Seattle's Excellent Access to Fresh Seafood Makes it a Dream Destination for Fish Fanatic Foodies

John Ferri

By , Local Expert, Seattle
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Seattle gets a well-deserved rap for its bountiful ration of gloomy weather. This is, of course, strictly due to geography, topography, and weather patterns. However, what strong storm tracks bring to this Pacific Northwest locale off the Pacific Ocean in the way of weather is a happy tradeoff for the bounty of fresh seafood made available by those same factors. The region’s topography of protected bays and mountain-fed rivers equals excellent homegrown seafood, including the iconic Northwest salmon and world-renowned shellfish, such as Penn Cove mussels. As if local fisheries didn’t provide enough...  Read more »
  • 1

    Aqua by El Gaucho

    • Cuisine: American, Seafood
    • Average Main Course Price: $65
    • Neighborhood: Waterfront

    Local Expert Tip: "On a clear day, views of the Olympic Mountains across Elliot Bay are unbeatable, especially from the deck. Passing ferries and other maritime activity are also on display, and sunsets from this vantage are spectacular."

     
  • 2

    Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar

    • Cuisine: American, Seafood
    • Average Main Course Price: $25
    • Neighborhood: Belltown

    Local Expert Tip: "The original locale of this restaurant is in Bellevue, and chef-owner John Howie has also opened a premier steakhouse there, serving Japanese Waygu beef steaks. All of Howie's eateries are of the highest caliber, and seafood preparations here are bold and innovative."

     
  • 3

    Shiro's Sushi

    Local Expert Tip: "Chef Shiro Kashiba is known for offering samples that aren't on the menu, and when it comes to fresh and innovative raw seafood this Seattle standby can't be beat."

     
  • 4

    Etta's Seafood

    Local Expert Tip: "Popular with locals and tourists alike, this Tom Douglas seafood place is well worth the wait for a table."

     
  • 5

    Matt's in the Market

    Local Expert Tip: "For the most simple and authentic local lunch, get a grilled salmon sandwich, a portion of smoky, delicious pure protein and omegas tucked gently between a flaky bun."

     
  • 6

    Palisade

    Local Expert Tip: "It's a high compliment that some of the region's finest chefs got their start at this venerable Seattle fine-dining seafood house with a wonderful waterfront view."

     
  • 7

    Ray's Boathouse

    Local Expert Tip: "For more than four decades, this Seattle landmark has served fisherman's seafood, offering fresh, straight forward fare in a casual setting. Less rustic is the restaurant's newer fine-dining room."

     
  • 8

    Canlis

    Local Expert Tip: "After dinner at Canlis, you will have enjoyed wine from one of the most awarded wine collections anywhere."

     
  • 9

    Herbfarm Restaurant

    Local Expert Tip: "This is probably the most detailed and extravagant multi-course dining experience in a three-state radius, and should be on the bucket list of any true foodie. When it comes to seafood, preparations of fish from seasonal specialty salmon runs such as Copper River and Yukon River are exceptionally innovative here."

     
  • 10

    Chinook's at Salmon Bay

    Local Expert Tip: "As authentic as it gets for maritime locale and access to fresh fish, Chinook's is located at Fishermen's Terminal, the home port of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet. "