The best restaurants in Seattle that you need to try

What is it? A cozy spot in Capitol Hill that serves some of the best pasta in Seattle. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or an intimate meal with friends.

Why we love it: Spinasse is loved by first-time visitors and regulars alike and makes a case for the best place for fresh pasta in Seattle. Chef Stuart Lane hones in on traditional dishes and techniques of the Piedmont region of Italy, with the most popular dish being the tajarin con burro e salvia (pasta with a butter sage sauce)—your taste buds will thank you! Their menu is small, and you’ll appreciate the focus on fresh, traditional dishes that let the ingredients shine through. Wine lovers will be delighted by the carefully curated offerings sourced primarily from Northern Italy. If you’re a local, you can even join the Spinasse x Artusi Wine Club.

Time Out tip: Reservations fill up quickly, but if you can’t get into Spinasse or prefer more casual small plates, be sure to check out their sister restaurant, Artusi, next door. Artusi also has a happy hour, including both drinks and select dishes, so you can get a taste for less.

Address: 1531 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Opening Hours: Sun–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm
Expect to pay: $60 per person

What is it? The perfect blend of Italian and Pacific Northwest cuisines, and the best member of the Ethan Stowell restaurant group.

Why we love it: Named after the 1942 book by MFK Fisher, this gem of a restaurant takes its mission seriously. The focus at How to Cook a Wolf is to make something unique and magical out of simple ingredients—and they are masters at this! There are two locations: one in Queen Anne and one in Madison Park. The Queen Anne location is small, cozy and perfect for date night. The menu changes based on seasonal availability of ingredients, making you want to visit to see what’s new again and again. Sharing is encouraged at How to Cook a Wolf, and everything on the menu is fantastic. Highlights from the menu include tagliatelle with oyster mushrooms, scallops, and pork osso buco. And don’t overlook the sourdough bread as a starter; the homemade seasonal honey butter is truly addictive.

Time Out tip: How to Cook a Wolf usually shows up on the Seattle Restaurant Week list in the spring and fall, and I highly recommend taking advantage of this.

Address: Queen Anne: 2208 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Madison Park: 4200 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112
Opening Hours: Sun 10am–2pm, 4–10pm; Mon–Thu 4–10pm; Fri 4–11pm; Sat 10am–2pm, 4–11pm
Expect to pay: $60 per person

What is it? A modern space serving the best sushi in town, crafted by Seattle’s very own sushi master, Shiro Kashiba.

Why we love it: Believe it or not, Pike Place Market is home to a three-time James Beard Outstanding Chef nominee. Sushi Kashiba is Shiro Kashiba’s third restaurant in Seattle since he moved to Seattle from Japan over 50 years ago. Seats at the counter are the most coveted, as you can watch the master sushi chef at work. There are à la carte options for guests dining at tables only, and those table guests also have a prix-fixe course option. The chef’s counter is omakase only and is the hottest seat in the house. Chef Kashiba prides himself on showcasing seasonal ingredients in every single bite with a traditional Edomae-style approach to local Pacific Northwest delicacies. 

Time Out tip: Seatings for the chef’s counter are only available at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm, and no reservations are offered for the 5pm seating. If you can’t get a reservation and want the chef’s counter experience, get in line early for the 5pm walk-in only time slot.

Address: 86 Pine St Suite #1, Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm
Expect to pay: $100-plus per person

What is it? A 30-year-old Belltown neighborhood staple, originally opened by Seattle’s favorite sushi master, Shiro Kashiba.

Why we love it: Known as one of the best places to eat sushi in Seattle, Shiro’s was also the first Edomae-style restaurant in town when it debuted under master sushi chef Shiro Kashiba. After twenty years, Kashiba left Shiro’s Sushi and opened his newest project, Sushi Kashiba, which is listed above. (That’s right, two sushi restaurants opened by Shiro Kashiba are in this guide, but once you visit, you’ll know exactly why he has nicknames like “The Godfather of Sushi” and “Seattle Sushi Master.”) Shiro’s is now run by chef Masaki Nishioka, whose impeccable attention to detail ensures that the legacy continues. Shiro’s Sushi only offers set course menus starting at $85 for 19 pieces of seasonal nigiri with soup for dining room guests, and $140 for sushi bar guests. Reservations can be made online for both dining options, and are a little easier to get than Sushi Kashiba.

