World City Guide

Restaurants

The selected restaurants have been divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

Sales tax for restaurants in Seattle is 9.3% and will be added to every restaurant bill. A tip of at least 15% is obligatory and 20% is often looked for. The prices quoted below are for a three-course meal and a bottle of house wine or the equivalent; they do not include sales tax or tip.

Gastronomic

Brasa
Seattle’s best celebrity spotting venue offers rich clients as well as rich Northwest/ Mediterranean cuisine, including superb porcini, currant and Fontina ravioli, wood roasted manila clams with house-made chorizo, rabbit ragout and roast suckling pig. Warm earth tones and soft banquettes give an understated villa atmosphere to the dining area, as does the copper bar with its padded elbow rests. The entrance sits enticingly behind a heavy wrought-iron gate.

2107 Third Avenue
Tel: (206) 728 4220.
E-mail: seattle@brasa.com
Website: www.brasa.com
Price: US$50. Wine: US$40.

Canlis
Seattle’s classiest restaurant since the Breakfast at Tiffany’s era never fails to impress. Diners enter through an antique Japanese door and find impeccable service, a stunning view across Lake Union and the house’s own venerable recipes – the Canlis salad and shrimp Capri and Dungeness crab legs are recommended. Canlis specialises in Northwest classics, such as steak, game, salmon and oysters, including Washington-grown Kobe-style beef, all served in an Asian-modern atmosphere. There is also a piano bar and a vast wine list. No lunch. Closed Sunday.

2576 Aurora Avenue North
Tel: (206) 283 3313.
E-mail: canlis@canlis.com
Website: www.canlis.com
Price: US$50. Wine: US$30.

Il Terrazzo Carmine
This discreet, highbrow Florentine restaurant, run by Carmine Smeraldo since 1984, is where the locals have chosen to return over and over again, partly for the understated classical guitar music and first-rate service. Waiters wear white tuxes and tables are set with white linen under shimmering chandeliers. Starters might include calamari padella or venison ravioli, while entrees could be beef filet in Barolo and grape sauce, ossobuco, duck with Italian wild cherries or cioppino. There is a spectacular Italian wine list and outdoor seating in summer. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday.

411 First Avenue South
Tel: (206) 467 7797. Fax: (206) 447 5716.
Website: www.ilterrazzocarmine.com
Price: US$45. Wine: US$30.

Le Gourmand
The funky district of Ballard is one of Seattle’s best-kept secrets and this French favourite, set unprepossessingly in a shop front, features local, seasonal produce in high style on a fixed-price menu. Starters include rabbit liver pt or sole and shrimp mousseline. The organic beef tenderloin in Merlot-pressings butter is renowned, as is the rabbit in apricot sauce, the venison in elderberry and pinot noir stock and the salmon poached in champagne. There is house-made ice cream, crme brule or local cheeses to finish with. The restaurant is small, cosy and romantic, with white tablecloths and a candlelit hush-hush ambience of understated French elegance. Closed Sunday to Tuesday.

425 NW Market Street, Ballard
Tel: (206) 784 3463.
Price: US$35. Wine: US$25.

Rover’s
Thierry Rautureau is one of the city’s most famous chefs and his imaginative take on traditional French cuisine is stunningly presented in this restaurant. Set in a small house with private gardens, Rover’s has a very French country style, with secluded courtyard seating and a simple but cheery dcor. The menu is fixed price, the sauces legendary and the seafood, such as lobster in Perigord truffle sauce, highly recommended. Also featured are game dishes, such as venison with green peppercorn and Armagnac. Every night, the kitchen produces three tasting menus of six or nine small courses, one of which is vegetarian. There is a superb wine list and garden dining in summer. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch.

2808 East Madison Street, North Seattle
Tel: (206) 325 7442.
Website: www.rovers-seattle.com
Price: US$60–US$125 (three fixed-price menus). Wine: US$25.

