8 Seattle Restaurants You Can’t Miss

Seattle restaurants are a foodie's paradise. Check 8 excellent restaurants that have unique Pacific Northwest flavors!

Seattle might be known for its congested traffic and uptight coffee snobs, but it’s also known for its amazing restaurants! Whether you’re a tourist planning their next trip or a local who’s looking to shake up their brunch routine, check these eight fantastic restaurants!

1. Momiji

Seattle is known for its amazing Japanese restaurants and Momiji is one of the best. Located on Capitol Hill, this stylish restaurant offers seating around (and in) a Japanese garden, giving the restaurant a serene, romantic atmosphere. Don’t miss out on their unforgettable specialty rolls like “Lucky Leprechaun”, “Mr. Perfect”, and “Crunchy Lizard”.

2. Luna Park

This unique diner has a charming vintage décor, with retro signs and lunch boxes mounted on the ceiling, and rich 1950’s style milkshakes. Although they mostly offer traditional fast food fair (in large, satisfying servings) Luna Park also provides vegan and vegetarian options. Feel free to stop by just for shakes (oreo is the best) and chat with the friendly staff. We recommend taking the dog-friendly outdoor seating in the Summer and walking along Alki Beach after dessert.

3. Maximilien

Once you’ve navigated the hectic rows of shops and slow-moving tourists of Pike Place market, you’ll find Maximilien, one of the best Seattle restaurants specializing in French cuisine. This cozy, white-table cloth venue offers classic French fare and a view of Puget Sound: perfect for special occasions or a romantic night out. We recommend the escargots à la Bourguignonne, Les Huitres Fraiche, and the Soupe à l’Oignon.

4. Ma’ono

Whether you’re craving pupus, toastadas, saimin noodle soup, or bacon and eggs, Ma’ono is is one of the many Seattle restaurants that’s perfect for brunch. This Hawaiian fusion restaurant has a lively, modern atmosphere and serves some of the best fried chicken in Seattle (not to mention bottomless mimosas). Make reservations ahead of time to beat the weekend brunch rush!

5. Maneki Restaurant

When it comes to Seattle restaurants, Maneki restaurant is a unique landmark that has been part of Seattle since 1904. The traditional-style tatami rooms, which provide pillows and a low table, are perfect for Seattle tourists looking for a unique experience. We recommend branching out from sushi and try the black cod collar miso or one of the donburi bowls.

6. La Isla

This Ballard restaurant is one of the few Seattle restaurants that offers delicious Puerto Rican food at an affordable price. Their most traditional dish is mofongo, a Puerto Rican comfort food made mainly of fried plantains. Come hungry, because it’s served in a towering Pilon with a small side salad. It takes 20 minutes to prepare, but it’s well worth the wait!

7. Portage Bay Cafe

Portage Bay Cafe THE Scandinavian brunch spot in Seattle, serving tasty brunches all day, seven days a week. It has an open and sunny atmosphere with a wide variety of dishes too choose from. We recommend getting the Swedish pancakes, especially if you’ve never had them before, and treating yourself to the breakfast bar of berries, whip cream, nuts, and syrup. If you prefer more savory dishes, you can never go wrong with the smoked salmon benedict.

8. Molly Moon’s

Although Molly Moon’s should technically be filed under “ice cream parlors” instead of “Seattle restaurants”, no passerby can walk past it without being pulled in by the delicious ice cream scent alone. They offer both familiar and unique flavors, but not straight-up strange ones like at The Salt and Straw (who wants flower petals or jalapeño in their ice cream?). Try the “scout” flavor, made with real Thin Mints!