Forget the Nines! You’ll Want to Dress to the Tens at These Fancy Seattle Restaurants

Whether it’s for a special occasion like a birthday, an anniversary, or a promotion or you just feel like treating yourself to some of the finest things that life has to offer, everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy a fancy dining experience once and a while. If you’re visiting the Emerald City aka Seattle, Washington, and you’re looking for a place to enjoy an upscale night out then you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best fancy restaurants in Seattle.

Fancy restaurants have a lot to offer. From beautifully presented delicious food to impeccable service to dreamy ambiances, you’re getting quite a bit for your money’s worth when you eat out at an upscale restaurant. That being said...you will have to spend quite a bit of money to eat there. At GiftYa, they understand that this isn’t necessarily always easy for everyone to swing, and that’s why they’ve come up with a way to help you find fancy restaurants near you and get e-gift cards to help pay for one of these unforgettable experiences. Look at their catalog of restaurants and if one interests you, surprise your loved one by texting or emailing them a gift card for this spot on your next night out!

1. Canlis

Located in a “modern house” overlooking Lake Union and the Cascade mountain range.

📍 2576 Aurora Ave N | Seattle | canlis.com

Fine dining isn’t just the kind of experience where they serve you some fancy food and place an expensive bill beneath your nose at the end. In order for a fine dining experience to truly be considered “fine,” it has to go above and beyond in every aspect of the experience it offers.

At Canlis, this is exactly what they provide to you. The good news about dining out at this fancy establishment? There will be no surprises in the final bill you’ll receive at the end of your experience. You get to choose between three courses and get surprised with others! Really it’s best the whole thing is a surprise cause you’ll leave wanting to experience the other courses soon.

With a flat rate for dining here in place, you can experience some of the best service Seattle has to offer amidst four courses of your choosing in one of the loveliest upscale restaurants in the Westlake area - and it’s all thanks to a Greek runaway.

“Can't recommend this place any higher! Made for the perfect anniversary dinner with amazing service only shadowed by even better food and wine! A MUST if you are looking for a timeless Seattle staple.” -Yelp Review

2. 2120

Enjoy the many shops and sights of Downtown Seattle when you dine here!

📍 2120 6th Ave | Seattle | 2120restaurant.com

Not all fancy restaurants around Seattle are uptight in that way many of us have come to expect when we dine out at local upscale places. At 2120, aptly named for the address at which it’s located on 6th Avenue, they like to have fun with both their menu and drinks.

Preferring to work with locally sourced ingredients has its perks for you as one of their patrons. Not only will you be treated to a different selection of items on their menu every time you stop by, but you can also be sure that each and every one of your meals will be put together with the freshest ingredients possible.

Here at 2120, you can expect dishes like Washington Oysters, Pork Belly, King Salmon, and more. Their team behind the bar works diligently to carefully craft new and fun cocktails that will pair perfectly with the different dishes they offer on their seasonal menus.

“One of our favorite restaurants in the city time after time it never disappoints. The oysters were delish and the cocktails are excellent. The service is always top notch and the ambiance is fun nestled in right next to the Amazon spheres!” -Yelp Review

3. The Pink Door

Cabaret, trapeze, music, and more make this fancy restaurant in Seattle stand out!

📍 1919 Post Alley | Seattle | thepinkdoor.net

Hidden behind a salmon colored door tucked away in Post Alley, you might find yourself wondering just how the rustic barn ambiance of this restaurant might translate to a “fancy restaurant,” but we’re pretty sure you’ll change your mind as soon as you’ve had the opportunity to experience everything they have to offer.

Not many restaurants out there offer up both delicious, well-plated dishes and top-notch entertainment at the same time, but at The Pink Door, this is exactly what you’ll be faced with from the moment you walk through the door.

From the little stage in the corner, you’ll have access to anything from jazz music to trapeze artists to tarot card readings during one of the nightly events they offer up while you dine. Don’t let the wood floors and fairy lights deceive you - this is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss out on.

“We were lucky and checked day of and there was a spot open. Booked asap and secured the spot. The ambiance was so cute and inviting. Food was amazing. Will definitely return!” -Yelp Review

4. The Butcher’s Table

A modern steakhouse offering an elegant ambience and elevated fare

📍 2121 Westlake Ave | Seattle | hebutcherstable.com 

Whether you’ve come to one of their swanky private dining rooms for an event or you’d just like to enjoy your meal down in the main dining area, it doesn’t get much fancier than the service they have to offer here at The Butcher’s Table.

