Seattle’s cuisine has more to offer than just coffee and fish flying over your head; we Seattleites have a pretty mean sweet tooth and an appreciation for a Sunday brunch.
While this list doesn’t even cover a fraction of Seattle’s best, here are a few places that are worth the attention of your stomach.
Breakfast
A Half Dozen or Dozen Egg Omelet from Beth’s Cafe
Photo courtesy of @sarah_thebella on Instagram
Featured on Man vs. Food and the Food Network’s Top 5, Beth’s omelets pack a punch. If you’re intimidated by the guaranteed food coma, the bacon waffle is just as good.
The Smokin’ Hot Bitch from Biscuit Bitch
Photo courtesy of @danyangyo on Instagram
A bit of light swearing before 11 a.m. will make for a good day.
The Vermont from The Crumpet Shop
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
A toasted crumpet, like a fluffy pillow but with the slightest crunch as you first bite into it, topped with ricotta cheese, maple butter, and chopped walnuts.
Baked Eggs Alla Boscaiola from The Fat Hen
Photo courtesy of @seattle_bites on Instagram
The fact that a Sunday brunch dish can be under $10 is exciting; the fact that it looks like this is a miracle.
Made-to-Order Doughnuts from Lola
Photo courtesy of @alexiscventura on Instagram
More appropriate for a Sunday brunch, Lola has the most Instagram-worthy dishes in Seattle.
The Spanish Fly from Morsel
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
For any vegetarians, Morsel also serves The Goat: a biscuit of your choice with herbed goat cheese, roasted tomato jam, and cucumbers. The roasted tomato jam is incentive enough to try a biscuit or two.
Bananas Foster French Toast from Portage Bay Cafe
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Really anything from Portage Bay is delicious, especially their smoked salmon eggs benedict. But make sure someone at your table tries their pancakes, waffles, or french toast, just so that you have access to the toppings bar.
Lunch & Dinner
The Combo Vermicelli Bowl from Ba Bar
Photo courtesy of @sammyiie on Instagram
If Padma Lakshmi can destroy a bowl of pho from here, then you know Ba Bar is worth a visit.
Mac & Cheese from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Family members who live out of state will be asking you to stop by Beecher’s on our way to the airport or to send a pound or two of Smoked Flagship in their next package.
Yucca Fries from Bongos
Photo courtesy of @joweency on Instagram
Get away from the city life, especially on those sunny days, and enjoy some Cuban cuisine with your feet in a sand pit. A sand pit! It might seem useless in Seattle, but during the summer months, Bongos can get pretty busy.
A Dick’s Deluxe, Fries, and Shake from Dick’s Drive-In
Photo courtesy of @jui3ilee on Instagram
California has In-N-Out. New York has Shake Shack. Seattle has Dick’s. Some will say that Dick’s is inferior to the latter competitors, but as the party’s winding down, this place has the perfect druchies at 2am.
The Grande Wet Burrito from Gorditos Healthy Mexican Food
Photo courtesy of @fatboyhenry on Instagram
Literally the size of a newborn baby (they’re even nicknamed “the baby burrito”), these burritos can last for three, maybe four meals and all for $9.45.
Dim Sum at Harbor City Restaurant
Photo courtesy of @vijayk8 on Instagram
Hong Kong natives have said this place tastes like home.
The Fast Eddie from HoneyHole
Photo courtesy of @sy.eats on Instagram
You’ll want to order a second sandwich, as you’re halfway through finishing up your first one.
Fried Chicken Wings from Hue Ky Mi Gia
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
The picture speaks for itself.
A Large Pizza Pie from Italian Family Pizza
Photo courtesy of @yftoad on Instagram
It’s the only pizza on the West coast that can compare to New York’s, all 23 inches of it.
Sushi Rolls from Japonessa
Photo courtesy of @emilyk3 on Instagram
What sets Japonessa apart from any other sushi bar in Seattle is their Latino flair. Rolls and sashimi paired with jalapeños, mangos, and cilantro will bring your feeling of hunger to happiness.
Roasted Duck from King’s Barbeque House
Photo courtesy of @yimingchiang on Instagram
Whether you’re up for a whole duck or maybe just half to start out, King’s Barbeque House is one of the most authentic stops in International District.
A Chirashi Bowl from Musashi’s
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
The freshest sashimi in town, hands down.
Curry from Pam’s Kitchen
Photo courtesy of @agatdu01 on Instagram
The spices and flavors in this dish will trick your mind and make you believe you’ve escaped to the Caribbean instead of the rainy streets of Seattle.
The Caribbean Roast from Paseo
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Paseo’s closed down last November and every Seattleite went into shock. But thanks to new owner Ryan Santwire, the beloved sandwich shop is here to stay.
Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl from Pike Place Chowder
Photo courtesy of @lucy.choi on Instagram
Ivar’s is a pretty well-known spot for chowder in Seattle, but for more variety and a killer crab roll, you should definitely check out Pike Place Chowder, hidden in the depths of Post Alley.
The Short Rib Rice Bowl from Revel
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
If you’re skeptical about Asian fusion restaurants, come to Revel. Your mind will be forever changed once you try the short rib rice bowl or pork belly and kimchi pancake.
A Poke Wrap from Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max Food Truck
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Just the sheer size of this wrap, or any of their dishes really, will have you chasing down Sam Choy’s for more.
