As part of your visit to Pike Place Market, be sure to grab a cup of chowder from this spot, it's an obligatory Seattle stop. This multiple award-winning seafood joint is a must-visit for any lover of seafood, chowder or local Seattle flavor. Enjoy the energy of fellow market-goers bustling by as you taste different concoctions of chowder, soups and seafood. Diners here have described their eating experiences here as "emotionally moving," so be prepared for a transcendent experience. The first thing you will notice is the giant line, but don't fret, it moves rather quickly. If you want to capture the essence of Seattle in one meal, this wouldn't be a bad choice.
Von's is an all scratch kitchen specializing in Seattle Sourdough and the largest collection of fine spirits in the city. We serve everything from sourdough pasta to hand filtered custom vodka.
Paseo
Your first reaction to Paseo Caribbean Restaurant will be wonderment as to how can a restaurant this popular can be this small. Your first glance at the menu may reinforce that reaction. Don't be fooled, though, this is one of the best restaurants in town. Each of the dishes, sandwiches and some grilled dishes, are done well. The garlic prawns are particularly flavorful, and the grilled pork will surely satiate your taste buds. The Midnight Cuban sandwich is a hot favorite among locals, who will vouch for this pork sandwich filled with a generous amount of mayonnaise and garnished with cilantro. Since the compact space is the restaurant's only drawback, make sure you get there early to get a table or simply grab some takeout.
Steps from the Dahlia Lounge, this Tom Douglas creation is all about pizza. Not like his infamous Coconut Cream one—Serious is about phenomenal pies. The space is intimate, with just 50 seats, rustic exposed beam ceilings, and a wood-fired oven surrounded by natural stone visible through the open kitchen. Pizza crust is melt-in-your mouth perfect. Try the house made mozzarella, their exclusive sausage and pancetta, or indulge in Penn Cove clam pizza. Round out your meal with an organic lettuce starter and be sure to finish with a cannoli for dessert. Offerings change seasonally.
Shiro's
It's hard to believe that this little corner eatery serves some of Seattle's best sushi. But then, considering chef Shiro Kashiba's formidable reputation of having served important Japanese delegates and ministers, it's not really surprising. Starting off in the city with the now popular Nikko restaurant, he installed himself and his considerable talents in this simple but elegant Belltown storefront in 1994. Turning out crisp cuts of fish and hand rolls with as much flourish as food, Shiro's is renowned for innovative adaptations of local seafood in sushi. The chef's-choice Sushi Dinner covers the basics but it's also rewarding to sample from the sushi list. The restaurant serves sake, beer and wine.
Lola
Opened in 2004, Lola is yet another successful restaurant belonging to celebrated restaurateur Tom Douglas. The Greek-inspired menu combines local ingredients with Mediterranean freshness and simplicity. Try your hand at the sizzling Ouzo-splashed kebabs, bright-tasting Mezze and Lebanese Seven Spice Duck Breast. The dining area acquires its stylish look from earth colors, hand-painted chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu changes daily, and the wine list includes some rare Greek wines and an inventive cocktail menu, so sip on your favorite drink and check out what's on offer for the day. Breakfast is served from 6a onward on weekdays, and 7a onward on weekends.
A taste of New Orleans in the heart of Queen Anne, Toulouse Petit Kitchen and Lounge is a refreshing addition to Seattle's culinary scene. The extensive menu features Louisiana Creole cuisine - an eclectic blend of European, Native American and Southern flavors. Generous portions of sumptuous seafood, charcuterie, meat preparations and interesting sides form the centerpiece of your dining experience and are best enjoyed with a drink or two from the well-stocked bar. Boasting one of the best happy hours in the country, creative cocktails like the Toulouse Hurricane or Katie-Mae deserve special mention. Ornate wrought-iron furniture and delightful ceiling-lamps against the floor-to-ceiling glass windows enhance its rustic appeal.
Elliott's Oyster House is the place to taste oysters with friends over cocktails on the popular patio. The menu also features excellent shellfish from nearby waters and other seafood dishes, including chowder, mussels, clams, salmon, crab, and more. For those not so fond of seafood, pasta and meat dishes are available as well. This is a popular spot, and reservations are highly recommended.
