Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Seattle, Washington, has easy access to fresh, succulent salmon. And oh, do they know how to prepare it!

From simply grilled to smoked to baked with a crust of hazelnuts and honey — Seattle's seafood restaurants have got it down to a fine art. Whether you’re in the mood for a salmon sandwich, salmon chowder, or some easy breezy takeout, this list has you and your tastebuds covered.

In this city, you're never more than a hop, skip, and jump from some fabulous salmon dish for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Get ready, sweetheart, because we're about to take you on a culinary tour of the Emerald City.

Grab your virtual map and tighten your belt — we're going to explore where to reel in the best salmon in Seattle, from historic markets to the quaint waterfront restaurants of the Pacific Northwest. Prepare your palate, darling; this journey's going to be one delicious ride!

1. The Fishermen's Terminal

Let's kick off this culinary adventure in a place that's as Seattle as it gets — the Fishermen's Terminal. Nestled on Salmon Bay, this spot isn't just a gateway for local fishing vessels; it's also a hot spot for fresh salmon and some of the best seafood you can get.

Honey, when we say fresh, we mean it just got off the boat!

Since 1913, this terminal has been a bustling center for commercial fishermen. The spirit of the fishing community is almost palpable, right? Imagine a cool, salty breeze, the sounds of seagulls, and the sight of gleaming silver fish on ice — it's a sensory delight!

Their fresh market is where the magic really happens. It's all scales and smiles as you peruse the catch of the day. Want the most succulent salmon the Seattle area can offer? Look no further, darling, because this is where you'll find it. While most of our recommendations will be for restaurants and prepared salmon…sometimes it’s nice to get yourself something fresh from the sea for a home-cooked meal!

2. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

The next stop on our salmon tour of Seattle restaurants is none other than the Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar. Known for its sustainably sourced fresh seafood, this joint serves up an eco-conscious feast that's as delightful as it is delicious.

A green thumb never tasted so good, right? You can find Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar locations in a few different areas, like West Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Pioneer Square.

Their farm-to-table approach ensures the freshness of their seafood — especially the salmon. Whether it's char-grilled, pan-seared, or smoked, the salmon here is simply a mouth-watering masterpiece. Just imagine sinking your teeth into a beautifully cooked piece of salmon…Mmm, foodie heaven!

The vibe here? Let's just say it's like dining in a sophisticated beach shack. Think driftwood, oyster shells, and a whole lot of seaside charm. You're going to adore it, darling!

3. Wild Salmon Seafood Market

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, let's jet over to the Wild Salmon Seafood Market. Serving Seattle since 1990, it's where the city's salmon-savvy flock to get their hands on the freshest catch.

They've got an array of salmon varieties — think king, sockeye, coho, and even the elusive copper river salmon when it's in season. The staff, darling, are as friendly as they are knowledgeable. They'll guide you through your options and even give you cooking tips if you ask nicely.

This place isn't just a market; it's an experience! Picture this: the smell of the sea, the hustle and bustle of patrons, the glinting silver scales of fresh salmon on ice. It's a seafood lover's paradise.

Whether you're an expert cook or a culinary novice, this is your one-stop shop for some of Seattle, WA's best salmon. Go ahead, pick up a filet or two. Your dinner guests will be singing your praises all night long, sweetheart!

4. Ray's Boathouse

We're making waves on this tour — next stop, Ray's Boathouse. Tucked away in Ballard, this darling of a spot offers a spectacular view of Shilshole Bay and the Olympic Mountains. But let's not get distracted by the vista because the real feast for the eyes is on the plate!

Their menu is an ode to fresh fish, with our star of the show, salmon, taking center stage. Their cedar plank-roasted Sockeye Salmon, drizzled with a divine maple glaze, is the stuff of dreams. It's sweet, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying.

And let's not forget about their Smoked Sablefish in Sake Kasu. This dish, even though it's not salmon, deserves a standing ovation. After all, variety is the spice of life, right?

Dining at Ray's isn't just about the food, darling. It's also about the ambiance. The sight of the sun setting over the bay, the scent of the salty air, the clink of glasses — it's a symphony for the senses.

