12 Outstanding Restaurants in Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle is one of the most magical areas you could visit. Something about its energetic atmosphere and lively social scene just puts you in a good mood. It’s easy to spend all day in this bustling area. Of course, all that walking around can make you hungry. Luckily, Downtown Seattle offers a wealth of fun and vibrant restaurants to try. Not sure where to start? Check out our top 12 restaurant picks in Downtown Seattle now!

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1. The Pink Door

Popular Italian restaurant known for its upscale cuisine and stunning city views

📍 1919 Post Alley | Downtown Seattle | thepinkdoor.net

The Pink Door offers an elegant and romantic dining experience for guests. Its dimly-lit dining room looks out to some of the best views of the city and the service is impeccable. The food is pretty good too. And while indoor dining has been put on hold for the moment, you can still enjoy The Pink Door’s award-winning cuisine at home. 

Special three-course dinners, rotini pasta, rigatoni, and more are ready for your enjoyment. The Pink Door has also started offering special “Cook at Home” meals so you can whip up some of their famous meals yourself. Don’t forget to order a bottle of wine and dessert for yourself so you can enjoy the whole Pink Door dining experience at home! 

“The menu has a huge variety ranging from Antipasto, Pasta, Seafood, etc. I ordered like five different entrees as I wanted to try everything. The pricing is incredibly fair compared to the quality and food you get. For example, the Clam Linguine has a boat load of clams! Definitely get your money's worth. The other dishes are great as well. Everything here tastes awesome. I only wish I had a larger stomach to devour more delicious food from this place.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Pink Door. 

2. Lecosho

Lively restaurant offering a wide selection of cuisine including fresh seafood, charcuterie, and pastas

📍 89 University St. | Downtown Seattle | lecosho.com

At Lecosho, you can find a fine selection of fresh seafood and elevated Italian cuisine. Along with its spacious indoor dining space, Lecosho also offers an open patio for those warm Seattle nights in the summer. 

On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of small plates and entrees. Our favorite dishes include the Farm Squash Soup, Lanroc Farms Pork Chop, and Painted Hills Burger. Need a new Happy Hour place? Lecosho also offers regular Happy Hour specials such as Cauliflower Bagna Cauda and Sweet Corn Chowder for a light dinner and drinks.

“Phenomenal experience!! Last night was my final evening in Seattle, and my friend and I were looking for an elevated casual restaurant that served both seafood and Italian. This restaurant fit the bill perfectly. Our waiter Naffi (apologies for the potential misspelling) was incredible -- one of my favorite waiters I've ever had. He was attentive without being overbearing, extremely friendly, and made excellent recommendations.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Lecosho. 

3. Le Coin

Modern French restaurant serving fresh seafood and meat dishes

📍 4201 Fremont Ave. N | Fremont | lecoinseattle.com

Le Coin is a popular French restaurant in the Fremont neighborhood that is known for its enticing selection of cocktails and entrees. 

On the dinner menu, you’ll find classic French dishes like Seared Foie Gras, Local Roasted Bone Marrow, and Heritage Pork Chop. Stopping by for brunch? Le Coin offers an enticing selection of classic brunch options like Prime NY Steak & Eggs and Eggs Benedict. Cocktails, spirits, and wine are also available for you to enjoy alongside your main dishes. 

“This was a wonderful dinner. We had reservations to ensure we got a table inside, though we got there early enough I think we would have been fine without. I would still recommend reservations on a weekend night. The oysters were cleaned perfectly, fresh and amazing. I may go back just for cocktails and oysters some night. The pandemic cocktail (I had at least 3) is easy to drink and amazing.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Le Coin. 

4. Cafe Jaunita

Upscale restaurant that recently launched a new menu filled with meal kits to assemble at home

📍 9702 NE 120th Pl | Kirkland | cafejuanita.com

For over 30 years, Cafe Jaunita has enjoyed a prestigious reputation for its welcoming environment and fine cuisine. Grilled octopus, seared foie gras, and more upscale dishes are served at this elegant restaurant. Due to the pandemic, Cafe Jaunita has started to offer a rotating selection of regular menu and pantry items as well as cocktails, beer, and wine so you can enjoy the magic of Cafe Jaunita from the safety of your own home. Simply head to the website, order, and select a pick-up time! Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying Cafe Jaunita’s classic dishes at home. 

