People travel from all over the world to visit the Pacific Northwest's biggest city, and it's not hard to understand why. With endless hiking trails, towering trees, and a spectacular food and coffee scene, Seattle has much to offer visitors.
If you're a seafood lover, Seattle should be at the top of your list because it has access to some of the freshest seafood in the country. Its unique geographical location influences why food like salmon, crab, and channel catfish play a massive part in regional cuisine at some of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle.
Consider some of Seattle's top attractions while you're in town to walk off your last meal in preparation for the next one.
Why Seafood Is Such an Important Part of Seattle Cuisine
If you've ever been to Seattle, you may have been struck by the tasty seafood options on virtually every menu. A wide range is readily available in Seattle, from shrimp to halibut.
Pike Place Market, the classic tourist destination, features a fish market where locals and visitors can choose fresh seafood every morning. Seafood is a staple in the regional cuisine because of Seattle's proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound (an estuary with mixed saltwater and freshwater), and Alaska.
5 Places To Enjoy Fresh Seafood Dishes in Seattle
Seattle is a major metropolitan area that has attracted some of the top talents in the restaurant industry for years, turning it into a must-visit destination for foodies. While dozens of restaurants serve classic seafood dishes, visitors can also find unique and imaginative flavors inspired by the local culture.
Here are five restaurants serving some of the best seafood in Seattle.
For a Top Quality Fish and Chips Platter: Jack's Fish Spot
If you find yourself at Pike Place Market while in Seattle, stopping by Jack's Fish Spot for some fish and chips is well worth your time.
Jack's Fish Spot is part fishmonger, part restaurant, and you can choose from a menu of just-caught classic seafood dishes and take some fresh fish home for later.
Their fish, shellfish, and chips platters include your choice of salmon, cod, halibut, oysters, mussels, or prawns over a bed of delicious fried potatoes, served with a side of ketchup and tartar sauce.
Get lunch at Jack's Fish Spot and Seafood Bar if you're interested in fresh and delicious seafood in an unpretentious environment.
For Seafood From Around the World: RockCreek
RockCreek Seafood & Spirits is where you can find some of the top seafood in Seattle, and both the restaurant and chef Eric Donnelly have been nominated for and won numerous accolades.
The restaurant serves dishes that combine local seafood with globally inspired recipes. While the menu branches out into sushi dishes and traditional Hawaiian fare with sourced tropical fish, you can also find a rotating selection of Northwest-inspired dishes.
The restaurant is a cozy, industrial fishing lodge with a primary dining room, patio, and more intimate seating options like a private dining room and upstairs loft. Whether you visit for brunch, happy hour, or dinner, RockCreek Seafood & Spirits is a must during your trip to Seattle.
For Mouthwatering Raw Oyster Delicacies: The Walrus and the Carpenter
Seattle has some of the best oysters in the country, and locals have grown accustomed to having many choices for fresh oysters when they eat at seafood restaurants like The Walrus and the Carpenter.
It features an enormous oyster bar where diners can sit and watch as the cooks pluck different varieties of oysters from baskets filled with ice then shuck and prepare them as ordered.
While the restaurant is known for its fresh oysters, the menu is far more extensive and features a selection of salads, cooked fish, meat, and cheeses to round out their meals.
For Super Unique Smoked Fish and Bagel Sandwiches: Manolin
Manolin is a unique seafood restaurant that operates as two different entities during the day and night. In the daytime, you can order delicious bagel sandwiches from Old Salt. You can also choose from sandwiches, bagels, spreads, and smoked fish by the pound.
In the evening, you can enjoy the contemporary vibe of Manolin and eat some truly delicious Northwest-inspired meals, including salmon ceviche, mussel toast, and cooked halibut.
For a Delicious Bowl of Chowder (Even for Vegans): Pike Place Chowder
Stop by Pike Place Chowder for a bowl of some of the best clam chowder in the city.
Seafood lovers can select from the restaurant's seasonal chowder, New England clam chowder, lobster roll, and more. Vegans and vegetarians don't have to feel left out, either. They, too, can enjoy the food with the restaurant's delicious lime and coconut chowder — an amazing plant-based alternative to their famous seafood dishes.
If you like the food, you can ship some home to share with your friends!
Experience Seattle Beyond Its Cuisine With a CityPASS® Ticket Bundle
You can have some of the world's best seafood in Seattle, Washington, but the city has so much more to offer visitors than just food. In addition to the impressive mountain views, an unending sea of green trees, and spectacular bay views, Seattle has many activities for visitors to enjoy.
Purchasing Seattle CityPASS® tickets saves you money on some of the city's top attractions, including the Space Needle, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).