We asked Seattleites about the best restaurants in Seattle.
If you could only eat at one Seattle restaurant for the rest of your life, which would it be? That was the question we posed to our Instagram and Facebook followers. We took note of the most commonly-mentioned restaurants and rounded them up here for you in one convenient list.
Here are the 20 best restaurants in Seattle according to the people who live here:
1. The Pink Door, Pike Place Market
Many Seattleites called out The Pink Door in Pike Place Market. This is definitely one of Seattle’s most iconic Italian restaurants (and has an equally iconic view to match).
2. The Metropolitan Grill, Downtown
Many Seattleites choose this upscale steakhouse in downtown Seattle as their go-to spot for special occasion meals.
3. Canlis, Queen Anne
Canlis is a Seattle icon. This upscale restaurant with a dress code is situated in a stunning mid-century modern building with a view over Lake Union.
4. Spinasse, Capitol Hill
One of the top Italian restaurant recommendations from locals is Spinasse. This charming spot in Capitol Hill is hard to get into but it’s worth the wait for the handmade pasta and cozy ambiance.
5. RockCreek Seafood & Spirits, Fremont
One local said that RockCreek in Fremont is “consistently delicious.” This is a great spot in Seattle for fresh seafood.
6. Toulouse Petit, Queen Anne
Seattleites love Toulouse Petit in Lower Queen Anne for its authentic Cajun-Creole fare and its romantic ambiance.
7. Joule, Fremont
Joule is a stylish Korean-fusion steakhouse using fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients.
8. El Gaucho, Belltown
This elegant steakhouse near the Seattle waterfront offers an old-school fine dining experience.
9. San Fermo, Ballard
Another popular Italian restaurant in Seattle is San Fermo in Ballard. It’s located inside a cozy, quaint house with additional seating in an upstairs nook and on the porch.
10. Gordito’s, Greenwood
Home of the “baby burrito,” Gordito’s in Greenwood may be Seattle’s most beloved Mexican restaurant according to the locals.
11. Boiling Point, International District
You’ll find this popular Taiwanese hot pot restaurant at 610 5th Ave. South in Seattle, although Boiling Point also has locations in Bellevue, Edmonds, Redmond, and Tukwila.
12. Tat’s Deli, Pioneer Square
Looking for cheesesteaks and deli sandwiches in Seattle? Head to Tat’s Deli in Pioneer Square to see what all the hype is about.
13. Cafe Flora, Madison Valley
Seattleites love the vegetarian fare and charming interior of Cafe Flora in Madison Valley.
14. Communion, Central District
It’s no surprise that many Seattleites mentioned Communion. This Central District restaurant has garnered lots of buzz for its soul food.
15. Rondo Japanese Kitchen, Capitol Hill
Many Seattleites love this Japanese restaurant in Capitol Hill. Rondo offers ramen, sushi, bento boxes, and delicious Japanese cocktails.
16. Le Coin, Fremont
Le Coin is a French restaurant in Fremont that is popular for date nights, oysters, and brunch.
17. Musang, Beacon Hill
Musang in Beacon Hill has gotten a lot of hype for their delicious Filipino food, so it’s not surprising that several Seattleites called this spot out.
18. Assaggio, Belltown
Another Italian restaurant in Seattle that locals love is Assaggio. They make their fresh pasta in-house.
19. Mamnoon, Capitol Hill
Many Seattleites mentioned Mamnoon in Capitol Hill. We never get sick of this Middle Eastern restaurant’s menu.
20. Dick’s Drive-In, multiple locations
Does a drive-in fast food chain count as a restaurant? We’re not sure, but regardless many Seattleites called it out as their favorite. It’s true that you can’t beat Dick’s Drive-In for a fast and affordable meal—not to mention its icon status here in the Seattle area.
Let us know what you think the best restaurants in Seattle are!