Seattle’s Best Restaurants and Iconic Foods: A Local’s Guide to the Best Bites in the Emerald City
If you’re looking for Seattle Best Restaurants and iconic foods, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve explored the city’s food scene extensively and compiled a list of my favorite restaurants and dishes. Seattle is a city that embraces its seafood-rich location, cultural diversity, and vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or looking for a fine dining experience with stunning views, Seattle has it all. Here are my top picks for the best spots to indulge in the city’s most iconic foods and culinary experiences.
Seattle’s Most Iconic Lunch: Waterfront Fish & Chips at Ivar’s
Every trip to Seattle is complete with a stop at the waterfront for some classic Pacific Northwest fish and chips. The Seattle Waterfront is home to numerous seafood options, but if you’re looking for something fast, fresh, and quintessentially Seattle’s most iconic lunch, head to Ivar’s.
A staple of Seattle’s food scene, Ivar’s offers delicious seafood in a casual setting, perfect for a quick break from exploring the bustling waterfront.
At Ivar’s, fish and chips take center stage, with options including crispy cod or halibut, fried to golden perfection. But the menu goes far beyond fish and chips—fried oysters, clams, prawns, and calamari are all available for those who want to sample the ocean’s bounty. On a chilly or rainy Seattle day (a common occurrence in the Pacific Northwest), nothing hits the spot like a sourdough bread bowl filled with their famous clam chowder.
Enjoying Ivar’s on the waterfront, with the salty sea air and views of Elliott Bay, is an experience in itself. Make sure to take in the sights of nearby attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Aquarium while you’re in the area. For a more elevated dining experience, the waterfront offers sit-down restaurants, but for a quick, classic Seattle lunch, Ivar’s is the perfect stop and that’s why it’s on my list of Seattle’s Best Restaurants and Seattle’s most iconic lunch spots.
Seattle's Best Dinner Restaurant with Cocktails: Daniel’s Broiler
If you’re searching for Seattle’s Best Dinner Restaurant, Daniel’s Broiler is my top recommendation. With three locations in the Seattle area, Daniel’s offers everything you could want: top-notch food, a lively atmosphere, and stunning views. My personal favorite location is in Bellevue, WA, but whether you’re at their Lake Union, Leschi, or Bellevue spots, you’re in for an unforgettable dining experience.
Daniel’s Broiler specializes in USDA Prime steak and offers a range of exquisite seafood options, including fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, and wild-caught Pacific Northwest salmon. Thanks to Seattle’s proximity to Alaska, you’ll also find Alaskan king crab and other special items on the menu, which will vary throughout the seasons.
What sets Daniel’s Broiler apart, however, is the atmosphere. The Bellevue location, located on the 21st floor, boasts panoramic views of downtown Seattle, Lake Washington, and the Cascade Mountains. In the evening, you can enjoy live piano music at the bar while sipping a craft cocktail and indulging in world-class food. Bellevue’s downtown area is lively and upscale, and visiting during the holiday season adds a special touch, as you can catch the annual winter parade on Bellevue Way.
Every year, after Thanksgiving up till Christmas the Bellevue Collection host the “Snowflake Lane” 7 days a week right at the bottom of the building where Daniel’s Broiler sits. The show starts at 7 pm, and it gets full. This is a great time to plan your Daniel’s Broiler dinner, either before or after the show. It’s spectacular! Add this to your itinerary and this is another reason Daniels makes my list for Seattle’s Best Dinner Restaurant.
For those looking for a sophisticated nightcap, Bellevue’s Daniel’s Broiler also has Prime 21, a speakeasy-style bar with an impressive selection of fine spirits and wine from around the globe. The intimate atmosphere, with dark wood accents and an onyx backdrop, is the perfect way to end your evening on a high note.
Seattle's Best Fine Dining with a View: Salty’s on Alki Beach
For an unforgettable fine dining experience with the best view of Seattle’s skyline, Salty’s on Alki Beach is a must-visit and top of the list for Seattle’s best restaurants. Located on the waterfront in West Seattle, Salty’s offers sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains. Whether you’re dining during a sunny afternoon or watching the city lights twinkle at night, the view alone is worth the visit.
Salty’s menu focuses heavily on Pacific Northwest seafood, featuring dishes like Dungeness crab, Alaskan salmon, halibut, and Maine lobster. Oysters and clams from local Northwest beaches are a fresh and flavorful addition to any meal. For those looking to mix things up, Salty’s also offers steaks, pasta, chicken, and a variety of seasonal dishes that highlight the region’s finest ingredients.
Beyond the food, Salty’s is known for its legendary brunch buffet, where you can indulge in a lavish spread of seafood, salads, breakfast items, and desserts. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a leisurely weekend meal with unbeatable views of the Emerald City.
Best Quick Bites in Seattle
Sometimes, you just need a quick and delicious meal, and not just Seattle best restaurant in particular. This cities got you covered with plenty of local favorites that are perfect for a bite on the go.
- Teriyaki: Seattle is famous for its teriyaki scene, and the competition is fierce. These mom-and-pop shops offer generous portions of grilled chicken, beef, or pork with flavorful teriyaki sauce, all served with rice and a side of salad. The variety and quality are outstanding, and you’ll find fantastic teriyaki joints scattered throughout the city. My recommendation? Try a spot that specializes in chicken katsu, a crispy, breaded chicken cutlet served with sweet-savory sauce—it’s a Seattle favorite.
- Dick’s Drive-In: For a true taste of Seattle’s fast-food history, stop by Dick’s Drive-In. This no-frills burger joint has been serving up burgers, fries, and shakes since the 1950s, and they’ve maintained their old-school charm. Don’t expect fancy toppings or gourmet buns—Dick’s is all about simplicity. Grab a classic cheeseburger, some piping hot fries made from Washington-grown potatoes, and wash it down with a thick, creamy milkshake. It’s a Seattle institution, and for good reason.
- Dick’s Drive-In: For a true taste of Seattle’s fast-food history, stop by Dick’s Drive-In. This no-frills burger joint has been serving up burgers, fries, and shakes since the 1950s, and they’ve maintained their old-school charm.
Don’t expect fancy toppings or gourmet buns—Dick’s is all about simplicity. Grab a classic cheeseburger, some piping hot fries made from Washington-grown potatoes, and wash it down with a thick, creamy milkshake. It’s a Seattle institution, and for good reason.
Conclusion: Discover Seattle Best Restaurants & Culinary Gems
Seattle’s food scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From casual waterfront dining at Ivar’s to the refined elegance of Daniel’s Broiler and Salty’s, the Emerald City offers something for every palate. Seafood is the undeniable star of Seattle’s culinary landscape, but the city’s rich cultural mix brings a wide range of flavors to the table, from teriyaki joints to classic burger stands.
Whether you’re here for a quick visit or planning an extended stay, make sure to explore the variety of iconic foods that define Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. From fresh seafood to hearty quick bites, the food in this city is not to be missed.
