Best Seafood in Seattle: Top Restaurants and Dishes to Try!
Seattle is a city that is known for its love of seafood. This is not surprising, considering it is situated on the Puget Sound, which is home to a wide variety of seafood. If you are a seafood lover, then Seattle is the place to be. There are a plethora of seafood restaurants in the city that serve up some of the best seafood dishes you will ever taste.
The top seafood restaurants in Seattle offer a wide variety of seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. From oyster bars and sushi spots to fish and chip counters and Chinese restaurants, you can find any type of seafood cuisine in Seattle. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle include Elliott's Oyster House, Ray's Boathouse, and Rockcreek Seafood & Spirits. These restaurants offer fresh and sustainable seafood that is cooked to perfection.
Key Takeaways
- Seattle is a city that is known for its love of seafood.
- The top seafood restaurants in Seattle offer a wide variety of seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate.
- Some of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle include Elliott's Oyster House, Ray's Boathouse, and Rockcreek Seafood & Spirits.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Seattle
Seattle is a seafood lover's paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants serving up fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Here are some of the top seafood restaurants in Seattle that you must try:
Elliott's Oyster House
Elliott's Oyster House, located in Downtown Seattle, is a must-visit for anyone looking for the freshest oysters in town. Their oysters are sourced from local waters and are shucked to order. In addition to oysters, they also serve up a variety of other seafood dishes, including Dungeness crab, Alaskan king crab, and Pacific Northwest salmon.
RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
RockCreek Seafood & Spirits is a trendy seafood restaurant located in the Fremont neighbourhood of Seattle. They offer a wide variety of seafood dishes, including grilled octopus, crab cakes, and a delicious seafood stew. They also have an extensive cocktail menu, featuring creative and refreshing drinks that pair perfectly with their seafood dishes.
Westward
Westward is a beautiful waterfront restaurant located in the Wallingford neighbourhood of Seattle. They offer stunning views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled sardines, smoked trout, and a delicious clam chowder.
Taylor Shellfish Farms
Taylor Shellfish Farms is a family-owned seafood company that has been in business for over 100 years. They have several locations throughout Seattle, including a retail store in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and a farm-to-table restaurant in Pioneer Square. Their menu features a variety of shellfish dishes, including oysters, clams, and mussels, all sourced from their own farms.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
The Walrus and the Carpenter is a popular seafood restaurant located in the Ballard neighbourhood of Seattle. They offer a variety of small plates, including oysters, clams, and smoked trout, as well as larger entrees like halibut and salmon. Their menu changes frequently to reflect the seasons and availability of fresh seafood.
Whether you're a seafood aficionado or just looking to try something new, these top seafood restaurants in Seattle are sure to impress.
Seafood Markets and Fresh Catch Venues
If you're a seafood lover, Seattle is the place to be. The city is home to some of the best seafood markets and fresh catch venues in the country. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or want to stock up on fresh seafood, there's something for everyone.
Pike Place Market Gems
Pike Place Market is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. This historic market offers an impressive selection of fresh and smoked seafood, including salmon, halibut, swordfish, and more. You can also find a variety of seafood vendors at the market, selling everything from oysters to crab. Some of the must-visit seafood vendors at Pike Place Market include:
- Pike Place Fish Market: This iconic seafood vendor is known for its fresh and sustainably caught seafood. You can watch the fishmongers throw fish and interact with customers, making it a fun and interactive experience.
- The Crab Pot: If you're in the mood for some crab, The Crab Pot is the place to be. This seafood restaurant serves up fresh Dungeness crab, as well as other seafood dishes like clam chowder and fish and chips.
- Jack's Fish Spot: This family-owned seafood vendor has been a staple at Pike Place Market since 1945. They offer a variety of fresh seafood, including salmon, halibut, and crab.
Neighbourhood Favourites
In addition to Pike Place Market, Seattle has a variety of neighbourhood seafood markets that are worth checking out. These markets offer a more local and community-oriented experience, and often have a wider selection of seafood. Some of the best neighbourhood seafood markets in Seattle include:
- Seattle Fish Guys: Located in the Central District, Seattle Fish Guys is a family-owned seafood market that offers a wide selection of fresh seafood. They also have a sushi bar and offer cooking classes.
- Wild Salmon Seafood Market: This Ballard-based seafood market is known for its fresh and sustainably caught seafood. They offer a variety of seafood, including salmon, halibut, and crab.
- Lam's Seafood Market: Located in the International District, Lam's Seafood Market is a hidden gem that offers a variety of fresh seafood at affordable prices. They also offer live seafood, like lobster and crab, that you can take home and cook yourself.
