Seattle is one of the most underrated food cities in the country, with fresh seafood, standout coffee, and iconic street food you can’t find anywhere else. After living here for over 20 years, I’ve eaten my way through more Seattle restaurants than I can count and put together this guide to the foods Seattle is actually famous for.
The list below covers 16 famous foods in Seattle, from oysters and Dungeness crab to the Seattle dog and pho. For each food, I’ll tell you what makes it special and my favorite spots in the city to try it. Some are grab-and-go options for a quick bite, others are worth a full dinner reservation.
If you want to combine your food adventures with more of the city, see my guides on 3 days in Seattle and the best views in Seattle. Ready to eat your way through the Emerald City? Let’s get started.
With that, here is what food Seattle is known for so you can try them next time you’re in town!
1. Oysters
Washington farms the most oysters in the US, so getting this famous food in Seattle is a must. Some of the most popular producers are Hama Hama Oysters and Taylor Shellfish Farms, both of which offer farms out on the coast, which make a great Seattle one day trip if you’re looking for a foodie adventure.
Keep an eye out for their name on restaurant menus around town (including Taylor Shellfish’s very own Seattle restaurants).
My favorite place to get oysters is The Walrus and the Carpenter, regarded as one of the best places to eat in Seattle by many. It’s a beautifully-designed French restaurant owned by James Beard-winning restaurateur Renee Erickson, and you’ll find a variety of other seafood dishes here. It’s in the heart of Ballard, so you can check out live music at the Tractor Tavern or go to one of the many bars in the area after.
They host a happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which is worth going to because the oysters are cheaper (perfect for finding inexpensive things to do in Seattle). Make sure to get there right at 4 p.m. so you can get the first seating or use their online waitlist if it’s available (sometimes it goes offline).
If The Walrus and the Carpenter isn’t in the cards, other good options for oysters and general Seattle cuisine include Westward or White Swan Public House for stunning Seattle views of Lake Union, Vinnie’s Raw Bar for a convenient downtown location, and Bar Melusine for Renee’s Capitol Hill oyster spot. This is a fun spring activity in Washington if you can get a nice day to walk around after.
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2. Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is synonymous with the culinary delights of the Pacific Northwest, and Seattle is a prime spot for one of the best famous foods in Seattle. Harvested from the cold waters of the region, this crab variety boasts sweet, tender meat, elevating it to a celebrated status among seafood enthusiasts. Numerous establishments in Seattle offer this coveted crustacean, but some hold a special place in my heart.
The Crab Pot is my absolute favorite and a place I always insist on bringing my out-of-town visitors to try this famous Seattle food. The allure isn’t just the delicious seafood but also the interactive dining experience.
Armed with hammers, you’re encouraged to crack open the crab by yourself, with the Dungeness crab undoubtedly taking center stage. The Seafeast is one of the must-try Seattle foods, where crab is paired with corn, potatoes, and more.
Beyond my personal love for The Crab Pot, Ray’s Boathouse is another standout. With waterfront views of Shilshole Bay, you’re not only treated to amazing Dungeness crab dishes but are also immersed in the stunning scenery of Seattle. This is the perfect date night idea in Seattle when you’re looking for a new restaurant.
If you’re about to head out on a road trip from Seattle to San Diego, you’ll definitely want to fill up on the city’s seafood first.
3. Lobster Rolls
Lobster rolls might feel like an East Coast classic, but Seattle has become a serious lobster roll destination in its own right. Juicy lobster chunks with a hint of dressing packed into a crispy bun — with the city’s already strong seafood scene, it makes perfect sense.
When I’m downtown, especially near Pike Place Market, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is my go-to spot. Their rolls blend East Coast tradition with Seattle’s fresh seafood approach, and even with the Pike Place Fish Market nearby, this is where I head for a lobster roll.