“We went with the Chef's Tasting Menu. If you do this, COME HUNGRY. There is SO much food to consume and though you can take home leftovers, the experience and flavor really needs to be at the restaurant. The flavors of each dish are so savory and memorable! What surprised me was that they take away your utensils after every dish and give you a set of new ones each time the next dish is brought out. I'm not a seasoned menu taster but I thought this was cool.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Cafe Juanita. 

5. Shaker + Spear

Chic hotel restaurant that offers a fine selection of Pacific Northwest dishes

📍 2000 2nd Ave. | Belltown | shakerandspear.com

Situated between the lively Seattle neighborhoods of Belltown and West Edge, Shake + Spear offers a vibrant and contemporary dining experience for visitors. Its modern interior design and bright lighting helps enhance its delightful atmosphere while its award-winning cuisine fills its happy customers’ bellies. Speaking of the food, you’ll find a wide selection of seasonal Pacific Northwest dishes. Seafood + Chorizo Paella, Lemon Roasted Rockfish + Tomato, and more await you at this lively restaurant. 

“I had the chicken and dumplings for my entree and was so engrossed in eating the deliciously tender and immensely flavorful chicken that I almost neglected the fluffy dumplings. My husband had the scallops, and they tasted as fresh as the oysters did. We ended our meal with the Butterscotch Pot de Creme which was light and delicate and a perfect end to a memorable meal.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Shaker + Spear. 

6. Radiator Whiskey

Laid back, rustic cafe that boasts a huge whiskey list

📍 94 Pike St. Suite 30 | Downtown Seattle | radiatorwhiskey.com

Located in Downtown Seattle, Radiator Whiskey is known for its extensive drink and food menus. Some of our favorite signature cocktails from this restaurant include the Market Mule, Smoked Maple Old Fashioned, and Rye, Forrest, Rye. Wine and beer are also available if you want something a little lighter. As for the food, Radiator Whiskey offers hearty entrees like Sticky Smoked Pork Belly and Fried Pork Shank to fill you up for the rest of the night. Special entrees built for two to three people like the Mini Beast Feat and Racks on Racks are also available. 

“Tried this place for the first time during the pandemic for a friend'sfriends birthday and I have been thinking about it ever since. The staff was very helpful, gave plenty of good recommendations for whiskey/scotch as well as entrees. I had the half smoked fried chicken and it was seriously incredible. Served with a slice of jalapeño cornbread and mac salad, I'm going back soon just for that dish alone.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Radiator Whiskey. 

7. Pomodoro Ristorante

Late-night Italian and Spanish restaurant located in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood

📍 2366 Eastlake Ave E | Eastlake | pomodoro.net/index.shtml

Craving some classic Italian and Spanish food? Visit Pomodoro Ristorante. This Southern European-style restaurant offers a fine selection of pastas, tapas, and wines inside a laidback and elegant atmosphere. Our favorite meals include the Black Berkshire Pancetta and Linguine alla Carbonara con Pancetta. Spanish tapas like the Gambas al Ajillo and Caprese are also popular among guests. 

“Small cozy restaurant and the food tasted very authentic. The owner and chef was super friendly and took good care of their customers. He walked around and suggested menu items and checked on us periodically to see if we enjoyed our meal. Even offered us his special habanero olive oil which was super spicy but good.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Pomodoro Ristorante.

8. Canlis

Fine dining experience with scenic lake views

📍 2576 Aurora Ave N | Queen Anne | canlis.com

The Canlis family has owned and operated this Queen Anne institution for over 70 years. Under the leadership of executive chef Aisha Ibrahim, the restaurant has won numerous James Beard Awards for its interior design and wine program.

