Seattle is a hilly waterfront city of about 737,000 people between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, known for Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, its coffee and tech culture, ferries and views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
Seattle's food scene is shaped by Puget Sound seafood, Pacific Northwest produce, a strong Asian-American community in the Chinatown-International District and Little Saigon, and a coffee and bakery culture centered on Pike Place Market. Local staples include fresh Dungeness crab, wild salmon, oysters from Washington shellfish growers, teriyaki, Vietnamese pho and banh mi, and dumplings. Fine dining clusters in Queen Anne, Belltown and Capitol Hill, while casual counters fill the Market and Ballard.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Seattle.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Italian
American
Burgers
Greek
Japanese
Pan
Southern
Steakhouse
Food tours & tastings in Seattle
Eat your way through Seattle with a guide.
Browse food experiences in SeattleWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reserve Canlis and other tasting-menu restaurants well ahead through Tock or each restaurant's own site.
Pike Place Market lines peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; weekday mornings are quieter.
A tip of 18-20 percent is customary at sit-down restaurants.
Hours and menus change; confirm on each restaurant's website before going.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are common across Seattle, particularly in Capitol Hill, Fremont and Ballard. Many Asian restaurants in the Chinatown-International District and Little Saigon offer vegetarian dishes, but shellfish and fish sauce are widespread. Diners with allergies should state them when ordering.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $35-55 per person per day: a bakery breakfast, a Market chowder or sandwich lunch and an International District dinner (USD) | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |