27 Best Restaurants in Seattle for 2024
A trip to the northernmost major city in the contiguous United States is not complete without trying some of the many diverse restaurants in Seattle. Trust us: There are plenty of options you can choose from. Whatever type of world cuisine you love, the options are endless.
Restaurants in Seattle offer food lovers a great variety of choice fine or casual dining. Whether you enjoy fresh seafood, creamy pastas or a spicy taco, the restaurants in Seattle provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy food and good company.
To get you started on your culinary journey, we have compiled a list of our favorite restaurants in Seattle that you have to try at least once while you’re there.
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27 Best Restaurants in Seattle
1. Musang
Musang, a trendy and popular Filipino restaurant in Seattle, is the brainchild of top-rated chef Melissa Miranda. Since 2020, eating at Musang has been a family favorite for things to do in Seattle.
The Vibe
Like the food, the interior of Musang is trendy but homey, with dark wood furniture that stands out against the green accent walls.
What to Order
While the menu is full of innovative meals, the tender short rib kare kare and garlic rice is a favorite among diners.
Musang | 2524 Beacon Ave., Seattle, WA 98144 | $$
2. Kappo Tamura
Are you a sushi lover? Then you’ve got to visit one of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle: Kappo Tamura. Kappo Tamura servesthe highest quality of seafood and fish sourced locally.
The Vibe
Kappo Tamura embodies an authentic Japanese décor with a sushi bar where diners can enjoy excellent seafood while catching up with friends.
What to Order
You can’t visit Seattle’s best sushi restaurant without trying their artistically crafted sushi, whether it's the beautifully presented sashimi combo or the gorgeous black dragon roll.
Kappo Tamura | 2968 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102 | $$$
3. Tomo
When it comes to Asian cuisine, there are plenty of Japanese restaurants in Seattle, but one really stands out. Tomo is a Japanese fine-dining restaurant that focuses on experimental dishes and exceptional wine.
The Vibe
A trendy modern style with a buzz from the bustling kitchen and jam-packed dining area.
What to Order
Maitake, the Japanese fusion blend with classic ingredients like squash and horseradish, is a favorite among guests. Their chefs are also known for inventing beautiful, unique desserts that are the perfect end to an already sublime meal.
Tomo | 9811 16th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | $$$$
4. Pho Bac Sup Shop
Pho Bac Sup Shop is a staple in Seattle’s Vietnamese food scene, and the family legacy is being carried out by sisters Yenvy and Quynh-Vy. Pho Bac Sup Shop offers Vietnamese meals with a modern twist.
The Vibe
Pho Bac Sup Shop’s casual atmosphere is the perfect place to catch up with friends.
What to Order
The great thing about pho is that it is delicious with just about everything, but if we had to suggest one meal at this laid-back Seattle restaurant, it would be the pho Tron with a side of tender beef brisket.
Pho Bac Sup Shop | 1240 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98144 | $$
5. Joule
Looking for Korean restaurants in Seattle? Joule is an upmarket Korean restaurant run by Chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, who have a passion for elevating beef cuts with attractive presentations.
The Vibe
The vibe is contemporary and casual at Joule’s, with an outdoor patio that many locals love to while away the evenings at.
What to Order
Joule is a beloved restaurant in Seattle for many reasons, least of which is their famous melt-in–your-mouth dish called "'That' Short Rib Steak:" the 6-ounce tender beef rib steak (kalbi) served with kimchi.
Joule | 3506 Stone Way N., Seattle, WA 98103 | $$$
6. Made In House
Korean cuisine is a favorite amongst locals, and the Asian fusion deli Made in House is a restaurant in Seattle that serves delicious Korean dishes. This Korean deli likes to keep things casual and fuss-free, putting their focus on their food.
The Vibe
Made in House is small and simple, with an open kitchen and long tables great for socializing.
What to Order
The daily bento box is a favorite for locals and is packed with bright and colorful ingredients like soft-boiled eggs, kimbap, kale tempura and Japchae noodles.
Made in House | 3508 Fremont Pl. N., Seattle, WA 98103 | $$
7. Kau Kau
We’ve mentioned Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese spots, but what about Chinese? Kau Kau is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Seattle, and it's loved by tourists and locals alike.
