The Resy Hit List: Where In Seattle You’ll Want to Eat in May 2024
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
We’ve designed it to be your essential resource for dining in Seattle: a monthly-updated (and newly expanded!) guide to the restaurants in that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Three Things In Seattle Not to Miss This Month
- Bubbly Bliss: Savor every luxurious sip and bite at Maximilien’s Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tasting Dinner on May 8 at 6 p.m. Delight in courses like duck consommé and wild mushroom ravioli, perfectly paired with Veuve Clicquot rosé and seared elk medallions with port wine and foie gras, complemented by Gold Label 2015 Vintage. $200 per guest. Limited seats are available here.
- Dim Sum and Then Some: Sun Sui Wah, celebrated in Richmond, B.C., Vancouver, and Toronto, now graces Bellevue Marketplace with its renowned 95-item menu and a 30-year legacy of family-style dining. While weekend waits can stretch up to two hours, walk-ins are welcome, especially midweek.
- Cheers To Mom: Treat Mom to a special Mother’s Day brunch at iconiq in Mt. Baker. On Sunday, May 12, the French-Japanese fine-dining restaurant will serve a delightful three-course menu at $60 per person, with a special $35 menu for the kiddos. Raise a glass with a complimentary mimosa or wine, then enjoy a vibrant spring vegetable soup, followed by your choice of King Salmon gravlax eggs Benedict or steak and eggs. Don’t forget to save room for the rich and silky coffee gelee dessert. Vegetarian options are available, too. Reserve here.
Bad Chancla, Light Sleeper, Nishino, Samara, Sophon.
1. Driftwood Alki Beach
Driftwood is the height of waterfront dining, offering a sweet escape that overlooks Alki Beach. Chef Dan Mallahan and his wife Jackie have transformed this seafoam-hued sanctuary into a seafood lover’s paradise, surpassing even the beloved former Alki Beach Pub. Mallahan’s dedication to freshness shines with ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets and fisheries. From tribal-caught Coho salmon carpaccio to decadent Dungeness crab bisque, each dish celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Indulge in Grandma Gina’s hazelnut pie for a sweet finale.
2. L’Oursin Central District
“L’oursin” is French for sea urchin, and the pale orange beauty appears throughout the menu at this perfect pocket bistro in the growing restaurant district around Seattle University. But then, owners Zac Overman and JJ Proville have deep enough résumés in great restaurants (Sitka & Spruce, New York’s Gramercy Tavern) to know precisely how to edit a French vibe to fit in here. Their crispy fried veal sweetbreads almost explode with flavor, and if you want something truly hearty, the cassoulet is a meaty delight, bolstered with slow-cooked Rancho Gordo beans. And of course L’Oursin has long operated a market and wine shop, in case you need good stuff to go.
3. Light Sleeper Capitol Hill
Discover Light Sleeper, tucked behind Capitol Hill’s Chophouse Row, where enthusiasts descend on the stellar collection of naturally minded wines. Find something you like? Take home your favorite bottle from the nearby bottle shop, Wide Eyed Wines. Chef Eli Dahlin from Damn the Weather crafts delectable tapas to accompany your choices. The menu frequently changes, but a recent visit yielded bold flavors, like jalapeño, garlic, and peanuts with crispy fried pig skin. Or try roasted carrots with dates, walnuts, tahini, and saffron honey. Save room for dessert, like a sweet and savory corn crème brûlée with salted butter.
4. Sophon Phinney Ridge
Welcome to Sophon, where Cambodian cuisine meets modern flair, brought to life by owner Karuna Long, also known for Oliver’s Twist cocktail bar nearby. Inspired by his Cambodian heritage, Long’s childhood flavors shine in every dish, like the must-try kha sach chrouk — pork belly braised in coconut milk. With a menu boasting vegan and vegetarian options, don’t skip the cauliflower steak drizzled with chili oil. Admire the restaurant’s cultural ambiance, highlighted by a stunning photo of Bayon Temple in Siem Reap. After years of dedication, Long’s dream of sharing Khmer cuisine and culture is finally a reality.
Find more info here.
5. Nishino Washington Park
Whether it’s spring blooms or fall foliage, get lost in the beauty of Washington Park Arboretum. Then, treat yourself to a culinary adventure at this Seattle mainstay. Since 1995, chef Tatsu Nishino has wowed palates with diverse raw and cooked plates, ranging from crispy Brussels sprouts with sweet miso and grilled salmon skin salad to torch-seared Japanese A4 wagyu and exquisite omakase. Don’t miss the refreshing pineapple blossom and cucumber cooler to complement each flavorful bite.