Business

Dahlia Lounge
Despite its decade-long fame after featuring in Sleepless in Seattle (1993), chef Tom Douglas has lost none of his culinary edge and the Dahlia Lounge remains a gastronomic institution as well as the place to impress business guests. The Chinese red walls, industrial ceilings and low-lit lanterns are still there, along with a banquet service for up to 45 diners and personalised menus. Appetisers lean to Japanese-inspired seafood specialities, although the meat dishes from the rotisserie are often hunters’ favourites, such as barbecued pork loin, flat iron steak or wood-grilled venison. The coconut cream pie and other desserts are legendary, especially since the restaurant now has its own bakery.

2001 Fourth Avenue, Belltown
Tel: (206) 682 4142.
Website: www.tomdouglas.com
Price: US$35. Wine: US$20.

Georgian Room
Seattle’s most opulent restaurant is also a splendid setting for power breakfasts, lunches and clinched-deal celebrations. Vast ceilings are hung with antique chandeliers and service is reminiscent of a bygone era. Executive Chef Gavin Stephenson recently received the Acorn Award for the best British chef under 30. The luxurious menu is geared toward European classics, including truffle and foie gras, as well as duck, veal, rack of lamb and venison, all gorgeously presented. Guests can also take brandy and cigars on the terrace, after dinner. The Georgette Petite room can be booked for business groups and private parties. Closed Sunday.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, 411 University Street
Tel: (206) 621 7889.
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Price: US$50. Wine: US$30.

Hunt Club
The Hunt Club offers a gentleman’s club atmosphere with mahogany and plush seating, as well as some of the most divinely marinated steaks in town. Other options include duck and pheasant dishes. The seasonal menu tends towards Mediterranean, evident in such items as saffron mussel bisque or scallops with truffle risotto. Dessert, coffee and cognac can be taken in the Fireside Room, which also features piano music and card games. Brunch is served at the weekend.

Sorrento Hotel, 900 East Madison Street
Tel: (206) 343 6156. Fax: (206) 343 6155.
E-mail: mail@hotelsorrento.com
Website: www.huntclub-seattle.com
Price: US$40. Wine: US$25.

Metropolitan Grill
Appropriately situated in the heart of the financial district and famous for its power-sized, custom-aged, mesquite-broiled steaks and antique sports bar atmosphere, this is one of the most popular stops for celebrities, stockbrokers and other big-money clientele. Macho food and portions, from the oysters and caviar starters to the red meat and sea bass, are all washed down with no-nonsense martinis. No lunch weekends.

820 Second Avenue
Tel: (206) 624 3287 or 343 6156 (reservations).
Website: www.themetropolitangrill.com
Price: US$50. Wine: US$30.

Nikko
This huge, chic sushi bar is one of the most elegant Japanese dining rooms in the city – with food to match. Dishes include sake-marinated cod and teriyaki salmon, crisp soft-shell crab and sukiyaki. There are all-you-can-eat sushi lunches on weekdays. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday.

Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Avenue
Tel: (206) 322 4641.
E-mail: info@nikkorestaurant.com
Website: www.nikkorestaurant.com
Price: US$30. Wine: US$20.

Trendy

Bandoleone
With a festive, neighbourhood atmosphere and an innovative menu inspired by Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain and South America, Bandoleone is one of Seattle’s favourite spots. The huge range of tapas includes Tequila-cured salmon and ceviche with pineapple salsa, with entres such as grilled tuna with papaya black-bean salsa, lamb with plums and chilli negro, or chicken marinated with chillies and served with coconut mashed sweet potatoes. There is a lively deck in summer and the bar, with cigars and tapas, stays open until 0200, with live jazz, blues and salsa. The restaurant also does great weekend brunches (0900–1400).

2241 Eastlake Avenue East
Tel: (206) 329 7559. Fax (206) 329 8053.
E-mail: bandoleone@earthlink.net
Website: www.bandoleone.net
Price US$25. Wine: US$10.