The restaurant's executive chef Aisha Ibrahim has brought a fresh and seasonal approach to the establishment's cuisine. She uses ingredients such as blood orange, bitter chicory, and duck to create dishes that are both unique and satisfying.

“My boyfriend surprised me with a birthday visit to Canlis, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with exceptional service--staff were ready to open our car doors and escort us inside. The interior was stunning, with dim lighting and a beautiful view of the water. We were promptly seated and given menus to select three courses for later in the meal. “ - Yelp Review

9. Musang

Traditional and tasty Filipino Cuisines when you’re in the mood for some comfort food

📍 2524 Beacon Ave S | Beacon Hill | musangseattle.com

Melissa Miranda’s Filipino restaurant at Beacon Hill known as Musang, which opened in 2020, has a dynamic menu that includes various dishes such as mussels cooked with moringa and smoked oysters.

The interior design of Musang makes it feel like the guests are dining in the home of a loved one, all while being served world-class dishes and an extensive selection of cocktails. The restaurant supports various charitable endeavors, such as the Little Wildcats program. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed eating at Musang! I thought it was a great twist on Filipino food. The food was absolutely amazing! The mushroom sisig was surprisingly one of my favorite dishes. The grilled corn bibingka was hands down my favorite dish. This is a great spot to try!” - Yelp Review

10. Beast and Cleaver

One of the best restaurants in Downtown Seattle for the meat lovers!

📍 2362 NW 80th St | Ballard | beastandcleaver.com 

Over the past couple of years, Kevin Smith has built up a massive following for his restaurant, Beast and Cleaver, in Ballard. The place is known for its house-made sausages, pates, and other meat products including duck, chicken, and pork. A special part about this restaurant are the weekend food tastings, where guests can enjoy unique dishes such as koji beef and Yorkshire pudding waffles. 

“Last minute impulsive Beastro reservation that was delicious. Got the London Royale per the chef and potatoes. The onion jam on the steak was great.” - Yelp Review

11. Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke

Seafood lovers will get their fix at this restaurant with a menu changing with different fresh sourced ingredients every day

📍 10016 Edmonds Way | Edmonds | eatonopoke.com 

Located in the heart of Edmonds in Seattle, Ono is a local favorite for seafood lovers who enjoy expanding their palettes with new dishes. The restaurant was founded and named by Steven Ono, who was born in Oahu. The restaurant is known for its high-quality poke and uses only the freshest ingredients. In addition to that, it uses a light hand with its dressings and over-flavorings to maintain the right flavor of the fish itself.

“Had lunch here while visiting family in Seattle and would highly recommend this poke spot. Living in Hawaii, we have a lot of good poke spots. It was nice to enjoy the same quality of poke in Seattle that I have at home. The staff is super friendly and helpful, service was pretty quick, and there were a good amount of tables that people can sit at and enjoy their meal right then and there. Totally hit the spot!”- Yelp Review

12. Hamdi

A theatrical dining experience while enjoying upscale Turkish cuisine

4012 Leary Wy NW | Ballad | hamdiseattle.com

When Katrina Schult and Berk Gldahl first started serving their food in their new brick-and-mortar in 2022, they already had quite the solid reputation in the local food scene for using a wood fire to roast entire lambs! Their restaurant immediately became a favorite as soon as it opened its doors.

The restaurant features a long chef's counter that overlooks the kitchen. The main course is the lamb kebaps as well as other dishes that are both vegan and gluten-friendly like the sunflower seed dukkah.

“Our favorite dish we always get is the lamb kebap - moist and deliciously packed with flavor, yet still balanced. Everything is always amazing here, I don't think we've ever had a bad dish. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a nice dinner with family or even date night.” - Yelp Review

Whether it’s date night or dinner with friends, the restaurants in Downtown Seattle offer a plethora of diverse cuisines that are sure to satisfy your palette! Looking to get a gift for someone you know is a foodie? Check out GiftYa to see which cards are available for local restaurants.