Seattle is full of hidden foodie gems. This PNW staple is serving up some of the most diverse, fresh, innovative meals in the country.
See Also:
- A local’s guide to Seattle neighbourhoods
- 17 things you cannot miss when visiting Seattle
- 16 of the top places to get your drink on in Seattle
So where to start? Here are some of the best places to eat in Seattle. You may want to loosen your belt for this one.
Floral oasis: The London Plane
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This bright, contemporary, high-ceilinged space is a dream for both Instagram and brunch enthusiasts – which, let’s be real, usually overlap (did you even brunch if you didn’t Instagram it?) The menu is fresh and innovative, atmosphere is trendy and lively, and there is even a built-in florist shop for you to take home some flowers along with your doggy bag. Located a few steps away from Century Link Stadium, London Plane is a perfect place for a bite before heading to a concert or game.
Address: 300 S Occidental Avenue
Neighbourhood: Pioneer Square
Phone: +1-206-624-1374
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Southern comfort: Biscuit Bitch
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Biscuit Bitch is arguably the least pretentious eatery in Seattle. The food isn’t fancy and the ambiance has some serious trailer park vibes, but it’s a place that welcomes anyone and everyone. The staff members are friendly and accommodating, but aren’t afraid to throw a little sass your way if you take too long to order! Their southern side menu offers a wide range of fixings with your biscuits, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Address: 1909 1st Avenue / 621 3rd Avenue / 2303 3rd Avenue
Neighbourhood: Downtown / Pioneer Square / Belltown
Phone: +1-206-441-7999 / +1-206-623-1859 / +1-206-728-2219
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Gluten free cafe: Niche
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Founded by aFrench-trained pastry chef, Niche is so much more than a gluten-free bakery. Everything in this artisan-style cafe is made in-house (even the bread) and all efforts are made to use locally sourced and sustainably raised produce. Even if you aren’t celiac or gluten-free, the food is exceptional! They serve everything from breakfast sandwiches and sweet or savory waffles, to delicious baked goods that you can grab and go.
Address: 808 12th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-999-2801
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Hearty lunch spot: Mean Sandwich
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Cradled next to Peddler Brewing, this place makes a mean sandwich. Expect juicy, hearty, meaty sandwiches in scrumptious bread, with sides of some of the best potatoes you’ll ever eat in your life. Sit inside, or order from the window off the brewery patio.
Address: 1510 NW Leary Way
Neighbourhood: Ballard
Phone: +1-206-789-9999
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GIGANTIC desserts: Cinnamon Works
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Conveniently located in Pike Place Market, the selection of enormous sweets at Cinnamon Works is a must-try. The bakery has plenty of gluten free and vegan options, so anyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can stop by to eat themselves into a coma. (That’s a slight exaggeration, but it literally took 3 days to eat a monster cookie).
Address: 1536 Pike Place
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-206-583-0085
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Vietnamese: Hot as Pho
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In addition to its hilarious name, Hot as Pho has incredible Vietnamese food and speedy service – what more do you need from a pho place? Although the restaurant looks tiny from the outside, the dining area is actually two levels, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to sit down and enjoy their hot noodle soup! Side note: Conan O’Brien ate there once – there’s a photo of him by the till! If it’s good enough of Conan, it’s good enough for you.
Address: 1414 2nd Avenue
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-206-748-9934
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Trendy cafe: Oddfellows
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This rustic cafe in Capitol Hill is the cutest spot for weekend brunch. Most of its eclectic decor is recycled or repurposed, making it Insta worthy and environmentally friendly. If you’re short on time, you can still swing by to grab a tea or coffee at their over-the-counter cafe – but if you’ve got time for a sit-down meal, try and snag a table on their “secret” garden patio.
Address: 1525 10th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-325-0807
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Vegan ice cream: Frankie & Jo’s
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Nothing tastes sweeter than guilt-free ice cream. At Frankie & Jo’s, everything is vegan, gluten-free and soy-free, making it a healthy and delicious ice cream alternative. Using a blend of house-made cashew milk and coconut milk, each flavour is creamy and rich. Make sure to top off your cone with some vegan chocolate sauce – you won’t regret it!
Address: 1411 NW 70th Street / 1010 E Union Street
Neighbourhood: Ballard / Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-257-1676 / +1 206-557-4603
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Afternoon tea: The Crumpet Shop
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This cute lil shop serves up a crumpet like no other. Creamy ricotta, dripping with honey and almonds over this soft, warm, doughy-on-the-inside-but-crispy-on-the-outside wonder is the perfect start to a day in Seattle. The shop is located near the market, but just far enough off the tourist track that the line won’t send you away. Make sure to stop by for a chomp here.
Address: 1503 1st Avenue
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-206-682-1598
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A smashing good time: Crab Pot
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It’s a pretty Seattle thing to head down to Crab Pot near the waterfront, rock a bib, and get shucking and smacking. They’ll equip you with all the tools, including a mallet – it’s dinner and entertainment! While it’s not all-you-can-eat, you’ll definitely get your fill. Smash away, friends (and don’t forget to wash your hands).
