors have remained authentic over the years. Chef Berk Guldal is Turkish and all about using traditional cooking methods and old-school flavors. You’ll be able to see everything being made in the open kitchen if you love being part of the action.
The food here is elevated, but the atmosphere is never stuffy. They tend to operate a seasonal menu so you should expect changes throughout the year. But I always order the kebap, which is a glorious mainstay that’s served with juicy meat and warm pita.
Copine
website | 6460 24th Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | Yelp: 4.5 stars
I’ve been to Copine for my birthday a few times over the years as it’s perfect for a special occasion. The décor is modern and sophisticated, which matches the new-age dishes. The plates here are also like art and there’s a huge focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
They usually offer a prix-fixe menu for around $120, which is a decent deal for first-timers. But I tend to stick to the a la carte menu if their signature short ribs are available.
La Cabaña
website | 606 N 105th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Greenwood | cuisine: Latin/Central American | Yelp: 4.6 stars
One of my favorite five-star restaurants in Seattle is La Cabaña, as I live just around the corner. It’s a lesser-known spot for amazing Central American takeout and you just can’t beat the prices.
You can usually grab a decent meal for under $20, but you’ll want seconds and thirds of their plantains and pupusas. I don’t know how they do it, but everything is perfectly flavored without ever being greasy. And their spicy food? It’s not for the fainthearted but it’s so delicious.
RockCreek
website | 4300 Fremont Ave N (get directions) & 89 Kirkland Ave | neighborhoods: Fremont & Kirkland | cuisine: seafood/Pacific Northwest | Yelp: 4.4 stars
Another North Seattle gem that I love visiting is RockCreek. It’s the best place in town for fresh seafood and the high ceilings and airy layout makes it feel worlds away from Seattle’s metropolitan center. And that’s exactly what owner Eric Donnelly is going for. He’s tried to make it feel like a cabin in the woods and I completely get those vibes.
When it comes to food, the fish Provençal will always be the standout dish. It’s served with crispy shallots and Vietnamese-style nuoc cham sauce with herbs. I’m also a sucker for their key lime pie and s’mores cups, which are some of the best desserts in Seattle by a mile. Oh, and if you’re looking for discounts on cocktails, they have a decent Happy Hour between 4 pm and 5:30 pm each day!
Made in House / BOPBOX
websites: Made In House, BOPBOX | Fremont (get directions) & Georgetown (get directions) cuisine: Korean | Yelp: 4.6 stars / 4.6 stars
Made-In-House and BOPBOX are sister restaurants with pretty much the same menu, so it doesn’t really matter which one you visit. Made In House is my go-to spot since it’s in north Seattle where I live. It’s popular with the lunch crowd as it’s one of the best restaurants for takeout in Seattle. Don’t miss the bibimbop bulgogi beef!
Ciudad
website | 6118 12th Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: Mediterranean/Portuguese | Yelp: 4.4 stars
Ciudad is among the best five-star restaurants in Seattle for group events. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it has a private room and a super cool atmosphere with a vibrant mural wall. The main dining area has colorful cushions and relaxed wall seating which, is ideal for casual hangouts and first dates.
I always order the whole-roasted cauliflower with cipollini onions and date syrup if I’m feeling vegetarian fare. It’s perfectly sweet and goes amazingly with the seared halloumi and any of their grilled meats.
Spinasse
website | 1531 14th Ave (get directions) | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cuisine: Italian | Yelp: 4.5 stars
Spinasse is one of the best five-star restaurants in Seattle, hands down. So much so that I can’t believe it doesn’t have 5 stars on Yelp!
They serve some of the best Italian food in Seattle so splurge for the tasting menu to try it all. It’s around $115 per person and covers every single item on the regular menu (except sides and desserts). I always find that this takes menu paralysis out of the equation which is great if you’re a first-time visitor.
Don’t have a big appetite? The tajarin is some of the best pasta in Seattle and will instantly transport you to a cozy spot on the Italian coast.
Homer
website |3013 Beacon Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Beacon Hill | cuisine: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern | Yelp: 4.5 stars
Homer serves posh Mediterranean food in Seattle, so it’s hard to get a table here (particularly because they don’t take reservations for parties under 6). The atmosphere feels upscale but casual and the portions are pretty generous.
