Seattle is one of the best food cities. And if you love fresh oysters, it may just be the BEST food city! I find west coast oysters to be the best oysters in the U.S. and Seattle is the place to find them. There's a lot to eat in this seafood town, but I've narrowed the list down to my Top 14 musts!
Salmon Chowder at Pike Place Chowder
It's a staple, it's delicious, and it's in Pike Place Market so you can walk around after you finish your bowl of soup and take in what's truly one of the best markets in the country.
When you walk up to this place, you'll think it looks touristy but when you walk in, your mind will change. Sit at the oyster bar, get a glass of champs, and devour the absolute most divine oysters.
The "Eat the Entire Menu" Tasting Menu at No Anchor
This experience is seriously one of the best food experiences we've ever had. You literally get a bite of every single thing on their menu, and they're some of the best, most creative bites of food you'll ever eat. If you've been eating all day and plan to maybe eat more later, share the tasting. It's a good bit of food!
Serious views from up here with delicious cocktails to keep you entertained while you look around. Go when they open, as it gets crowded later in the afternoon and at night.
When I think of Seattle, this place is what I picture. Grungy, gritty, and laid back, Shorty's is a dive bar with pin ball machines, arcade games, and casual eats. There's plenty of local beer on tap, and playing games while you sip is just an added plus.
Flagship Grilled Cheese at Beechers
Best. cheese. ever! Try the samples and order the Flagship Grilled Cheese - its serious business. We also had the Mariachi Mac and Cheese that was to die for, but if you have to pick one, go with the Flagship sandwich! And don't forget to leave with a container of cheese curds to snack on all day. Also leave with some good melting cheese to make this incredible fondue recipe by my friend over at Jen Reviews. https://www.jenreviews.com/cheese-fondue-recipe/
More Oysters (and the Bread and Butter) at The Walrus and the Carpenter
This place is an absolute gem! It's located in Ballard - a super cool area, a little drive aways from the heart of the city, but I highly recommend a day or at least afternoon in this area. The oysters here are the absolute best and the bread and butter is the perfect accompaniment. Go as soon as it opens - it gets packed and a line forms out the door.
After you've had your share of oysters at The Walrus and the Carpenter, walk next door to Barnacle and have a cocktail - this place is an apéritif and amari bar. I had one of the most delicious cocktails of my life here and the atmosphere is so cute and cozy.
After your cocktail at Barnacle, walk here for a food finale that ends with pasta and great wine! The staff here is fantastic, the pasta is delicious, and the wine paired with it is perfectly on point! I love the casualness of the open kitchen atmosphere with just enough elegance and coziness that also makes it romantic.
*Side Note: You could almost do a little foodie hop in the "little box" these restaurants (Walrus, Barnacle, and Staple) are housed in. They're all located next to each other inside an old building in Ballard. And these aren't the only ones - there are several others with cool themes and menus (next door at Marine Hardware, they were having Lobster and Hip Hop Night - it was completely sold out, and by the looks of it, I understand why. It looked at blast!)
Both of these brunches are so divine, it's hard to choose but they're different so here's the breakdown: Chinooks across from Ballard on Salmon Bay, so if you spend the day there, it's the perfect late morning meal. It's right on the marina and the big window views of the boats make you feel so relaxed and happy. The food is so extremely great here - I can't express it enough. Salty's is located across from the city on Alki Beach with breathtaking views of the skyline. It's a brunch buffet with every piece of seafood and brunch food imaginable so there's a lot of eat here!
Bread with Roasted Garlic AND Pasta at How to Cook a Wolf
Yall... I've never had bread this good!!!!! The set up is incredible. So are all the small plates and you'll just drop dead over the pasta. All so good!!! Atmosphere is sick too... the best 80s new wave tunes are playing!!! So everything... so so everything!!!
All the Dumplings, Noodles, and Small Plates at Revel and Joule
Pick one or go to both!!! Two Asian fun influenced restaurants - and they're related so if you just pick one, don't feel bad. I can't choose though... both so good! Maybe do one for lunch and one for dinner!!
The Set Lunch Menu at Sushi Kashiba
This lovely little place is tucked away in a corner away (but close enough) from all the chaos of Pike Place Market. Go here for lunch - there's a set menu and the outdoor seating is so discrete and quaint. Best sushi yall!!!
Mac and Cheese Dumplings at Pel Meni Dumpling Tzar
Omg yall!!! This place was a surprise. Not planned. Needed late-night food. And socks blown off!! Everything was great. The mac and Cheese Dumplings were a stand-out. Great cocktails too!! Not sure why I needed any more at 1am? But worth it!!