13 Best Restaurants in Seattle, WA

Seattle's Fine Dining & Upscale Experiences

This article guides you through some of Seattle's best restaurants, perfect for a special occasion, a memorable meal, or simply a delicious night out.

1. Canlis: Pacific Northwestern Fine Dining with Asian Influences

Canlis is a Seattle institution, a fine-dining restaurant offering a prix fixe menu that showcases Pacific Northwestern cuisine with Asian/Japanese elements. This is a destination for a truly special and elevated dining experience. They are known for their Canlis Salad.

• Cuisine: Pacific Northwestern, Fine Dining
• Price: $$$$+
• Location: 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Prix fixe menu, Asian/Japanese influences, Pacific Northwestern cuisine, fine dining, special occasions, iconic Seattle restaurant, Canlis Salad

2. Spinasse: Incredible Food and a Top-Notch Negroni

Spinasse is an Italian restaurant celebrated for its incredible food and, notably, for having "the best negroni I've had in years." This restaurant offers an authentic and refined Italian dining experience. They are known for their handmade pasta.

• Cuisine: Italian, Fine Dining
• Price: $$$$+
• Location: 1531 14th Ave, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Incredible food, best negroni, authentic Italian, refined dining, handmade pasta, great for a special occasion

3. Altura: One of Seattle's Most Expensive (and Best) Meals

Altura, another acclaimed Italian restaurant, is described as "one of the best meals that I have eaten, and also the most expensive." This suggests a truly exceptional, high-end dining experience, perfect for a splurge-worthy occasion. They offer a tasting menu with many different courses.

• Cuisine: Italian, Fine Dining
• Price: $$$$+
• Location: 617 Broadway E, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Exceptional dining experience, high-end, tasting menu, Italian cuisine, special occasions, splurge-worthy

4. The Capital Grille: Upscale Dining with a Price to Match

The Capital Grille is an upscale steakhouse offering a classic fine dining experience. While "expensive and higher end," reviewers emphasize that "you get what you pay for," indicating high-quality food and service.

• Cuisine: Steakhouse, Fine Dining
• Price: $$$$+
• Location: 1301 4th Ave, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Upscale steakhouse, fine dining, high-quality food and service, expensive, great for special occasions

5. L'Oursin: The Best Dining Experience in Seattle

L'Oursin is said to offer the best dining experience in Seattle. This French restaurant offers a unique menu.

• Cuisine: French Price: $$$$ Location: 1315 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA Highlights: Best dining experience, French

Seafood & More Casual Options:

6. The Walrus and the Carpenter: Stellar Salmon Crudo and Oysters

The Walrus and the Carpenter is a renowned oyster bar that also offers a wider range of seafood dishes. Their salmon crudo is particularly praised, described as "one of the best dishes I've had anywhere." This is a must-visit for oyster lovers and seafood enthusiasts. They are known for having the best oysters in Seattle.

• Cuisine: Oyster Bar, Seafood
• Price: $$$
• Location: 4743 Ballard Ave NW #300, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Oyster bar, salmon crudo, fresh seafood, great for seafood lovers, Ballard location

7. FlintCreek Cattle Co.: Squash, Tuna Tartar, and Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

FlintCreek Cattle Co. is a New American restaurant with a focus on high-quality meats. Reviewers highlight the squash, tuna tartar, and molten chocolate lava cake as standout dishes.

• Cuisine: New American, Steakhouse
• Price: $$$
• Location: 8421 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: High-quality meats, squash, tuna tartar, molten chocolate lava cake, New American cuisine

8. The Pink Door: Tuna Crudo, French Fries, and Italian Flair

The Pink Door is a beloved Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious dishes. The tuna crudo and French fries are particularly recommended. This is a great spot for a fun and flavorful Italian meal.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$$
• Location: 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Tuna crudo, French fries, Italian cuisine, lively atmosphere, great for a fun and flavorful meal

9. Shaker + Spear: Best Clams, Truffle Fries, Cheesecake, and Lattes

Shaker + Spear is a seafood restaurant that earns high praise for its best clams, truffle fries, cheesecake, and lattes. This spot offers a diverse menu with something for everyone.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• Price: $$$
• Location: 2000 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Best clams, truffle fries, cheesecake, lattes, seafood, diverse menu

10. Von's 1000 Spirits: Sourdough Pasta and Excellent Service

Von's 1000 Spirits is an American restaurant that stands out for its sourdough pasta and excellent service. This is a great spot for a casual yet delicious meal with a unique twist.

• Cuisine: American
• Price: $$$
• Location: 1225 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Sourdough pasta, excellent service, unique dishes, American cuisine, casual dining

11. Six Seven Restaurant: Pricey but with a View

Six Seven Restaurant, located at The Edgewater Hotel, is a Pacific Northwestern restaurant offering stunning waterfront views. While "pricey," the restaurant is recommended for securing "the best seat possible" to enjoy the scenery.

• Cuisine: Pacific Northwestern
• Price: $$$$
• Location: 2411 Alaskan Wy Pier 67, Seattle, WA (The Edgewater Hotel)
• Highlights: Waterfront views, pricey, Pacific Northwestern cuisine, great for a special occasion with a view

12. Matt's in the Market: Unmatched Presentation

Matt's in the Market, located in Pike Place Market, is renowned for its unmatched presentation. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and visually stunning dishes.

• Cuisine: American
• Price: $$$$
• Location: 94 Pike St #32, Seattle, WA (Pike Place Market)
• Highlights: Unmatched presentation, fresh local ingredients, Pike Place Market location, unique dining experience, visually stunning dishes

13. COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar: Worth the Hype and Every Penny

COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar is a New American restaurant that lives up to the hype, with reviewers stating it's "worth the hype and worth every penny." This suggests a high-quality dining experience with exceptional food and service.

• Cuisine: New American Price: $$$ Location: 2350 E Union St, Seattle, WA Highlights: Soul Food

Seattle's culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and styles, from iconic fine-dining establishments to cozy neighborhood gems. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be sure to explore these and other great restaurants and discover your own culinary favorites in this dynamic city!