Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Seattle

Get the best picture for the 'Gram: Kerry Park is a small public park with some of the best views of Downtown. When I say small, I mean a narrow bit of grass with a viewing wall, perfect for taking pictures of the iconic skyline and Space Needle. 

Catch a Game: Seattle loves its sports teams! Depending on the time of year, check out the Seattle Kraken at the brand-new Climate Pledge Arena or root for the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. 

Wine Taste in Woodinville: Woodinville on the East side of the Puget Sound area has dozens of local wineries, offering tastings, picnics and a lovely day in the sun. 

Stroll around Seattle Center: Besides the famous Space Needle, there are many other fun attractions like the Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, and throughout the summer there are tons of festivals and live music. 

Pike Place Market: Why else do you come to Seattle? Explore the shops, produce stands, watch a salmon being thrown through the air and wander beyond to find all of the unique finds this market has in store. Pro tip: go early! Pike Place is famous for a reason and it can get very busy by mid-day, especially around the Starbucks queue. 

Hop on a ferry and explore the islands: Ferries from Seattle can take you to the surrounding islands like Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island and even up into the San Juans. Depending on how much time you have, drive your car or walk onto one of these large boats and explore more of the quiet towns just across the sound. 

International District: Seattle's Chinatown encompasses more than just dim sum (which is amazing, too) and broadens our horizons to include Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian and more. The Wing Luke Museum explores more of the history of The International District and its residents. 

Farmers' Markets for days: The Seattle Farmers Markets are a sight to behold. When it gets warm again, streets are bursting with local produce, handmade goods, artisan pastries, popsicles, cheese and more. Grab a bite and wander through the stands, sampling as you go. 

Cherry Blossoms: Here in the spring? The University of Washington and surrounding neighborhoods burst with beautiful, pink cherry blossoms every spring drawing locals and tourists alike.

Sushi Kashiba: Opened by the great Sushi master, Shiro Kashiba, Sushi Kashiba sets the standard for Japanese cuisine. Being the first to introduce sushi to Seattle should be enough of a claim to fame, but Shiro continues to amaze with his innovative technique and appreciation of the ingredients. 

Molly Moon's: Seattle is bursting with amazing ice cream shops but Molly Moon's takes the cake with their unique flavors, house-made toppings and waffle cones. Grab a scoop or a pint at any of their locations throughout the area. Feeding a crowd? Get their ice cream flight and get a scoop of each flavor! 

Taylor Shellfish: Taylor's has their oyster farm in Bow, Washington, about two hours north of Seattle, but the city is full of its restaurants for those who do not want to make the trek. Enjoy the freshest oysters and get adventurous and try the geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck). 

Ba Sa: Fancy yourself a ferry ride? A few blocks away from the ferry dock on Bainbridge Island, Ba Sa is a family-run restaurant specializing in upgrading Vietnamese classics. Wanting to honor their parents who made a long and complicated trek from Vietnam, Ba Sa is a beautiful way to continue their family's dream. 

Canlis: One of the best views in Seattle. Canlis is a Seattle landmark as a fine-dining establishment perfect for a celebration or romantic evening. Aisha Ibrahim took the helm as Executive Chef in 2021 and the menu beautifully displays the unique taste of the Pacific Northwest. 

Musang: Welcome to your friend's Filipino home. Melissa Miranda and her genius brings traditional Filipino food and puts a bold twist on them. Never tried Filipino food before? The wonderful staff can guide you through the menu and help you decide how you are introduced to this wonderful cuisine. 

Watson's Counter: Nestled in the Ballard neighborhood, this unassuming coffee shop will satiate all of your brunch needs. Start with a house-roasted coffee or, my personal favorite, Bee and The Child Nitro with oat milk. Famous for their fruity pebbles French toast, Watson's counter brings a Korean flare to classics like Chicken and Waffles. Checking them out on a weekend? Be sure to make a reservation! 

Taku: Chef Shota Nakajima, fresh from his successful run as a Top Chef contestant, opened a chicken karrage restaurant in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and it's a must-have. Buckets of crunchy chicken are perfect bringing to the park or beach as you watch the sunset. 

Other cities like New York and Chicago may have their famous hot dogs, but know in Seattle that we love cream cheese, grilled onions and jalapeños, if you're feeling spicy. Local carts will have all of the goods but make sure you grab extra napkins!