Seattle seafood restaurants are world-renowned. However, some seafood restaurants in Seattle stand out from the rest because of their atmospheres, such as Walrus and the Carpenter or RockCreek, or because of their incredible views, such as Aqua by El Gaucho.
In some cases, restaurants have carved out a niche that has become internationally renowned.
The chefs are often the artists who take the sea’s bounty and transform it into wonderful and memorable meals, as the painters do with paints and canvas, as in the case of Manolin restaurant. So, let’s see what Seattle sea bounty is all about.
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The 11 Best Seattle Seafood Restaurants
RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
4300 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle // +12065577532
RockCreek is definitely the place to go for seafood if you’re in Seattle. The food is great; the atmosphere is even better. The interior kind of reminds me of a cabin from grandma’s backyard, or maybe like some of Stanley Kubrick’s work.
And it helps that their menu is updated on a seasonal basis. So, depending on the season, you’ll find everything from oysters to filets. Of course, it is well known for its shrimp and cheddar grits.
If you want a nicer date or dinner with your parents, this is a good option.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle // +12063959227
If you’re looking to begin your oyster-eating career, there’s no better place to do that than at The Walrus And The Carpenter.
There are other great locations around the Seattle area but go here if you’re starting out.
Their oysters can be eaten fresh, with shallot mignonette, or fried, with cilantro aioli. But, of course, you’ll also want some of the octopus if it’s on the menu – and make sure to enjoy a glass of sparkling rose while sitting at the marble bar overlooking the baskets of oyster shells.
At the big marble bar overlooking baskets of oyster shells, it’s a Seattle rite of passage and also where I would eat my first oyster!
Manolin
3621 Stone Way N, Seattle // +12062943331
Manolin is one of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle that’s a real find and a hit with residents looking for an alternative to the usual fare on offer at nearby restaurants.
Located in the Fremont neighborhood, this seafood restaurant offers a fusion of subtle Southwestern touches and bold seafood.
They offer a full range of dishes that include spicy tuna ceviche salads, grilled octopus, tortilla soup, seared scallops, rockfish tacos, and fried shrimp, oysters, and mussels.
Elliott’s Oyster House
1201 Alaskan Way Ste. 100, Seattle // +12066234340
Elliott’s Oyster House might seem a bit touristy for a fine-dining seafood restaurant, but there are reasons for the hype. The patio has a great view of the pier and Puget Sound and is ideal for sunny days when you can do “al fresco” style dinners. If you’re gluten-free, they have GF bread available too.
This is a fun place for oysters, and you can enjoy the patio while catching up with friends. And, in case oysters aren’t your thing, Alaskan cod (or any fish for that matter) makes an excellent alternative.
Sushi Kashiba
86 Pine St. Suite #1, Seattle // +12064418844
There are many excellent sushi restaurants in the city, but you can find the best right here at the Pike Place Market.
There are a few ways to enjoy Sushi Kashiba. You can either stand in line at the sushi bar or book a table ahead of time.
Regardless, you’ll end up eating some very, very high-quality fish. Apart from omakase, the restaurant offers a few set menus and a la carte. The sushi here is definitely worth it.
This is a great place for the true sushi lover. But, for me, if the sushi doesn’t taste super fresh, I’m pretty disappointed.
This freshness was certainly the case at Kashiba’s. Everything was absolutely delicious on my visit. The fish was flavorful and melted in my mouth and was complemented well by the rice and sauces used in each roll.
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
1521 Melrose Ave., Seattle // +12065014321
If you are looking for the best places for oysters and Seattle fish, Taylor Oyster Bar is another good spot to be slurping them.
However, instead of sipping champagne and looking into your date’s eyes, you’re more likely to drink local beer, watch sports, and order a fried prawn po’boy.
They even have an awesome website where you can order oysters and pretty much any seafood online!
AQUA by El Gaucho
2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle // +12069569171
Aqua is one of the nicest-looking seafood restaurants in Seattle, located on Pier 70. Designer David Rockwell designed the interior of the restaurant. It is definitely an upscale seafood restaurant that aims to appeal to both tourists and locals alike.
The restaurant overlooks the Puget Sound and has fantastic views of the water from its outdoor deck open seasonally.
