Where to Eat the Best Seafood in The Emerald City

For visitors travelling to Seattle, the first thing they think about in regards to food in Seattle is seafood. Seattle has a long tradition of fishing and crabbing, and being the closest and most direct port to receive Alaska’s amazing cold water seafood, high quality seafood is definitely an expectation. If you are planning your next seafood feast, you may want to consider going to these amazing spots to fulfill your seafood needs and enjoy the Seattle Summer. 

1. The Crab Pot Seattle

Located at Miner’s landing at Pier 57 of the Seattle Waterfront, The Crab Pot is a special treat for seafood lovers and a favorite among travelling families. The restaurant specializes in seafood boils – think a medley of crab, clams, potatoes and more freshly boiled or streamed to perfection. Our pick is the Pacific Northwest Clambake, a modern take on a PNW tradition – Oysters, clams, salmon skewers, mussels, corn on the cob, andouille sausage and red potatoes. After the feast, head over to their sister restaurant Fisherman’s Bar and Restaurant to enjoy a cocktail on their spacious patio with an Elliot Bay view.

2. Blueacre Seafood

Blueacre Seafood Restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Kevin Davis, who has been cooking amazing food in the PNW for over 20 years.  Expect elegant dishes, and sustainable-sourced seafood at this tasty establishment, located in Seattle downtown on 7th Avenue. It is one of the best places to eat at in Downtown Seattle.

3. Etta’s Seafood Restaurant

Etta’s is a Tom Douglas restaurant that is named after his daughter, Loretta, and focuses on Tom’s love for seafood. When ordering, don’t miss out on the Dungeness crab cakes. Panko crusted, pan-fried and finished in the oven makes these perfectly cooked and seasoned crab cakes the best in the city. Guests on the Signature Tour of Pike Place Market love these crab cakes!

4. Ivar’s Acres of Clams

 For Seattleites, Ivar’s is a brand we all grew up with. Their specialty is fish n’ chips, and they are not to be overlooked. Locations can be found all over Puget Sound, but our favorite location is on the Seattle Waterfront, near Pier 55. Go to the seafood bar and grab an order of delicious Fish n’ Chips, ranging from Alaskan Halibut, Pacific Salmon, Cod and more. If you really want to dine like a local, then make sure to save a few french fries to feed the seagulls that fly near the pier – Legend has it Ivar himself loved to feed the seagulls french fires, and doing so has since become a tradition.

5. Sushi Kashiba

 Do you ever dream of sushi? Make your Sushi dreams a reality by making a reservation to Sushi Kashiba, arguably the top sushi restaurant in Seattle. Chef Shiro Kashiba essentially introduced traditional Japanese sushi to the Emerald City in the 1970s, and continues to bring his “A” game to the table with his wonderful sushi restaurant in the heart of the Pike Place Market. Find the restaurant directly across from the entrance to Inn at the Market, which is an amazing place to stay when visiting Seattle.

6. GoPoke

 Poke (pronounced Po-Keh) is a wonderful seafood dish from Hawaii, made by marinating small chunks of raw fish with soy sauce and other garnishes. In recent years, the dish, has taken the mainland by storm, with fast-casual restaurant adopting it and presenting it as a larger meal item. One of our favorite places to eat Poke is GoPoke, located in the International District/ Chinatown. Here, they respect their culture by sourcing fish directly from purveyors in Hawaii, and marinate their different types of Poke to give visitors an authentic taste of the islands.

7. Elliot’s Oyster House

The world truly is your oyster at Elliot’s Oyster House, located on the Seattle Waterfront. Elliot’s has probably one of the more diverse selections of available oysters for an oyster bar in Seattle. From large Pacific Oysters, to tide-tumbled specialty oysters, if variety is what you are looking for this is the place to get a taste of PNW shellfish. Did we mention their amazing Oyster Happy Hour?

8. Pike Place Chowder

Do you love New England style Clam Chowder? Then you must try the chowder from Pike Place Chowder. Located in the heart of Pike Place Market’s Post Alley, this tiny chowder house is well known by visitors, with lines often being a 20-minute wait or longer! Don’t want to stand in line? Go online and order through their website to pick up from their to-go window. It truly is one of the best places to eat at in Pike Place Market!

9. Tankard & Tun

If you like beer with your seafood, then Tankard & Tun is the place for you. Located directly above the Pike Brewing Company’s Pub and Brewery, it is the second business by brewery founders Charles and Roseann Finkle. Expect beer-inspired cocktails and fresh oysters from local purveyors. Go during their awesome Happy Hour for a great deal on their signature fish n’ chips and craft beer.

10. Crawfish King

Crawfish may be a Louisiana delicacy, by you too can enjoy crawfish in Seattle via Viet-Cajun cuisine. Seattle hasa large Vietnamese population, and in recent years has become introduced to Viet-Cajun seafood boils. Imagine a medley of crawfish and other shellfish favorites boiled and seasoned in a broth of spicy, tangy and rich flavor. At Crawfish King, located in Seattle’s International District, boils are served in a bag, where patrons are encouraged to share with friends or enjoy themselves.

11. Westward

Westward has long been a seafood lovers’ destination, especially when also wanting a lakefront patio view. The restaurant, located on the North Eastern shore of Lake Union, was recently purchases by Chef Renee Erikson. Chef Erikson’s passion for sustainable and local seafood and produce is well known from her other restaurants, and this concept shines through with the new addition of Westward. If you are looking for last minute date ideas, this restaurant is an excellent choice.