I suggest getting the pita and dips to start. They come straight out of the oven to your table and are always super fluffy. The pork shoulder is also fabulous as it melts in your mouth and is so tender. If you fancy something sweet to finish, grab a bowl of their famous soft serve!
Musang
website | 2524 Beacon Ave St (get directions) | neighborhood: Beacon Hill | cuisine: Filipino | Yelp: 4.4 stars
Musang has always been a crowd-pleaser because it’s run by Melissa Miranda who’s been nominated for a James Beard award and featured in countless national food magazines. The restaurant is open for brunch and dinner and serves modern Filipino dishes with a Pacific Northwest twist. The dining room is cool and contemporary, which matches the eclectic menu and buzzy vibe.
Food-wise, you can’t go wrong with the silog if you’re here for brunch. It’s a traditional Filipino breakfast food that’s served with steak, chicken, or grilled eggplant and a fried egg. For dinner, try a selection of their mouthwatering small plates. Between you and me, you can’t beat the pancit lomi noodles if you want a well-rounded dish with tons of flavor.
Un Bien
website | 7302.5 15th Ave NW & 6226 Seaview Avenue NW | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Caribbean | Yelp: 4.7 stars / 4.7 stars
I never would have guessed that the best sandwiches in Seattle would be Caribbean-themed, but Un Bien changed the game. The Caribbean Roast sandwich is always my first choice. It’s incredibly tender and is served with cilantro and jalapeños for a hint of spice. If you’re super hungry, the Smokin’ Thighs basted with their top-secret marinade are worth any potential drips.
Le Caviste
website | 1919 7th Ave (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: French | Yelp: 4.6 stars
Le Caviste is a charming wine bar that I’ve been keeping under wraps for years. It’s owned by master sommelier David Butler and he’s created a glorious wine program that has taken Seattle by storm. You’ll find all the available wines on a large blackboard, but the staff will walk you through what to order if you’re a newbie.
It’s one of the five-star restaurants in Seattle that doesn’t serve much food, but the fish in parchment and charcuterie plate (which includes the world’s most delicious butter) are perfect for soaking up any booze.
Eden Hill
website | 2209 Queen Anne Ave N (get directions) | neighborhood: Queen Anne | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | Yelp: 4.4 stars
Eden Hill is the first place I think of when someone asks me about the best fine-dining restaurants in Seattle. It has a killer tasting menu and the most delicious pork belly that I’ve ever tried. I don’t always get to order it as the menu is constantly changing based on the season. But hey, it guarantees that everything is fresh and locally sourced!
There are only 24 seats available which makes it an intimate spot for anniversaries or birthday dinners. To secure a table, I suggest booking at least a month ahead.
The Pink Door
website | 1919 Post Alley (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: Italian | Yelp: 4.4 stars
The Pink Door is one of the best restaurants in Seattle with a view. If you’re on the patio, you’ll get incredible panoramas over Elliott Bay and the bustling Pike Place Market. It’s a great place to escape from the madness of the market, and the Venetian décor, hanging lights, and weekly aerial performances make it one of the cutest restaurants in Seattle for adventurous couples.
I’d say the ambiance was the main draw of this place, but I can’t fault the food either. Seriously, I still think about the bolognese and the lasagna!
Pasta Casalinga
website |93 Pike St (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: Italian | Yelp: 4.6 stars
As an Italian, I know good pasta when I taste it. And I can confidently say that Pasta Casalinga serves some of the best pasta in Seattle. It was so authentic that I wasn’t surprised to learn that co-owner and chef Michela was born in Italy before moving to the United States. If you keep an eye out, you can often see her making fresh pasta in the open-air kitchen!
The menu here is seasonal so it’s tricky to pin down a reliable favorite that you can order year-round. But the rich ragu bolognese which is served with fresh parmesan and olive oil is pretty much faultless.
