Seattle Restaurant Week might be one of my favorite events of the year. Lunches are 2 for $15 and dinners are 3 for $30 at over 150 Seattle area restaurants. This foodie-feeding-frenzy is a perfect excuse to get out and try new restaurants that you wouldn’t usually go to because of either price or another contributing factor. Having taken full carb-loading advantage of this event, I have a few tips for you.
- MAKE RESERVATIONS – you and about every other Seattleite are interested in going so the earlier you can get a reservation, the better.
- Restaurant Bars – if your restaurant of choice is booked, grab a seat in their bar area. Check ahead, but they usually honor the restaurant week specials in the bar in addition to the main dining room.
- Menus– The menus are listed online by restaurant (here) so you can preview what the special meals are for the event. This makes it easy to select your favorites and not be disappointed when you show up and the menu isn’t what you thought it would be.
- Go with friends and family – This is always a big one for me. The menus are small and with the more people there, this gives you the opportunity to try everything on the menu and really get the biggest bang for your $30.
- Order wine – Alcohol is not included in the $30 but with amazing meals, it is a lot easier to budget in a fabulous glass of wine that you normally might not.
Below, I have listed a few of my old favorites as well as the new places I have made reservations at for this year.
Old Favorites
I would eat at each of these restaurants again and again and even at full price. all fabulous, all different and all highlight the growing food scene in Seattle.
Frank’s Oyster House & Champagne Parlor
2616 N.E. 55th St. Seattle, WA 98105
If you haven’t been here, it’s a must go. This small, dark and romantic ambiance is icing on the cake to the wonderful assortment of menu items they offer. Off of their special menu I would highly recommend their Fried Oysters (the only way I’ll eat oysters) and their Petite Whiskey Chocolate Cake.
5501 30th Ave. N.E. Seattle, WA 98105
As Frank’s Oyster House’s sister restaurant up the street, Pair is always one you must grab a reservation for. This popular neighborhood gem always has a fabulous menu at a higher price so taking advantage of the 3 for $30 is a great way to experience their food!
2001 Fourth Ave. Seattle, WA 98121
This one is kind of a no-brainer for anyone who wants to taste food from an incredible Seattle food institution. Going for their Coconut Cream Pie alone is worth the trip but their Coho Salmon and Pumpkin Soup are also to die for. This is a popular choice for restaurant week so be sure to grab a reservation quickly!
93A Pike Street, Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA 98101
Ambiance, perfect. Food, incredible. Experience, five star. Everything about this hidden Pike Place gem is worth raving about. Their Bruschetta and either their Gnocchi or Filetto del Maiale (pan roasted pork tenderloin) would be my appetizer/main course options and for dessert you must try their Torta Gianduia or Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Torte…its FABULOUS. Il Bistro’s wine selection is great so take advantage and order yourself a wonderful, bold Cabernet to top off your meal.
1420 12th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122
With the same owners of Purple Cafe, this Capitol Hill Mexican restaurant is one of the best I have been to in Seattle. Their flavors are so fresh and a breath of fresh air on their take of Mexican food that they keep you wanting more. Barrio fills up fast, so reservations are recommended. You really couldn’t go wrong on their menu but their Mmini Prawn Enchilada, Pork Carnitas and Dulce de Leche Creme Brulee are mouth watering.
2043 Eastlake Ave. E. Seattle, WA 98102
If you couldn’t tell by now, a restaurant’s ambiance is almost as important to me as their food. This lovely Eastlake restaurant offers a romantic and intimate dining experience that is translated into the presentation and taste of their dishes. I could eat anything and everything off of their menu but picking for the three courses I would opt for their Bartlett Pear Salad, Porcini-Braised Chicken and their Toasted Almond Cake.
Cicchetti – 121 E. Boston St. Seattle, WA 98102
Attached to Serafina is their sister restaurant, Cicchetti. They are the same wonderful Mediterranean flair and their menu highlights include an Onion and Fontina Tart, Oven Roasted Steak or their Fisherman’s Stew and a Vanilla Bean Flan are all great choices.
New Restaurants
This year, because of scheduling, I was only able to make reservations at three restaurants – all of which I have heard rave reviews about and have had them on my list for a few months now.
622 Broadway E. Seattle, WA 98102
With six appetizers, four main courses and six dessert options you cannot go wrong with this menu. I have stalked their menu and their Rabbit Sausage, Lavender Crusted Duck Leg and Hot Date Cake all have my name on them.
1411 N. 45th St. Seattle, WA 98103-6706
Located in my nearby neighborhood, I have driven past Tilth and always wanted to try it. Their selection is certified organic and Vegetarian and Gluten Free friendly, not something I am used to but willing to try! I’m eyeing the Tuna Croquette, Skagit River Ranch Pork Belly and their Brioche Pudding.
2800 E. Madison Street Seattle, WA 98112
In the wonderful Madison Park area, this restaurant might be the one I am most excited about trying. Their house smoked Neah Bay Salmon, Braised Leg of Lamb with heirloom smashed potato, ratatouille, fried parsnip, red wine braising jus and olive oil look simply too mouth watering to pass up. To satisfy my sweet tooth I think the Chocolate Caramel Cake would be perfect!
Let me know some of your favorite restaurants for Seattle Restaurant Week and if any places surprised you this year!
Happy eating!
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