Seattle is a great city to live in for so many reasons, but their totally underrated food scene is at the top of our list. You’ll find everything you can dream of in this melting pot of a city, ranging from life-changing Japanese sushi to one of the best Southern restaurants in America to pastries that would impress the French. Here are ten of our favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in the Emerald City.
Canlis
It’s nearly unheard of for a fine-dining restaurant to stay open for more than 60 years, but rarer still is for that restaurant to remain relevant. Canlis opened in 1950 and has stayed in the family ever since. Everything about the restaurant is awe-inspiring—the modern architecture, the unforgettable view, and, of course, the New American cuisine. The menu features local produce, meat, and seafood, with preparations both familiar and not so familiar; it’s the perfect place for a memorable date night.
Junebaby
You wouldn’t expect one of America’s best Southern restaurants to be in the Pacific Northwest, but lo and behold, that’s where you’ll find Junebaby. Chef Eduardo Jordan (whose first restaurant, Salare, is equally worth your time) has created a casual yet upscale restaurant that takes Southern classics and elevates them, without making them pretentious. You’ll be craving his chicken fried steak with black pepper gravy and Sea Island peas long after you’ve gone. Oh, and don’t forget an order of the toffee pecan bread pudding with cinnamon Anglaise.
Joule
Dear Joule, could we love you any more? We won’t even get into this modern Korean restaurant’s brunch buffet—it’s amazing—but instead stick with what they’re best known for: turning Korean BBQ on its head. Chef Rachel Yang offers the classic kalbi short ribs alongside more unusual cuts, like bavette steaks and chuck flaps, plus tamarind duck legs, octopus with a bacon vinaigrette, and bone marrow. We’re getting hungry.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
You’re in the Pacific Northwest, right on the water—you need to be eating oysters, and you need to be doing it at The Walrus and the Carpenter. Chef Renee Erickson (one of Seattle’s star chefs) opened this tiny spot right on Salmon Bay nearly a decade ago and it’s been packed ever since. The menu changes daily based on what’s in season and available, but rest easy knowing you’re going to be eating some of the freshest, most delicious seafood anywhere in the country.
Wataru
Seattle has long been America’s Japanese food capital and Wataru has become its flagship restaurant. You can order from the menu, but the best experience is cozied up to the sushi bar with chef Kotaro Kumita for the chef’s choice omakase. What makes it particularly unique is that the sushi is Edomae style, meaning you can expect some very unique preparations involving things like kelp and vinegar. Wataru’s fish comes from all over the world because he only uses the best. It will be a life-changing experience for sushi lovers.
Ghost Note Coffee
You can’t talk about Seattle and not talk about the coffee scene. We don’t want to start any food wars, but Seattle is arguably the best coffee city in the country. If you want a taste of what great single-origin coffee can be, head to Ghost Note Coffee. You can go for a normal coffee or espresso, or you can try one of their signature seasonal drinks, like the Sun Ship: espresso, smoked grapefruit rosemary syrup, coconut water, sparkling water, and lime.
Stateside
Authentic Vietnamese food can be found all over Seattle, so fret not, pho lovers. If you’re looking to try chef-driven dishes inspired by classic Vietnamese dishes, Stateside is where you need to head. The restaurant’s decor is tropical and fun, which reflects the way they view their food. Dishes range from pho-braised beef potstickers to black cod marinated in turmeric and galangal, which makes ordering feel like an impossible task. Just close your eyes and point—you won’t be disappointed.
Bakery Nouveau
In a city with so many amazing restaurants, you know you can find a pastry shop that is equally incredible. That shop is Bakery Nouveau. Pop in the morning for a ham and cheese croissant or Kugelhopf (sweet dough bathed in rum butter and cinnamon-sugar), grab a loaf of whatever freshly baked bread they are offering that day, and, just for good measure, as many macarons and chocolates as you can grab. You can try to avoid their stunning and unique Entremet desserts, but you will fail. Don’t come here if you’re on a diet.
Katsu Burger
Life isn’t all about fancy sit-down meals. Sometimes you need something so gluttonous that you’ll feel ashamed about it the next day… and that’s where Katsu Burger comes in. You pick your meat—pork, beef, chicken, or tofu—and its breaded in panko, deep fried, then put on a sandwich. Your best bet is to start with the Tokyo classic, then move on to the Ninja Deluxe and Katsu Curry.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Beecher’s is one of the best cheesemakers in the country, no question about it. Their cafes offer a handful of sandwiches, soups, and mac & cheese, but there’s really only one thing you need to know about: their grilled cheese sandwich. It’s the best. You’re welcome.
Ready to move? Read next: Your Guide to Moving to Seattle
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