Dahlia Bakery offers a sizable selection of handmade breads, pastries and more from their Belltown location. Dahlia's quality comes primarily from its freshness, all of the pastries, breads and cakes baked on site every day. These aren't just typical loaves however, because onion rye, pain de champagne and pecan flax are just some of the innovative options on the menu. The biggest seller, however, is Dahlia's triple coconut creme pie, available by the slice and in small and large sizes. There is also a weekly selection of tasty gourmet sandwiches available for guests who want something a little more substantial. A unique assortment of baked goods and an obsessive dedication to quality make Dahlia Bakery a must stop location in the area.
Hotel Five is owned and operated by the hip and modern holding group, Pineapple Hospitality. The rooms feature all the modern amenities which include cable TV, iPod/iPhone dock, in-room coffee machine and even a bike rental to pedal around the city. It is located in the trendy neighborhood of Belltown, near almost everything that Seattle has to offer. Right outside your door you will find the Space Needle, Dahlia Lounge and Top Pot Doughnuts as just a few options in this ever-changing neighborhood.
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.
Sit in a comfortable chair with a cup of hot coffee and salted caramel treat while gazing out onto the streets of Seattle. Top Pot Doughnuts provides a cozy atmosphere for its patrons; the tall bookshelves brimming with hard-cover books and soothing lights make it hard to leave this doughnut shop. Pick one from their wide range of flavors while you inhale the aroma of organic coffee. At Top Pot Doughnuts, an over-stay is a regular phenomenon.
No time for a trip to France, but longing for some joie de vivre? Le Pichet nourishes your inner Francophile without the jet lag. Pop in anytime for a café au lait at the elegant tin-topped bar, or arrange a luncheon rendezvous for some creamy sweet garlic soup with asparagus and a poached egg. For dinner, order the country pate and nibble on baguette while waiting for the signature roasted chicken for two (takes 1 hour). Framed blackboards announce daily specials, cheese selections and desserts.
Chihuly Garden Glass amazes visitors with displays of colour and fine artistry. With the iconic Space Needle serving as its backdrop, this unique exhibit – conceived by artist Dale Chihuly – features glass sculptures that have to be seen to be believed. The splendour of lush gardens showcasing Chihuly's signature glass creations is a truly serene experience. Easily accessible via the Seattle Monorail, there is no excuse for not experiencing this incomparable display of nature and glass.
Macrina Bakery & Cafe is any dessert and bread lovers dream come true. With a series of menus for breakfast, lunch and brunch, this bakery might just be one of the best in Seattle. Try one their delicious and fluffy breads such as the Macrina Baguette or rye, or if you're here for breakfast then the brioche egg sandwich is a must try. Brunch just gets better with amazingly thin buttermilk waffles and the first square of the day. If you want to indulge your sweet tooth, then try a slice of carrot or red velvet cake, or cherry almond scones and morning glory muffins. The lunch menu is quite impressive too with simple yet delicious sandwiches and salads. The staff is friendly and the dishes are plated the way you would find at high end restaurants, along with generous side portions.
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.
Rachel's Ginger Beer provides original and organic soda to the lucky folk of Seattle and those who happily saunter inside. Some of the flavors include Passionfruit x Vanilla, Caramelized Pineapple, White Peach, Blood Orange and Pink Guava. Each one is unique, healthy and refreshing, but they can be expensive. In addition to soda, the bar happily mixes drinks of the alcoholic variety as well as some amazing cream floats. Try the Montana Mule made with RGB or the Boozy Float made with soft-serve, soda and rum, it is perfect any time of the week.
After a day at Pike Place Market, you'll want something to eat in calm surroundings safely from the fishmongers and hordes of tourists. This restaurant provides both a charming old-world decor and some of the best French food in the city. The menu changes often, in accordance to what is fresh in the market, but you will likely find appetizers such as Montrachet souffle, yearling oysters, steamed mussels and twice baked goat cheese souffle. Tempting entrees include Roasted Rabbit Roulade, Duck Aromatique, Seared Alaska Weathervane Scallops or Lamb with Curried Eggplant. The bar delights patrons with its creative concoctions and everything is always carefully prepared. Additionally, the dining room boasts stunning views of the market and Elliott Bay, so come here and watch the sunset or simply sit out at the patio if you're dining with someone special.
This tiny public square located on the border of the Queen Anne and Belltown neighborhoods pays homage to Chief Seattle, the city's namesake and Duwamish tribe leader. In the center of the park visitors will find the statue of the chief upon a pedestal with bears spouting water into a reflecting pool. The name 'Tilikum' means welcome in the Chinook language and the statue was sculpted by James Wehn in 1907. Moreover, the park has ample seating and it's a superb spot for a rest after visiting the nearby Space Needle.