The Best Seafood Restaurants in Seattle
Dorothy went to the Emerald City to find her way home — but you should go to the real Emerald City, which is to say Seattle, for the incredible variety of fresh, delicious seafood. Nestled between the bountiful Pacific Ocean and the culinary kaleidoscope of the Pike Place Market fish market, Seattle restaurants are a haven for seafood lovers.
Can you feel the cool, salty breeze tickling your senses? That's not just the spirit of Seattle whispering sweet nothings; it's the irresistible call of seafood heaven! Now, there's no denying the city's smorgasbord of seafood delights can be daunting.
But fear not! Think of us as your fabulous fairy godparent, here to guide you to the best of Seattle's seafood restaurants — from South Lake Union to Belltown, from Capitol Hill to the Central District.
While you may have heard of Ivar’s or Dukes, these spots are a bit fancier — and we say, treat yourself! From oysters that taste like they were plucked straight from the ocean that very morning to the finest crab cakes this side of the Mississippi — there's a seafood dining experience waiting for you.
We're about to go on a mouthwatering journey that’ll take us through shucking oyster bars, elegant waterfront dining, and hidden culinary gems in the heart of the city — straight from the cold waters of the Puget Sound.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
The Walrus and the Carpenter is tucked away in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, and it’s the perfect in-between if you want something that gives you the vibe of an old fishing pub while maintaining the upscale eats and class of a full-service restaurant.
It's quaint, it's chic, and it has a menu that will make your taste buds sing out with a passion you’ve never experienced before. Adele could never.
Imagine the freshest oysters you’ve ever tasted, straight from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest, served on a bed of ice…with a side of vibrant mignonette. Or how about grilled sardines that melt in your mouth like butter on a hot summer's day? Oh, and let's not forget the smoked trout — a dish so divine, it might as well have its own red carpet entrance.
Each bite at The Walrus and Carpenter is a celebration of the sea, a symphony of flavors that have you applauding for an encore. Truly, this place is the Meryl Streep of seafood restaurants — consistently excellent yet still surprising even when you think you’ve seen her play this role before.
RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
Now, if you fancy a seafood adventure with a side of environmental consciousness, RockCreek Seafood & Spirits is your go-to. Nestled in the super trendy neighborhood of Fremont, this charming spot has a sustainable ethos that's as praiseworthy as its menu.
In addition to sourcing local seafood, RockCreek Seafood & Spirits also sources seafood, like black cod and halibut, from well-managed fisheries worldwide to bring you the best of both familiar Northwest delights like crab, oysters, and mussels to tropical deliciousness from Hawaii and East Coast standards such as striped bass.
From the moment you step inside, you'll be smitten by the rustic charm of this urban seafood house. High ceilings, reclaimed wood, and an open kitchen create an ambiance that's cozier than a cashmere sweater. But what really seals the deal is the menu.
Ever tried Hawaiian tuna crudo with pickled strawberries and cucumber? It's a seafood lover's sonnet, an elegant blend of flavors that have you questioning everything you thought you knew about tuna. And the Alaskan king crab leg? It’s like getting a bear hug from a gentle giant — warm, comforting, and absolutely delightful.
The Pink Door
If you’re ever walking around Post Alley near Seattle’s Pike Place Market, you may have noticed a sweet pink door…behind which, unsurprisingly, waits The Pink Door — an enchanting tryst between Italian-American cuisine and the freshest of Seattle's seafood. This whimsical spot is as quirky as its name suggests, making it an experience you simply can’t miss.
You walk through a pink door into a world that’s equal parts romantic, eccentric, and oh-so-inviting. There's live entertainment — think trapeze artists and cabaret — and a menu that can only be described as a love letter to the sea.
Picture this: succulent Dungeness crab tossed with homemade linguini in a spicy three-pepper sauce. Sounds divine, doesn't it? Well, honey, it tastes even better. Each forkful is like dancing with the stars of seafood, a sultry tango of flavors that leaves you breathless.
