We created a list of the top 12 best seafood restaurants in Seattle just for you. Everything you wish to know about Seattle’s rich seafood culture, various thriving seafood scenes, and nutritional benefits of seafood is here.
Seattle is situated in the upper northwest corner of the United States, and it is surrounded by oceans and rivers full of amazing sea creatures.
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It is no surprise that seafood has become a key part of the culture and diet of the region. Seattle continuously ranks as one of the top dining destinations in America largely because of its beloved thriving seafood scene.
And these seafood comprises casual fish shack establishments to high-end dining palace destinations.
Trying the renowned fresh regional seafood is a must for people traveling to the busy Pacific Northwest city looking for the top best seafood restaurant in Seattle. But the options can seem overwhelming, as Seattle has over 3,000 restaurants.
Location plays an important role in accessing ultra-fresh ingredients. Restaurants on the oceanfront or lakes showcase daily catches from boats nearby.
The preparation varies from Alaska-style slow wood roasting methods to Japanese delicacies and creative mixtures from talented chefs. Prices also vary greatly, allowing foodies and families to enjoy.
Most times, people get to ask what seafood Seattle is best known for. Salmon tops the list for its longtime cultural and economic importance to the region, followed by other kinds of seafood like halibut, lingcod, Dungeness crab, oysters, and clams.
More exotic sea creatures from the surrounding water also land on local plates, such as octopuses, sea urchins, and the famous giant geoduck clam.
Shellfish, like Penn Cove mussels and Pacific Spot prawns, are always delicious. With so much incredible seafood on constant offer, why must visitors be sure to partake while in Seattle? No need to panic our list of the top best seafood restaurants in Seattle will do the magic for you.
Seafood has many nutritional benefits and relatively low risks compared to land proteins.
Fish and shellfish deliver high-quality, complete protein to build muscle, essential B vitamins to convert food into energy, and vitamin D for strong, resilient bones.
Seafood, especially fatty fish like wild salmon and sardines, provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s for better heart and brain functioning.
Even our cognitive skills improve when eating brain-boosting seafood regularly. Compared to meat, seafood typically contains fewer saturated fats, making it a more weight-loss-friendly option.
The joy gotten from eating delicious fare is the reason visitors flock to Seattle’s seafood restaurants.
Trying specialties showcasing regional flavors at their peak season connects people to the area’s rich food heritage in memorable ways that support local economies.
The city that launched Starbucks into a global phenomenon now brews fresh seafood creations from Puget Sound waters every day.
Seattle’s commitment to sustainable fishing and cooking responsibly also helps protect precious marine ecosystems for future generations.
With so many compelling reasons to indulge during travels to Seattle, the next question becomes where specifically should visitors head to experience Seattle’s illustrious seafood scene. And most times wonder, looking for top best seafood restaurant in Seattle to choose from.
While one can randomly stumble upon hidden gem eateries, having an insider guide to the established favorites ensures precious vacation hours get best spent.
The following list covers top best seafood restaurants in Seattle spanning settings and price points to know about before taking that first succulent bite of this world-class seaport dining paradise.
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Top Best Seafood Restaurant in Seattle 2024
1. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
Address: 1521 MELROSE AVE SEATTLE, WA 98122 (206) 501-4321
The first among the top best seafood restaurants in Seattle is the Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar. It sits near the water in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The founder Paul Taylor started growing oysters in the 1890s. Now it has been family-owned for 130+ years.
The menu focuses on small plates to share. The main attraction is its fresh raw oysters which cost $2.75 each.
They also serve cooked shells like baked Flash Point oysters for $14.50 dunked in green garlic butter.
Seafood cocktails like Dungeness crab for $22. A warm sourdough bread bowl filled with clams, white wine, and tomatoes for dipping costs $15.
Its sweet dessert of chocolate pot de creme which has salt in it to taste like oysters is sold for $9.
The bright dining room with blue booths looks like oyster shells inside. Oyster shuckers will teach you all about what they serve.
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2. Shaker + Spear
Address: 2000 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Shaker + Spear restaurant is located on the edge of downtown and it was opened in 2017. It is owned by Ethan Stowell, a chef who travels the world to find new flavors.
The dining room has leather chairs, dark wood and brick walls, and old photos. It is known for cooking on a wood-burning grill.
The menu has grilled Hawaiian swordfish with banana curry sauce for $36. Cedar plank roasted salmon topped with Parmesan crumbs which costs $32.
A giant seafood tower piled high with oysters, king crab, and lobster sold at $195 to share.
Inventive cocktails made with local distilleries are popular like Genever Sling with oyster-infused gin. $15 during happy hour specials 4-6 pm.
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3. Seattle Fish Guys
Address: 411 23rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, USA
The family business Seattle Fish Guys was started in 2012 by Peter Halmay whose grandfather was a fisherman.