The restaurant’s decor is stunning, and the food is top-notch as well. The menu changes with the season, so you can try new dishes every time you come in.
My choice: Start with the prawn cocktail, and move on to the miso buttered black cod. Do a shareable crab mac n’ cheese if you’re with someone (or even alone!).
Frank’s Oyster House & Champagne Parlor
2616 NE 55th St., Seattle // +12065250220
Seafood, seafood, seafood! And oysters too. The brunch menu at Frank’s Oyster House in Seattle is all about the delicious sea creatures and the amazing variety that this place offers.
It’s a fresh seafood spot catering to people who prefer their fish raw, but also those who want to try amazing fried chicken or even an oyster burger.
It’s a champagne bar with cozy, romantic vibes, but it’s also decorated with a quirky naked mermaid statue which brings back memories of high school art class.
It’s a restaurant on every foodie’s bucket list, mainly because they have great discounts on oysters during happy hour. There’s something for everyone at this Ravenna champagne parlor, ranging from oysters to cheeseburgers.
Matt’s In The Market
94 Pike St. #32, Seattle // +12064677909
Matt’s In The Market has had the best-fried catfish sandwich on their lunch menu for more than 20 years.
Their sandwich is just a crispy catfish, sambal aioli, and shredded romaine on untoasted potato bread, but it’s the most delicious thing in the world!
I decided to go to Matt’s in the Market because I’ve heard good things about it. As a seafood lover, it is hard not to love this place.
All of their fish is delivered in tanks to be sure that what you are eating is fresh. I had the roasted sturgeon on my first visit with buttermilk spaetzle, delicata squash, brussels sprouts, and brown butter aioli. It was heavenly. The sauce was delicious and made for a light yet filling meal. And I also recommend their awesome clam chowder.
Fremont Bowl
4258 Fremont Ave. N Ste. #4262, Seattle // +12065043095
You should go to Fremont Bowl when looking for the best seafood restaurants in Seattle. It’s an awesome fish spot!
And, if you are looking for tasty seafood available in large quantities at relatively low prices, Fremont Bowl is the place. Donburi bowls are their specialty, and you want one with fish on top.
It’s hard to beat their seared salmon, but you can also get poke, broiled eel, or if you’re starving, chirashi with tuna will definitely fill you up. Truly delicious!
Market Grill
1509 Pike Pl #3, Seattle // +12066822654
The establishment has been around for more than 100 years, and there is also a bar here. Fresh fish is always served here, and it is always cooked to perfection.
If you need fresh fish for dinner or lunch, you can walk to Pike Place Fish, which is one block away.
This means you’ll be able to eat fish that was caught an hour before you would think of going to a seafood restaurant!
At Pike Place Market, you can see the fish without waiting in line, which sounds more appealing to me than waiting in line at the retail fish market or any other tourist trap in Seattle.
Summary Of The 11 Best Seafood Restaurants In Seattle
It can be tough to choose a place to eat when you’re in Seattle. There are so many excellent seafood restaurants here, and to be honest, sometimes it can be overwhelming deciding where to go.
Seattle restaurants are known for their superb seafood. Whether it be the freshness of the salmon, the sweetness of the shrimp, or something else that gets your taste buds going, Seattle is a city known for its outstanding dining excellence.
Based on my familiarity with these restaurants and my experience in dining out regularly nearly everywhere, I have come up with this list of the ten places where you can get an incredible meal and enjoy Seattle to the fullest!
While in Seattle, don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself in the city (hurry while they’re hot!):
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
- Half-Day Guided Tour of Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls
Visiting other destinations in Washington State? Check out our other guides:
- 10 Must-Try Bellevue Restaurants
- 9 Best Tacoma North End Restaurants
- 4 Amazing Vancouver WA Restaurants
- 7 Amazing Things To Do In Redmond WA
- 11 Best Yakima Restaurants
Like seafood? Check out our other guides on the best seafood in the US:
- 10 Best Atlanta Seafood Restaurants
- Baltimore’s Best 10 Seafood Restaurants
- The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Boston
Which of these best Seattle seafood restaurants do you want to try first? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever