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!
Located in quaint Madison Park, Cactus is bright and busy cantina. The tapas bar offers delectable small dishes including grilled portobello mushrooms and green chile soup. The extensive menu includes dishes like chimichangas and blue corn tamales. For a real treat try the ripe bananas in Meyer's Rum, a delicious end to your meal. The restaurant is smoke free with a full bar.
Bottlehouse is a chic, trendy wine bar with an assortment of diverse wines and tapas. If you are here for the first time, you could opt for the amazing wine and cheese flight or you could ask the bartender for recommendations. You also have the option to order wines on tap, by the bottle or the glass and a rotating menu of specials. The staff members are really passionate about their work and it’s easy to see this in the way they take care of the patrons in the restaurant. The upbeat atmosphere and the helpful, enthusiastic staff also make this wine bar a great place to host a private event or celebrate a special occasion.
A taste of New Orleans in the heart of Queen Anne, Toulouse Petit Kitchen and Lounge is a refreshing addition to Seattle's culinary scene. The extensive menu features Louisiana Creole cuisine - an eclectic blend of European, Native American and Southern flavors. Generous portions of sumptuous seafood, charcuterie, meat preparations and interesting sides form the centerpiece of your dining experience and are best enjoyed with a drink or two from the well-stocked bar. Boasting one of the best happy hours in the country, creative cocktails like the Toulouse Hurricane or Katie-Mae deserve special mention. Ornate wrought-iron furniture and delightful ceiling-lamps against the floor-to-ceiling glass windows enhance its rustic appeal.
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.
A sweet French treat is now open in the Ballad neighborhood. From chocolate croissants, to sweet breads and pastries, Cafe Besalu strives to give you the best in terms of quality and taste. The friendly staff greets you with a warmth, akin to family and have you try their various sweet offerings. Scrumptious pastries and a decadent range of quiches will drive away the hunger pains and make for a quick bite to eat. Munch on these heavenly desserts and forget your worries for a short while.
Hole in the Wall BBQ also known as Chuck's Hole in the Wall BBQ after its owner, was established in 1989 and has since been serving locals with smoking hot barbecue meat. The menu comprises of sandwiches that are topped with Bullwacker BBQ sauce. The food is also available for take-away and can be delivered to one's doorstep. Bite into a piece of the meat to unravel the delicious taste of the fine sauces that coat it and work their magic on one's palate. Needless to say, one will surely be back for more of this wonderful meal.
A Zagat rated restaurant, Nishino is run by its founder Tatsu Nishino and his team of professional Japanese chefs who are extremely well-acquainted with the art of making sushi. Nishino has been serving its guests since its inception in 1995 and is particularly known for its comprehensive 7-course meals that amalgamate some of the most exquisite creations of the restaurant. If you wish to savor something truly original, order the Curried Seared Halibut Cheek or the Foie Gras and Seared Tuna from the Nishino signature section. The staff is friendly, attentive and offer recommendations to elevate your fine dining experience at the restaurant.
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.
Located in the Pike Place Market, this restaurant overlooks Elliott Bay. Freshly renovated, Matt's is now noticeably more roomy. Many who remember this quaint little spot in the market will be pleasantly surprised to see the new, beautiful, spacious alternative. Although the restaurant has structurally undergone major renovations, you can expect the same old welcoming service and classically delicious seafood. The dinner menu changes seasonally, but you will likely find interesting and flavorful seafood dishes like geoduck with seasonal accompaniments, fried duck egg salad and seafood stew.
Located in Pioneer Square, this elegant, romantic restaurant features a very impressive menu of Italian classics. The antipasti are favorite starters, and customers return again and again for popular pasta, seafood, veal, beef and lamb entrees, such as the Osso Buco and New York steak with truffle oil. Leave room for the Tiramisu, which some call Seattle's best. The wine list focuses on wines from Italy, California and the Northwest. Guests can dine in a simple yet elegant dining room or through the French doors on the courtyard terrace.