This is our number 3 among the top best seafood restaurants in Seattle. It is located in cool Chophouse Row with garage doors.
Seafood stays extra fresh in their restaurants because they also own their fishing boats. Halibut tacos on homemade corn tortillas cost $17.
Big golden fried king salmon burger with lettuce, pickled onion, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun for $21.
Linguine mixed with Penn Cove mussels, bay scallops, garlic, and chili pepper for only $25. Oyster bar shucks $2 Whiskey Creek ones to order.
The Seattle Fish Guys has got relaxed, casual spot with wooden tables to enjoy mountain views through open doors.
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4. Pike Place Chowder
Address: 1530 Post Alley Seattle, WA, 98101
Pike Place Chowder was started in 2003 by two friends inspired by New England-style seafood shacks our review made it the fourth among the top best seafood restaurants in Seattle.
They now have locations downtown at the famous Pike Place Market plus Pacific Place food court.
The most popular cuisine is their cold San Juan clam chowder with big potato chunks, celery, and bacon bits for a cup which costs $6, or a bowl for $8.50.
Their award-winning Manhattan red clam chowder is also delicious with tomatoes. Seafood stew has shrimp, salmon, cod, and mussels and it is sold for $12.95.
You can order a bread bowl filled heaping with chowder instead of an ordinary one.
Cheese-infused crab roll starts with buttery toasted brioche layered with chunks of snow crab plus cheese melted on top for $18.95.
The restaurant provides an avenue to see beautiful scenes and outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
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5. RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
Address: 4300 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
RockCreek Seafood and Spirits was opened in 2011 by a couple. The restaurant is located in the West Seattle neighborhood of Fauntleroy.
The elegant dining room with tall windows has a Pacific Northwest lodge feel using stone, wood, and leather.
RockCreek Seafood and Spirits being one of the top best seafood restaurants in Seattle has a menu that is based on the owner’s fishing boat catches.
You can start with small plates like Willapa Bay oyster skillet roasted with herbs garlic, and Parmigiano for $18.
Their entrees include wild salmon from Neah Bay cooked on an Alderwood grill and sold for $38, hearty cioppino stew with seasonal seafood costs $36, and pasta dotted with sweet Spot prawns for $34.
They have an extensive local beer and wine list, happy hour deals, and outdoor seating plus live music some nights.
6. Duke’s Seafood
Address: 1111 FAIRVIEW AVENUE NORTH, SEATTLE, WA 98109
Third-generation owner Duke Moscrip opened Duke’s Seafood on nearby Bainbridge Island in 2018.
The spot sits on a hill overlooking Puget Sound with beautiful views from both inside tables and the outside deck.
The vibe casual comes as you are with a menu focused on seasonal, sustainable seafood simply prepared.
Raw bar offers $2.50 “Buck Buck” oysters from Totten Inlet plus Penn Cove mussels sold at $3 each. Their fish tacos stuffed with daily catches like black cod cost $6 for two.
Hearty seafood stew chowder with clams, shrimp, and potatoes warms up and costs $12 a bowl. Grilled wild salmon burger cooked medium from Sekiu fishermen comes on brioche for $17.
It has got a great spot where you can take your kids to. Seatlevista has decided to place it at number 6 when it comes to the best seafood restaurant in Seattle.
7. The Pink Door
Address: 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
The Pink Door opened in 1981 in downtown Pike Place Market by owner Jacqueline Roberts. Roberts wanted to create a fun, lively nightclub atmosphere.
The Pink Door has a bright pink entrance and sharp Italian decor inside which makes the place look like a Venice carnival.
Known for cabaret entertainment while dining like aerial dancers and live jazz music. The menu includes seafood pasta like mussels and spot prawn linguine for $26.
Their Penn Cove mussel fritters with aioli dip costs $14. Pan-fried petrale sole served with white beans, spinach, and olives is sold for $36.
Handmade black squid ink ravioli stuffed with scallops in a creamy sauce is $28. You can end with a flaming chocolate fondu for two $34.
The Pink Door has a full bar and valet parking available.
8. Elliott’s Oyster House
Address: 1201 Alaskan Wy Ste 100, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Elliott’s Oyster has made it to the 8th position, with regards to the top best seafood restaurant in Seattle.
The house is located on Seattle’s waterfront and overlooks Elliott Bay in an old brick warehouse since 1991. The restaurant was started by Rich Beck.
Elliott’s is known for an extensive raw bar with about 35 oyster varieties like Fanny Bays and Totten Virginicas sold for $3.75 each.
Other starters include Penn Cove mussels steamed in wine cost $14 and Dungeness crab cakes with pepper aioli sauce for $21.
Their signature entrees include alder planked wild king salmon in lemon caper butter which costs $38 and cioppino seafood stew with seasonal catches is sold for $39.