Time Out tip: Shiro’s Sushi offers a limited-time happy hour where you can get 12 or 19 pieces of nigiri starting at $45 per person during select times. This is not always available, but you can check out their website to see if they’re currently offering it.

Address: 2401 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Opening Hours: Daily 4:30–9pm
Expect to pay: $100-plus per person

What is it? A popular Italian restaurant near Pike Place Market with waterfront views and weekly performances.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for an all-around crowd-pleaser, this is it. It’s at the top of my list when people are visiting, and I frequent this place myself often. If you’ve ever walked down Post Alley and were curious as to why there is a random pale pink door, it’s actually an intimate Italian restaurant that has been popular for decades. Through the pink door, you’ll walk down a flight of stairs into another world. The main dining room has a more casual feel with a large bar with seating. Off to the left is a covered outdoor patio that fills up during the summer months, and towards the back is the more intimate dining room with expansive windows facing the Puget Sound. Menu favorites include arancini and fresh pasta dishes with seasonal ingredients like the spring risotto, which includes pancetta and asparagus. Certain nights of the week, you can find aerialists and live music, making your dining experience truly one of a kind. 

Time Out tip: Getting a reservation can be tough. Availability opens 90 days out, but they only allow a portion of their tables to be reserved; the rest are for walk-ins. Still, expect to put your name on a long waitlist, especially during peak season. Get there 30 minutes before they open and your chances will be pretty good!

Address: 1919 Post Alley Walk Wy, Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 11:30am–10pm
Expect to pay: $50 per person

What is it? A no-frills restaurant in the Greenwood neighborhood serving French classics at an unbeatable price.

Why we love it: This is the type of restaurant that should be on your rotating list of go-tos if you’re a local. Opened in 2008 by JJ Wandler and Stephen Drzewicki, this quaint establishment consistently knocks French classics out of the park. Gainsbourg doesn’t take reservations, and their tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends. You’ll find bar seating, communal tables and booths around the perimeter, but if you enjoy watching your meal be prepared, opt to sit at the bar as it’s an open kitchen. Menu highlights include the brussels sprouts, steak frites, French onion soup and the French dip sandwich. Honestly, I’ve tried almost everything on the menu, and it’s amazing. For drinks, their cocktails are most popular, although they do have a decent selection of wines and beer. 

Time Out tip: Make sure to try the steak frites. It’s cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth and has a really delicious red wine reduction sauce. It’s the best in Seattle, both taste-wise and in value.

Address: 8550 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Opening Hours: Sun–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 4pm–1am
Expect to pay: $40 per person

What is it? A mukokuseki gastropub in Seattle’s International District that draws inspiration from Japan, Hawaii and beyond.

Why we love it: Itsumono has one of the most creative yet approachable menus in Seattle. Mukokuseki means “no nation” in Japanese, and it’s a spot-on description for the cuisine served here. Chef and co-owner Sean Arakaki draws inspiration from all over the world for menu items at Itsumono, and while the menu changes from time to time, some of the most popular items are the Seattle dog musubi, yuzu cauliflower karaage and the tikka tonkatsu don, which is a fusion of tikka masala and pork katsu. Itsumono means “the regulars,” and that’s exactly who you’ll find inside. This casual restaurant is full of friendly faces, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a friend’s house after walking through the doors. The food ceases to amaze, the cocktails are complex and innovative, and the desserts will leave you wanting more.

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without trying the sticky toffee mochi dessert. It is truly out of this world, and I have visited multiple times to only have this dessert. It’s that good!

Address: 610 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104
Opening Hours: Sun–Thu 4–10:30pm; Fri, Sat 4–11:30pm
Expect to pay: $50 per person

What is it? A Sri Lankan and Indian-inspired gem located in Ballard that will have you wanting to go back for more.

Why we love it: The menu at Rupee Bar is filled with shareable small plates that easily pair with one another, making it nearly impossible to order the wrong thing. The cocktails are unique, refreshing and so good that you’ll want to try different ones each visit—or in the same sitting, we won’t judge. Rupee Bar does not take reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table or arrive close to opening for an early dinner. The interior is a stylish, colorful masterpiece, and there are a few tables outdoors on the covered patio. Highlights on the menu are the dhal curry with fresh, warm naan, perfectly spiced Kerala fried chicken, and bhel puri. The menu at Rupee Bar is very small and changes with the seasons, but the dishes listed above are almost always offered.