6. Maximilien Pike Place Market
Every seat in the house at this lovely French find tucked into Pike Place Market is a winner with views of Puget Sound. Bistro staples, like French onion soup and Hudson Valley foie gras, evoke more than a bit of Paris flair. Heartier dishes, like a seared pork Tomahawk in a Port wine cream sauce, are in fact the antidote to a Seattle winter. So pop a bottle of bubbly or get a pour of Bordeaux, and enjoy how chef Christian Potvin has matched his classic French training to Northwest vibes.
7. Ananas Pizzeria First Hill
Introducing the latest culinary venture from Khampaeng Panyathong, the creative mastermind behind Taurus Ox and Ox Burger. Prepare to be wowed by 16-inch pies that evoke the legit spirit of New York pizzas, yet boast a unique twist with ingredients sourced from Panyathong’s native Laos. Take the Ananas pie, for instance, featuring smoked ham, pineapple, jalapeños, togarashi, and mozzarella. Or the Lao with khao soi pork and bamboo shoots. Spice lovers, try the Bird’s Eye Honey with red pepper flakes and chile honey. And don’t forget to save room for the Elephant Ear, a tasty fried dough concoction.
Find more info here.
8. The Ivy Ballard
This chic East-meets-West bar and restaurant, curated by Eric El and Brian Madayag, exudes the cozy elegance of a stylish living room. Savor signature cocktails like the lychee martini and spiked Thai tea. Then, order a handful of sharables, like the sweet and salty wings in caramelized fish sauce and Brussels sprouts sauced with miso maple butter. And note: In a city that takes grilled meat seriously (Seattle ranked as the #1 top-ranked burger-loving city in 2017), the Ivy Double – a wagyu smash burger crowned with umami mayo – is a total knockout.
9. Stevie’s Famous Beacon Hill
The buzzworthy New York-style slice that took the Olde Burien district by storm in late 2022 has now set up shop inside Beacon Hill’s Clock-Out Lounge, upending the natural pizza order of Seattle. (And we’re all the better for it.) Its slices quickly found more than their share of followers, including local food celebrities like writer J. Kenji López-Alt. Don’t miss the chance to savor the Normie McDonald — a creation featuring slices adorned with coppa, burrata, and hot honey.
More info here.
10. Monsoon Bellevue Bellevue
There remains so much to love about the fresh Pacific Northwest takes on Vietnamese fare that siblings Eric and Sophie Banh pioneered at Monsoon, starting in 1999. At times, the catfish claypot can feel like one of the area’s signature dishes, with Idaho catfish cooked to perfection in a scorching claypot with fresh coconut juice and caramelized onions. But the real weekend attraction, including in this Eastside location, is the dim sum brunch — just the thing to warm up drizzly Pacific Northwest days with comforting mushroom congee or a scaled-down portion of Monsoon’s renowned drunken chicken.
11. Lioness Phinney Ridge
In the Shared Roof development, Renee Erickson’s impressive 10th culinary venture keeps excellent company alongside neighbors Ben’s Bread, Doe Bay Wine Co., and Holy Mountain Brewing & Taproom. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual aperitivo at the bar or craving a cozy sit-down experience, the jewel-box Italian-inspired space is sleek, with Murano chandeliers and colorful Puglian splatterware, yet downright homey. Mouthwatering sharable bites like smoked black cod mousse with ikura and olive oil crackers await, along with freshly shucked oysters — it wouldn’t be an Erickson spot without them. Salumi, pasta, and carefully crafted cocktails round out the experience.
Call 206-703-2201 for more info.
12. Anchovies & Salt Renton
Get ready to get whisked away to the heart of Vietnam without leaving ever Renton. With chef Francis Duyle at the helm and Quyen Phan’s warm hospitality, Anchovies & Salt feels like home away from home. The real magic happens on the plate: from the soul-warming Northern sautéed wagyu pho and pho-spiced short ribs to the coconut butter geoduck and lemongrass clams. All enjoyed amid breathtaking views and surrounded by exquisite Vietnamese-inspired décor. As for dessert, a vanilla flan with a coffee whip is a dream. The true showstopper? The fish sauce coffee with a surprising caramel-like twist will leave you craving more.