While Mason’s is top-tier, don’t miss out on other amazing spots for one of the signature Seattle foods. Market Grill, tucked away in Pike Place, also throws down a mean lobster roll. Having a lobster roll isn’t just lunch; it’s a whole mood for this must-eat in Seattle.
Want to venture out of Seattle a bit? MARKET in Edmonds has the best lobster roll north of Seattle, in my opinion. Grab a glass of wine and then walk down to the waterfront to explore all the things to do in Edmonds.
4. Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Market is the iconic spot in Seattle where you can catch flying fish, roam through endless stalls of fresh produce, and – my personal favorite – dive spoon-first into some of the most drool-worthy chowder ever.
When you think of Pike Place, you might first think of its historic significance or the crafty vendors or maybe some of the best things to eat in Seattle. But if you’re a soup lover like me, “chowder” is the magic word for one of the more famous foods in Seattle. To sample the creamy goodness available from the numerous stalls and shops in and around the market is almost a rite of passage when you’re in Seattle.
Top of the list for Seattle seafood restaurants? Pike Place Chowder. They’ve got a lineup of chowders that’ll make any seafood lover’s heart skip a beat. From classic clam chowder to some more daring options like gluten-free or even a vegan version, they’ve pretty much got it all.
I know there are other good chowder places out there, but I can’t help myself from going back here over and over.
Want more food near Pike Place? You’ll love this Pike Place Market food tour.
5. Sushi
There are some great sushi restaurants in Seattle, but my favorites when looking for what to eat in Seattle are Sushi Kashiba or Wataru. Both source fish from Japan as well as locally, but they’re both authentic.
Chef Shiro Kashiba, who previously owned Shiro’s, is the owner of Sushi Kashiba. It’s delicious but quite expensive, so I prefer Wataru slightly more as one of the best sushi restaurants for the cost-to-quality ratio.
Another popular option for sushi when you’re downtown is Japonessa Sushi Cocina. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance for dinner, but it’s well worth it. They have an extensive menu of appetizers, sushi, sashimi, and more, in addition to cocktails that pair well with them, especially on a cozy date during the winter in Seattle.
Want to continue the night? You’ll love this craft cocktail tour.
Check out these 30 unique things to do in Washington State!
6. Poke
Poke originated in Hawaii but has become a popular food in Seattle over the past decade. Given the city’s strong seafood scene and the number of West Coast Hawaiian transplants living here, it fits right in as one of the foods Seattle has embraced.
Of the poke spots around Seattle, Sam Choy’s Poke To The Max is a must. Chef Sam Choy, known as the “Godfather of Poke,” opened the Seattle location years ago, and the menu ranges from traditional bowls to their signature poke-loaded nachos. While his only physical location is now at the airport, you can find the food truck around town.
And now, for a spot that holds a special place in my heart: Ono Poke in Edmonds. It might be a bit of a detour from Seattle, but it’s worth it. I have been here dozens of times right when they open, and there’s still a line out the door.
While waiting in line, I’ve watched chefs unbox deliveries of fish that had been swimming in Hawaiian waters that very morning. The freshness is what makes it worth the detour.
For even more food, check out all the St. Patrick’s Day festivals in Seattle.
7. The Seattle Dog
Cream cheese has become a quintessential Seattle product and is, perhaps surprisingly, a popular food item to eat in Seattle when paired with other ingredients. You usually see it on sushi menus around the US as part of the “Seattle roll,” which has salmon and cream cheese.
However, I’d say the most famous use of cream cheese in our city is actually putting it on a hot dog, now a Seattle signature food. It sounds crazy, but the heat of the hot dog and grilled onions melts the cream cheese slightly and creates the most irresistible street food that is one of Seattle’s famous foods.
This is a cheap thing to do in Seattle when you want a quick meal, and you’ll always find me at the food stands outside Lumen Field filling up on one before a Sounders game.
Hot dogs are the traditional way it’s served, but I prefer it with sausage. My two favorite places to get a Seattle dog are Dante’s Inferno Dogs food truck at the Ballard Farmers Market and Jack’s BBQ in South Lake Union.