The Vibe
Kau Kau keeps it simple with its casual fun and festive atmosphere with traditional Cantonese art adorning the walls.
What to Order
A trip to a Chinese barbecue is not complete without trying the succulent barbecue pork or roasted duck paired with some pork fried rice.
Kau Kau | 656 S. King St., Seattle, WA 98104 | $$
8. Kamonegi
In the mood for Japanese noodles? A restaurant in Seattle for craveable noodle dishes is Kamonegi. Created by Mutsuko Soma, a classically trained chef, Soma hand-cuts their soba noodles to ensure precision and less breakage.
The Vibe
Kamonegi’s warm lighting and traditional Japanese décor make it a cozy, intimate eating experience.
What to Order
Of course, you’ve got to try the soba noodles, hand-cut by Soma herself, but another popular dish is the eggplant tempura, a tantalizing combination of lobster mushroom, mitsuba and dashi broth.
Kamonegi | 1054 N. 39th St., Seattle, WA 98103 | $$
9. Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke
Nestled in Seattle, 2,670 miles away from Hawaii, is Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke, one of the most popular restaurants in Seattle to offer this Hawaiian specialty.
The Vibe
Ono keeps the décor simple to focus on the star of the restaurant: the seafood.
What to Order
Explore the rich and fresh flavors of Hawaiian poke by trying the spicy ahi bowl or the colorful seaweed salad that comes with spicy salmon.
Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke | 10016 Edmonds Way Ste. E, Edmonds, WA 98020 | $$
10. Ooink
If you’re on the lookout for the best bowl of noodles in Seattle, then you’ve got to pay a visit to Ooink. Since they were established in 2016, fresh noodles have been leaving their kitchen steaming and delicious.
The Vibe
It may be small inside, but the bright walls and modern stools keep it fresh and trendy.
What to Order
Chef Chong Boon Ooi’s signature spicy mala koterri ramen is the perfect way to warm up on a rainy Seattle afternoon. Its rich broth full of pork, garlic and numbing spices makes this one of the best ramen restaurants in Seattle.
Ooink | Multiple locations| $$
11. Shiro’s Sushi
If there’s one thing you’ll find lots of in Seattle, it’s sushi bars. Shiro’s Sushi is a particularly popular one where locals like to go when they need a refined, luxurious experience. Opened in 1995, Shiro’s created the standard for sushi restaurants in Seattle by being the first to blend traditional Edomae techniques with local fish and other ingredients.
The Vibe
Watch the sushi chefs prepare your sushi in front of you at the sushi bar while sharing a meal with someone special, or relax at one of the dining tables.
What to Order
For dining table guests, the chefs make all the decisions for you at this world-class restaurant in Seattle. The chef’s choice sushi course comes with 19 pieces of nigiri served in four courses (no a la carte). Opt to sit at the sushi bar and indulge in Shiri’s Omakase: three appetizers and 15 pieces of nigiri sushi handed straight to you by the chefs.
Shiro’s Sushi | 2401 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 | $$$$
12. Monsoon Seattle
Aptly named after the rainy city of Seattle, this Vietnamese fusion bar is anything but a washout. Monsoon Seattle is one of the most popular Vietnamese restaurants in Seattle because it prioritizes local ingredients and serves family-style meals.
The Vibe
From the fully stocked bar to the colorful Asian artwork on the walls, Monsoon Seattle is a fun, contemporary place to enjoy Asian food.
What to Order
Dine on their most popular dish, the drunken chicken: a crispy chicken doused in a sweet sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with fried rice.
Monsoon Seattle | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Meesha
Preeti Agarwal started as a home cook and now is owner and chef of two Indian restaurants in Seattle. One of those is Meesha.
The Vibe
Meesha’s is an upmarket, modern and sleek restaurant. Dim, low-hanging lights set the mood for an intimate dining experience.
What to Order
Feast on a variety of traditional Indian meals like the Goan prawn curry that comes served with an onion fennel salad. Finish off your meal with a familiar sweet dish, gulab jamun.
Meesha | Multiple Locations | $$$
14. Nirmal’s
Nirmal’s is also one of the most popular Indian restaurants in Seattle. It is owned by Oliver and Gita Bangera, who serve local upmarket Indian cuisine with a focus on pescatarians and vegetarians.