Address: 1301 Alaskan Way
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-206-624-1890
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Tranquil garden retreat: Cafe Flora
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If you’re in the mood for a relaxing meal, look no further! This restaurant’s decor is exactly what you would expect from the name Cafe Flora. A babbling stone fountain stands front and centre in the dining area, with lush plants and exotic greenery that make the room feel like a garden oasis. Many of the vegetable and herbs used in their dishes are grown in their garden atrium, which is a tranquil outdoor paradise where guests can dine when the weather is nice.
Address: 2901 E Madison Street
Neighbourhood: Madison Valley
Phone: +1-206-325-9100
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Margs & Mexican: Mama’s Cantina
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The party never stops at this saucy Mexican restaurant. Located in the heart of Belltown district, Mama’s Cantina is the perfect spot for a late night taco… or three! This hole-in-the-wall, mom-and-pop shop has a fun, old school vibe. The food isn’t particularly complex, but who cares when it’s 11:00 pm on a Saturday and you’re four margaritas deep? (You can also go when you’re sober, by the way – the chips and salsa are great!)
Address: 2234 2nd Avenue
Neighbourhood: Belltown
Phone: +1-206-728-6262
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International fusion: Nue
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This culturally-confused eatery has one of the most eclectic menus in Seattle! Their dishes are inspired from across the globe – they serve everything from Cambodian curries to South African chow. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, make sure you order the Thai Mang Da Na (candied water beetles, anyone?). The atmosphere is funky and down to earth, with communal seating that makes you feel like you’re eating in a hostel somewhere far away – except you’re eating delicious food, not instant noodles.
Address: 1519 14th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-257-0312
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Dinner and a show: Orient Express Restaurant and Lounge
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Comprised of seven antique train cars, this restaurant is anything but ordinary. Visitors come for the delicious Chinese and Thai food, and stay because of the friendly atmosphere, excellent service and good times. Oh, did we mention they have karaoke? Enough said.
Address: 2963 S 4th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Georgetown
Phone: +1-206-682-0683
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American BBQ: Woodshop BBQ
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Meat lovers, rejoice! This all-American BBQ joint is home to some of the best hickory-smoked meats in Seattle. What started as a food truck in 2014 has since turned into a brick and mortar restaurant, equipped with a full bar and outdoor patio space. Their menu consists of sandwiches, meat you can order by the pound, ribs, wings, and mac and cheese.
Address: 2513 S Jackson Street
Neighbourhood: Atlantic
Phone: +1-206-485-7381
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Ode to the French Atlantic: Bar Melusine
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This bright, airy restaurant has the most adorable colour scheme – mint green chairs compliment a white marble bar, and flecks of green and white are speckled across stone tiles. Order some oysters and a glass of rosé, and you might as well be in a quaint cafe on the coast of Cannes. Bon appetit!
Address: 1060 E Union Street
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-900-8808
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Lunch & learn: Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe
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There’s something calming about bookstores. Whether you’re a huge nerd like me, or just enjoy some peace and quiet, Ada’s is a great spot for a quick bite. It’s a great place for a sit-down lunch, but if you’d rather browse their selection of books, you can simply order a quick coffee and pastry from their over-the-counter cafe.
Address: 425 15th E Avenue
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
Phone: +1-206-322-1058
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Italian pizzeria: Bar del Corso
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Bar del Corso is the quintessential neighbourhood Pizzeria. The restaurant serves Neapolitan-style pizza that’s made from fresh, simple ingredients. Baked to perfection in a brick wood oven, guest can enjoy their ‘za in the indoor dining area, or outside on the patio during the summer months.
Address: 3057 S Beacon Avenue
Neighbourhood: Fremont
Phone: +1-206-395-2069
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Classic burger joint: Uneeda Burger
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Nestled in the heart of Fremont, this industrial-style burger shack serves up some killer burgs. The aesthetic is quite trendy – string lights hang from the ceiling, and garage-style doors open wide, inviting guests to lounge on a spacious roadside patio. In the summer, make sure to grab a milkshake and a spot on the patio, where you can sit back and enjoy an afternoon of people watching.
Address: 4302 N Fremont Avenue
Neighbourhood: Fremont
Phone: +1-206-547-2600
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Vegetarian eats: Sunlight Cafe
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Add a little sunshine to your day by grabbing a bite at the Sunlight Cafe. This homey, casual vegetarian joint is known for its large portions, affordable price point and great food. The restaurant opened its doors in 1976, which means it’s the longest standing vegetarian restaurant in Seattle. Throughout the years, the Sunlight Cafe has gained quite the loyal fan club. Come here to dine like a local, and get your daily dose of veggies while you’re at it.
Address: 6404 NE 9th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Roosevelt
Phone: +1-206-522-9060
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See Also:
- A local’s guide to Seattle neighbourhoods
- 17 things you cannot miss when visiting Seattle
- 16 of the top places to get your drink on in Seattle
Want to share your favourite places to eat in your own city? Contact us at [email protected].