Seattle’s Best Seafood Restaurants Everyone Is Talking About

Seattle sits at the edge of Puget Sound, giving us unparalleled access to some of the freshest seafood in the world.

Over the years, I’ve explored the city’s fish-forward eateries, from hole-in-the-wall crab shacks tucked into neighborhood corners to elegant dining rooms with sweeping water views. The city’s seafood culture is as diverse as it is delicious, equal parts tradition and innovation.

Whether you’re craving buttery king salmon straight from Alaskan waters, plump oysters shucked to order, or a delicate Dungeness crab that tastes like pure Northwest comfort. These ten seafood spots showcase the very best of what the Emerald City has to offer.

1. Ray’s Waterfront Boathouse

Perched on pilings over Shilshole Bay, Ray’s offers a seafood experience that’s quintessentially Seattle. Last summer, I watched seals play in the water while devouring their cedar-planked salmon—a moment of pure Northwest bliss.

Menus change seasonally and emphasize sustainably sourced Pacific Northwest seafood, with dishes like prawns and halibut that showcase freshness.

While tourists flock here for the postcard-worthy sunsets, locals know to come for the happy hour and grab a seat at the bar. Ray’s Café upstairs has its own menu and outdoor deck, while the Boathouse below offers fine dining with sweeping views.

2. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

Family-run since 1890, Taylor Shellfish farms their own bivalves before serving them at their Capitol Hill bar. My first visit turned me into an oyster fanatic—their patient staff taught me to identify the subtle cucumber notes in Kumamotos and the melon finish of Shigokus.

Beyond oysters, their geoduck sashimi (pronounced “gooey-duck”) offers the perfect introduction to this strange-looking local clam. The Manila clam chowder here puts other versions to shame.

What makes Taylor special is the transparency—they control every step from seed to plate. No pretension exists here, just insanely fresh shellfish served simply with mignonette and lemon, letting the briny goodness speak for itself.

3. Local Tide

Hidden in Fremont’s bustling market district, Local Tide has mastered the art of the seafood sandwich. Their crab roll—stuffed with sweet Dungeness meat, minimal mayo, and delicate seasoning—became my Friday ritual after discovering it last year.

Owner Victor Steinbrueck works closely with local fishers and purveyors, ensuring everything is pristine. The rockfish banh mi transforms a humble local catch into something extraordinary with pickled vegetables and cilantro.

Unlike fancier seafood spots, Local Tide keeps things casual and affordable without sacrificing quality. The space feels modern yet welcoming with its blonde wood and large windows. Popular items, like the salmon belly sandwich, sometimes sell out before closing.

4. Seattle Fish Guys

“We’ll cut anything you want!” shouts the friendly staff at this Central District market-meets-eatery. During my first visit, I watched in awe as they transformed a whole king salmon into perfect fillets within minutes.

Beyond the impressive fish counter, their prepared foods make this spot truly special. The poke bowls burst with sashimi-grade chunks of tuna and salmon, while their crab-stuffed jalapeños deliver an addictive heat-seafood combo I now crave weekly.

Owner Sal Panelo is Seattle-born and raised, with deep Central District roots, bringing island-influenced hospitality and flavors to the shop. The space feels unpretentious—just a few tables and counters—but that’s part of the charm. Their seafood platters have saved countless dinner parties at my house.

5. Shaker + Spear

Tucked inside the Palladian Hotel, Shaker + Spear feels like Seattle’s best-kept secret. My anniversary dinner here last month featured halibut so perfectly cooked it brought tears to my eyes—flaky yet moist with a golden crust that still haunts my dreams.

The restaurant’s modern, airy space features an open kitchen where you can watch chefs delicately handle each piece of fish. Their cocktail program deserves special mention for creative concoctions featuring local spirits and seafood-friendly flavor profiles.

Executive Chef Gabriel Quintero’s menu changes frequently but always maintains a perfect balance between innovation and respect for incredible ingredients. The octopus with Spanish chorizo and smoked paprika oil exemplifies his talent for combining Mediterranean techniques with Pacific Northwest bounty.

6. All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar

Nestled inside Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts, downtown, All Water serves up seafood with theatrical flair. My business lunch here turned memorable when the server brought out the seafood tower—a multi-tiered monument of ice supporting jewel-like oysters, prawns, and crab legs.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the sophisticated space with natural light, making the polished copper and navy blue décor gleam. The kitchen excels at balancing classic techniques with modern sensibilities.

Their cioppino deserves special praise—a tomato-rich stew loaded with local fish, clams, and mussels. The bread service features seaweed butter that I’ve unsuccessfully tried to recreate at home multiple times. For downtown power lunches or pre-theater dinners, All Water delivers consistently impressive seafood without stuffiness.

7. Westward

Arriving by kayak to Westward remains my most quintessential Seattle dining memory. This waterfront gem on Lake Union features Adirondack chairs facing the water where you can slurp oysters while watching seaplanes land against the city skyline.

The Mediterranean-meets-Northwest menu celebrates seafood in delightfully unexpected ways. Their wood-fired whole fish comes topped with herbs grown in the restaurant’s garden, while the octopus bolognese somehow makes perfect sense despite sounding odd.

The nautical-themed interior feels like stepping onto a stylish boat, complete with ship lanterns and rope accents. Brunch here is particularly magical—their smoked fish plate paired with a Bloody Mary garnished with pickled vegetables and a prawn makes weekend mornings something to anticipate all week long.

8. The Walrus And The Carpenter

Stepping into this Ballard oyster bar feels like discovering a secret maritime clubhouse. Named after the Lewis Carroll poem, the whimsical space features white tile, a marble bar, and twinkling lights that create magic even on Seattle’s grayest evenings.

My first date with my now-husband happened here, we bonded over tallying oyster shells and debating which varietals had the perfect brine. Beyond bivalves, don’t miss their steak tartare topped with an oyster emulsion or the maple-glazed carrots that somehow hold their own among seafood superstars.

Owner Renee Erickson has created something special, a place that feels both special occasion-worthy and comfortable enough for Tuesday night dinner. No reservations means you’ll wait, but the anticipation only makes those first slurps more satisfying.

9. Duke’s Seafood

“Sustainable seafood only!” has been Duke’s battle cry since long before it became trendy. My grandparents took me to the original location as a kid, and I’ve watched them expand to multiple spots while maintaining fanatical quality control.

Their award-winning clam chowder—loaded with bacon and potato in a creamy base—has remained unchanged for decades because perfection needs no improvement. The “Crab Un-Cake” ditches fillers for pure Dungeness held together with minimal ingredients, letting the sweet meat shine.

Duke’s now operates Seattle locations in South Lake Union and Green Lake, after closing its longtime Alki spot in 2025. The lakeside setting offers stunning views, while other locations provide perfect pre-game or weeknight dining.