The name gives it away- but The Butcher’s Table offers many cuts of fine meats. They don't currently offer any vegetarian entrees on their menu (although you can find a few side dishes), so you may want to consider opting for one of the other fancy restaurants on this list if you try to stay away from beef and seafood.

That being said, they do have some options for people with specific food allergies, such as their gluten free smoked pork chop or their dairy free cauliflower steak. Make a reservation to enjoy some of the best cuts of meat in the city - and some of the best service, too!

“The beef tartare was definitely my favorite and the rib burger was very good. Make sure to come during happy hours which is around 4-6pm for good deals!! The service is also good.” -Yelp Review

5. SWeL Restaurant

Upscale and classy meet laidback at this Italian restaurant!

📍 3417 Evanston Ave N UNIT 104 | Seattle | swelrestaurant.com

Everyone knows that old cliche: “treat other people the way that you want to be treated.” Well, here at SWeL Restaurant, they’ve really taken that adage to heart, and it shows in pretty much every aspect of how they treat you to their version of fine dining.

They say that the best way to show someone you love them is to share all of the things you enjoy with them. With a mission statement that simply reads “Is this sh*t we like?” The folks at SWeL are practically oozing with love in all of the Italian and seafood dishes they give you.

Focusing on service first, you might find this fancy restaurant a bit unconventional when it comes to the specific style they’ve chosen to do upscale, but give it a chance and you may just find your new favorite fine dining restaurant.

“AMAZING experience overall! I got linguini and it was the best linguini I had for a while. Cool ambiance and lovely staff!

Update: I got the pear bread pudding for dessert and can't say how good it is! Just wow!” -Yelp Review

6. AQUA By El Gaucho

Steakhouse classics in an elegant atmosphere!

Buy An AQUA By El Gaucho Gift Card

📍 2801 Alaskan Wy Pier 70 | Seattle | aquabyelgaucho.com

If you’ve been in Seattle for a while, you’ve probably at least heard of El Gaucho. The restaurant group is pretty legendary in the Seattle restaurant scene, having been offering up some of the best food and service in the city for over 70 years now.

AQUA By El Gaucho is the restaurant group’s take on locally sourced, deliciously seasoned seafood. Located on the pier overlooking Elliot Bay, AQUA offers up a waterfront dining experience that is unlike most of the fancy restaurants you’ll find scattered about the city.

Alongside exceptional service, mouthwatering steak and seafood dishes, and some pretty fantastic decor, you’ll have access to some of the best views in the entire city here as you look out at the water while you eat.

“Fantastic venue looking out onto the Puget Sound. We were seated in a private booth and provided informed service. The food (halibut) was cooked precisely and well presented. Although priced on the high, the location and ambience make it well worth a visit” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to AQUA By El Gaucho here!

7. Art of the Table

Food that both tastes good and looks quite like its own art piece!

📍 3801 Stone Way N Suite A | Seattle | artofthetable.net

Contrary to popular opinion, fine dining is about more than the high price tag that accompanies it. Service is a must, of course, but if anything, a restaurant shouldn’t forget the importance of the “dining” in fine dining.

That is to say: the food should be the priority of any restaurant and then be complemented by exceptional service. At Art of the Table, this is precisely what they aspire to do with every plate they place in front of their patrons.

For them, food truly is art, and it’s exactly for this reason that they carefully select each of the individual ingredients that will go into all of their dishes to create something that is both delicious and beautiful. You’ll even find them foraging for mushrooms in the woods and growing some of their own herbs in a garden! They are constantly changing up their menu to reflect their current tastes.

“I always appreciate a good dining experience and this was definitely a good one. James was excellent throughout the course of the meal. The oyster and bisque was an awesome start to our tasting menu experience. Every dish was amazing in its own way. Definitely a Michelin star experience!” -Yelp Review

8. Six Seven Restaurant

Locally sourced seafood means authentic flavors and satisfying meals!

