Some people travel the world to experience different cultures or to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime views; others travel in search of finding the best restaurants possible. Seattle may be known for its eclectic bites at Pike Place Market, but if you’re willing to step outside the walls of the market, you’ll find award-winning restaurants to fit your preference for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
1. Portage Bay Cafe
If you ask a University of Washington student where to go out for breakfast, Portage Bay will hands down be the most popular answer, where the motto is: “Eat like you give a damn”. Located just off the west side of campus in the University District, Portage Bay almost always has a line out the door of hungry students waiting to get their hands on some coffee and french toast. The serving sizes here are unbelievably large, with enough food to put you into a happy food coma and still have some leftovers for later in the day. If you’re thinking of eating here during your stay in Seattle, so is everyone else - be sure to make reservations ahead of time!
Portage Bay Cafe
Address: 4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, Breakfast 7:30am–11:30am, Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm. Saturday-Sunday, Brunch 7:30am–2:30pm.
Contact: +1 2065478230
Website: Portage Bay Cafe
2. Morsel
The response has been great, so we're keeping those specials going @ Morsel #Udistrict! Sausage Patty FastBreak & Sloppy Joe #Sammies Get it all through this week! #morsel #seattle #brunch
Posted by Morsel on Thursday, 23 June 2016
On a cold and wet Seattle morning, nothing sounds better than a warm biscuit and a hot cup of coffee. Morsel is known for having the best mix-and-match options for biscuits and toppings, and offering unique combos like the “The Spanish Fly”, a sandwich with prosciutto, manchengo, arugula, pepper aioli, and a fried egg on your choice of biscuit. Morsel’s two locations in the University District and Ballard are always busy on the weekends, and reservations are not available, so be sure to get there early.
Morsel
Address: 4754 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Opening Hours: 8:00am-3:00pm
Contact: +1 2062680154
Website: Morsel
3. SkyCity at the Space Needle

Nothing quite beats enjoying a meal while soaking in the best views of Seattle from 500 ft (152.4 meters) in the air. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time, or a lifelong Seattleite, dining at SkyCity gives you a unique experience every time. The restaurant sits at the top of the needle, and continuously rotates throughout the day and night, giving guests a panoramic 360 degree view of the city - don’t worry, it moves slowly! While the prices are on the higher side (ranging from 50-100 USD for a single entree), the cost of dining also covers your ride up to the top, and free entrance into the observation deck.
SkyCity at the Space Needle
Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
Opening Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am-2:45pm. Monday-Friday, 11:30am-2:00pm. Sunday-Thursday, 4:30pm-8:15pm. Friday-Saturday, 4:30pm-9:15pm.
Contact: +1 2069052100
Website: SkyCity
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Beecher's Handmade Cheese
HAPPY MAC AND CHEESE DAY! We're selling these delicious Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to celebrate.
Posted by Beecher's Handmade Cheese on Thursday, 14 July 2016
Feed your inner child at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. Located in Pike Place Market, Beecher’s is the place to go to enjoy soups, hot paninis, and the famous Beecher’s Mac N’ Cheese. While you grab lunch, you can also peer into the factory through the glass walls for a look into how the award-winning artisinal cheese is made right on site. After eating as much as your heart desires, make sure to stop by the cheese counter to take some of your favorite flavors home with you.
Beecher's Handmade Cheese
Address: Pike Place Market, 1600 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm.
Contact: +1 2069561964
Website: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
5. Ray's Boathouse
Posted by Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering on Friday, 3 March 2017
On a sunny day in Seattle, there’s nothing better than enjoying a seafood dinner at Ray’s Boathouse in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. The restaurant is situated right on the water, providing you with stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain Range while you dine. Complimenting the breathtaking views is the extensive menu selection of unique starters, seafood entrees, delectable desserts, and specialty cocktails like the Rosemary Grapefruit Drop. Ray’s Boathouse has something for everyone, so make sure to invite your family and friends to share in this unforgettable dining experience.
Ray's Boathouse
Address: 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5:00pm-9:00pm (last seating 9:00pm). Friday-Saturday, 5:00pm-9:00pm (last seating at 9:00pm).
Contact: +1 2067893770
Website: Ray’s Boathouse
6. Japonessa
Smooth and velvety. Just like a 'Spanish Lover' should be. http://bit.ly/2bhPCSh Snow crab mix, creamy scallops,...
Posted by Japonessa Sushi Cocina on Tuesday, 16 August 2016
Japonessa is a wildly popular sushi cuisine located in the heart of downtown Seattle. From classic California Rolls to the hot and spicy Matador Roll, the choices are endless. While the regular menu is affordable on its own, Japonessa’s happy hour menu is almost too good to be true. From open to 6:30 pm and 10:00 pm to close every day, the happy hour rolls range from only 4 to 8 USD. I dare you to find better prices in the Seattle area (heads up - you probably won’t!). Whether you’re planning a family dinner, or just find your stomach grumbling late into the night, Japonessa’s happy hour is something you won’t want to miss out on.
Japonessa
Address: 1400 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30am-11pm. Friday, 11:30am-1am. Saturday, Noon-1am. Sunday, Noon-11pm.
Contact: +1 2069717979
Website: Japonessa
7. Pie Bar
Marionberry
Posted by Pie Bar on Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Pie Bar is the perfect place to go to satisfy your sweet (or savory) tooth. With meaty options like the Steak and Ale Pot Pie, and sweeter traditional pies like Peanut Butter Cream, this place has a little something for everyone. Purchase a single slice for yourself, or call ahead and have a full one ready for pickup in just a short amount of time. Single serving pies range from 8 to 13 USD, and full ones range from 25 to 35 USD depending on if you’re in the mood for a filling meal or an after-dinner dessert. As a bonus, Pie Bar offers specialty pie-infused cocktails, creatively named “Pie-tinis”. Intrigued? Make sure to stop by on your next visit to Seattle.
Pie Bar
Address: 2218 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3:00pm-12:00am (Closed Tuesday). Friday, 3:00pm-2:00am. Saturday, 11:00am-2:00am. Sunday, 11:00am-12:00am.
Contact: +1 2065358489
Website: Pie Bar
8. Hot Cakes
We're turning up the heat with this Valentine's special. Spoon into our Spicy Molten Cake with chilis and cayenne that's...
Posted by Hot Cakes on Tuesday, 14 February 2017
Eating at Hot Cakes is a must-do for anyone visiting Seattle. Located in the heart of Ballard, Hot Cakes is the ideal place to meet up with friends after work, or take your special someone for a first date. This place is known for its wildly popular molten cakes that are served in mason jar-style cups, and a side of ice cream to go with. After indulging in one of these, you won’t be able to look at cake the same way again. Not a cake fan? They also serve boozy shakes for the 21+ crowd, and offer other unique sweets such as ‘smoked chocolate chips’.
Hot Cakes
Address: 5427 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4:00pm-11:00pm. Friday, 4:00pm-12:00am. Saturday, 10:00am-12:00am. Sunday, 10:00am-11:00pm.
Contact: +1 2064533792
Website: Hot Cakes
Your taste buds will thank you
Is your mouth watering yet? Be sure to make a stop at one or all of these places during your Seattle vacation for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. The food options in Seattle are almost as eclectic as the people who make up the city, so no matter your taste preferences, there’s a little something for everyone.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data

Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×