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

“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.

Tucked in a darling 1910 Madrona home, Bottlehouse is equal parts wine bar and bottle shop, making it a prime spot for a casual date night or small get-together. The cozy interior, crafted from reclaimed materials, pairs perfectly with a dreamy patio for alfresco sipping. Oenophiles will swoon over the carefully curated selection of boutique and small-production labels, available by the taste, flight, glass, or bottle. Pair your pour with cured meats and artisan cheeses thoughtfully chosen by the in-house cheesemongers. Be sure to catch special events like Oysters + Bubbly, the Beaujolais Soirée, or join the Thirsty Wine Club’s quarterly selections.

This Bellevue spot has been wowing raw fish lovers with fresh flavors and new ownership in the former Flo Sushi space. Start with an uni shooter featuring Momokawa sake, ponzu, and a quail egg, or indulge in the Heartbreaker roll: Alaskan snow crab topped with seared seven-spice tuna and jalapeño. There’s something for everyone, from $60 omakase to hearty teriyaki, katsu, udon, and bento boxes. Bonus: The space is street-facing with easy parking — a rarity in Bellevue.

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.

Opened by siblings Lindsay and Josh Herschlip (the “L” and “J” in LJ’s), this neighborhood favorite bistro is tucked into an unassuming shopping plaza. Inside, a sleek dark wood dining room sets the stage for hearty dishes like braised oxtail with herbed risotto, crispy brussels sprouts, and chimichurri, and a 10-ounce wagyu flat iron steak from Washington’s RR Ranch. Pair your meal with a Washington red or a perfectly crafted Manhattan, and you’re golden. Sunday brunch is a local hit, too, featuring comfort classics like biscuits and gravy or a decadent Croque Madame. For a sweet finale, don’t miss the dark chocolate crème brûlée topped with candied pumpkin seeds — perfect for sharing.

Since 1999, Zig Zag Café has set the bar high in the craft cocktail scene with its luxe, speakeasy ambiance and retro flair. Renowned bartender Murray Stenson, who worked here from 2002 to 2011, reintroduced the Last Word cocktail and crafted the Hot Charlotte (named for famed mixologist Charlotte Voisey). Though Stenson passed away in 2023, his legacy endures. Enjoy live jazz, moody oxblood-hued lighting, and a fantastic mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Pair your cocktail with a Zig Zag burger or duck fat popcorn, and request a spot near the windows or in the back for a true jazz club experience.

Remember the months-long waiting list and time slot system to secure one of Lee Kindell’s frico-crusted, square-shaped pies? Now you can order on the same day. Hit order on the Moto Pizza site, pick your location (Belltown, Edmonds, or West Seattle), and choose your date and time. Made from a century-old San Francisco sourdough starter and Skagit County flour, Moto Pizza’s dough ferments for three days. Try the Mr. Pig with its three-cheese blend, pork belly, and banana ketchup. Don’t miss the black garlic cheesy bread or the handheld pizza available during lunch or at the Mariners games. Bonus: Moto’s vegan options rival its non-vegan offerings.

Find more info here.

Loretta’s in South Park is the kind of cozy dive bar locals can’t stop raving about — and with good reason. Known for its no-frills vibe, friendly staff, and legendary burgers (wrapped in paper, of course), it’s a go-to spot for cheap, reliably tasty eats. Grab one of the six coveted booths or settle in at a back patio table, but whatever you do, don’t miss the Tavern burger. The thin patty on a toasted white bun, topped with melty American cheese, pickles, onions, and a touch of special sauce, is perfection. Not a meat eater? The fish and chips are an equally worthy choice.

Find more info here.

Meet Guillotine on Broadway, where the former Southern-inspired Witness space gets a stylish French makeover. Seattle food and drink veterans Colin Smith and Andrew Larson, familiar faces from Tavern Law, are bringing a French flair with dishes like trout almandine and foraged mushrooms with Champagne butter. Guillotine’s cocktails are sharp, too, featuring rum, Cognac, and gin creations like the Night Queen, a pricey but worthy indulgence at $18.

Find more info here.

In the former Miri’s spot at Golden Gardens Bathhouse, co-owners and Ballard natives Matt Kelly and Torry Meyer have created a grab-and-go spot for hungry beachgoers. Think deli-style sandwiches, fresh salads, and snacks like to-go cups brimming with locally grown cherries. For a light bite, try The Greenwood—a vegan delight with marinated grilled cauliflower, sumac hummus, arugula, tomato, and red onion finished with chimichurri sauce. Also, watch for The Kite Café’s Milkshake Jeep, popping up at Golden Gardens on weekends from 12 to 7 p.m., with treats like the Coldbrew & Cookies shake featuring Caffe Umbria coffee.

No reservations. More info here.

Few views in Seattle can compete with the one at the water’s edge at Ray’s. In its 50^th 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.

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.

Experience the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine at this local hot spot. With a menu emphasizing fresh, healthy ingredients, you’ll find tasty treats like bibimbap mixed rice bowls and savory beef bulgogi. Don’t miss the kimchi queso nachos or the tasty so-tteok so-tteok skewers, a popular Korean street food made from a combination of rice cakes (tteok) and sausage, glazed with gochujang. If you’re a vegetarian, you’re in luck — options abound, and the entire menu is gluten-free. It is conveniently located near the for delicious food, groceries, and gifts. Credit cards only.

No reservations. Find 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 accompanies every dish and serves as your utensil. Its tangy, slightly sour flavor is perfect for scooping up flavorful portions of kitfo, minced rare ground beef blended with butter and spices, or misir wot, a delicious stew of red split lentils. Chef Amy’s culinary expertise, passed down from her mother, ensures the menu’s authenticity. After savoring their dishes, you’ll return to this Hillman City spot for its bold mix of earthy spices, tangy flavors, and warm hospitality.

This beloved woman-owned treasure in Madison Valley perfectly captures the essence of Basque cuisine, earning its place as a neighborhood favorite. While the secluded back patio is a charming spot in warmer months, the real draw is the renowned 11-seat copper bar. Landing a seat here is a major win — it’s first-come, first-served for counter seats, while reservations ensure regular seating. Start your culinary adventure with grilled figs and Serrano ham in a cold soup brimming with bread and almonds is a delightful prelude to seared prawns with saffron bomba rice and chorizo. For a comforting classic, don’t miss the fluffy tortilla española, and a glass of verdejo makes for a refreshing aperitif.

This sunny yellow café on a quiet residential corner in north Capitol Hill is an instant mood booster — and it’s not just the sweet treats. Run by Canlis alums Crystal Chiu and Melissa Johnson, VPC offers tempting desserts like dulce de leche Rice Krispie treats and smoked black tea shortbread, alongside savory delights such as labneh and fennel toast with beet hummus. And then there’s the egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, a crowd favorite. Think delicate layers of egg and gooey American cheese tucked into a housemade poppyseed roll. Add bacon, and you’ve got yourself a legit NYC-style BEC.

Find more info here.