Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Washington (Currently Open)
Washington State’s dining scene is as diverse as its landscapes—ranging from lush farmlands and rugged coastlines to cosmopolitan cities and charming small towns. Whether you’re seeking the artistry of a fine-dining chef, the freshness of Pacific Northwest seafood, or the comfort of farm-to-table fare, Washington’s most famous restaurants capture the state’s spirit of innovation and taste.
This curated list showcases ten legendary dining destinations that remain open today—each with a story, a flavor, and an experience worth traveling for.
Canlis – Seattle’s Pinnacle of Fine Dining
When people talk about iconic Washington restaurants, Canlis tops every list. This family-run fine dining institution, perched on a hill overlooking Lake Union, has set the gold standard for Pacific Northwest cuisine since 1950.
Why it’s famous:
Known for impeccable service and mid-century modern ambiance
Menu focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with artistic presentation
Multiple James Beard Awards, including honors for service and wine
Signature experience:
Try the multi-course tasting menu—a culinary journey through Washington’s farms, coasts, and vineyards. The Canlis Salad, a decades-old classic, remains a staple alongside inventive modern dishes like smoked black cod and Dungeness crab.
Perfect for: Special occasions, romantic evenings, and those who appreciate culinary artistry.
Location: Seattle, Washington
The Walrus and the Carpenter – Oysters with a Story
Nestled in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, The Walrus and the Carpenter is a celebration of oysters, seafood, and rustic charm. Named after a Lewis Carroll poem, it’s both whimsical and refined.
What makes it special:
A rotating selection of Pacific Northwest oysters, shucked fresh at the counter
Simple, elegant small plates that highlight regional ingredients
A cozy, communal atmosphere that feels like a seaside tavern
Top picks:
Kumamoto and Hama Hama oysters
Grilled sardines with preserved lemon
House-made bread and local wines
Why it’s iconic:
Chef Renee Erickson, a James Beard Award winner, has become a defining voice of Seattle’s seafood scene. This restaurant put Washington oysters on the national map.
Perfect for: Seafood lovers, date nights, and those seeking quintessential Northwest flavor.
Location: Seattle, Washington
The Pink Door – Seattle’s Hidden Italian Gem
Behind an unmarked pink door in Post Alley near Pike Place Market, you’ll discover one of Seattle’s most famous and romantic spots—The Pink Door. This Italian-American restaurant has been charming diners since 1981.
Highlights:
Seasonal Italian dishes made with local produce
Known for its burlesque and trapeze performances (on select evenings)
Stunning patio views overlooking Elliott Bay
Must-try dishes:
Lasagna al forno with béchamel and pesto
Fresh seafood risotto
House-made tiramisu
Why it’s beloved:
The Pink Door perfectly captures Seattle’s quirky elegance—a mix of Old World flavor and bohemian flair.
Perfect for: Romantic dinners, friends’ night out, and visitors exploring Pike Place Market.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Salare – Globally Inspired Dining in Ravenna
Salare, led by Chef Edouardo Jordan, combines global influences with local ingredients in one of Seattle’s most inventive dining experiences. The name comes from the Latin word for “to salt,” symbolizing the roots of preservation and culinary tradition.
Why it’s famous:
Chef Jordan is a two-time James Beard Award winner
Menu inspired by African, Southern, European, and Caribbean flavors
A neighborhood setting with fine-dining precision
Top dishes:
Handmade pasta with smoked oxtail ragu
Buttermilk-brined quail
Rotating seasonal desserts that feature local fruit
Why it stands out:
Salare tells the story of culture through food. Each dish connects the global to the local—a reflection of Washington’s diversity.
Perfect for: Food connoisseurs and anyone seeking a story on every plate.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Wild Sage Bistro – Spokane’s Farm-to-Table Favorite
On the eastern side of the state, Wild Sage Bistro defines Spokane’s growing culinary reputation. Known for its warm hospitality and locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant brings elevated comfort food to the Inland Northwest.
Why people love it:
Ingredients sourced from regional farms and producers
Cozy, elegant interior with Northwest charm
A standout gluten-free menu
Signature dishes:
Yukon gold potato gnocchi with truffle cream sauce
Elk tenderloin with huckleberry demi-glace
Vanilla bean crème brûlée
Why it’s famous:
Wild Sage bridges fine dining and comfort food in a way that feels distinctly Washington—simple, heartfelt, and rooted in place.
Perfect for: Date nights, weekend getaways, and travelers exploring Eastern Washington.
Location: Spokane, Washington
Café Juanita – Italian Elegance in Kirkland
Across Lake Washington in Kirkland, Café Juanita shines as one of the region’s most elegant dining experiences. Chef Holly Smith, another James Beard Award winner, creates modern Italian dishes inspired by northern Italy’s Piedmont region.