You can only get Dante’s on Sundays and Jack’s BBQ’s on Friday during their happy hour, but both are worth the effort. However, there are many food trucks around the area that serve these, especially after a night of exploring the best things to do in Capitol Hill.
8. Thai
Seattle’s food scene is a lively mix, and Thai food has a special spot on the roster. Pulling from the fresh vibes of the Pacific Northwest, our local Thai spots know how to serve authentic dishes with a touch of local flair. I can’t tell you how many Friday nights I’ve started by devouring a tasty plate of Pad Thai before starting the weekend.
This may seem strange to include on a list of famous foods in Seattle, but you’ll get it as soon as you have your first bite.
Have you heard of Thai Tom over in the U-District? This place is as genuine as it gets. It’s small but always buzzing with energy. With an open kitchen setup, you can catch chefs in action, adding a layer of drama to your meal. Their Tofu Pad Thai is one of my favorites, but their Pad See Ew is a close second.
Then, for those moments when you feel like leveling up the dining game, there’s Noi Thai in downtown Seattle. It strikes the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed. If you’re in the mood for something exquisite yet down-to-earth, their Massaman Curry and Pineapple Fried Rice are my top choices.
Buying a Seattle CityPASS is a great way to save money on ticket costs, as you’ll be able to see multiple Seattle attractions for one price!
9. Ramen
There are many Seattle food specialties, and ramen holds its own unique spotlight. There’s something about the city’s cool, misty air that makes diving into a steaming bowl of ramen feel just right. Given the local love for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, it’s no wonder Seattle’s ramen joints are thriving.
Been to Ooink on Capitol Hill? It’s the real deal. It’s a snug place where every bowl feels like a labor of love. You can practically taste the hours that go into their broth. I recommend getting the spicy vegetarian miso ramen and adding the toppings of your choice, but you’ll be happy no matter what you choose.
And don’t even get me started on Yoroshiku in Fremont. They’ve blended the best of traditional ramen with a hint of Seattle’s signature flair. Their Spicy Miso ramen is a must-try (I like spicy, if you haven’t gotten that yet). The whole place has a relaxed yet hip vibe, making it perfect for catching up with friends.
In Seattle without a car? It’s easy to get around Seattle without a car if you know how.
10. Pho
Seattle has a large Vietnamese population thanks to Governor Dan Evans, who, after the Vietnam War in the 70s welcomed Vietnamese refugees being held in a San Diego camp to relocate to our city. One of their gifts to our city is pho (pronounced “fuh”), now an iconic Seattle food.
Pho is the Vietnamese version of chicken noodle soup. While it’s not always served with chicken, it’s one of their comfort foods, often eaten when you’re sick.
You’ll find pho throughout the city, but one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle for this is Pho Than Brothers. It’s cheap, flavorful, and comes with a cream puff dessert at the end. Pho Bac Sup Shop is another very popular place to go for pho in the city. I always order this for lunch on a cold, rainy day in Seattle.
11. Teriyaki
Seattle also has quite a large Japanese community. You would think their immigration here after WWII would be the reason teriyaki is so ubiquitous in our city, but the truth is the first spot was opened in the 70s by one Japanese transplant.
Seattle teriyaki isn’t super traditional but rather a recipe combining flavors from a few Asian cuisines. For example, Seattle teriyaki uses sugar to make it sweeter than traditional recipes.
The chicken teriyaki is always a big hit with my friends, and I recommend heading to Toshi’s to try it from the guy who started it all. There are dozens of other places to try it around the city as well.
Exploring the state more? Check out these things to put on your Washington bucket list.
12. Dick’s Burgers
Dick’s Burgers is one of the most nostalgic spots for Seattle locals and easily one of the most famous foods in Seattle. During my 20s, my friends and I would often end up at Dick’s after nights out at the bars, capping off the evening with fries and milkshakes. It’s the classic Seattle late-night spot.
