Top 10 Best Seattle Restaurants

Seattle is famous for its fresh Pacific Northwest seafood. Salmon, oysters, and Dungeness crab are local specialties. The city is also known for its coffee culture, as it is the birthplace of Starbucks. Other notable examples of good food in Seattle include the Seattle Dog, a cream cheese and grilled onion hot dog, and dishes featuring local ingredients like Rainier cherries and wild mushrooms. Pike Place Market is a hub for local foods, including smoked salmon and geoduck.

The average cost of a meal in Seattle varies by restaurant type. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs between $20 and $30. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant averages between $80 and $120. At fine-dining establishments, tasting menus or multi-course meals can cost $150 to over $250 per person. A coffee and pastry for breakfast is $8 to $15, while a fast-food meal is under $15.

The most popular fast-food restaurants in Seattle are listed below:

• Dick's Drive-In: A local icon famous for its simple menu of burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes. It is known for its low prices and fast service.
• Ivar's: A local seafood chain with quick-service locations that serve classic fish and chips, clam chowder, and other fried seafood.
• Taco Time NW: A regional chain with a loyal following, known for its Mexican-American fast food, including crisp burritos and tater tots called "Mexi-Fries."
• Teriyaki Shops: Seattle has a strong culture of independent teriyaki shops serving grilled chicken or beef with rice and a sweet soy-based sauce.

The best restaurants downtown Seattle include several excellent options for Mexican food. The following Seattle downtown restaurants are known for serving some of the best Mexican food in the city:

• Casco Antiguo: Located in Pioneer Square, it offers a menu of classic Mexican dishes, tacos, and a large selection of tequila and mezcal in a lively setting.
• D' La Santa: This restaurant on Capitol Hill, near downtown, serves authentic Northern Mexican food with a focus on grilled meats and handmade tortillas.
• El Borracho: A casual spot with locations in Pike Place Market and near Pioneer Square, known for its tacos, burritos, and extensive tequila list.
• Fogon Cocina Mexicana: Situated on Capitol Hill, it is known for its sizzling fajitas, tableside guacamole, and festive atmosphere.

These new restaurants in Seattle have recently opened and are generating excitement. The best new Seattle restaurants are listed below. 

• Atoma: A fine-dining restaurant in the former Cafe Juanita space in Kirkland, offering a tasting menu focused on Pacific Northwest ingredients. Located at 9702 NE 120th Pl, Kirkland, WA 98034.
• Darkalino's: An all-day Italian cafe and bar in Pioneer Square serving pastries, espresso, sandwiches, pasta, and cocktails. Located at 300 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104.
• WeRo: A modern Korean restaurant in Ballard from chef Wes Yoo, featuring dishes like Dungeness crab fried rice and wagyu galbi. Located at 5210 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107.
• Il Nido: After a hiatus, this acclaimed Italian restaurant reopened in a new location in West Seattle, known for its handmade pasta. Located at 2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116.

Yes, there are authentic sushi restaurants in Seattle, such as Shiro's Sushi, founded by a chef who trained under Jiro Ono, and Sushi Kashiba in Pike Place Market, known for traditional Edomae-style omakase experiences. These are some of the best sushi places in Seattle. Wataru in Ravenna and Taneda on Capitol Hill are other small, high-end sushi counters that focus on seasonal, high-quality fish and classic preparation techniques. These establishments are also ranked among the best Japanese restaurants Seattle, prioritizing the quality of the ingredients and traditional methods over Westernized rolls.

There are no Michelin star restaurants Seattle. The Michelin Guide does not currently rate restaurants in Seattle or the state of Washington, which explains the absence of any Seattle Michelin star ratings. The guide's coverage in the United States is limited to a few specific cities and states, which do not include Michelin star Seattle.

Seattle has many restaurants that serve vegan food. Plum Bistro is an upscale restaurant offering sophisticated, plant-based meals. Next Level Burger is a fast-food style eatery with an entirely vegan menu of burgers, fries, and shakes. Cycle Dogs is a vegan hot dog restaurant, and Kati Vegan Thai serves a full menu of vegan Thai dishes. Many other restaurants across the city offer dedicated vegan menus or options.

Many Seattle restaurants serve gluten-free food. Ghostfish Brewing Company has a 100% gluten-free brewery and pub, with a menu of items like fish and chips and burgers on gluten-free buns. Capitol Cider is another dedicated gluten-free restaurant and cider bar. Restaurants like Razzi's Pizzeria offer extensive separate gluten-free menus, and many fine-dining establishments can accommodate gluten-free requests.

The most famous cuisines in Seattle are Pacific Northwest and Japanese cuisines. The popular cuisines in the city are listed below:

• Pacific Northwest: This is the defining food style of the region, focusing on fresh, local ingredients like salmon, oysters, foraged mushrooms, and berries.
• Japanese: Seattle has a strong Japanese food scene, with a high concentration of authentic sushi bars, ramen shops, and teriyaki restaurants.
• Vietnamese: The city has a large Vietnamese community, and dishes like pho and banh mi are local staples.
• Nordic: Given the region's Scandinavian heritage, there is an influence of Nordic food, with restaurants focusing on techniques like curing, smoking, and pickling.