The Resy Hit List: Where In Seattle You’ll Want to Eat Right Now

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.

“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.

This cherished woman-owned gem in Madison Valley continues to capture the essence of Basque cuisine, earning a perennial spot as a neighborhood favorite. While the secluded back patio charms during warmer seasons, the real allure lies in the renowned 11-seat copper bar. Snagging a spot here is the ultimate win — it’s first-come, first-served for counter seats, while reservations secure regular seating. Begin your culinary journey with grilled figs and Serrano ham in a cold soup brimming with bread and almonds, a delightful prelude to indulging in seared prawns with saffron bomba rice and chorizo. For a cozy classic, savor the fluffy tortilla española. A glass of Verdejo always makes for a refreshing aperitif.

When it comes to omakase in Seattle, Shiro’s reigns supreme. Named after its esteemed founder, sushi maestro Shiro Kashiba, this legendary spot pioneered Seattle’s sushi scene in 1970, thanks to Shiro’s Tokyo apprenticeship under Jiro Ono of “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” fame. Surprisingly, despite Shiro’s iconic status, the atmosphere remains comfortably casual. For $85, the dining room offers an exceptional deal — 19 exquisite pieces of nigiri served in four seasonal waves. Opt for a more immersive experience at the $140 bar seating, treating yourself to three appetizers and 15 pieces of nigiri sushi. Here, the chef takes the reins, detailing each nigiri piece and guiding on soy sauce usage. While à la carte dining isn’t an option, additional appetizers, beverages, and desserts complement your order seamlessly.

Seattle’s katsu scene has found its groove in Capitol Hill, offering an authentic taste reminiscent of Japan’s top spots. (J. Kenji López-Alt himself vouches for its excellence.) Indulge in the Iberico katsu, featuring premium acorn-fed Iberian pork from Spain, accompanied by miso soup, rice, cabbage, and pickles. However, stealing the limelight is the tomato and cheese Kurobuta katsu, a luscious treat showcasing the finest pork loin, perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. The crispy, non-greasy katsu and generous portions of meat are matched by a sizable side of cabbage salad and sesame sauce. Prepare for a line—the small space beckons a wait, but reservations welcome parties of six or more.

More info here; call 206-708-7856 for large-party reservations.

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.

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.

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 Seattle’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 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. (And remember there’s also a Bellevue location.)

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.

In the Shared Roof development, Renee Erickson’s impressive 10^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

Renowned for its wood-fired, thin-crust Neopolitan pizza, this beloved Beacon Hill restaurant is as solid for a date night as it is for a solo meal at the bar. While small plates dance through a rotation, count on signature pizzas and salads, complemented by nightly specials. Start your meal with the escarole and radicchio salad — a flavor-packed contrast of flavors crowned with Parmigiano-Reggiano and a soft-boiled egg. The Romana pizza, decked with tangy sauce, olives, and anchovies, is a savory delight. (Pro tip: add mozzarella di bufala for an extra treat.) Pair the experience with an impeccably crafted Negroni or explore the affordable Italian wine list. For a seat, we suggest you arrive early and get your name on the list.

Reservations available at 206-395-2069.

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.

Amy and Delish Mulat invite you on an Ethiopian culinary journey starting with injera — the heart and soul of their menu. This light, spongy bread not only accompanies every dish but also plays the role of your utensil. Its tangy, slightly sour taste makes it the perfect partner for scooping up flavorful portions of kitfo — minced rare ground beef blended with butter and spices — or misir wot, a delectable stew of red split lentils. Chef Amy’s culinary finesse, passed down from her mother, anchors the menu’s authenticity. Once you’ve savored their dishes, you’ll find yourself drawn back to this beloved Hillman City spot for more unforgettable flavors and warm hospitality.

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.