Seattle Seafood Restaurants – Best 5 Plus 90!
Best Seattle Seafood
Seattle is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country, thanks to ocean access and active involvement in the fishing and seafood industries.
If you’re one of the thousands searching “Seattle seafood restaurants best” each month, look no further. We’re here to help by highlighting five. But five is just scratching the surface, so don’t stop reading, as you’ll soon approach a list of 90 more!
The Walrus and The Carpenter – Ballard
4743 Ballard Ave., NW, Seattle
Located in the classic Ballard neighborhood is The Walrus and The Carpenter, one of Seattle’s best seafood restaurants
Historically, Ballard was the home to Scandinavian immigrant fishers and blue-collar laborers and workers. But today, it’s the place to go for a vibrant and fresh food scene and trendy, young vibe. One of those fresh food hotspots is The Walrus and The Carpenter.
Surf AND Turf
Since 2010, this combo restaurant-fishing pub has been serving up local favorites like chubby oysters, Hama Hama clams, and Scallop Crudo. And, if you have someone in your party who isn’t as passionate about seafood as you, there’s a selection of garden entrees and meat dishes like Pork Rillettes with whole grain mustard.
The Walrus and The Carpenter is open every day for dinner, with a Monday through Thursday Happy Hour. There’s a corkage fee if you want to bring a bottle or two.
Elliott’s Oyster House – Pier 56
1201 Alaskan Way, Seattle
With waterfront views and Food and Wine’s designation of “America’s #1 Oyster House,” you didn’t think we’d leave Elliott’s Oyster House off the list, did you?
It’s an ideal spot for group dining with “For the Table” selections like Celebration, featuring prawns, snow crab claws, smoked mussels, mignonette, and, what else but oysters?! You’ll also find skewers to share and apps like the Garlic Curry Mussels and Chorizo Manila Clams.
Oysters and More
But they’re right in the name, so you know you’ll want to try oysters like the smoked apple-bacon or pan-fried Pacific. Other options on this Seattle seafood restaurant’s best list include the Crispy Pacific Rockfish, and Alaskan True Cod and Chips. There’s a NY Steak for the carnivores and Miso Polenta that should satisfy any vegetarians in the group.
At Elliott’s Oyster House, the view is as enticing as the meal. So, we’re fans of a leisurely weekend afternoon with some drinks and shareables. And, fortunately, the doors swing open at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
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Salty’s – Alki Beach
1936 Harbor Avenue SW, Seattle
Open for both dining and takeout, Salty’s isn’t exclusive to Seattle, with sister venues in Portland and Redondo. But exclusivity isn’t necessary for some of the best seafood. In addition to its Alki Beach location, Salty’s is appealing for its diverse menu and apps like the “3 Buck Shucks.”
Not convinced yet? Imagine sitting there and being presented with the Emerald Acres Manila Clams harvested by owner Kevin Riley daily. They’re loaded with mirepoix, fennel, and butter and served with grilled bread. As a bonus, it’s gluten-free. Winner!
Go for the TKO
Other favorites include Salty’s Caesar, Cioppino, Lobster and Prawn Bucatini, the Grilled King Salmon, and Colossal Two-Piece Alaskan Rock Cod Fish and Chips. Oh, and a side might be an aside to you, but we must mention TKO potatoes. They’re smashed fingerlings crisped up and seasoned with togarashi spice and miso white barbecue sauce. You can’t resist, but you will want to save room for the Vanilla Crème Brulee made with brown sugar shortbread.
Make a note that Salty’s is open for breakfast on the weekend.
Did You Know?
One of the big attractions at Pike Place Market in Seattle is the “flying fish”
AQUA – Seattle Waterfront
2701 First Ave., Suite 300, Seattle
Amongst Seattle seafood restaurants’ best upscale establishments is AQUA. It’s fine dining with a beautiful Elliott Bay view.
You could start with the Tableside Caesar salad, a customer favorite. But we recommend the Strawberry and Beet Salad, dressed with citrus poppy seed labneh and extra virgin olive oil, for something just a bit different. Appetizers include a Grilled Spanish Octopus, Tableside Yellowfin Poke, and Dungeness Crab Lettuce Wraps.
Entrees at AQUA
The seafood delights on the entrees menu feature Plancha Seared Jumbo Scallops, Miso Buttered Black Cod, Yellowfin Tuna au Poivre, Grilled King Salmon, and Grilled Halibut. Entrees are in the $50 to $60 range and cover the meat and vegetarian options as well.
It’s a treat to get a table at AQUA, so do it up right and sweeten things up with Bailey’s chocolate caramel bread pudding or the crème Brulee with raspberry sorbet and mint.
By the way, there’s live music Tuesday and Wednesday.
Local Tide – Fremont
401 N 36th Street, Seattle
We’d consider Local Tide to be the extreme opposite of AQUA with ambiance and style, but it’s one of Seattle’s best seafood restaurants, nonetheless. It’s a super casual spot to enjoy a crab roll or some fried oysters in Fremont.
Local Tide also features “Sandos” like salmon, fried fish, albacore tuna, or veggie. The Clam Chowder is the perfect accompaniment, but you could also get some shareables for the table. Everyone will love Smoked Salmon Belly Dip, Shrimp Toast, or Salt and Pepper Fries.
This hidden gem (or not so hidden) opens at 11 am every day but Monday, and to-go is on the menu.
Plenty More Seattle Seafood Restaurants
We love our top five picks. But, narrowing the list of Seattle seafood restaurants is nearly impossible, as there are so many!
Did we leave your restaurant off the list? Send us the info and we’ll be sure to add it.
Seafood Dinner and a Show?
What’s the best way to follow up a yummy seafood dinner in Seattle? Take in a show. And, what’s the best way to see live shows? With free tickets! So, why not be a seat filler through OTL Seat Fillers in Seattle
- Visit OTL Seat Fillers to find out how you can receive free pairs of tickets as a Seattle Seat Filler
- Check out the Seattle Events Calendar – it updates hourly
- Live entertainment in Seattle theaters with the Guide to Seattle Theaters and Theater Troupes
- Movie Theaters in Seattle
