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 common and 20% is the norm for an upscale restaurant. 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$24.

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 Peter Canlis prawns, truffle fries, 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. Add to that a piano bar and a vast wine list. If you can’t get a reservation, don’t fret. It is possible to enjoy Canlis’ appetisers and truffle fries at the bar. No lunch. Closed Sunday.

2576 Aurora Avenue North
Tel: (206) 283 3313. Fax: (206) 283 1766.
E-mail: canlis@canlis.com
Website: www.canlis.com
Price: US$68, prix fixe US$75. Wine: US$17.

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. Complimentary valet parking after 1700.

411 First Avenue South
Tel: (206) 467 7797. Fax: (206) 447 5716.
Website: www.ilterrazzocarmine.com
Price: US$45. Wine: US$28.

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 pâté 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, crème brulée 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$38-50; seven-course tasting menu US$75. Wine: US$22.

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 décor. 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.
E-mail: colleen@tomdouglas.com
Website: www.tomdouglas.com
Price: US$45. Wine: US$28.

The Georgian
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 is the winner of the Acorn Award for the best British chef. 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 and Monday.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Street
Tel: (206) 621 7889.
Website: www.fairmont.com/seattle
Price: US$50. Wine: US$34.

Hunt Club
The Hunt Club offers a gentleman’s club atmosphere (brick walls, deep red leather, mahogany and plush seating) as well as some of the most divine steaks in town. Other options include pheasant, duck dishes and of course, seafood. Much of the seasonal menu is Pacific Northwest style with Mediterranean influences, and features dishes such as beef carpaccio and scallop fettuccini. Chef Brian Scheehser grows many of the herbs used in the food preparation. Dessert, coffee, cognac or port and truffles can be taken in the Fireside Room, which also features piano music and card games. Service is impeccable. 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.hotelsorrento.com
Price: US$53. Three-course prix fixe US$75. Wine: US$38.

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.
Website: www.themetropolitangrill.com
Price: US$69. Wine: US$32.

Tulio
Warm woods, white tablecloths and an open kitchen make this friendly bistro inviting and cosy. Service is good and the menu runs the gamut of Italian entrées, from pizza and pasta to seafood and meat. All is creatively presented, but the star of the menu is the sweet potato gnocchi. Even those who think yams are yucky give it raves. There is a small counter by the open kitchen for those who want to get up close and personal with the chefs.

1100 Fifth Avenue
Tel: (206) 624 5500. Fax: (206) 623 0568.
Website: www.tulio.com
Price: US$37. Wine: US$ 25.

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 main courses 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 stays open until 0200, with live jazz, blues and salsa.

703 North 34th Street, Fremont
Tel: (206) 329 7559. Fax (206) 329 8053.
E-mail: bandoleone@earthlink.net
Website: www.bandoleone.net
Price US$30. Wine: US$23.

Café Lago
A cheery, informal trattoria, Café 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. No lunch. Reservations accepted.

2305 24th Avenue East, Montlake (near Arboretum)
Tel: (206) 329 8005. Fax: (206) 329 8053.
Website: www.cafelago.com
Price: US$30. Wine: US$30.

Fish Club
The setting is simple – an open kitchen, wood trimmed walls and accents of muted reds, oranges, purples and greens. It is here that Todd English, an east coast celebrity chef and acclaimed TV personality, has brought his culinary skills. Many of his dishes have a Moroccan flair, and some sort of tajine (chicken, salmon or lamb shack) is usually featured on the frequently changing menu. Expect friendly and competent service.

2100 Alaskan Way (next to the Marriott)
Tel: (206) 256 1040.
Website: www.toddenglish.com/restaurants/fishclub.html
Price: US$39, from 1700-1900 three-course prix fixe US$24. Wine US$19.

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. Late night from midnight to 0100.

2234 First Avenue, Belltown
Tel: (206) 728 8595.
E-mail: info@flyingfish.com
Website: www.flyingfishseattle.com
Price: US$40. Wine: US$21.

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 as in flamboyantly flowered tablecloths on the outdoor tables, fun Italian kitsch and bistro lighting. Roasted garlic and tapenade are prime starters, while the cioppino and lasagne are legendary. Salads feature the Market’s organic produce.

1919 Post Alley, Pike Place Market
Tel: (206) 443 3241. Fax (206) 443 3341.
Website: www.thepinkdoor.net
Price: US$30. Wine: US$26.

Budget

Alibi Room
This young, artsy spot attracts film industry wannabes and has a view of the Puget Sound sunset. Décor 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. Open for brunch and stay open until 0200.

85 Pike Street, Post Alley, Pike Place Market
Tel: (206) 623 3180.
Website: www.alibiroom.com
Price: US$24. Wine: US$28.

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 is fresh and cold and cosy booths face a small flower-filled courtyard. The salmon soup and fish and chips are excellent. Cards accepted. No dinner Sunday.

1916 Pike Place (Pike Place Market, Soames Dunn building)
Tel: (206) 448 7721.
Price US$12.50. Wine: US$11.50.

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.

2334 Second Avenue, Belltown
Tel: (206) 728 6262.
Website: www.mamas.com
Price: US$11. Wine US$15.

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 here is the bubbling fish tanks, especially those filled with demonic looking crabs. Decor is low budget modern, but there are beige tablecloths and green napkins.

200 106th Avenue NE, Bellevue
Tel: (425) 450 8833.
Price: US$28. Wine: US$24.

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 four stars. No lunch weekends.

616 Broadway, Capitol Hill
Tel: (206) 324 0892. Fax: (206) 324 8433.
Website: www.siamonbroadway.com
Price: US$15. Wine: US$16.

Personal Recommendations

Andaluca
This dimly lit European-style restaurant is quiet and sophisticated enough for private business meals, sexy enough for a tête-à-tête and also a great place to dine solo. Food is light but satisfying Mediterranean-inspired fare, made of fresh Northwest ingredients. Specialities include a towering full-meal Dungeness crab salad, as well as excellent paella, zarzuela, Carbrales steaks and the finest mussels in town. Andaluca also offers a selection of fine sherries and Spanish and local wines.

Mayflower Park Hotel, 407 Olive Way
Tel: (206) 382 6999. Fax: (206) 328 6997.
Website: www.andaluca.com
Price US$42.50. Wine: US$29.

Café Flora
Vegetarian food so exquisite carnivores will not notice the difference. The setting is a sophisticated Asian-style atrium, boasting a fountain and natural stone. A seasonal menu features new-age renditions of pizzas, like Thai pizza with tomatoes, grilled pineapple, baked tofu, cilantro jalapeño pistou plus cashew and coconut for a cheesy flavour. Also on the menu are 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 accepted for eight or more.

2901 East Madison Street, Madison Valley, North Seattle
Tel: (206) 325 9100.
Website: www.cafeflora.com
Price: US$25. Wine: US$21.

Etta’s
This unpretentious eatery near Pike Place is a favourite with locals. Yellow walls and funky lights are about the only decorations. The restaurant, by Tom Douglas (Seattle’s star restaurateur) features fresh seafood, fish and Thai inspired cuisine like Thai fried chicken salad with kumquats, peanuts and nuoc chum. The crab cakes are delicious.

2020 Western Avenue
Tel: (206) 443 6000 Fax: (206) 443 0648.
Website: www.tomdouglas.com
Price: (lunch) two–course US$15 prix fixe; (dinner) US$43. Wine: US$23.

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$30. Wine: US$25.

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 big bubbling fish tank feature. The menu offers mu shu pork 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. Open daily.

524 Sixth Avenue South, International District
Tel: (206) 625 1688.
Price: US$22. Wine: US$15.50.