Why it’s iconic:
Intimate, minimalist setting with impeccable service
Menus that change seasonally with ingredients from Washington farms
Award-winning wine list
Must-try items:
Rabbit with polenta and wild mushrooms
Hand-cut tajarin pasta with white truffle butter
Hazelnut panna cotta
Why it’s unique:
Café Juanita feels both luxurious and deeply personal—every bite reflects Chef Smith’s love for Italian tradition and Northwest ingredients.
Perfect for: Romantic dinners, special celebrations, and lovers of refined Italian cuisine.
Location: Kirkland, Washington
The Herbfarm – A Feast of the Pacific Northwest
Located in Woodinville Wine Country, The Herbfarm is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the United States. Offering a nine-course tasting menu paired with local wines, it’s a true culinary event.
What sets it apart:
Each menu revolves around a seasonal theme, like “A Taste of Spring” or “Wild Harvest.”
Ingredients sourced directly from the restaurant’s own gardens and nearby farms.
Wine pairings feature Washington’s best vineyards.
Signature experience:
Dinner at The Herbfarm is more than a meal—it’s a theatrical exploration of local flavor, often lasting three to four hours, complete with storytelling from chefs and sommeliers.
Why it’s legendary:
Few restaurants capture the essence of Washington’s terroir like The Herbfarm. It’s a bucket-list experience for food lovers.
Perfect for: Gourmands, wine enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an unforgettable dining memory.
Location: Woodinville, Washington
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bars – The Taste of the Puget Sound
With several locations across the Seattle area, Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bars bring Washington’s world-class seafood directly from tide to table. Taylor Shellfish Farms, founded in the 1890s, remains a family-run operation committed to sustainable aquaculture.
Why it’s famous:
Serves oysters harvested directly from the Puget Sound
Focuses on sustainability and freshness
Offers a casual, lively atmosphere
Don’t miss:
Fresh shucked oysters on ice
Geoduck sashimi (a true Northwest delicacy)
Steamed clams and oyster shooters
Why locals love it:
It’s one of the best places to experience Washington’s maritime heritage, with a beer or wine in hand and oysters so fresh they practically taste like the sea.
Perfect for: Seafood purists, friends’ nights, and happy-hour lovers.
Locations: Seattle, Bellevue, and beyond
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive – Scenic Fine Dining
Few dining spots in Washington offer views as mesmerizing as The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive, located near Bellingham. Perched above Samish Bay, it’s one of the state’s most scenic—and historic—restaurants.
Why it’s iconic:
Originally a Depression-era oyster shack turned fine dining landmark
Renowned for its seafood, panoramic views, and award-winning wine list
A favorite stop for travelers along Chuckanut Drive, one of Washington’s most scenic byways
Top dishes:
Samish Bay oysters with mignonette
Fresh halibut with wild mushroom risotto
Lemon cheesecake with local berries
Why it stands out:
It’s not just about the meal—it’s the experience of dining above the water, with sunsets, seagulls, and sea breezes that define coastal Washington.
Perfect for: Romantic evenings, coastal road trips, and foodies with an eye for beauty.
Location: Bow, Washington (near Bellingham)
Elliott’s Oyster House – A Waterfront Seattle Classic
Located right on the Seattle waterfront, Elliott’s Oyster House has been serving fresh seafood for more than 40 years. It’s one of the city’s most popular and enduring dining destinations.
Why it’s a must-visit:
Features one of the largest oyster selections in the Pacific Northwest
Committed to sustainable seafood sourcing
Offers waterfront views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains
Top menu picks:
Dungeness crab cakes
Grilled salmon with herb butter
Seafood tower featuring oysters, prawns, and clams
Why it’s legendary:
Elliott’s embodies the best of Seattle dining—fresh, approachable, and deeply tied to the sea.
Perfect for: Families, tourists, and anyone craving quintessential Seattle seafood.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Bonus Pick: Anthony’s HomePort – Pacific Northwest Tradition
For a taste of tradition, Anthony’s HomePort restaurants, found in locations from Des Moines to Anacortes, offer reliable, locally sourced seafood in waterfront settings.
Why it’s a local favorite:
Family-owned Washington chain emphasizing regional catches
Known for fresh salmon, razor clams, and Dungeness crab
Comfortable atmosphere with unbeatable views
Perfect for: Family dinners, celebrations, and travelers seeking a true Washington experience.
Final Thoughts: A Culinary Journey Through the Evergreen State
From Seattle’s urban dining icons to Spokane’s hidden gems and coastal seafood sanctuaries, Washington’s restaurant scene is a reflection of its landscape—diverse, dynamic, and deeply flavorful. Each destination on this list offers something more than just great food; they offer a connection to Washington’s culture, history, and natural bounty.
Summary & Call to Action:
Whether you’re planning a foodie weekend in Seattle or a scenic drive up Chuckanut Bay, make room for these legendary restaurants on your itinerary. Celebrate the taste of the Pacific Northwest—fresh oysters, farm-grown produce, and creativity served with heart. Wherever you dine, one thing’s certain: in Washington, every meal is an adventure waiting to be savored.