The Vibe
From the moment you step foot through the chic black doors and see the hardwood floor, exposed brick walls, and warmly lit room, you’ll feel cozy and comfortable.
What to Order
Make sure you try the Dungeness crab curry, a delicious blend of tamarind and coconut curry, or the vegetable kofta curry.
Nirmal’s | 106 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 | $$
15. Rupee Bar
Rupee Bar draws inspiration from aromatic Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine and is one of the most popular Indian cuisine restaurants in Seattle for sharing a meal with friends.
The Vibe
Rupee’s was awarded a James Beard for Best Design in 2020, and the peacock-blue walls and dim lighting make for an unforgettable experience.
What to Order
It’s not just the décor that is fresh and unique. So is the food, like the Kerala fried chicken that is dusted in a fine chili powder. Pair your meal with one of their exquisitely crafted cocktails.
Rupee Bar | 6307 24th Ave., NW. Seattle, WA 98107 | $$
16. Archipelago
Archipelago is more than just a Filipino restaurant in Seattle. It’s a cultural experience hosted by husband-and-wife team Aaron Verzosa and Amber Manuguid, who create unique and creative Filipino dishes.
The Vibe
Exposed brick walls, hanging dried herbs and a seated bar where diners can watch as their food is prepared in front of them create a personalized dining experience.
What to Order
Their must-try dish is the hand-cut Miki noodles or the red king salmon served with a huckleberry escabeche and fresh ginger.
Archipelago | 5607 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 | $$$$
17. Delish Ethiopian Cuisine
Looking for Ethiopian restaurants in Seattle? Delish is a newcomer to the local food scene, and husband-and-wife duo Delish Lemma and Amy Abera share their love for food by serving family recipes passed from mother and grandmother.
The Vibe
Delish’s large bar area and colorful orange walls adorned with Ethiopian art make for a comfortable place to dine with friends and family.
What to Order
Vegans have a plethora of choices, like the delicious 10-item vegetable combo or vegetable rolls. Delish also offers diners an unforgettable Ethiopian coffee ceremony that you simply need to experience for yourself.
Delish Ethiopian Cuisine | 5701 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 | $$
18. La Carta de Oaxaca
No restaurant list is complete without Mexican cuisine, and La Carta de Oaxaca is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Seattle. Since 2003, owner Gloria Perez has been creating delicious dishes inspired by her native Oaxacan heritage.
The Vibe
Explore the Oaxacan background of this restaurant in Seattle by taking in the photo-covered walls that tell the story of Perez, her family and her culture.
What to Order
Perez’s specialty is her tantalizing mole negro, a traditional Mexican sauce that takes hours to make, but the rich, smokey flavor is well worth it.
La Carta de Oaxaca | 5431 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107 | $$
19. Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Chowder is one of the many popular Downtown Seattle restaurants that you need to visit. Located in the popular Pike Place Market, which happens to be the oldest continuously operated farmers market in the U.S., Pike’s serves award-winning chowder.
The Vibe
This small restaurant in Seattle embodies the classic fish shop, with white tiled walls, simple seating and maritime-themed décor.
What to Order
Their most popular chowder you should try at least once is the rich and creamy New England clam chowder. Pair it with the Oregon Bay shrimp roll.
Pike Place Chowder | Multiple Locations | $$
20. Carmelo’s Tacos
Every day is Taco Tuesday at Carmelo’s Tacos. This family-run Mexican restaurant owned by Carmelo Gaspar is one of the best restaurants in Seattle if you’re looking for show-stopping tacos.
The Vibe
Simple décor puts emphasis on the star of the restaurant: the tacos.
What to Order
The al pastor tacos are filled to the brim with charred meat, salsa verde and salsa roja. Not feeling like a taco? We suggest the vegetable burrito, jam-packed with pinto beans, rice and cheese.
Carmelo’s Tacos | Multiple locations | $
21. Carnitas Michoacán
Holding the title of the best tacos in Seattle, Carnitas Michoacán is a popular restaurant in Seattle if you’re looking for authentic and mouthwatering tacos.
The Vibe
Eating tacos should be a fun experience, and Carnitas gets this with its colorful murals on the wall and papel picado hanging across the ceiling.