If seafood had a high school, The Pink Door would be the prom queen — adored by all, envied by many, and absolutely unforgettable. So, make a date with The Pink Door — it's a seafood escapade you won't regret.
Elliott's Oyster House
Elliott's Oyster House is so authentically maritime you might just feel the sea breeze in your hair and smell the soothing scent of saltwater before your meal has even been served. Nestled along the waterfront, this delightful spot is to oysters what Cher is to pop culture — iconic!
Imagine an oyster bar that sparkles with dozens of varieties, from the buttery Olympia to the crisp Blue Pool. Each little gem is a masterclass in freshness, a taste of the sea so authentic, you'd swear you just dived into the ocean and handpicked it yourself.
If you’re celebrating, their Celebration dish for the table gives you a veritable school of fresh seafood. From oysters to prawns to snow crab claws and half-shell scallops, they give you everything they’ve got and pair it with a frozen champagne mignonette to elevate your dining experience to transcendent.
And if you’re craving crispy fish and chips with tartar sauce or clam chowder? They have you covered there too. It’s a love letter to the ocean, sealed with a kiss of exquisite flavor.
Taylor Shellfish Farms
If you’re looking for a truly farm-to-table (or should we say, tide-to-table) experience, then Taylor Shellfish Farms is calling your name. This spot is as genuine as they come — serving up clams, mussels, and oysters straight from their own farms.
The menu is a showcase of bivalve brilliance. From the briny Kumamotos to the sweet Manilas — every bite is a refreshing gulp of the Pacific Northwest, all served while seated at a rustic oyster bar or picked up fresh from their market-side location.
The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly their geoduck. Prepared as a sashimi, this clam variety is a taste revelation. If you're a seafood adventurer, consider it a treasure map leading to taste-bud ecstasy. Taylor Shellfish Farms is truly a no-fuss, all-flavor haven for seafood lovers. It’s like a delightful picnic by the seashore; only you don’t have to worry about the seagulls stealing your lunch.
Ray's Boathouse
Last but certainly not least, we have Ray's Boathouse. When you pair their inspired menu of fresh seafood with a crisp rosé on a hot day after hours of sightseeing and a romantic sunset spilling over the tranquil waters of the Shilshole Bay, you really can’t do much better than Ray’s Boathouse for your final stop on this tour of seafood stardom.
Stepping into Ray's Boathouse is like being transported into a Nora Ephron movie. While we can’t guarantee a romantic lead will be waiting to sweep you off your feet after an awkward yet heart-thumping meet-cute…we can guarantee that, like her films, it's timeless, it's romantic, and it's utterly charming.
The menu is a smorgasbord of the freshest catches, prepared with a finesse that makes it clear that everyone at the Boathouse really knows what they’re doing. And they ought to — they opened back in 1973, so they’ve been slinging plates of succulent seafood delights for fifty years this June.
Ray's Boathouse is not just a restaurant — it's a sensory experience. It’s the perfect place for that special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself because, darling, you’re worth it. So, make room in your itinerary because a visit to Seattle isn’t complete without a dinner at Ray's.
Honorable Mentions
- Omakase
- Sushi Kashiba
- Chinook’s
- El Gaucho
- Westward
Sea You Later
Well, darling, we’ve reached the end of our flavorful tour of Seattle's seafood extravaganza. And what a journey it’s been! Each stop was a deep dive into the city’s seafood scene, as vibrant and varied as a Pride parade. From the quintessential raw bar experience at Taylor Shellfish Farms to the breathtaking waterfront views of Ray’s Boathouse — there was something for every seafood lover.
But, like all good things, our foodie journey must come to an end. However, the adventure is far from over for you, dear reader. After all, we’ve only sampled a taste of what Seattle’s seafood scene has to offer. There are still plenty of seafood treasures waiting to be discovered.
The city’s best seafood restaurants are ready to welcome you with open arms and full plates. Take a bite out of Seattle’s seafood scene and let it capture your heart, just like it’s captured ours. And if we’re all being honest with each other, if you’re a foodie, there's no love more sincere and more abiding than the love you have for a truly remarkable plate.
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