Altura
No need for hyperbole here, as Altura's reputation speaks for itself. Fine Italian dining mixed with elegant decor make this artisan restaurant an ideal place for a romantic night on the town. Choose from 3, 4 or 5 course fixed dinners, or order a la carte. It almost goes without saying that reservations are required. Named best Seattle restaurant in 2012, Altura truly is a jewel of the Emerald City.
Cactus restaurants, located all over Seattle offer a great mix of Latin flavors - including many Tex Mex and Spanish preparations. Located on Terry Avenue, their South Lake Union edition serves up a storm of tasty dishes like butternut squash enchilada, squash tamales and ahi tacos, to name a few. These offerings are delicious, to say the least, and much-loved by regular patrons. Included in this eclectic menu is a range of Southwestern dishes like Tex Mex quesadila, New Mexico sopa and such. Also on offer here is a cocktail and tequila menu that reflects Spanish and Latin American flavors and colors.
Just over the hill from downtown Seattle in Madison Valley, this small Spanish taverna has just three little tables and fewer than 10 bar stools, but nobody seems to mind waiting for a spot. Behind the bar, Joseph Jimenez de Jimenez demonstrates the art of tapas. Stuffed peppers, garlic-sauteed chorizo sausage and blue cheese with grilled bread and pears are just a few of his delicacies. Also try the Paella for two, soups and sandwiches.
Located at historic Pioneer Square, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Taylor Oyster Bar is a vibrant venue serving delicious seafood specials and raw oysters alongside crafted drinks. The restaurant blends rustic brick walls with industrial accents to create an inviting space to spend a relaxed evening. Originally started as a seafood market, Taylor Oyster Farms has channeled their seafood expertise into this oyster bar, serving some of the freshest seafood this side of town. Happy Hours are between 4p to 6p from Monday to Friday, making this the ideal after-work spot for a drink and snacks with colleagues.
Red Robin isn't the only place to get gourmet burgers in the Pacific Northwest. This similarly named burger joint has been voted "Best Burger" by the readers of the Seattle Weekly. The reasons are obvious, big juicy patties, fresh buns and crisp lettuce, not to mention fair prices. At this chic Red Mill Burgers joint, try the rich Bacon Deluxe with Cheese, the Veggie Burger or the Chicken Burger. The thick milkshakes and malts are nothing to sneer at either.
Bacco Café is a great place to grab some breakfast or lunch before heading to explore the city. Their organic eggs prepared in the sunny side up style, scrambled or simply made into a great omelet are a must try. Although the menu is quite selective, each dish is a delight as the ingredients used all come from the organic produce stalls at the Pike Place Market. A number of fresh juice options are available to sip on along with the food. On warm summer days, you can sit out in their patio area and people-watch as you enjoy dishes like Brioche French Toast, Salmon Benedict and Chicken Caesar Salad.
Canlis
For half a century, and three generations of the Canlis family, this gorgeous restaurant has presided on a hill over Lake Union. It beckons the well-off, those looking for a romantic evening, or anyone celebrating a special event. The restaurant has won awards too numerous to list, and a renovation has made it all the better. The cuisine is based on fresh ingredients, with salmon, scallops and Dungeness crab topping the menu. Vegetables are locally grown, as are the wide array of fruits used in each beautifully presented dish. The restaurant has a 12,000-bottle wine cellar.
The Varchetta brothers bring Italy's Piedmont region to Seattle's downtown core. Authentic flavors are complimented by contemporary plating feature at this classy, upscale restaurant. Choose from 300 red and white wines from across the world to complement the sumptuous array of antipasti, pasta, meat and seafood delicacies that are offered. Sheer drapes, glamorous chandeliers, mirrored panels and plush leather seating make for a luxurious yet inviting ambiance.
