The 10 Restaurants That Defined Dining in Seattle This Year

Tucked away in Capitol Hill’s Chophouse Row, Light Sleeper is has become one of Seattle’s most enjoyable destinations for wine-centric dining adventures. The trick is to dive deep into the curated selection of natural and biodynamic wines, handpicked by sommelier Ezra Wicks. (If one catches your eye, take a bottle home from Wide Eyed Wines, Light Sleeper’s nearby bottle shop.)

You’ll enjoy your pick alongside tapas curated by chef Eli Dahlin, formerly of Damn the Weather, plates with bold flavors that know how to impress without getting in the way of the wine. Jalapeño, garlic, and peanuts transform crispy fried pig skins into a crunchy treat with a spicy kick. Roasted carrots join forces with the sweet richness of dates, walnuts, and a drizzle of tahini and saffron honey. The creamy, delicately sweet shrimp risotto is an absolute knockout, and be sure to leave space for the decadent corn crème brûlée with salted butter. Light Sleeper is of that cadre of wine bars that knows how to take both food and wine just seriously enough — and Seattle’s the better for it.

Discover the vibrant world of Kamp Social House, an LGBTQ+-friendly haven that emerged in the summer of 2022 in the former Luc space. In response to the dwindling number of lesbian bars nationwide, Kamp stands as a beacon of support, hosting “sober curious” events and lesbian dance nights every Thursday.

The menu is a culinary journey itself, featuring Kamp sliders with a smushed crust, boudin egg rolls with a sweet and tangy mango chutney, and salt cod and potato croquettes with curried-spiced goodness. The cocktail menu is equally diverse, offering zero-proof concoctions as exciting and thoughtful as their alcoholic counterparts. And don’t miss the weekly rotating soft-serve menu, ranging from apple pie to wedding cake.

Most crucially, Kamp Social House is not just a restaurant; owners Marceil Van Camp and Katy Knauff have created a one-of-a-kind celebration of diversity, community, and exceptional flavors in the heart of Madison Valley.

Feel the ocean breeze? Hear those seagulls? Breathe in that fresh Elliott Bay air while you unwind at Driftwood, which totally captivated us this year. Chef Dan Mallahan and his wife, Jackie, have created a serene seafoam-hued sanctuary with a view of Alki Beach (just a stone’s throw from the water), surpassing even the revered Alki Beach Pub.

Mallahan’s culinary brilliance shines through his dedication to freshness, sourcing ingredients from three farmers markets, P-Patches, and even his mother’s herb garden. Seafood steals the show here, from the tribal-caught coho salmon carpaccio to the Washington coast rockfish served with a roasted Dungeness crab shell bisque. And complete your culinary adventure with Grandma Gina’s unforgettable hazelnut pie, a sweet homage to local flavors.

Discover the enduring legacy of modern Korean cuisine at Chan. It may have been a culinary cornerstone since 2014, but after wowing fans with his blend of Korean flavors and a hefty dose of Western influences, chef Heong Soon Park moved from Pike Place to much larger, more established digs inside the Paramount Hotel.

The upshift has only made things better: Savor the sublime soy-cured king salmon, a symphony of cilantro, Asian pear, and serrano chile harmonizing in a crème fraiche sauce — an impeccable prelude to the feast ahead. Should you want a homier option, Park’s rice cake dish marries beef cheek chili ragu with vibrant vegetables for a tantalizing taste of Korea’s culinary evolution. A spin around the soju-forward cocktail menu is mandatory.

Housed within a historic log cabin near Alki Beach, this century-old building beckons, offering a hint of the warm atmosphere within. (Il Nido after all is Italian for “the nest.”) Even if it’s long had a place in our hearts — nabbing a James Beard semi-finalist slot in 2020 — the continuity at Il Nido is crucial. Following the departure of Mike Easton in 2022, the reins passed into the capable hands of longtime manager Cameron Williams and the restaurant’s talented executive chef, Katie Gallego.

