Not sure where to eat in Seattle? With so many options, it sure can get tricky!
The city is filled (and filled) with eateries, from bakeries and sweet shops to pizza places and homemade mac n cheeses. It’s hard to decide where to eat in Seattle for this very reason- everything looks and smells so absolutely delicious! Around every corner there are more restaurants to be discovered, and even more coffee shops to get your daily fix of caffeine.
What a good problem to have!
Here are my top choices, but I’m sure there are dozens more I missed!
Breakfast:
Lola: Everyone told me I just HAD to go to Lola to stuff my face with breakfast donuts. I couldn’t find the time, how dare me, but when you go, please send me a few. 🙂 Tom Douglas really knows his stuff.
Sweet Iron Waffles: Bacon, brie, and belgium waffles? I honestly can’t think of a better combination. And neither could my taste buds. Come here in the morning for an unexpected sweet treat.
Seattle Coffee Works: If you happen to be staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel (two thumbs up), this is your spot for morning coffee. It’s a great spot to sit and enjoy your beverage of choice- with coffees from all around the world.
Piroshky Piroshky: Yes, the line may be long- but it’s worth the wait. I tried the potato and cheese, as well as the lemon braid, and both were fantastic. Kinda wishing I bought some on my last day to surprise my husband with.
Seattle Bagel Bakery: Not your average bagel shop. They kettle boil each and every batch, to perfect that special bagel taste. And with specialities including pesto parmesan bagel dogs and bagel crab melts, you’ll be back for seconds.
Biscuit B*tch: With profanity in basically all menu items, here’s no way you can feel uncomfortable saying “bitch” here. I opted for the Nutty Bitch, a concoction of nutella, banana, and whipped cream in a heavenly warm biscuit. Edgy name and good biscuits- can’t say no to that. The food is literally bitchin’.
Lunch/Dinner:
The Pink Door: A super fun place to come with friends, think burlesque shows & trapeze! Kind of hard to find since there is no sign, but just look for the pink door on Post Alley near Pike Place!
Alaskan Sourdough Bakery: Located near the Great Wheel and Seattle Waterfront, this small establishment is the perfect place to grab a sandwich to go (on delicious home-baked sourdough bread!)
Serious Pie: You better come hungry, or be prepared to share, because the pizza’s only come in one size: large! Get the buffalo mozzarella or yukon gold potato, you’ll be pleased with either. Basically, any of Tom Douglas’ creations are too good to pass up.
Pita Bite: If you’re craving some shwarma and gyro, or just want a relatively healthy meal, Pita Bite is your answer. After eating authentic Mediterranean food in both Greece and Israel over the past years, I can’t go too long without some tahini!
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Pike Place Chowder: THIS is the place to go for your fix of chowder, best on a cool, rainy day. Make sure to get their “Market Chowder” – served with the chef’s choice of fresh fish, different each time you visit! No wonder it’s chowder has won dozens of awards in both regional and national competitions!
Blue Water Taco Grill: Every city needs it’s Tex-Mex chain, and Blue Water is Seattle’s! The best part? That each order is freshly made, and inspired by local taquerias found in Southern California and Coastal Mexico. Definitely a quick and easy bite!
Tulio Ristorante (at Hotel Vintage): I can honestly say this was one of the best meals I’ve had in a very, very long time. From the sweet potato gnocchi (full of amazing flavor and taste) to the pork shank, I wanted more (and more). Innovative and authentic. Fresh and elegant. No wonder it was named one of the “Best Italian restaurants in the country” by Travel + Leisure magazine.
Lunchbox Laboratory: Loads of different burgers to try here, as well an assortment of shakes. Some even including alcohol. And why not get a “dork” shirt while you’re here? We all have a little dorkiness inside all of us.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Two words, mac n cheese. Insiders tip- take your mac n cheese to the “Truffle Lady” to get some truffle oil poured on top. Absolute heaven in a cup.
Matt’s in the Market: I’m so upset I didn’t get to eat here! I’ve heard this restaurant has some of the best views of the market sign, and with daily fresh ingredients on it’s menu, you can bet I’ll be first in line on my next visit.
Treats:
Top Pot Doughnuts: A true Seattle staple! And with locations all over the city (there are over 17 cafes), you’re never more than a few miles away from one. A few fun menu items: feather boa, old fashioned glaze, and apple fritters.
Mighty O’s Doughnuts: Speciality and mini O’s looked especially delicious! Why only get one flavor when you could try instead? Lemon poppy, french toast, nutty chocolate, raspberry riot – yes, they’re all donut flavors.
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream: A visit to Kerry Park wouldn’t be complete without the 5 minute walk to get some homemade ice cream. I indulged in the “scout” mint, but the balsamic strawberry and salted caramel piqued my interest too!
Fran’s Chocolates: Handmade truffles, salted caramels, gourmet candy bars, and chocolate-covered fruits and nuts. What’s not to love?! It’s hard to walk past without trying at least something!
Macrina Bakery: Come for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, with choices including brioches, quiches, freshly baked baguettes, and bialies. Plus, I’ve heard the bread here is to die for.
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Dahlia Bakery: You can’t visit Seattle without a visit to one of Tom Douglas’ award-winning bakeries. I tested the double peanut butter cookie based off a recommendation from the staff, but I would have liked to taste test everything! One of each, please!
Britt’s Pickles on Pike: Calling all pickle lovers! This place is a must-try! Come here for a sample of pickle juice (yes, you read that correctly), and leave with a bag full of naturally fermented pickles. By far the best old school deli style pickles you’ll have in a long time.
Cupcake Royale: Some of the wackiest flavors I’ve seen, but they all work somehow. We test tasted the whiskey maple bacon, blueberry lavender honeycomb, and lemon drop. They also serve ice cream, but the cupcakes looked too go to pass up!
Daily Dozen Donut Company: They’re hot and fresh out of the fryer, and literally melt in your mouth. This is a must for anyone visiting Pike Place Market. Plus, they’re mini, so don’t feel guilty for have a few!
Cow Chip Cookies: The cookies are so soft and chewy. My recommendation: take them home and pop in the oven for a couple of minutes for the perfect warm treat. Definitely beats Nestle or Mrs. Fields!
Recommended Seattle Activities:
- First and foremost, if you want to do a bunch of activities in Seattle, it’s definitely worth it to get the Seattle CityPASS. You’ll save over 50% on Seattles top attractions, and you can’t really beat that! I’ve used these passes in various cities around the states, and have always been grateful that I bought them in advance.
- Since you’re looking for good eats, I can’t not recommend a food tour through Pike Place Market. The market can get pretty confusing, and if you’re not entirely sure what to look for, you’ll definitely miss out on a lot.
- A day tour to Mt. Rainier National Park cannot be missed, since you’re in the area anyways! Not only will you be greeted with miraculous views of the mountain, you’ll also get up close and personal by either walking or snowshoeing on it! One of my favorite activities of my entire time in Seattle! Don’t miss it! More information here.
Any more I should add to the list? Where do you like to eat in Seattle? I’m getting hungry now!
