Best Restaurants in Seattle (2026)

Seafood shapes eating out in Seattle. The Walrus and the Carpenter in Ballard and the Taylor Shellfish oyster bars serve oysters from Washington farms, Ivar's Acres of Clams has been feeding visitors on the waterfront since 1938, and Pike Place Chowder serves clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls in Post Alley. For sushi, Sushi Kashiba beside Pike Place Market is led by Shiro Kashiba, a chef with more than 50 years behind the counter.

Pike Place Market is the easiest place to start, with Matt's in the Market looking over the market entrance and The Pink Door serving Italian-American food with live entertainment on Post Alley. Canlis, family owned since 1950, is the city's best-known special-occasion restaurant and needs booking well ahead. At the other end of the scale, Dick's Drive-In in Wallingford has sold burgers from walk-up windows since 1954 and stays open until 2am, and Tilikum Place Cafe near Seattle Center is a good choice for weekend brunch. Several popular places, including The Walrus and the Carpenter and Pike Place Chowder, do not take reservations, so arrive early or expect to queue at peak times. Tipping is expected in sit-down restaurants.

10 places · Updated October 27, 2026

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1. Canlis

Pacific Northwest fine dining$$$$Queen Anne

Family-owned since 1950, Canlis is a Seattle fine-dining restaurant on Aurora Avenue North, known for its award-winning building, wine list and tableside Canlis Salad.

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2. The Walrus and the Carpenter

Oyster bar$$$Ballard

Opened in 2010 in Old Ballard, The Walrus and the Carpenter is an oyster bar serving raw oysters and small seafood plates on a first come, first served basis.

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3. The Pink Door

Italian-American$$$Pike Place Market

Behind a pink door on Post Alley since 1981, The Pink Door serves Italian-American food with live music, aerial performances and a seasonal deck over Elliott Bay.

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4. Matt’s in the Market

Pacific Northwest$$$Pike Place Market

On the top floor at First and Pike, Matt's in the Market serves market-influenced Pacific Northwest cooking at lunch and dinner.

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5. Ivar’s Acres of Clams

Seafood restaurant$$$Waterfront

Ivar's flagship on Pier 54 has served seafood on the Seattle waterfront since 1938, with a dining room, patio and a take-out fish bar for chowder and fish 'n chips.

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6. Pike Place Chowder

Chowder and seafood counter$Pike Place Market

A family-owned counter in Post Alley, Pike Place Chowder serves New England clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, other chowders and lobster and crab rolls.

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7. Dick’s Drive-In (Wallingford)

Burger drive-in$Wallingford

The original Dick's Drive-In, opened in Wallingford in 1954, is a walk-up burger stand known for the Dick's Deluxe, hand-cut fries and shakes, open until 2am.

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8. Sushi Kashiba

Sushi$$$$Pike Place Market

Led by veteran sushi chef Shiro Kashiba, Sushi Kashiba is a sushi restaurant beside Pike Place Market with counter seatings at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm.

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9. Tilikum Place Cafe

European-inspired cafe restaurant$$Belltown

Named after the small square with Seattle's Chief Sealth statue, Tilikum Place Cafe serves European-inspired seasonal food at brunch, lunch and dinner near Seattle Center.

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10. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar (Capitol Hill)

Oyster bar$$$Capitol Hill

Run by a Shelton shellfish company whose family has farmed Olympia oysters since the 1920s, this Capitol Hill oyster bar serves shellfish from its own Washington farms.

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