Time Out tip: Because the menu is so compact, it’s easy to try almost everything if you’re dining with a small group of people. Mix it up and try a vegetable, meat protein and curry to really get a sense of the flavors of Rupee Bar.

Address: 6307 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Opening Hours: Tue–Thur 4–9pm; Fri, Sat 4–10pm
Expect to pay: $60 per person

What is it? A small French bistro loved by locals for years that will make you feel as if you’ve traveled from current day Seattle to bygone Paris. It’s a Pike Place Market neighborhood treasure you don’t want to miss.

Why we love it: Francophiles are going to feel right at home at Le Pichet. At first glance, this Seattle institution’s menu seems almost entirely in French, but don’t fret, the staff is more than happy to help answer your questions and steer you in the right direction. Le Pichet is small, like really small. There are only about 10 tables inside, plus a handful of seats at the bar, so if you plan to dine here with more than two people, you will definitely need a reservation. The steak frites here rivals Gainsbourg’s, but Le Pichet’s most popular dish is their roasted chicken for two, which takes an hour from the time you order it. Aside from dinner, Le Pichet is a fantastic place to stop in for smaller bites. You can order from the daily selection of meats and cheeses, and be sure to add on an order of the delicious beignets au fromage de chèvre saupoudrés de sucre épicé (goat cheese doughnuts tossed in spiced sugar).

Time Out tip: Reservations are highly encouraged, and they can only be made the good old-fashioned way: over the phone. The key is to call at least a few weeks prior to your desired date and be flexible with the time.

Address: 1933 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: Sun 10am–9pm; Mon 5–9pm; Tue–Thur 10am–9pm; Fri, Sat 10am–10pm
Expect to pay: $50 per person

What is it? A nontraditional Japanese ramen restaurant that will warm you from the inside out on any typical Seattle day.

Why we love it: The best thing to eat on a cold, rainy Seattle day is ramen, and Ooink is where you need to go. Conveniently located in Fremont and Capitol Hill, Ooink’s nontraditional Japanese-style ramen will surely have you slurping every last bit. Most of the ramen served at Ooink is mala-forward, so if you love those spicy, numbing flavors, then you’re in for a treat. Not a huge fan? There are other varieties for you, too, and you can always pick your own spice level. The rich, flavorful kotteri ramen is best in show if you’re a garlic lover like me. (They also have a mala kotteri ramen to add that iconic mala level to the dish.) They even have a few non-ramen dishes that sell out quickly: If you’re in luck, try the spicy ayam goreng or the spicy crispy chicken sandwich.

Time Out tip: The team at Ooink follows the philosophy of “respect the ingredients” and also makes sure no ingredients go to waste—you can even find extra noodles free for the taking sometimes at the Fremont location.

Address: 3630 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103; 1416 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Opening Hours: Fremont: Sun–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm. Capitol Hill: Sun–Thu 11:30am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–11pm.
Expect to pay: $25 per person

What is it? A lively Korean-fusion restaurant that seamlessly blends Asian and Pacific Northwest flavors in the Wallingford neighborhood.

Why we love it: The upscale yet casual Korean eatery focuses on different cuts and preparations of beef, each one more delicious than the next. The atmosphere is stylish yet cozy with an open kitchen and both indoor and outdoor seating, including a heated patio. Joule is part of the Relay Restaurant Group and is run by husband-and-wife duo Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi. The dishes at Joule are meant to be shared—though I can’t promise that you’ll want to share the must-order steak—and there are a good number of options within each category on the menu. For drinks, you can expect cocktails that will surprise and delight with names like “On Island Time” and “Groundhog Day,” plus an amazing selection of PNW wines.

Time Out tip: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can order an entire cake to be served after your dinner by chef Rachel Yang’s newest venture, Paper Cake Shop. Just fill out the form online with your Joule reservation number and special message at least three days in advance.

Address: 3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
Opening Hours: Sun–Thur 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm
Expect to pay: $60 per person