Penn Cove Clams, Pancetta Tesa, and Lemon Thyme Pizza from Serious Pie
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Some people think that pineapple on pizza is just too weird to consume, but Hawaiian pizza always appears at the party. As strange as it might sound, clams on a pizza work too.
Adobada Tacos from Tacos Chukis
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
While Tacos Chukis is tough to find just by roaming the streets of Capitol Hill, this little hole-in-the-wall has the best tacos and for a bargain price. $1.90 per taco, on a student budget? Yes, please!
The Everything from Tandoozy Food Stand
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Get a feel for Seattle’s many farmer’s markets just by following this food stand (not food truck) almost every day of the week.
Pad Thai from Thai Tom
Photo courtesy of @adventuresofbiscuitandgravy on Instagram
Most of U District is made up of teriyaki and Thai restaurants, each one just as meh as the last. Only at Thai Tom will you find a line worth waiting in.
Pork Dumplings, Rocky IV Style from Vostok Dumpling House
Photo courtesy of @ehhnaa_12 on Instagram
No matter what you order, make sure to add a side of Russian fries.
Chicken and Waffles from Witness
Photo courtesy of @angel.burford on Instagram
Breakfast for dinner never looked so good.
Snacks and Drinks
Cocktails from Bathtub Gin & Co.
Photo courtesy of @flightofthenavigator_ on Instagram
A speakeasy nestled in the basement of a Belltown apartment complex, Bathtub Gin & Co. is the perfect place to get away from Seattle’s rainy nights.
Classic Dark Cherries from Chukar Cherries
Photo courtesy of @chukarcherries on Instagram
At first, you’ll be buying these as a gift for a friend, but suddenly you’ll find yourself eating the whole bag.
Coconut Cream Pie from Dahlia Bakery
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
If you are more daring, you can purchase an entire pie instead of these tiny bites.
An Assorted Whole Dozen from the Daily Dozen Doughnut Company
Photo courtesy of @erin.bak3r on Instagram
Just go for the whole dozen, trust me. As you’re walking around the market, a whole dozen will be gone in five minutes flat.
Macaroons from Le Panier
Photo courtesy of @yourstrulyciera on Instagram
Founder Thierry Mougin is a trained, French pastry chef from Normandy. You better believe this is the closest bite of France you will get in the PNW.
Green Tea Mojito from Miro Tea
Photo courtesy of @mirotea on Instagram
Appropriate for all ages, this drink will add to the blissful feeling that comes along with summertime in Seattle.
Smoked Salmon Piroshky from Piroshky Piroshky
Photo courtesy of @neilman_hut on Instagram
Best described as “hand-held pies,” these little tastes of Russia come with fruit, vegetable, or meat fillings, leaving everyone satisfied.
Any Ginger Beer from Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Photo courtesy of rachelsgingerbeer.com
The strong flavor of ginger in ginger beer can be overwhelming, compared to ginger ale. But Rachel’s brings out the beauty of the ginger by pairing it with flavors such as guava or apricot and fennel.
Any Pot of Tea from Remedy Teas
Photo courtesy of @hidayahzuhri on Instagram
Approximately 150 teas to choose from, brewed to you choice of either hot or iced and you will find yourself visiting Remedy Teas any time of the year.
Dessert
Truffles and Hot Chocolate from Chocolati Cafe
Photo courtesy of @ricky_raz0r on Instagram
With flavors like Turtle and Darth Vader hot chocolate, you’ll find no other way to get your chocolate fix than at this cafe.
Marionberry Pie Yogurt from Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Not your typical Greek yogurt, like Greek Gods or Chobani, which makes it the best of the best.
Gelato from Fainting Goat
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Flavors ranging from Guinness to Sour Cherry Swirl rotate on a daily basis, so it’s recommend that you go everyday, just so you don’t miss out on all the amazing choices.
Ice Cream from Full Tilt Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of @herromelissa on Instagram
Unique, weekly rotating flavors, including ube and lemon marshmallow will only have you crawling back for more.
An Ice Cream Sandwich from Hello Robin
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Similar to Cream in the Bay Area, Hello Robin allows you to customize your own ice cream sandwich: pick any two cookies to hold in the goodness of a Molly Moon’s ice cream scoop.
The Dark Decadence from Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery
Photo courtesy of @seattlefoodaholic on Instagram
One of the hottest spots for dessert in Seattle, even at 11am on a Saturday.
Ice Cream from Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Flavors like Stumptown Coffee, Scout Mint (Girl Scout Thin Mints year round!), and Rachel’s Ginger Beer sorbet (a summer flavor), made from local northwest ingredients, are the perfect pick-me-up.
A Signature Sundae from Old School Frozen Custard
Photo courtesy of @ourborosjones on Instagram
Modeled after classic combinations like peanut butter and chocolate, or cookies and cream, these sundaes are given a little twist by using cream frozen custard instead of your usual scoop of ice cream.
Any Pietini from Pie Bar
Photo courtesy of @drinksallaround on Instagram
Think of your Grandma’s homemade apple pie, but in the form of a drink and spiked with vodka and schnapps.
A Slice of Cake from Simply Desserts
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
The treats live up to their name: simple slices of cake, all made from scratch.
A Parfait from Trove
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
The fact that you get to keep the dessert jar should be reason enough to visit Trove. The fact that you get $1 off your dessert when you bring in the recycled jar should be reason to keep on visiting.