Fun fact: many years ago, I waited outside of the Dick’s on Broadway for hours, watching Seattle natives Macklemore and Ryan Lewis film their music video “White Walls” on top of the roof of the restaurant. While we may not have gotten free burgers (there were hundreds of us), it was a blast watching the behind-the-scenes of two up-and-coming (and now very successful) artists film the video for their latest song.
That aside, this is the place to go for cheap burgers – we’re talking just over $2 for a cheeseburger and only $5 for their biggest burger. You’ll also get some of the best French fries around for under $3, and don’t forget to add one of their signature milkshakes.
13. Doughnuts
Seattle has become a serious donut city over the past decade, with independent shops experimenting with fillings, glazes, and flavors you won’t find at a chain. Whatever your donut style, there’s a Seattle spot for it.
General Porpoise is a Seattle favorite with locations in Pioneer Square and near the Amazon Spheres downtown. Their donuts are pillowy dough creations filled with seasonal jams, curds, and creams, and they pair perfectly with a well-crafted coffee. Grab a couple and post up at one of their tables for a slow Seattle morning.
For vegan donuts, Mighty-O’s is the go-to. Their donuts are fully vegan but the flavor and texture rivals traditional options. Classics like glazed and chocolate are on the menu alongside more inventive seasonal flavors.
Love donuts? Check out Seattle’s only doughnut tour.
14. Coffee
Coffee is a serious business in Seattle, which most people are aware of. You’ll find local coffee shop or roasters on seemingly every block throughout the city.
Every local has their favorite, but we all agree on one fact about Seattle, Washington: all of them are better than Starbucks. So please ignore the tourist “wisdom” that says you should prioritize visiting the first Starbucks in Pike Place Market (it’s not even true, the first one actually closed!).
There are so many good ones, but here is my short list of favorite Seattle coffee shops:
- Herkimer
- Seattle Coffee Works
- Victrola Coffee Roasters
- Stumptown Coffee
Most of them have multiple locations around the city, so you can search for which one is most convenient for you to visit. Whether you have one day around Seattle or spend three days in Seattle, you’ll want to check out at least a few of these.
If you’re looking for bags to bring home or buy for Seattle souvenirs, my favorite right now is Onda Origins. They don’t have a storefront but serve in local restaurants or directly to consumers via their online shop.
Find out more about the city’s coffee on this Seattle coffee culture tour.
15. Seattle Craft Beer
Ok, beer and wine aren’t technically food, but the brewery and wine scene is so strong in Seattle that it’d be unfair not to say anything.
Washington is one of the biggest hop-producing states in the country. This may be the reason brewing is so popular in Seattle. Seattle has more local breweries than most cities in the US, beaten out only by a few cities like Chicago and Denver.
It’s also common for someone you meet to be a homebrewer. Brewing is just in this city’s DNA, so it’s hard to pick the best breweries in Seattle.
There are so many good craft beers to try, including everything from IPAs to Belgian-style ales. Some of my favorite breweries are in the Ballard neighborhood (you’ll love this Viking beer tour if you want some guidance).
You can take a Seattle brewery crawl or visit my favorite, Obec Brewing, for their Belgian Dubbel. Another great place is Holy Mountain Brewing, a place that will impress even the most intense beer lovers.
For a brewery with a view, I love visiting Old Stove Brewing near Pike Place, which allows you to watch the boats come and go in and out of the Sound. I always take out-of-town friends here after a day of exploring the market, so we can watch the sun go down while sipping beer.
There are also many kid-friendly Seattle brewpubs, so make sure to check them out when you’re with the family.
Speaking of beer, make sure to check out the top Oktoberfests in Washington come September.
16. Wine
In terms of wine, Washington is the second biggest wine-producing area in the US, behind California. Most of the grapes are grown in eastern Washington, but there are urban wineries located right in Seattle doing amazing things with these grapes.