Harvest Beat
website | 1711 N 45th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Wallingford | cuisine: vegan | Yelp: 4.5 stars
Harvest Beat was one of the first vegan restaurants in Seattle that I tried and it made a stellar impression. It’s a fine dining spot that serves everything from a fancy 5-course tasting menu to unbelievable deserts and complex wines. If you don’t like alcohol, their non-alcoholic drink pairing is packed with bougie mocktails that rival the real deal.
And don’t even get me started on the romantic mood lighting and intimate dining room if you’re on the hunt for date night restaurants in Seattle. I’m not vegetarian or vegan, but the mushroom lasagna made me seriously consider working Meatless Mondays into my weekly meal plan.
Cakes of Paradise
website | 6322 6th Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: dessert | Yelp: 4.7 stars
You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten dessert at Cakes of Paradise. I don’t know how they do it, but they create the moistest cakes in town. And if you’re tying the knot, they even make full-size wedding cakes.
You won’t find typical red velvet or chocolate cake on the menu. Nope, this place is all about tropical flavors like guava, coconut, lime, and mango. The buttercream and curd they use are pleasantly sweet. But it’s never sickly, so you can have multiple slices without getting a sugar rush.
If you’re a cheesecake fan, the Hawaiian mango cheesecake is creamy and delicious. And hey, you won’t regret taking a few snaps of these bad boys to spice up your Instagram feed!
Sushi Kashiba
website |86 Pine St (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: Japanese/sushi | Yelp: 4.4 stars
Sushi Kashiba is a fancy omakase-style spot and it’s one of the best fish restaurants in Seattle. I won’t lie and say it’s affordable, as it’ll set you back around $200 a person. But it’s worth visiting for the high-end food and waterfront views.
Chef Kashiba is usually here during the weekends, but weekday visitors won’t be disappointed by the line of trained chefs on hand to create the most immaculate nigiri rolls and salt cod dishes around. And yep – some of the sushi is even elevated with a serving of caviar!
The Walrus and the Carpenter
website | 4743 Ballard Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | Yelp: 4.2 stars
I can’t believe The Walrus and the Carpenter isn’t higher rated on Yelp. It’s one of my all-time favorite seafood restaurants in Seattle that’s run by restaurant mogul Renee Erickson. The dining room is super Instagrammable and the menu is seafood-based with a strong focus on seasonal oysters and fresh catches. It’s a tad expensive, but I wouldn’t say that it veers into fine dining territory.
The must-have dishes here are the grilled sardines with gremolata made from parsley and nuts. It’s incredibly light and fresh, so it leaves tons of room for a larger dish if you’re hungry. But it’s the steak tartare that’s my ultimate guilty pleasure food. It’s honestly the best steak tartare in Seattle as it’s not too chewy and is served with crunchy rye toasts to bulk things out.
Delancey
website | 1415 NW 70th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Whittier Heights | cuisine: pizza | Yelp: 4 stars
Delancey is another restaurant that Yelp has done dirty. It’s only received 4 stars from Yelpers, but I think it serves the best pizza in Seattle if you love New York-style pies. I grew up eating the real deal and it’s as close as you’ll get without hot-footing it to the Big Apple.
You can easily feed a family with two pizzas which keeps costs down. But what I love most is the perfect balance they get between the cheese and sauce layers. You can get seasonal toppings if you want, but I usually get The Brooklyn and eat it as-is. For white pizza lovers, the White Pie with house-made ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and Grana is a winner.
Kamonegi
website | 1054 N 39th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Wallingford | cuisine: Japanese | Yelp: 4.2 stars
Kamonegi is run by the award-winning Chef Matsuko Soma and it’s an incredible place to grab noodle bowls, tempura, and savory broth in Seattle. If you didn’t know, she also has a sake bar right next door called Hannyatou and runs the popular “pizza-kaya” popup that serves Japanese-style pizzas and appetizers like tomato kimchi with burrata.
The soba noodles here are made using old-school techniques, and you can truly taste the difference. It doesn’t matter whether you order cold or hot broth with tons of toppings; the noodles are always the star. I’m not a huge fan of cold noodles, but I’ll always chow down on the kamo-nanban noodles with duck breast and yuzu zest or the vegetable curry if I want something heartier.
More delicious restaurants in Seattle
If you’ve been inspired by these five-star restaurants in Seattle, why not check out a few more?
