18 Must-Try Washington Restaurants Locals Can’t Stop Recommending

Washington State offers some of the most exciting food experiences in the country, from fresh seafood to innovative farm-to-table cuisine. I’ve gathered recommendations from locals who know exactly where to find the best meals that truly represent the region’s incredible dining scene.

Whether you’re visiting Seattle or exploring smaller towns, these beloved spots serve dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

1. Canlis

Perched high above Seattle with breathtaking views, this iconic spot has been serving memorable meals since 1950. The elegant atmosphere makes every dinner feel like a special celebration, and locals rave about the incredible service that treats you like royalty.

I recommend trying the Pacific Northwest tasting menu, which showcases seasonal ingredients from local farms and waters. The wine list is equally impressive, featuring bottles from Washington’s best vineyards. Reservations book up fast, so plan ahead for this unforgettable experience.

2. The Walrus and the Carpenter

Oyster lovers consider this Ballard gem their happy place, where briny bivalves arrive fresh from local waters daily. The no-reservation policy means you might wait, but locals insist the plump, perfectly shucked oysters are absolutely worth it.

Beyond the stellar shellfish selection, the menu features creative small plates that change with the seasons. I love how the casual, lively atmosphere makes fine dining feel approachable and fun. Arrive early or prepare to put your name on the list and explore the neighborhood while you wait.

3. Salare

Chef Edouardo Jordan created something magical here by blending Southern comfort food with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Locals can’t stop talking about the fried chicken, which somehow manages to be both crispy and incredibly juicy at the same time.

The menu changes regularly to highlight what’s freshest and most delicious each season. I appreciate how every dish feels familiar yet surprising, like meeting an old friend who’s picked up some exciting new stories. The cozy dining room fills up quickly on weekends, especially during brunch hours.

4. Matt’s in the Market

Tucked above Pike Place Market, this tiny restaurant captures everything wonderful about Seattle’s food scene in one charming space. Windows overlook the bustling market below, and the chef literally shops for ingredients just steps away each morning.

I’m always amazed by how the small kitchen produces such incredible flavors using the freshest local produce and seafood. The menu changes daily based on what looks best at the market, so you never know exactly what delicious surprise awaits. Locals treasure this spot for intimate dinners and special lunches alike.

5. Altura

Italian cuisine reaches new heights at this Capitol Hill destination where Chef Nathan Lockwood crafts stunning tasting menus. Each course tells a story through carefully sourced ingredients and techniques that honor traditional Italian cooking while embracing local flavors.

I find the intimate setting perfect for lingering over multiple courses and discovering unexpected flavor combinations. The wine pairings complement each dish beautifully, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier who makes selections feel personal. Locals treat reservations here like golden tickets to an unforgettable culinary journey.

6. Communion

Caribbean flavors come alive in this lively Columbia City restaurant that feels like a mini vacation with every bite. Chef Kristen Murray brings her Guyanese heritage to the menu, creating dishes bursting with bold spices and tropical sunshine.

The jerk chicken makes locals swoon, and I can’t resist the plantains that arrive perfectly caramelized and sweet. Bright colors and warm hospitality make you feel welcomed like family from the moment you walk through the door. Weekend brunch here is legendary, so arrive hungry and ready for serious flavor.

7. Willmott’s Ghost

Hidden in Capitol Hill, this restaurant serves inventive American cuisine that surprises and delights with every creative plate. The name hints at mystery, and the ever-changing menu keeps locals guessing what delicious innovation will appear next.

I admire how the chef team transforms familiar ingredients into unexpected masterpieces that challenge your taste buds in the best possible way. The cocktail program deserves equal praise, featuring house-made ingredients and playful presentations. Regulars know to trust the kitchen completely and order whatever sounds most intriguing that evening.

8. Spinasse

Northern Italian cuisine finds its Seattle home in this cozy Capitol Hill trattoria famous for handmade pasta. Every noodle gets rolled and cut by hand daily, creating textures that simply can’t be replicated by machines.

Locals consider the tajarin pasta with butter and sage a religious experience that converts even the pickiest eaters. I love how the intimate space and dim lighting create a romantic atmosphere perfect for date nights or catching up with close friends. The all-Italian wine list offers perfect pairings for every rich, satisfying dish.

9. The Herbfarm

Located in Woodinville wine country, this destination restaurant offers nine-course dinners that celebrate Pacific Northwest bounty. Each themed menu tells a seasonal story through ingredients harvested from the surrounding gardens and local farms.

I’m constantly impressed by how each dish connects to the land and the dedicated farmers who grow the ingredients. The experience lasts several hours, making it more than just dinner but a true culinary adventure. Locals save this special spot for milestone celebrations and occasions that deserve extraordinary food and wine pairings.

10. Eden Hill

Queen Anne locals guard this neighborhood gem fiercely, though they can’t help sharing their love for Chef Maximilian Petty’s seasonal cooking. The tiny restaurant feels like dining in someone’s stylish home, with just a handful of tables creating an intimate atmosphere.

Tasting menus change constantly based on what’s freshest and most inspiring at local markets each day. I appreciate how each dish arrives simply plated yet bursting with complex, thoughtful flavors. The husband-and-wife team running the restaurant creates a warm, personal experience that makes every guest feel special and welcomed.

