It’s not easy to determine the city’s most notable claim to fame. The bounty of farmers markets, the storied Seattle music scene, and the plethora of Seattle outdoor activities for enthusiasts of all levels are just a few of the contenders for Seattle’s number one visitor draw.
But, there’s one aspect of the city that locals and visitors alike would have a tough time disputing. As a fully-operating port town, it should come as no surprise Seattle serves up some of the best seafood restaurants in the U.S.
As of 2013, Seattle’s seaport was ranked as the 10th largest U.S. port and encompasses 1,543 acres of waterfront. Here, you’ll find the Fishermen’s Terminal, which is the home to the North Pacific Fishing Fleet along with hundreds of other commercial and recreational fishing operations.
Whether you’re craving a 5-star maritime meal or a hole-in-the-wall fish taco, Seattle has more than enough seafood dining experiences for every taste on every budget. Here are the four best seafood restaurants in Seattle:
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Pike Place Chowder
To lay the claim that a West Coast joint has been serving the best chowder in the United States would anger many loyal East Coast chowder purists. But, the folks at Pike Place Chowder have been serving up just that since 1991. What started out as a friendly competition among the founders and restaurant staff to create the most delicious chowder ended up turning into over two decades of accolades. Pike Place Chowder is so good, it won “Nation’s Best Chowder” 3 years in a row at the Great Chowder Cook-Off in Newport, Rhode Island, and was eventually retired and inducted into the Great Chowder Cook-Of Hall-of-Fame. No matter where you’re staying in Seattle, you must make the drive and wait in line for a bowl at this best seafood restaurant!
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RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
The beautiful ambiance of RockCreek Seafood & Spirits serves only as a beautiful accompaniment to the seafood that arrives fresh every single day. It’s not just locally sourced delicacies, either. Oh no, RockCreek sources seafood from fisheries all over the world. From tropical varieties like Hawaiian Ono to East Coast favorites like Striped Bass, take your taste buds on a trip around the world. Once you’ve returned from your global taste bud trip, enjoy the classic Northwestern specialties of crab, mussels, and oysters to perfectly complete your Seattle experience. RockCreek also serves up a Sunday brunch with offerings like Nutella cinnamon rolls and things you’d expect from a world-class seafood restaurant, like fried oysters.
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The Walrus and the Carpenter
While the name of this restaurant might seem to be a bit out there, it actually comes from an excerpt of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. And just like the walrus and the carpenter from the poem, you’ll chow down on the most delicious oysters you’ve ever tasted. The owners of this best seafood restaurant in Seattle hope that their space blends the “elegance of France with the casual comfort of a local fishing pub.” If you’ve eaten your full of oysters (if that’s even possible) sample The Walrus and the Carpenter’s locally harvested clams, mussels, house smoked fish, and specialty meats. Opt for the unforgettable steak tartar, and you’ll wish you had more bread.
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Ballad Brothers Seafood & Burgers
The stellar service at Ballad Brothers Seafood & Burgers is really what sets it apart from the other seafood spots in town. But, amazing service served up along with mouthwatering fish and burgers really knocks it out of the park for Ballad Brothers. If you’re craving a burger, but still want the freshest Northwestern seafood, give the Cajun Blackened Salmon a try. A blackened salmon filet smothered in Cajun sauce, tartar sauce, and grilled onions will have you rethinking the definition of a burger. Whether you try something new or stick with the old standby of fish and chips, you won’t leave Ballard Brothers hungry.
Every foodie would greatly miss out if he/she skipped out any of these best seafood restaurants in Seattle!