Their dessert favorites include gingerbread with rum caramel sauce sold for $12. Elliott’s has an award-winning wine cellar with over 3,000 bottles.
9. Manolin Restaurant
Address: 3621 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Michael and Crystal King opened the Manolin Restaurant in 2018 inside the tech-filled Amazon Spheres. Their focus is on sustainably caught Pacific Northwest seafood.
The sleek modern dining room with tall wood tables overlooks the Spheres’ glass domes and jungle plants.
You can start with raw oysters like briny Shigokus sold for $3 each or tuna crudo that is garnished with citrus costs $22.
Their grilled wild salmon is served on top of kale, roasted potato, and bacon salad for $36. Dungeness crab carbonara pasta dotted with ikura salmon roe costs $42.
You can choose to enjoy a beautiful whole roasted rockfish carved tableside which is designed to serve two dinners and it’s sold for $75.
10. Marimakan Crabhouse
Address: Seattle, WA 98118. Seward Park
Marimakan Crabhouse sits atop Capitol Hill with views of downtown Seattle. Michael Lee opened the crab-focused spot in 2022 celebrating Pacific Northwest bounty.
We decided to place Marimakan Crabhouse the number 10 for top best seafood restaurant in Seattle with reason, read on and you will get to find out why.
Their Dungeness crab includes simple garlic, butter steamed whole crab costs $45, crab cakes with poblano pepper slaw sold for $19, and decadent crab mac n’ cheese for $28.
Other menu favorites include cioppino brimming with sustainable seafood catches sold for $36 and Penn Cove mussels steamed with coconut milk, and chili oil for $22.
The multi-level modern rustic dining room features tall ceilings and a fireplace lounge. The bar mixes seasonal cocktails like cranberry mulled wine.
It has got an outdoor patio seating overlooking the city.
11. Market Seattle
Market Seattle was opened in 2022 by chef Brendan McGill who owns other Seattle restaurants like Hitchcock Deli.
The location sits along Ballard Avenue in the popular Ballard neighborhood. The restaurant has a casual counter service showcasing local ingredients.
They are known for sustainable seafood sandwiches, salads, and tacos to enjoy indoors or outdoor sidewalk seating.
Their signature dish ‘The Reef Don’t Beef’ stacks juicy slices of beef with Beecher’s cheese, and salad greens between toasted Acme bakery ciabatta bread sold for $18.
Their fried cod sandwich lounges on flaky bread layered with quick kimchi and herby tartar sauce which also cost $18.
You can sit at bar stools to watch the chef action through the open kitchen passing plates piled with steamy seafood pasta like linguine dotted with Penn Cove clams, mussels, garlic, chili flake, and lemon sold for $22 large.
You can also get local brews on tap and natural wines by glass.
12. The Walrus and the Carpenter
Address: 4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
The Walrus and the Carpenter was opened by the renowned chef Renee Erickson in 2010 and it is located on Ballard Avenue. The restaurant quickly gained national attention.
It has a simple interior decorated with hanging bulb lights, velvet green booths, exposed brick walls, and chalkboard menus.
They are known for oysters arriving daily on ice at $3.25 each alongside rare European grower champagne.
Their signature snack is warm Skagit River Ranch pea shoots topped with local pork fat, shredded Sky Valley cheese, and black pepper are sold for $9.
The seafood tower loaded with 3 tiers with crab, prawns, mussels, and oysters cost $110 to share.
Silky steelhead crudo draped pickled onions, creme fraiche is sold for $18. They also serve carefully crafted vegetable dishes like roasted carrots with smoked yogurt and sunflower seeds which cost $13.
You can get a dessert, which might be birch ice cream with rye crumble and rhubarb compote which is sold for $9.
And that’s the last on our list of the top best seafood restaurants in Seattle. If you are someone that loves fashion and styles we recommend you to check out our 10 Best Nose Piercing Shops in Seattle.
Conclusion
Seattle stands as a shining seafood destination, with fresh catches powering a thriving food culture. Locals and visitors get to enjoy the variety of flavors hauled from Pacific waters and carefully prepared by talented chefs. The restaurants profiled above represent the diversity of Seattle’s scene.
From Taylor Shellfish’s oyster bar focusing on small plates and Pike Place Chowder’s casual vibe to Manolin’s sleek elegance, there are inspiring options for every mood and budget. Seattle offers superb quality, creative preparations, and warm hospitality across acclaimed establishments.
The Emerald City as it is fondly called serves up adventures for the palate. Going into Seattle’s vibrant seafood landscape, be sure to have memorable dining that supports communities, celebrates heritage, and leaves a delicious taste for local culture.
We hope our compilation of the top best seafood restaurants in Seattle is great and you can now decide where to go and have fun, good dishes, and more in Seattle.
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