Top Rated Restaurants en Cafés in Seattle

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.

Art of the Table is a restaurant and supper club hybrid that is dedicated to bringing patrons a unique and intimate dining experience. You, along with 21 other people, receive a four-course menu crafted out of fresh local ingredients. Occasionally the dinners have a theme, such as Italian wines and cheeses or Southern cuisine. Even if there is no unifying theme, the food is always meticulously prepared and delicious. An absolute must if you are in Seattle!

For years this restaurant was actually located at a farm. In 1997, however, the restaurant burned to the ground and was rebuilt at Willows Lodge in Woodinville. It proved to be a good thing in a way, as more people began to take notice of this stellar dining establishment. It has since been ranked consistently among the top American restaurants. The dining concept, dinner by reservation only for people who cherish succulent gourmet food, has not changed. Focus on freshness remains, with much of the ingredients coming farm-fresh from their own gardens. The food is French influenced with Northwest ingredients. The 9-course themed menu changes weekly and wines are selected to match each course, with more than 4000 bottles to choose from.

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.

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.

A chic restaurant, Rock Creek is set up in a contemporary space, keeping in mind the modern customers taste. Brightly-lit, the restaurant has a huge space, both indoors and outdoors. Located in Freemont, this trendy little place has become quite famous among the locals and foodies of Seattle. Bacon & oyster benedict, dungeness crab chili relleno and ham & white cheddar scramble are some of the stand-outs on their refreshing menu. A decent list of wines, cocktails and other beverages are available to complement the order of your choice. Private events like parties, corporate dinners and luncheons can also be held at Rock Creek. Call ahead for details.