Duke's Seafood on Lake Union
Settle in at Duke's for Pacific Northwest seafood served with views across the water. Bring out-of-town guests here when you want a meal that feels distinctly Seattle. The lakeside setting works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a relaxed evening.
Daniel's Broiler on Lake Union
Save Daniel's Broiler for the big nights, the way many locals do with this classic steakhouse. Birthdays, anniversaries and celebration dinners suit its style, and the Lake Union location adds water views to every steak dinner.
Westlake Avenue Standouts
Stroll Westlake Avenue North, which runs along the western edge of the neighborhood, to find some of its most talked-about dining rooms.
Paju
Paju began as a small Korean restaurant in Queen Anne before moving into a much larger space on Westlake Avenue North, where a wood-fire grill anchors the kitchen. Look for the dishes people mention most: a seafood pancake topped with bonito flakes, kimchi fried rice darkened with squid ink, and a yellowtail crudo with apple and lemon verbena. Choose it for a date night, a coworker celebration or visitors you want to impress.
re:public
Find re:public at 429 Westlake Ave N, serving New American food that leans French and Italian. Order the house-made pastas, a highlight of the menu, and explore the bar's large whiskey selection. It works well for a sit-down dinner or a drink after work.
The Butcher's Table
Step into The Butcher's Table, a multi-story steakhouse on Westlake Avenue with a grand chandelier and a lounge-like dining room downstairs. At dinner, try the steak flight to compare several cuts of USDA prime beef side by side. Lunch is more approachable, with a burger served alongside Beecher's mac and cheese, and it remains a favorite for business meals.
Brunch and Casual Meals on Terry Avenue
Make Terry Avenue North your stop for weekend brunch and easygoing meals between the office blocks.
Portage Bay Cafe
Start your morning at Portage Bay Cafe, 391 Terry Ave N, one of several locations of this Seattle brunch favorite. The kitchen builds classic American breakfasts around quality local ingredients. Order pancakes, French toast or waffles to unlock its well-known toppings bar, and grab an outdoor seat, a popular choice on mild mornings.
LOCAL Public Eatery
Gather your group at LOCAL Public Eatery, 404 Terry Ave N, a gastropub with the feel of a sports bar. Catch a game over food and drinks, or come back for weekend brunch, which gives the place a second life beyond the after-work crowd.
Barbecue, Omakase and Italian Under Glass
Round out your eating tour with a few more spots, each with a very different personality.
Jack's BBQ
Jack's BBQ got its start in Georgetown, where the meat is still smoked for hours before reaching the South Lake Union location on 9th Avenue. The owner grew up in central Texas, so the focus stays on the smoke rather than heavy sauce. Dig into brisket, pork and ribs, or share the brisket nachos for a fun way to sample the meats.
Sushi By Scratch Restaurants
Slip into Sushi By Scratch on 6th Avenue for an omakase experience in a speakeasy-style room bathed in indigo light. The chefs top nigiri with unexpected pairings, such as corn pudding or caramelized pineapple on otoro. Plan a birthday or date night here, or come any time you want a playful night of sushi.
Willmott's Ghost
Dine inside the Amazon Spheres, the glass domes at the heart of the neighborhood, at Willmott's Ghost, which serves Italian food. Eating surrounded by that striking architecture is a big part of the appeal. Save it for a lunch break or an evening out when you want something a little unusual.
Lunch Breaks, Food Trucks and the Farmers Market
On weekdays, browse the food trucks that park around the office buildings at lunchtime, adding plenty of quick options beyond the sit-down restaurants. The South Lake Union Express Farmers Market also brings food vendors to the area. Check the market's official schedule before you go, since days and seasons can change.
Make a Day of It
Pair your meal with a short walk. Stretch your legs at Denny Park, Seattle's oldest park, which fills a full block at 100 Dexter Ave N. Head along Eastlake Avenue East to see the Lake Union Steam Plant landmark, an official City of Seattle landmark since 1994. Gardeners can wander over to the Cascade P-Patch community garden on Minor Avenue North.
Keep planning with our guide to Seattle neighborhoods or our list of things to do in Seattle.
Menus, hours and reservation policies change, so check each restaurant's own website for current details before you go.