📍 2411 Alaskan Way Pier 67 | Seattle | edgewaterhotel.com

The Six Seven Restaurant is a beautifully crafted establishment overlooking some of Washington’s finest views. They are a part of The Edgewater a Noble House Hotel which is a hotel many flock to for their amenities and great service- so it’s only right that their in-house restaurant fits that theme as well. 

They’ve won multiple awards in the past for their amazing seafood dishes and that’s all thanks to the people behind the kitchen. Get breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at the Six Seven. They’ve got amazing choices of handheld sandwiches, entrees, and starters.

“Incredible evening at Six Seven last night! The view was beautiful, the service was amazing, and the food was delicious. Many GF options as well! Easy valet parking made the trip into downtown Seattle worth it.” -Yelp Review

9. Maximilien Restaurant

Classic upscale dining: white tablecloths, wooden chairs, and amazing views!

📍 81A Pike St | Seattle | maximilienrestaurant.com

If you’re looking to bring a little romance into your life, you should look no further than Maximilien Restaurant which is considered the French Romance restaurant of the city. Located in Pike Place Market you won’t find a better place for your late night date than here. With views overlooking Elliot Bay you’ll be able to have your intimate conversations surrounded by a sense of elegance.

Their food is prepared with French cooking techniques so there’s an authenticity that can’t be easily replicated. Take a look at their Plateau de Fruits de Mer For TWO which is great for your date as it’s their chilled seafood platter which has half dozen local oysters, six shrimps, two snow crab legs, and whelks and mussels. There’s plenty of other French faves on the menu, don’t worry!

“This restaurant has a magical view!

Very old and quaint building. The good and services is top shelf!

Side note: Not a great place to bring someone with ADA requirements. Bathroom in the restaurant, but upstairs.” -Yelp Review

10. Altura

Seasonal handmade Italian food served in a cozy room with an excellent environment!

📍 617 Broadway E | Seattle | alturarestaurant.com

Altura — noun, Italian.

• achieving great height or profound depth – that is what this fancy restaurant in Seattle is here to bring.

You won’t find yourselves in a place like Altura anywhere else in the Emerald City that’s for sure. They offer a unique restaurant experience for prospective patrons. Using local ingredients that are in-season only, they make Italian dishes the Italian way. From their garden and the sea, you’ll be able to taste the flavors grown from the love of Seattle. Their menu is filled with authentic plates that change per season so you’ll be surprised each time you head on through.

“What a lovely dining experience! The staff was attentive and accommodating - which made our meal so fun as we didn't have to worry about food allergies! The food was of course excellent. We will definitely be back.” -Yelp Review

11. Eden Hill Restaurant

New American dishes cooked with a unique twist you’ll just have to see!

📍 2209 Queen Anne Ave N | Seattle | edenhillrestaurant.com

Known best for their Seattle proclaimed “provocative and delicious” foods, Eden Hill Restaurant is taking unique to a whole new level with their fascinating food creations. With only 24 seats, this restaurant always makes sure to prioritize the customer's service. Just like the last restaurant we talked about, their menu is printed daily with updates and changes to reflect the season as they want everything to be as fresh as possible for you. You can expect a range of New American fare that’ll leave you wanting more.

“"This is why you go out to dinner" is what my dad said after we finished his birthday dinner here. Imaginative, unique, and tasty dinner. Thank you for a wonderful experience. Been here many times now and never disappoints. Get that "brunello" thing updated on the menu :)” -Yelp Review

12. Il Nido

Built in a century-old building with a log fire =  fancy restaurant in Seattle

📍 2717 61st Ave SW | Seattle | ilnidoseattle.com

Located in the historic Alki Homestead log cabin lies Il Nido, an Italian restaurant with food that’s made fresh daily so you know you’re always getting the best tasting courses. They too keep things seasonal in order to make sure you, the customer, is satisfied with the taste and texture of every bite. They’re main focus and what they are best known for is their pasta, which like we said: is made fresh daily. Each bite will transport you somewhere new and that’s all thanks to the team behind Il Nido.

“We had a fantastic experience dining at Il Nido to celebrate our anniversary. We were greeted with sparkling wine to toast to the occasion, which was such a nice touch. The service was absolutely outstanding and the food was delicious. Would absolutely go back!” -Yelp Review

As you can see there is quite the array of fancy restaurants in Seattle and choosing between them won’t be easy- so why not splurge and go to two? We won’t be disappointed!