What's not to love about Seattle? It's one of the most influential cities in the world, home to some of the biggest companies such as Boeing, Amazon, and Starbucks. Then there's the outdoorsy vibe to the place with locals actively participating in sports and adventure activities. With so much action all around, be it in the workplace or the open, everyone sure does build up an appetite. To cater to this basic need, there is an abundance of excellent restaurants in Seattle that make it all the more appealing.
How To Cook A Wolf
Named after MFK Fisher's book of the same name, How To Cook A Wolf, is part of Ethan Stowell's ever-increasing culinary domain. The restaurant follows the philosophy of Fisher's book in that the food is based on modest everyday ingredients and served tastefully in small plates. The menu features classic Mediterranean fare and changes depending on seasonal produce and availability.
The interiors of the restaurant have a cozy all-wood finish, and its petite space gives it a much-desired romantic atmosphere. Some of the favorites offered at How To Cook A Wolf include heirloom squash ravioli, crispy duck leg, seared scallops, and cauliflower with chickpea, coppa, and pine nut vinaigrette.
Address: 2208 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Maneki
The more-than-a-century-old Maneki in International District is one of Seattle's oldest restaurants and the place to visit for delectable Japanese cuisine. Operational since 1904, Maneki stills draws quite a crowd daily, and it is strongly encouraged that you make a reservation to avoid standing in a line. The restaurant has a common seating area out front, but for a more private and authentic experience, book one of the tatami rooms in the back.
Besides its long-standing history and popularity among local big shots, think Bill Gates and the likes, the reason for Maneki's fame is its pocket-friendly and extensive menu. Sushi is a given, but make sure you also try some of the other Japanese delicacies like takoyaki – crispy octopus-stuffed balls, spicy cod karaage, clam miso soup, and unagi don – grilled eel over rice, when dining here.
Address: 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Hitchcock
Chef Brenden McGill's farm-to-table restaurant makes every bit of the thirty-minute ferry ride it takes to reach its location on Bainbridge Island worth the while. The interiors of Hitchcock, nothing to do with the famous director, have a familiar feel to it, especially during dinner service when the candlelit tables radiate sensuality into the air.
The food at the restaurant takes the spotlight through and through with cured meats, raw produce, and delicately cooked dishes that impress and satiate the most stubborn of palates. The chef's tasting menu is a great place to start if visiting for the first time, but do try their pork belly terrine with blue cheese, pastured beef marrow bone, and wood-fired half chicken, if you get a chance to return.
Address: 133 Winslow Way E, #100, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110-2473
Art of the Table
Another one of Seattle's much-loved and somewhat pricey establishments, Art of the Table, is all about passion for good and wholesome food. Under the leadership of Chef Dustin Ronspies, the restaurant serves only fresh ingredients, sourced locally and directly from farmers. The décor here is sophisticated, creating a space that is both casual, thanks to the open kitchen, and simultaneously an intimate fine-dining affair.
The menu at Art of the Table consists of a la carte options as well as the chef's tasting menu. The restaurant recommends the latter, and getting a seat on the chef's table can result in a much more interactive experience. The dishes at Art of Table change based on what's in season, however, a typical tasting menu comprises of options such as red beet ceviche, sake braised purple daikon, wagyu striploin, and a chocolate tart to finish the meal.
Address: 3801 Stone Way N Suite A, Seattle, WA 98103
Copal
Copal is the place to visit in Seattle for after-work drinks or when you want to elevate your mood by feasting on delicious bites of South American delights. Bursting with subdued color tones, a prominent Latin vibe, the organized chaos of an open kitchen, and the smell of wood, Copal impresses with their limited menu that goes remarkably well with their cocktail options.
The food at Copal carries forward the exoticness of its décor with dishes prepared using wood-fire, adding a pleasant smoky element to the flavors. The Peruvian chicken, seared Salvadorian cheese, and beef brisket with pineapple are hot favorites, eaten best with sides of smoky black beans and guacamole, or as they call it, smashed avocado.
Address: 323 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Dacha Diner
While Eastern European food often gets overlooked even by most connoisseurs, it is surprisingly robust with its flavors and generous when it comes to satisfying the soul. Dacha Diner specializes in this food that automatically makes it a novel eating joint in Seattle. However, to call Dacha Diner a restaurant, would be a mistake. It has a rather homely feel to it, strengthened further by the finger-licking home-cooked dishes that come out from the kitchen.
What Dacha Diner might lack in its simple décor, it more than makes up with the food. For starters, there is a loving warmth to every plate and bowl that arrives on the table. The menu is limited, but vodka is aplenty, making this a perfect place for a hearty lunch on any given day. Make sure you try the Georgian khachapuri and the matzoh ball soup with chicken, two of the must-have dishes here.
Address: 1416 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122
Chan Seattle
Chan Seattle claims to be the 'only Korean gastropub' in the city and offers its patrons a variety of quintessential Korean dishes along with homemade soju and regional beers. The ambiance at Chan is mellow, with its friendly Asian hospitality helping raise the dining experience further.
Chan's menu, on the other hand, takes a slightly contemporary approach towards traditional Korean food. It maintains the authenticity of the cuisine while preparing it using western ingredients and presenting it in a refined manner. No meal at Chan is complete without indulging in the skillet bibimbap or the kimchi hangover soup. That fact that Chan encourages "family-style sharing" adds to its charm, making it the perfect place to visit with all of your loved ones.
Address: 86 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
Conclusion
The variety of culinary options in Seattle is a direct result of its multi-cultural population. The city, besides being a technology and industry hub, is a favorite with gourmands wanting to experience world cuisine with a local touch. Helping Seattle become a gourmet destination is also its residents, highly supportive of new gastronomic ventures and loyal to the ones that have stayed put for decades, giving the city a distinct identity.