When you're in Seattle craving some mouth-watering salmon, make a beeline for Ray's Boathouse. Just remember to make a reservation. This place is quite the catch and tends to get booked up pretty fast!

5. Pike Place Market

No list of foodie paradises for any type of food is complete without the heartbeat of Seattle — the Pike Place Market. Overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront, this historic market is a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and — you guessed it — spectacular salmon!

Known for its lively atmosphere and colorful vendors, Pike Place is a seafood mecca, boasting numerous stalls selling fresh-off-the-boat salmon, crab cakes, fish tacos — you name it. It's the epicenter of Seattle's fishy affair and quite the spectacle. You've seen the famous fish-tossing, right? It's all part of the charm!

Among the numerous stalls, Pure Food Fish Market stands out. In business since 1911, this family-owned stall is famous for its fresh and smoked salmon. They fly it to your doorstep if you're not local, but why miss out on the excitement of the market?

Another must-visit is Pike Place Fish Market, home to the world-famous fish throwers. Here, you'll find King and Sockeye salmon displayed like maritime jewels. They can fillet it for you right on the spot — talk about dinner and a show!

Pike Place is more than just a market; it's a Seattle experience. With its hustle and bustle, shouts of fishmongers, and the occasional whiff of fresh flowers, it's a sensory feast you don't want to miss.

And let's face it, darling — a visit to Seattle without a stop at Pike Place Market is like a cake without the icing. It's still good, but it could be so much better! So, put on your most comfortable shoes, and let's hit the market!

6. Sushi Kashiba

Ready for a change of scene, darling? How about a dash of Japan in the heart of Seattle? Let's jet over to Sushi Kashiba, where the salmon is as fresh as the Seattle rain, and the sushi is an art form.

Tucked away in Pike Place Market, this sushi haven is the brainchild of Chef Shiro Kashiba, a legend in Seattle's sushi scene. His salmon sushi and sashimi are to die for, darling! Fresh, succulent, and perfectly prepared — it's like a burst of the Pacific Ocean in your mouth.

And the ambiance? A serene sushi bar, the gentle clatter of chopsticks, the vibrant colors of the freshest seafood elegantly presented on a plate…A meal at Sushi Kashiba isn't just about satisfying your salmon craving — it's a feast for all senses.

7. Salty's on Alki Beach

Next, we're headed to the dazzling waterfront at Salty's on Alki Beach, where the salmon is as breathtaking as the view. With an award-winning panorama of the Seattle skyline, Salty's serves up some of the city's finest seafood.

Their salmon dishes are the true star of the show. From the traditional cedar-planked salmon to the modern blackened salmon with tangy mango salsa, the chefs at Salty's know their way around this pink-fleshed fish. Each bite is a testament to the kitchen's dedication to flavor and quality. Aside from salmon, this is also your stop for scallops, rockfish, and prawn cocktail.

Dine here for the salmon, and stay for the view. Just imagine a scrumptious salmon dinner with the stunning Seattle skyline as your backdrop. It's a date with the city you won't forget, darling!

8. Ivar's Acres of Clams

Our final stop on this salmon adventure is the legendary Ivar's Acres of Clams. A long-standing establishment on Seattle's waterfront, Ivar's is as much a part of the city's fabric as the Space Needle or Mount Rainier. Aside from salmon, their menu also features halibut, clam chowder, mussels, and small plates like ceviche.

Their salmon dishes are renowned citywide — their Alder Grilled Sockeye Salmon and Blackened Salmon Caesar are local favorites. And let's not forget about the Clam mascot, always ready to welcome you with open arms (or should we say open shells).

Takeaway

Well, darling, that's our grand salmon tour of Seattle! Oh, what a journey it's been — from the bustling Pike Place Market to the serene waterfront dining at Salty's on Alki Beach. We've seen it all. And more importantly, we've tasted it all!

We dove headfirst into the heart of the city and unearthed some truly wonderful places that offer the best of the best when it comes to salmon. Whether it's the historic Fishermen's Terminal or the charming ambiance at Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar, Seattle certainly knows how to serve up its iconic dish. From the dock to the dish, salmon is indeed Seattle's heart and soul. It's a love story, and it's one worth savoring. Now go on; the city awaits!

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