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Scenic Waterfront Restaurants in Seattle

Ray's Boathouse
Westward
Agua Verde Cafe
Maximilien Restaurant
The Fisherman's Restaurant
Elliott's Oyster House
Stonehouse Cafe
Magnuson Cafe and Brewery 
Pub 70
The Pink Door
Ray's Boathouse
Westward
Agua Verde Cafe
Maximilien Restaurant
The Fisherman's Restaurant
Elliott's Oyster House
Stonehouse Cafe
beer flight, onion rings, and a chicken sandwich from magnuson cafe and brewery in seattle
Magnuson Cafe and Brewery 
steak, salad, and wine from pub 70 in seattle
Pub 70
mussels and shrimp dish from the pink door in seattle
The Pink Door

One of the many delights of living in Seattle is access to a marvelous waterfront scene. This is a city of incredible views at every turn. The waterfront is a thriving place with lots of things to see and do, including eating a great meal. If you are looking for places to dine next to the waterfront, you’re in luck. Seattle has lots of spaces with stunning views of the water. These are also the places where you can have lots of fun discovering the varied array of produce and other items that make this a very fine place to eat.

 


Photo credit: rays.com

Ray’s Boathouse

6049 Seaview Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 789-3770

Ray’s Boathouse is one of the spaces that’s all about embracing everything Seattle has to offer. That’s because this restaurant combines many things that people love in a single space. Ray’s offers modern cuisine set next to some of the most amazing views in the entire city. The inventive menu changes frequently so you’ll always find something new to try. In general, you can expect inventive combinations like fried oysters with pork belly and pickled cabbage or pan seared scallops with grits, arugula and greens. The setting is a magical one. Come here at night and admire the lively parade of boats right in front of you. It’s a good space for a special celebration. It’s also ideal for when you just want to sit back and have some fun.

 


Photo credit: Yelp

Westward

2501 N Northlake Way Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 552-8215

Situated on the banks of Lake Union, Westward is one space that lets you appreciate the lapping of the water against the shores. The carefully chosen menu offers lots of delightful possibilities. Choose a few small plates to begin the meal. Typical efforts here include a variety of dips made by hand. Items like tomato salad, spicy clam dip and oysters show off some of Seattle’s best foods. Multiple seafood towers are designed for those with big appetites. Larger plates also let you get to have many tastes at the same time. Duck is one perennial item that is often made in a confit preparation. Halibut and spare ribs are also two other foods that are very much part of chef’s favorite preparation. Add more zing with sides like crispy fingerling potatoes or fennel marinated olives.

 


Photo credit: Yelp

Agua Verde Cafe

1303 NE Boat St Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 545-857

Set on the shores of Portage Bay, this cafe is the place to be for authentic Mexican food in a fabulous setting. You’ll find a large menu with lots of fabulously easy choices. The patio seats sixty, that means you can always find a seat right next to the bay. Begin with a basket of fresh chips and salsa or taquitos de pollo with chicken and vegetables. The main course are equally fabulous. Lots of taco choices make it possible to find one that you really like. You can go for the traditional carnitas with pork confit. Other possibilities that you’re going to like include locally caught salmon or tacos that are filled with rockfish. Burritos stuffed with everything you like come in a large tortilla or a bowl. That’s one way to have a meal by the lake. Finish with one of the many drink choices.

 


Photo credit: food3.uslocalsearch.info

Maximilien Restaurant

81A Pike St Ste A Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-7270

Romantic dining is very much the order of the day in this Seattle space. The French menu is about giving you a taste of all that France has to offer. Lots of starters include the smoked salmon on brioche, the Belgian style fries, the snails in garlic and parsley butter and pate with Dijon mustard and house pickles. Try the Coquilles St. Jacques, it’s scallops with brown butter and mushrooms. The Tarte Flambee offers well made pastry with onions, bacon and lots of cheese. It’s served with a house salad. End your meal with one of their fabulous desserts and a cup of coffee.