What to Order
A trip to Carnitas is incomplete without trying their famous carnitas tacos or the carne asada tacos filled with tender, charred grilled meat. Can’t decide between the two? Try them both!
Carnitas Michoacán | Multiple Locations | $$
22. Lil Red’s Takeout and Catering
Caribbean barbecue but in the heart of Seattle? Lil Red’s Takeout and Catering is a small takeaway restaurant in Seattle opened by Erasto Jackson, who is passionate about serving soul food to locals.
The Vibe
Lil Red’s is casual with no pretenses, and the only focus is on the food.
What to Order
With so many amazing meals on the menu, it’s hard to pick just one. So don’t — we recommend the sticky and saucy burnt ends and the tender beef brisket with cornbread.
Lil Red’s Takeout and Catering | 4225 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 | $$
23. FlintCreek Cattle Co.
If there’s one food that the U.S. is really good at, it’s beef, and FlintCreek Cattle Co. is an example of this. Established in 2015, FlintCreek has one goal in mind: serving premium meats sourced from small-scale farms to locals.
The Vibe
The fully loaded floor-to-ceiling bar and modern furniture are what make this upmarket venue one of the most inviting New American restaurants in Seattle.
What to Order
The soft and tender bison hanger steak served with a hearty onion marmalade and roasted walnuts is a favorite among diners. If you're not in the mood for red meat, the fragrant spiced duck confit is satisfyingly rich and indulgent. Leave room for dessert because the brûléed banana split is a must-have.
FlintCreek Cattle Co. | 8421 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 | $$$
24. Café Campagne
Are you looking for date ideas in Seattle? Parisian food is the ultimate pairing for your next date night at Café Campagne.
The Vibe
The warmly lit dining area of this French restaurant in Seattle is perfect for an intimate dinner for two.
What to Order
Enjoy breakfast with your special someone with the fluffy French toast coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. For something a little less sweet, we suggest the cheesy croque madame topped with a fried egg.
Café Campagne | 1600 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$
25. Pasta Casalinga
Of course we had to include Italian restaurants in Seattle on our list, and Pasta Casalinga is one you can’t skip. Opened by Italian Michela Tartaglia, Pasta Casalinga is a small, counter-based restaurant that serves daily bowls of pasta.
The Vibe
While it may be small inside, the pasta bar is large and made from light wood, which creates a bright, open and airy feel.
What to Order
This exceptional restaurant in Seattle sources distinct, seasonal ingredients each week, so the menu is always fresh in every possible way. Choose between From the Ocean, From the Farm, or From the Garden.
Pasta Casalinga | 93 Pike St. Ste. 201, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$
26. Le Pichet
There are plenty of Downtown Seattle restaurants you can take your pick from, and Le Pichet is one of them. Located in Pike Place Market, this small French restaurant is beloved for its classic French dishes.
The Vibe
Le Pichet will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to the narrow cobbled streets of France, where you’re sitting outside sipping on a coffee instead of inside a French restaurant in Seattle.
What to Order
We should warn you that the entire menu is written in French. Don’t let that intimidate you; whatever you choose will be delicious either way. We’re tempted by the classic French onion soup or the jambon et fromage (eggs, cheese and ham.)
Le Pichet | 1933 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 | $$
27. Spinasse
The last restaurant on our list is Spinasse, a 10-year-old trattoria that is considered a staple in the local community and one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle.
The Vibe
The interior is quaint and cozy, like your grandmother’s dining room.
What to Order
The tajarin al ragu is a classic dish you need to try, followed by a creamy tiramisu.
Spinasse | 1531 14th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 | $$$
Try Cooking Seattle Foods
Going out to eat in the best restaurants in Seattle should be on every foodie’s bucket list, but at the end of the day, nothing beats cooking at home. With cooking classes in Seattle, a world-class chef can teach you to prepare a range of cuisines, from international favorites to local Seattle specialties. No matter your level of kitchen experience, watch your culinary prowess grow with professional cooking tips and techniques from the best.
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With such a wide variety of restaurants, diners and cafés in wide supply, there’s bound to be a restaurant in Seattle that serves exactly what your palate is craving at any given moment. Take some time and explore one of these 20 superior spots on our list. An unforgettable meal awaits you! For even more ways to explore Seattle and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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