Call (425) 970-3154 for more info.
13. FamilyFriend Beacon Hill
Owner Elmer Dulla made his way north from TOMO in White Center to open his own spot, and while he opted for an organic approach, relying on word-of-mouth to spread the news about FamilyFriend since its December opening, we’re ok with broadcasting a bit. Dulla’s offerings of Guamanian comfort foods are adventurous and masterful, from the savory delights of buñelos månglo (a savory sort of beignet) to flavorful bulgogi rice and the intriguing kewpie burger.
More info here.
14. Ray’s Café Ballard
Few views in Seattle can compete with the one at the water’s edge at Ray’s. In its 50th year, it remains an icon of the dining scene, especially for special occasions. Experienced Seattlites know the drill: Settle in with the Dungeness crab dip – decadent and sized to share. Move to the grilled applewood Pacific Northwest sablefish in sake kasu, a signature since time immemorial (or so it feels). And linger over a bottle from the extensive wine list while watching the dusk framed by the peaks of the Olympics.
15. Kamp Social House Madison Valley
Life and business partners Katy Knauff and Marceil Van Camp created a hit with Kamp — the bar that Seattle needed. Half-proof and zero-proof cocktails (try the Slay All Day) are having a moment here, but there’s also weekly rotating soft serve, happy hour —and the spicy boudin egg rolls, which may be the city’s best bar snack. And did we mention drag brunch? Between the stellar breakfast fare (hello, shrimp and grits and carnitas hash!) and the performers, it’s no surprise tickets sell out fast.
16. Bad Chancla Capitol Hill
Seattle chef José Garzón has introduced a Capitol Hill bodega-style street food takeout spot. Known for Lola’s Supper Club and Chifa Baby!, Garzón has brought Latin American street food to life in his own inimitable way. Bad Chancla proudly declares, “Not your abuela’s cooking,” and indeed it’s an homage to millennial immigrants and first-generation Latin Americans, blending tradition with modernity — picture bodega-style sandwiches like the Dominican “Riki Tiki” and Puerto Rican tripletas. Dive into Chepo rice bowls and late-night grilled cheese.
Find more info here.
17. Chamorrican Capitol Hill
Step into the vibrant world of Taino Chamorro cuisine — a mashup of the culinary roots of Puerto Rico and Guam — artfully curated by seasoned chef Jesus Dumois. With roots in New York and having flourished in Washington for six years, Dumois has found a way to pay tribute to two traditions that aren’t so disparate. This manifests in offerings like short ribs with tangy barbecue sauce, empanadas, and an enticing puerco asada plate. You can find his truck every Friday and Saturday night in Capitol Hill. For the latest location updates, check their Instagram.
More info here.
18. Samara Sunset Hill / Ballard
Discover Eric Anderson’s beloved Sunset Hill special-occasion spot, where wood-fired vegetables and heritage meats steal the show. Samara’s rustic charm shines with reclaimed wood tables and artisan pottery by Akiko Graham. Begin your meal with a smoky halibut dip or oven-roasted cauliflower. Indulge in the signature dish: Dungeness crab meat nestled atop a seasoned rice cake, bathed in butter, and match it to expertly crafted cocktails like the Sazerac or A More Perfect Union. Then wrap things up with a most decadent dark chocolate cake — because you can never go wrong with chocolate.
19. The Alpine Diner White Center
White Center has always been the outer orbit of Seattle’s culinary realm, a place where offbeat and delicious ideas can thrive. And this latest addition, decked with a mountain lodge motif and replacing the iconic Bizzarro Italian Café, continues that trend. Start the day with endless pours of Caffe Vita coffee, pitchers of mimosas, and chorizo chilaquiles. Move on to a legit fried chicken dinner. Enjoy the two Skee-Ball machines inside. And appreciate that it shares space with a White Center outpost of Big Mario’s Pizza.
More info here.
20. Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge Belltown
The Edgewater Hotel has not only been a fixture in Seattle for more than six decades — including, yes, when the Beatles came to town in 1964 — but also a dining destination (and the site of an occasional whale sighting) thanks to its over-water location on the Sound. Its current incarnation includes a menu that’s a delightful ode to local shellfish and sea creatures, featuring Pacific Northwest oysters, followed by exquisite options like seared diver scallops and cedar plank king salmon in a truffle cream and forest mushroom sauce. The extensive wine list showcases bottles from the Northwest and northern California.