No matter where you go in Seattle, you're sure to find some of the freshest and most delicious seafood around.
Seasonal Seafood Events and Festivals
If you're a seafood lover, Seattle is the place to be. The city is home to a variety of seasonal seafood events and festivals that offer a chance to sample some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the Pacific Northwest. Here are a few of the top seafood events and festivals to check out in Seattle:
Ballard SeafoodFest
One of the most popular seafood events in Seattle, the Ballard SeafoodFest takes place in July and features a wide variety of seafood dishes from local restaurants and vendors. In addition to the food, the festival also includes live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a beer garden.
Fishermen's Fall Festival
The Fishermen's Fall Festival is held in September and celebrates the return of the fishing season in the Pacific Northwest. The festival includes a salmon barbecue, live music, a beer garden, and a variety of educational and interactive activities for kids and adults alike.
Seattle Wine and Food Experience
While not strictly a seafood festival, the Seattle Wine and Food Experience is a must-attend event for foodies in the city. Held in February, the event features a variety of local restaurants and wineries, including many that specialize in seafood dishes.
Issaquah Salmon Days
Located just outside of Seattle in Issaquah, Salmon Days is a two-day festival held in October that celebrates the return of the salmon to the area's streams and rivers. In addition to the salmon, the festival also includes a variety of seafood dishes, live music, and a parade.
University District Street Fair
While not specifically a seafood festival, the University District Street Fair held in May is a great place to find a variety of seafood dishes from local vendors. The fair also includes live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a beer garden.
Whether you're a Seattle local or just visiting the city, these seasonal seafood events and festivals are a great way to experience some of the best seafood the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Sustainable Seafood and Local Specialities
If you're a seafood lover visiting Seattle, you're in for a treat. Seattle is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, and many restaurants in the city have made a commitment to sustainable seafood practices. By choosing to dine at these restaurants, you can feel good about supporting local businesses that are doing their part to protect the environment.
One of the best places to try sustainable seafood in Seattle is at Pike Place Market. The market is home to a number of seafood vendors who offer a wide range of fresh seafood caught locally. You can find everything from salmon and halibut to Dungeness crab and oysters. Not only is the seafood fresh and delicious, but it is also sustainably sourced.
If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant that serves sustainable seafood, there are plenty of options in Seattle. One of the most popular is Elliott's Oyster House, located in the heart of downtown. The restaurant has been serving up fresh seafood for over 40 years and has a commitment to sustainability. They use only the freshest ingredients, and their menu features a wide range of seafood dishes, including oysters, crab, and salmon.
Another great restaurant that serves sustainable seafood is Local Tide. This restaurant is located in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and offers a unique dining experience. The menu features a variety of local seafood, including smoked salmon and Dungeness crab. The restaurant also has a commitment to sustainability and sources its seafood from local fishermen who use sustainable fishing methods.
In addition to sustainable seafood, Seattle is also known for its local specialities. One of the most popular is the Seattle-style hot dog, which is topped with cream cheese and grilled onions. You can find these hot dogs at many of the city's hot dog stands and food trucks. Another local speciality is the salmon burger, which is made with fresh salmon and served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. You can find these burgers at many of the city's seafood restaurants.
Overall, Seattle is a great destination for seafood lovers. With its commitment to sustainability and abundance of fresh seafood, you're sure to find something delicious to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Washington state's seafood offerings so remarkable?
Washington state's seafood is renowned for its freshness and variety. The state's unique geography, with its long coastline and numerous waterways, provides a perfect habitat for a wide range of seafood, including salmon, halibut, crab, and oysters. The pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest, combined with the state's sustainable fishing practices, ensure that seafood lovers can enjoy the freshest and most delicious seafood.
Can you recommend some waterfront seafood restaurants in Seattle for a delightful dining experience?
Seattle is home to some of the best waterfront seafood restaurants in the country. One of the most popular is Elliott's Oyster House, located on Pier 56. Here you can enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound while feasting on fresh oysters, clams, and other seafood. Another great option is The Crab Pot, which offers a unique dining experience where seafood is served in a bucket and dumped onto your table. For a more upscale experience, try Aqua by El Gaucho, which offers an extensive menu of seafood and steak, as well as panoramic views of Elliott Bay.
What are the must-visit seafood eateries in Downtown Seattle?
Downtown Seattle is home to some of the best seafood eateries in the city. One of the most popular is The Walrus and the Carpenter, which is known for its fresh oysters and other seafood dishes. Another great option is RockCreek Seafood & Spirits, which offers a menu of sustainably sourced seafood, as well as craft cocktails and local beers. For a more casual dining experience, try Pike Place Chowder, which is famous for its award-winning clam chowder and other seafood soups.