The Resy Hit List: Where In Seattle You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
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 regularly updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
New to the Hit List (Fall 2024)
Black Bottle, Delish Ethiopian Cuisine, Harvest Vine, Lupe’s Situ Tacos, MEET Korean BBQ, OHSUN Banchan Deli & Cafe, ShoMon Kappo Sushi, Vindicktive Bar and Wings.
Black Bottle, Delish Ethiopian Cuisine, Harvest Vine, Lupe’s Situ Tacos, MEET Korean BBQ, OHSUN Banchan Deli & Cafe, ShoMon Kappo Sushi, Vindicktive Bar and Wings.
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. Shomon Kappo Sushi Seattle
ShoMon Kappo Sushi in Belltown delivers an intimate kappo-style dining experience from the team behind Shiro’s. With just 14 seats at the L-shaped chef’s counter, guests are treated to a meticulously crafted multi-course menu by chef Masaki Nishioka. Highlights include chawanmushi with nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and caviar, followed by hassan — a platter of seasonal small plates. The meal continues with fresh sashimi, golden dashi broth flecked with kelp and dried bonito flakes, and a progression of traditional and innovative fish and meat courses. The $185 kappo set menu pairs nicely with sake flights, Japanese whisky, and tea from Japan.
5. Black Bottle Seattle Belltown
With high ceilings and abundant natural light, Black Bottle offers a refreshing escape from the gritty 2nd Avenue bar scene. They take the “gastro” in gastropub seriously, featuring a globe-trotting menu that’s both unfussy and bursting with flavor. Just order and let the dishes surprise you — enjoy everything from crab artichoke gratin to cauliflower fritters and smoked tea-brined duck breast. Pair your meal with a Basil Zingiber, a refreshing burst of herbal and citrusy goodness with basil ginger-infused gin, lime, and soda. Don’t worry: non-alcoholic beer and cocktail options are available, too. The kitchen is also happy to accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets.
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. 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.
8. ZIG ZAG CAFE Below Pike Place Market
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.
9. Moto Pizza Belltown, Edmonds, or West Seattle
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.
10. MEET KOREAN BBQ Capitol Hill
Sharing a meal with a date or friends is a true delight here, where interactive dining and abundance reign supreme. While there are plenty of delicious à la carte options — hello, American wagyu steak tartare! —you can also indulge in a feast. We recommend the Signature Feast, featuring four cuts chosen by the chef, alongside Kurobuta pork kimchi fried rice and all the usual fixings. Pair this juicy spread with a refreshing whiskey highball or soju.
11. Vindicktive Bar and Wings Belltown
Get your napkins ready! At Vindicktive Wings, every crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside wing is cooked to order and tossed in their delicious in-house sauces. Though smaller than usual, they pack a serious punch in flavor. Enjoy the laid-back, lively dive bar atmosphere with plenty of TVs for sports fans — especially if you’re cheering for the Buffalo Bills. And if you swing by Wednesdays, wings are just 99 cents each. Served exclusively with chunky blue cheese dressing (sorry, ranch lovers), these wings deliver authentic Buffalo-style goodness and a touch of Western New York nostalgia right in Belltown.
Find more info here.
12. Guillotine Capitol Hill
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.
13. The Kite Cafe Golden Gardens
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.
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. OHSUN Banchan Deli & Cafe Pioneer Square
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.
17. Delish Ethiopian Cuisine Hillman City
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.
18. The Harvest Vine Madison Valley
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.
19. Lupe’s Situ Tacos Ballard
At Situ Tacos, the festive vibe hits you right away — the pastel pink exterior, bright floral-patterned vinyl tablecloths, faux bougainvillea, and even a disco ball leading to the back bar. But the real magic is in the simple menu of tacos. Tortillas that are fried until crispy and puffy, then stuffed with flavorful fillings and stitched together with toothpicks — just like owner Lupe Flores’ “situ” (Lebanese for grandmother) taught her. Vegans dig the spicy cauliflower taco, packed with a smooth cilantro chickpea mash, or savor the rich hushwe, a Lebanese-style browned butter beef filling. The creamy garlic potato taco is another vegetarian-friendly must-try. Can’t pick just one? The combo plate serves all three alongside a refreshing slaw and fiery salsa.
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.