One of my favorite things to do is visit SODO Urbanworks, which houses multiple wineries in a strip mall, so you can taste a bunch at once. My absolute favorite one is Structure Cellars, so make sure not to miss them!
If you work your way down this list, you’ll have eaten just about all the foods Seattle is famous for. While you eat your way around the city, keep an eye out for dishes that include apples or cherries, two of the biggest crops in Washington that our state is famous for.
You’ll love this winery and Snoqualmie Falls tour.
Need more ideas? Check out my other guides on where to eat in Seattle or explore where to hike for beer around Seattle.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of famous foods in Seattle to try!
This post was in collaboration with Adria Saracino, the founder of The Emerald Palate, a food and travel blog that offers self-guided Seattle food tours and tips for discovering the best flavors, makers, and adventures in the Pacific Northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Foods in Seattle
What food is Seattle most famous for?
Seattle is most famous for fresh seafood, particularly oysters, Dungeness crab, and salmon, thanks to the city’s coastal location on Puget Sound. Coffee is another Seattle staple, with the city known worldwide for its independent coffee shops and roasters. Other iconic Seattle foods include the Seattle-style hot dog (topped with cream cheese and grilled onions), teriyaki, and Vietnamese pho.
What is a Seattle dog?
A Seattle dog is a hot dog topped with cream cheese and grilled onions, often served with sausage instead of a traditional hot dog. It sounds unusual, but the heat of the sausage slightly melts the cream cheese, creating a savory street food you’ll find at food carts around Lumen Field before Seahawks and Sounders games and outside bars late at night on Capitol Hill.
Why is Seattle known for coffee?
Seattle became known for coffee in the 1970s and 1980s when local roasters started importing high-quality beans and popularizing espresso drinks. Starbucks was founded in Pike Place Market in 1971, but the city’s real coffee culture comes from the many independent roasters and coffee shops on nearly every block, including Herkimer, Seattle Coffee Works, Victrola, and Stumptown.
What seafood is Seattle known for?
Seattle is known for oysters (Washington farms the most oysters in the US), Dungeness crab, salmon (especially Copper River salmon in season), and Pike Place clam chowder. Popular spots to try Seattle seafood include The Walrus and the Carpenter for oysters, The Crab Pot for Dungeness crab, Ray’s Boathouse for waterfront seafood, and Pike Place Chowder for chowder.
What is Seattle-style teriyaki?
Seattle-style teriyaki is a sweeter, simplified version of traditional Japanese teriyaki that combines flavors from a few Asian cuisines. It typically features grilled chicken with a sweet soy-based sauce, served over rice with a small side salad. The first Seattle teriyaki spot was opened in the 1970s by Toshi Kasahara, whose original recipe influenced dozens of teriyaki shops that now exist across the city.
What is the best time of year to eat oysters in Seattle?
The best time to eat oysters in Seattle is during the cooler months from September through April, when oysters are at their firmest and most flavorful. Summer oysters are still safe and delicious, but the traditional “R months” rule (only eat oysters in months containing the letter R) still holds for peak quality. Many Seattle restaurants including The Walrus and the Carpenter, Taylor Shellfish, and Westward source their oysters from Washington farms year-round.
What is the most famous restaurant in Pike Place Market?
Pike Place Market has several famous restaurants, but the most iconic food stops include Pike Place Chowder (known for its award-winning clam chowder), Market Grill (for grilled fish sandwiches and chowder), Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and Mee Sum Pastry for hum bao. For a full sit-down meal, The Pink Door and Matt’s in the Market are both local favorites hidden inside the market complex.
Where can I find the best pho in Seattle?
The best pho in Seattle can be found in the Chinatown-International District and Little Saigon neighborhoods. Pho Bac Sup Shop is a modern take on the classic (owned by the family that opened Seattle’s first pho restaurant in 1982), while Pho Than Brothers is a beloved chain known for its cream puff dessert at the end of every meal. Both offer flavorful, affordable pho perfect for a rainy Seattle day.