Caf Lago
A cheery, informal trattoria, Caf Lago boasts some of the best antipasti, wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta in town – worth every penny. The restaurant produces noteworthy lasagne con melanzane (aubergine) and ravioli, as well as an extensive list of Italian wines. Closed Monday. No lunch. No reservations.

2305 24th Avenue East, Montlake (near Arboretum)
Tel: (206) 329 8005. Fax: (206) 329 8053.
Price: US$25. Wine: US$20.

Fernando’s Hideaway
Seattle loves all things Latin and this little piece of Spain – including salsa dancing – rates high as a high-fashion party spot. Much like a Spanish villa, with earthy colours, tiled floors, archways, dark wood and low lighting, the restaurant is like a very funky private dining room. There is a great selection of tapas and Spanish wines. Recommended entrees include squid in its own ink, quail in chocolate sauce, paella or the seafood platter, mariscada. The joint is jammed at the weekend, when it is open until 0200.

522 Wall Streeet
Tel: (206) 441 0606. Fax: (206) 903 1249.
Website: www.fernandoshideaway.com
Price: US$25. Wine: US$20.

Flying Fish
Exotic and photo-worthy fish specialities, mostly Asian-inspired, are served at one of trendy Belltown’s most famous landmarks, Flying Fish. Platter dishes are huge and meant to be shared by large parties – these are ordered by the pound weight and include tasty novelties, such as barracuda. The spacious restaurant is strikingly colourful with a contemporary, geometric design. There is street dining in summer and the private dining room seats 36 or reception space for 70. Open until 0200. Reservations recommended.

2234 First Avenue, Belltown
Tel: (206) 728 8595.
E-mail: info@flyingfish.com
Website: www.flyingfishseattle.com
Price: US$30. Wine: US$15.

The Pink Door
Famed for its off-beat cabaret bar as well as hearty Italian food, this fashionable hideaway also offers great views of Puget Sound and the Market from its festively lit roof terrace. The decor could easily be described as gay, tending toward flamboyant red tablecloths, fun Italian kitsch and bistro lighting. Roasted garlic and tapenada are prime starters, while the cioppino and lasagne are legendary. Salads feature the Market’s organic produce. Closed Sunday and Monday.

1919 Post Alley, Pike Place Market
Tel: (206) 443 3241. Fax (206) 443 3341.
Price: US$30. Wine: US$20.

Budget

Alibi Room
This young, artsy spot attracts film industry wannabes and has a view of the Puget Sound sunset. Dcor and ambience are laid-back New York, with low-budget lounge lizard effects in its darkly painted, dimly lit and cheaply furnished interior. Diners can smoke all they want and linger over Mediterranean-style salads, crostini with tapenade, ravioli and excellent vegetarian lasagne. Script-readings, film screenings or live music occur some evenings.

85 Pike Street, Post Alley, Pike Place Market
Tel: (206) 623 3180.
Website: www.alibiroom.com
Price: US$15. Wine: US$10.

Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar
This unpretentious bolt-hole specialises in live oysters direct from the Market, served au naturel, fried, baked or stewed. The beer (Guinness included) is fresh and cold and cosy booths face a small flower-filled courtyard. The salmon soup and fish and chips are excellent. Cards not accepted. No dinner Sunday.

1916 Pike Place (Pike Place Market, Soames Dunn building)
Tel: (206) 448 7721.
Price US$10. Wine: US$10.

Mama’s Mexican Kitchen
One of Seattle’s best California-Mexican restaurants and also one of the cheapest, Mama’s Mexican Kitchen has a lazy, bustling atmosphere that attracts the hip and the business suits alike. Fajitas and chicken burritos are recommended – diners should be sure to pick up a big dish of the super house-made salsa.