Gallego knows how to wow: Housemade fresh pasta takes center stage alongside inventive focaccia, flavorful chicory salads, and mouthwatering entrées like the indulgent pork coppa. Recent favorites include pillow gnocchi sardi tossed in a sausage and Tuscan kale sugo.

Reservations are, no surprise, highly recommended. However, if you’re feeling spontaneous, consider trying your luck at the bar for an aperitivo and an order of olive all’ascolana, sausage-stuffed olives with hints of fennel, nutmeg, and prosciutto breaded and fried to crispy perfection.

Tucked away in Pike Place Market’s vibrant atrium, Pasta Casalinga whispers the Italian art of pasta-making. Owner-chef Michaela Tartaglia infuses Torino upbringing and Neapolitan summers into flavorful dishes that blend Pacific Northwest ingredients with Italian techniques — the sort of mix that also defined Seattle pioneers like Café Juanita and Spinasse.

Tartaglia’s cozy storefront unveils a daily trio of seasonal pasta wonders — ocean, farm, and garden delights alongside favorites like lasagna and classic pomodoro. Relish squid ink fettuccine with Manila clams or dive into ziti with potatoes, pancetta, and smoked scamorza. While small, Pasta Casalinga fosters a communal atmosphere where patrons share tables, all amid a swift-moving line.

Find more info here.

At Brimmer & Heeltap, every meal feels like an invitation to owner Jen Doak’s personal table, the sort of vibe that has long sustained the city’s most inviting spots. The attentive service team ensures a warm welcome. In warmer months, the dreamy outdoor garden café woos couples for date night. Look for comforting dishes like an updated onion dip with baby beets, rainbow carrots, zucchini, and rye breadcrumbs. The star? A tender grilled pork chop with nectarine, lentil butter, and lobster mushroom. Leave room for the coconut panna cotta in raspberry consommé. Explore the cocktails and well-curated wines (Doak’s experience at The Tasting Room shines). Non-alcoholic options also abound. Mornings transform the space into Red Arrow Coffee for pastries and coffee.

Local regulars flock to Eric Anderson’s Sunset Hill spot for wood-fired vegetables and heritage breed meats from the brick oven. Samara’s charm lies in the details, like tables crafted from reclaimed Lake Union pier wood and handcrafted plates by potter Akiko Graham. It is a restaurant entirely of its place.

Start with the smoky halibut dip featuring horseradish, dill, and black pepper crackers. The oven-roasted cauliflower, seasoned with cumin, padron pepper, smoked garlic, and oregano, will convert any cruciferous skeptic. Indulge in buttery Dungeness crab paired with a rice cake and a hint of tarragon. Leave space for the sweet apricot pavlova, boasting fresh apricots, apricot caramel, and pastry cream. The Sazerac cocktail here is seriously crafted and executed to perfection.

Rejoice, Seattleites! The supreme beef-eating experience of Beast & Cleaver is now available at Fair Isle Brewing in Ballard, which means one of the best meaty options in town has become more accessible.

Led by executive chef Jaimon Westing from Willows Inn and No Anchor, Beast celebrates the fusion of fermented foods, dry-aged meats, and classical techniques with a modern twist. The burger, a 100-day dry-aged beef patty with American cheese and beef garum, rivals the beloved Beast & Cleaver burger pop-up. Or savor the London Royale: top-round steak infused with garlic butter and beef garum, served with confit garlic and bread. Then there’s the grilled cabbage with Caesar dressing, whey miso, sourdough, and Parmesan —  a smoky delight. Seating is easy, service swift. It truly has been a standout surprise of the year.

Find more info here.

Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines at Kilig, Seattle’s newest fast-casual gem by the always-visionary Melissa Miranda, our latest addition to modern Filipino dining in town. Dive into the rich, slow-simmered bulalo beef soup or savor the vegetarian twist with seared oyster mushrooms. Delight in a handful of varieties of pancit noodles while sipping on innovative cocktails like the Beautiful — Cognac paired with a shot of savory bulalo broth. For a non-alcoholic treat, get a Ube Cereal Milk, a sweet and fizzy blend of ube, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and soda. You’ll be glad you did.

Find more info here.