 


Photo credit: fishermansrestaurantseattle.com

The Fisherman’s Restaurant

1301 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-3500

Set right in the middle of downtown, this restaurant is a good place to come during the day. It’s also an ideal place to visit at night when the lights come on. If you’re looking for seafood and a charming location, this is where you’ll want to be. The menu is about seafood preparations of all kinds. The oyster bar gives you an opportunity to sample many local varieties of oysters. Other appetizers are equally worth your time. Coconut prawns are a classic. The same is true of the fried calamari strips. Two types of chowder, clam chowder and Manhattan clam chowder are delicious and warming at the same time. Main courses have lots of seafood that can help you appreciate the range of seafood in this area. This includes a bucket of clams or mussels and tacos. Grilled favorites like several types of salmon let you try different types of fish. Go for desserts and watch the sun set.

 


Photo credit: Facebook

Elliott’s Oyster House

1201 Alaskan Way Ste 100, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-4340

Oysters are the star of the show at this renowned space. You can sample them in many ways that show off the delicate and briny interior. It’s not just oysters that you can eat right here. You’ll find a menu of special favorites such as spicy fried shrimp, mussels with lime and tequila and smoked ling cod fritters. The rest of the menu is all about having just as much fun with seafood. White clam chowder is hearty and filling. Both Alaskan King and Alaska Sockeye are on the menu. They make fish and chips from Alaskan caught cod. You’ll love everything about this lovely space that lets you relax right next to a beautiful part of the waterfront.

 


Photo credit: Yelp

Stonehouse Cafe

9701 Rainier Avenue S Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 397-4102

Located in a charming house with delightful stone details, the location is not the only thing you’re going to love about having a meal at Stonehouse Cafe. You’ll also love how much the menu has to offer. Breakfast is served all day long. If you’re not into brunch or breakfast, there’s plenty of other options that will fill you up and help you enjoy the day or evening. Entrees of all kinds include thick burgers made from some of the best meat in the area. You can also assemble your own from a wide selection of ingredients. The grilled cheese uses all kinds of cheeses to create an unforgettable experience. Ice cream and milk shakes are also on the menu. There’s a very extensive beverage menu that shows off some of the best of Seattle’s fine drinking options. Choose a glass of cold beer or a locally made red wine.

 

Photo credit: Yelp.com
Photo credit: Yelp.com

The Pink Door

1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 443-3241

This restaurant gets high praise from just about everyone who dines here and once you go, you’ll understand why. It is in a wonderful location at Pike Place Market and the interior and ambiance are unmatched. This unpretentious yet wonderfully classic spot is serving up some delicious Italian dishes paired with constant entertainment. The atmosphere is half of the reason you should visit The Pink Door. The other half? Their menu consists of antipasti like truffled mushroom crostini and ahi tuna crudo and entrees like risotto braised lamb shank. You will enjoy every aspect of dining here. 

 

Photo credit: Yelp.com
Photo credit: Yelp.com

Pub 70

2801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 737-8891

Pub 70 is serving some great breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a side of fun vibes. This is one of the best neighborhood hangout spots and the sunset from here is unbeatable. Some of the appetizers on their main menu include crispy brussels, garlic fries, and chilaquile-style nachos. For the main course, they have tons of yummy sandwiches, tacos, and other entrees like mac and cheese and chicken and waffles to choose from. This pup friendly spot even has some options for your four legged friends like salmon or chicken and rice! Make sure you stop by on Saturday and Sunday for their weekend brunch and Monday through Friday for happy hour deals! 

 

Photo credit: Yelp.com
Photo credit: Yelp.com

Magnuson Cafe and Brewery 

7801 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 525-0669

Located right on the shore of Lake Washington, this local brewhouse is another great neighborhood spot with beautiful views. Stop by for some of their beers on tap and get some good grub while you’re at it. Start off with some loaded tots or fried cheese curds for the table. They’ve got plenty of burger, sandwich, and salad items all at very affordable prices. They also have a couple of seafood options, specials, and milkshakes for you to try! Be sure to also check out their weekend brunch with options like breakfast sandwiches, egg plates, and more. This place is hard not to love! 

 

Editors Note: This article was originally published on November 7, 2021 and last updated on April 6, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.