It’s the best time of the year for rooftop restaurants in Seattle.
You may think that Seattle’s rainy reputation prohibits al fresco dining, but covered patios and heat lamps do a lot of heavy lifting when the weather turns wet and chilly. That said, Seattle truly comes alive in the summer with packed breweries, crowded beaches, and bustling rooftop restaurants. We may not have as many rooftop restaurants as, say, LA or NYC—but we make it count with the ones we do have!
Read on to see which Seattle restaurants offer rooftops with delicious local food, creative cocktails, and stunning views of the waterfront and the city skyline.
Note: some of these rooftops may be for ages 21 and up only, so check their websites before you go if that’s a concern.
Here are the top 10 best rooftop restaurants in Seattle:
1. The Pink Door, Downtown
The Pink Door is an Italian restaurant that is tucked into Pike Place Market. It is beloved by tourists and locals alike for its cozy, romantic ambiance and delicious food, but not everyone knows that it offers rooftop dining. You’ll be treated to a stunning view of the waterfront while you enjoy one of Seattle’s best meals.
📍1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA
2. Maximilien Restaurant, Downtown
Another Pike Place Market restaurant with rooftop views, Maximilien is your best bet for when you’re craving classic French fare and a waterfront vista. Their patio umbrellas will protect you from the sun and the Seattle drizzle.
📍81A Pike St, Seattle, WA
3. The Nest, Downtown
Located atop the Thompson Hotel in downtown Seattle, The Nest offers an incredible view of the Seattle waterfront (especially at sunset). In terms of food, expect light bites ranging from gourmet popcorn to oysters and banh mis.
📍 110 Stewart St, Seattle, WA
4. Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, Downtown
We love heading to the Frolik rooftop—located atop Motif Hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle—for cocktails and classic PNW fare like local seafood. In the summer the rooftop is hopping with live music and drag brunches, and in the winter you can get warmed up by fire pits and a curling rink.
📍1415 5th Ave 5th Floor, Seattle, WA
5. MBar, SLU
MBar in South Lake Union is a favorite rooftop hang among Seattleites and it’s easy to see why. You get to enjoy stunning views of Lake Union and the Space Needle while enjoying drinks and delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.
📍400 Fairview Ave N 14th Floor, Seattle, WA
6. The Mountaineering Club, University District
We love the sophisticated rustic decor inside The Mountaineering Club, but the rooftop is the real draw. In addition to the city views you’ll get to enjoy hearty bites, craft cocktails, and even a shot and beer special that’s only available when Mount Rainier is visible (appropriately named “When The Mountain Is Out”). They also offer a Sunday brunch now!
📍4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA
7. Terra Plata, Capitol Hill
There’s nothing like tapas and wine on a sunny rooftop patio—and surprisingly, you can enjoy all those things right here in Seattle. Terra Plata in Capitol Hill specializes in locally-sourced Mediterranean fare and offers a fully covered rooftop garden with heaters so you can dine al fresco year-round.
📍1501 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA
8. Monsoon, Capitol Hill
Monsoon is a modern Vietnamese restaurant in Capitol Hill with a rooftop patio that flies under the radar. The food is fresh and flavorful and the quiet, leafy rooftop ambiance cannot be beat.
📍615 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA
9. Mercado Luna, Capitol Hill
If you’re looking for a more lively spot, try Mercado Luna’s rooftop Patio Cielo. We love downing margaritas and tacos on this colorful rooftop in Capitol Hill. Note that Patio Cielo is closed during the winter months.
📍422 E Pine St, Seattle, WA
10. The Flora Bakehouse, Beacon Hill
We love The Flora Bakehouse in Beacon Hill for multiple reasons: the sunny patio (with umbrellas for shade), the yummy coffee drinks and baked goods, and the soft serve in a croissant cone! You can even rent out the rooftop patio for private events.
📍1511 S Lucile St, Seattle, WA