2234 Second Avenue, Belltown
Tel: (206) 728 6262.
Price: US$10 Wine US$10.

Sea Garden
This Chinese seafood restaurant serves some of the freshest fish in town – usually still swimming in a tank – at very reasonable prices. Delicately prepared steamed shrimp served with a ginger or soy dipping sauce is highly recommended, as are Dungeness crab and the noodle dishes. The visual pleasure her is the bubbling fish tanks, especially those filled with demonic looking crabs. Decor is low budget modern, with lots of Formica in cool blues and mauve.

200 106th Avenue NE, Bellevue
Tel: (425) 450 8833.
Price: US$15 Wine: US$10.

Siam
This tiny, authentic favourite is the closest Seattle comes to a Bangkok street stall and is widely credited with the best tom kah gai (spicy chicken, lemongrass and coconut milk soup) in the city. Diners can decide upon their preference for chilli from items with heat rating indicated by one to five stars. No lunch weekends.

616 Broadway, Capitol Hill
Tel: (206) 324 0892. Fax: (206) 324 8433.
Website: http://siamonbroadway.citysearch.com/1.html
Price: US$15. Wine: US$10.

Personal Recommendations

Andaluca
This dimly lit European-style restaurant is quiet and sophisticated enough for private business meals, sexy enough for a tte--tte and also a great place to dine solo. Food is light but satisfying Spanish-inspired fare, made of fresh Northwest ingredients, including a towering full-meal crab salad, as well as excellent paella, zarzuela, rack of lamb in Rioja, steaks and a selection of fine sherries and Spanish wines.

Mayflower Park Hotel, 407 Olive Way
Tel: (206) 382 6999. Fax: (206) 328 6997.
Website: www.andaluca.com
Price US$30. Wine: US$20.

Caf Flora
Vegetarian food so exquisite that carnivores will not notice the difference is served in a sophisticated Asian-style atrium, boasting a fountain and natural stone. A seasonal menu features new-age renditions of pizzas, with toppings such as pear and Gorgonzola with toasted walnuts, as well as tacos stuffed with spicy potato and cheese. The Portobello mushroom Wellington must be tried. Weekend brunch features berry and ginger cream beignets and breakfast quesadilla (a filled tortilla turnover). Reservations can only be taken for eight or more. Closed Monday.

2901 East Madison Street, Madison Valley, North Seattle
Tel: (206) 325 9100.
Website: www.cafeflora.com
Price: US$25. Wine: US$15.

Cassis
One of Seattle’s best kept secrets, this small French country-style bistro for hearty eaters is set in a stark, 1930s Art Deco atmosphere. Pt and sausages are house-made. The menu changes monthly and might include such classics as cassoulet, coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon or more unusual items, such as frogs legs and rabbit. Recommended are the no-nonsense, wine-drenched steak frtes or sauted calf’s liver and, for dessert, the serious tarte tatin.

2359 Tenth Avenue East, Capitol Hill
Tel: (206) 329 0580 or 325 9100 (reservations).
E-mail: reservations@cassisbistro.net
Website: www.cassisbistro.com
Price: US$40. Wine: US$20.

Izumi
This is a true Japanese, suburban family restaurant with a simple menu and friendly service. But it is so popular that it is not unusual for hopeful diners to have to sit by the door, watching children and their grandparents practising origami before a table is finally set free. The sushi bar is superb, the teriyaki salmon delicate and the tempura perfect – the house special has all of the above and more, served in a big lacquer box. Closed Monday.

12539 116th Avenue North East, Kirkland
Tel: (425) 821 1959.
Price: US$25. Wine: US$10.

Shanghai Garden Restaurant
Everything from the conventional to the bizarre can be found at this top Chinese family restaurant, which is large, airy and bright pink inside with a large, bubbling fish tank feature. The menu offers mu shu pork, as well as fungus soup and ostrich meat, as well as meals that will delight the vegetarian, such as bean curd hot pot. Highly recommended are the house special hand-shaved green noodles and the fried ice cream dessert. Closes 2100 Monday to Friday.

524 Sixth Avenue South, International District
Tel: (206) 625 1689.
Price: US$20. Wine: US$10.