11. Cascina Spinasse

This casual sibling to Spinasse brings Northern Italian flavors to a relaxed setting where locals gather for wood-fired pizza and house-cured meats. The aroma of baking dough and roasting vegetables greets you before you even step inside the door.

I find myself craving their crispy-chewy pizza crust topped with seasonal ingredients that change throughout the year. The antipasti selection showcases traditional Italian preparations alongside creative local twists. Unlike its fancier sister restaurant, this spot welcomes walk-ins and feels perfect for casual weeknight dinners with friends and family.

12. Art of the Table

Wallingford residents treasure this tiny restaurant where Chef Dustin Ronspies creates stunning tasting menus for just twenty guests nightly. Counter seating lets you watch the culinary magic happen right before your eyes as each beautiful plate takes shape.

The seasonal menu changes frequently, showcasing relationships with local farmers and fishermen who supply the finest ingredients. I love how the intimate setting encourages conversation with fellow diners and the chef, making strangers feel like friends. Reservations disappear quickly, so locals book weeks ahead to secure their spot at this special table.

13. Paseo Caribbean Food

With lines stretching out the door most days, Paseo has built a reputation on their legendary Caribbean sandwiches that pack serious flavor. Their famous pressed Cuban sandwich comes loaded with slow-roasted pork, crispy onions, jalapeños, and a secret cilantro-garlic aioli that keeps people coming back week after week.

The atmosphere feels casual and no-frills, but nobody minds waiting because the food delivers every single time. Locals swear by the Caribbean Roast sandwich, which features tender marinated pork shoulder with just the right amount of spice.

Portions are generous enough to share, though most people choose not to. Whether you visit their Fremont or Ballard location, expect bold tastes that transport you straight to the islands with every bite.

14. Lola Restaurant

Celebrity chef Tom Douglas created something special when he opened Lola, bringing Mediterranean and Greek-inspired dishes to downtown Seattle with style and creativity. The octopus appetizer has achieved legendary status among regulars, perfectly charred and tender with bright lemon and herbs that dance on your tongue.

Breakfast here is an experience all its own, with their famous doughnuts arriving warm and dusted with cinnamon sugar alongside rich espresso. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic while you enjoy kabobs, spreads, and seasonal vegetables prepared with care.

Weekend brunch gets busy, so reservations help, but the wait is worthwhile for food this thoughtfully prepared. Everything tastes fresh, vibrant, and lovingly crafted with quality ingredients you can taste in every forkful.

15. Din Tai Fung

Originally from Taiwan, this internationally famous dumpling house has won over Washington locals with soup dumplings so perfect they seem almost magical. Each xiao long bao gets hand-folded with exactly eighteen pleats, creating delicate parcels filled with hot, savory broth and seasoned pork that burst gently when you bite.

The menu extends far beyond dumplings, offering noodles, fried rice, and vegetables that showcase traditional Chinese cooking techniques. Watching the dumpling makers through the glass window provides free entertainment while you wait for your table at the busy Bellevue or Seattle locations.

First-timers should try the original pork soup dumplings alongside spicy wontons for the full experience. Service stays efficient even during rush hours, and the consistent quality explains why people happily return again and again.

16. Serious Pie

Another Tom Douglas creation, Serious Pie elevates pizza to an art form using a stone-encased apple wood-fired oven that creates perfectly blistered crusts with smoky depth. Toppings range from classic to creative, but locals particularly love the sweet fennel sausage pizza with roasted peppers and provolone that balances richness with brightness.

The crust strikes that ideal balance between chewy and crispy, with char marks adding extra flavor dimension. Seasonal ingredients mean the menu changes throughout the year, keeping regular visitors excited about new combinations.

Salads here deserve attention too, especially the roasted beet option that provides a fresh contrast to the hearty pizzas. The downtown location offers great people-watching, while the atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming for everyone from families to date-night couples.

17. Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge

New Orleans comes alive in Seattle at this lively spot serving Creole and Cajun favorites that transport you straight to the French Quarter. Their weekend brunch has become legendary, offering everything from beignets to crawfish benedicts alongside bottomless mimosas that keep the party going.

Dinner brings hearty gumbo, jambalaya, and blackened catfish that pack authentic Southern flavor without holding back on spices. The late-night happy hour attracts night owls looking for quality food and drinks after most kitchens have closed.

Jazz music, colorful décor, and generous portions create an atmosphere that feels celebratory any day of the week. Locals appreciate that Toulouse Petit delivers consistent quality whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or that midnight snack craving that just won’t quit.

18. Marination Ma Kai

Perched right on the waterfront with stunning views of Elliott Bay, this Hawaiian-Korean fusion restaurant serves island-inspired plates that taste like sunshine on a plate. The Kalua pork sliders have developed a cult following, featuring tender slow-roasted pork with tangy kimchi slaw that creates an addictive sweet-and-sour combination.

Tacos get a tropical makeover here with options like spicy pork or tofu paired with pineapple salsa and sesame-soy vinaigrette. The outdoor patio becomes prime real estate during summer months when you can watch boats sail by while enjoying your meal.

Prices stay reasonable despite the waterfront location, making this spot popular with families and groups of friends. Everything feels relaxed and beachy, from the casual ordering style to the laid-back vibe that encourages you to slow down and savor the moment.