In rainy Seattle, you might have to wait for the clouds to clear to take in some of the most epic views while dining, but it’s always worth the wait. When the weather starts to warm and the sun comes out, there is a wide range of beautiful restaurants to dine at where breathtaking views can be enjoyed along with their delicious eats. Those views might include everything from the Cascade and Olympic Mountains to Mount Rainier, the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and even the city skyline itself. From patios for alfresco meals to boathouses, you have some amazing spots to pick from.
The Loupe Lounge
The most famous view that can be enjoyed while dining in Seattle has to be The Loupe Lounge, perched 500 feet above the city with a revolving glass floor. Talk about a romantic thing to do in Seattle! It’s renowned for its showstopping mixology, best enjoyed with a dish from its mouthwatering menu of Pacific Northwest cuisine. Yes, it’s touristy, but you’ll get a 360-degree view over Seattle, the surrounding mountains, and the Puget Sound. It’s definitely worth the visit, especially if you’re here during the warmer months and under clear skies. Dine on high-quality dishes like wagyu beef sliders with hand-cut truffle fries. Complement your meal with tasty locally-grown Washington wine or an artisanal cocktail. If you’re looking for something light, there’s an outstanding charcuterie board selection. Just be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
Canlis
One of the most awarded restaurants in Seattle, Canlis offers mid-century Mad Men vibes and a panoramic view of Lake Union, the cityscape, and the Cascade Mountains. A renowned restaurant here for nearly three-quarters of a century, the menu is focused on Japanese-influenced Pacific Northwest fare. It’s a whole new level of deliciousness that even rivals the stunning views, making it ideal for a special occasion. The downside is that tables are so desirable you’ll need to book your reservation months in advance.
iconiq
iconiq is nestled in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood. Some say there’s no better place to sip sake or a glass of wine than behind a window at iconiq, which showcases views that look out to the Seattle skyline and are perfect for catching a breathtaking sunset. After dark, the twinkling lights of the city set a romantic atmosphere for dining on Japanese-French fusion cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. It’s high-quality fine dining, with summer dishes like chilled corn soup alongside a miso-laced salad or perhaps a juicy ribeye topped with black truffle served on delectable, perfectly cooked scallops.
The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar
Located on the downtown waterfront at Miners Landing on Pier 57, The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar offers chef-driven seafood dishes like smoked salmon, fresh-shucked oysters, crab toast using fresh-baked sourdough bread, and coconut prawns. At Fisherman’s, it’s all about delicacies fresh from the sea and enjoyed in a more casual setting. It sits beneath the Great Wheel, guaranteeing memorable views, and if you don’t have a fear of heights, you can even enjoy your four-course meal while riding the Wheel for a truly fun and unusual thing to do in Seattle.
Ray's Boathouse
One of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle, Ray’s Boathouse offers the quintessential Seattle experience in the Ballard neighborhood along Shishole Bay. It sticks to seafood classics like grilled wild-caught salmon, oysters on the half-shell, pan-fried scallops, and dishes with an Asian flair. What makes it a standout are its jaw-dropping views of the water, mountains, and sunset. If you’re looking for a more casual atmosphere, you can dine upstairs in the cafe while the downstairs is reserved for more upscale dining, complete with an excellent wine list.
Maximilien
Located in the world-famous Pike Place Market, one of the most iconic destinations in Seattle, Maximilien offers a fantastic view of Elliott Bay, the Puget Sound, West Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and spectacular sunsets. You’ll be able to watch the ferries come and go, and even the Seattle Great Wheel as it slowly turns. When the weather is nice, there’s an outdoor deck for alfresco dining on classic French cuisine using local ingredients from the seasonally changing menu, with some signature dishes like Duck Confit.
Aerlume
Aerlume is located near Pike Place Market along the waterfront, providing breathtaking views of Elliott Bay with a small deck for alfresco dining in the summer. It offers fine dining on a seasonal menu that features local ingredients, like Scandinavian-style salmon gravalax and melt-in-your-mouth pork shank from Heritage Berkshire Farms. There are lots of windows inside for enjoying the view on cooler days, along with a fire pit in the middle that provides a cozy atmosphere.
Smith Tower Observatory Bar
The Smith Tower Observatory Bar sits on the 35th floor of a 1914 skyscraper, offering 360-degree views that look out over Downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and out to the Cascades and Olympic Mountains. It has a classy, speakeasy vibe with creative cocktails and a menu of small plates like a refreshing papaya salad, pot stickers, noodle bowls, and charcuterie, along with decadent desserts. Cocktail classes are hosted for small groups too.
Place Pigalle
A romantic eatery in the heart of Seattle’s world-renowned food market, Place Pigalle is one of those hidden gems you’d probably miss if you weren’t looking for it. It offers outdoor and indoor dining in a French bistro-style atmosphere. The summer months are ideal for taking advantage of the patio that overlooks Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Great Wheel, and the architecture of the renowned market. The menu is focused on seasonal fare with local ingredients, including fresh-caught fish and mussels. On a chilly day, many go for the rich onion soup crusted with gruyere.
Six Seven Restaurant
Six Seven Restaurant is an award-winning waterfront restaurant on Pier 57 at the top-rated Seattle hotel with a view, The Edgewater Hotel. On a clear day, expect amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the backdrop. Aside from the panoramic vista, there’s a romantic vibe with special touches like candles and fresh flowers at the tables, a cozy stone fireplace, and sparkling chandeliers, while the menu is focused on dishes that showcase the local bounty of the region using the freshest local ingredients. The clam chowder is famous for being some of the best in the entire city.
Westward
Located at the northern end of Lake Union, Westward is a nautically-styled restaurant where you can even arrive by paddling your kayak right to the door. From the outdoor patio, complete with tables that have heated tents, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of a small beach, the water, and the Seattle skyline, illuminated after dark. It has a casual atmosphere, with the menu focused on New American fare that includes many fresh seafood dishes, including local oysters and seared halibut that can be enjoyed with inventive cocktails and followed up with an amazing dessert.
Marination Ma Kai
Located in West Seattle near Alki Beach, Marination Ma Kai offers a magnificent beachside setting with a view of Elliott Bay and the city skyline from a spacious patio. It sits close to the pedestrian water taxi, which means you can easily reach it after exploring Downtown Seattle. The menu is focused on Hawaiian-Korean fare with some of the most raved-about dishes, including the spicy pork tacos, spam sliders, and the kimchi fried rice bowl. All can be enjoyed with refreshing hibiscus-infused cocktails.
Salty's on Alki Beach
Salty’s on Alki Beach sits perched at the edge of Elliot Bay on Alki Beach in West Seattle in one of the area’s best locations for an awe-inspiring view of the city skyline. It’s also a great location for a beach walk pre- or post-meal, one of the best free things to do in Seattle. If you can get to Salty’s just before dusk, you’ll get to see the sun splash its colors across the bay, reflecting the cityscape, followed by the twinkling lights after dark. The next best time to be here is for brunch, with the restaurant offering a highly raved about Sunday brunch buffet, often ranked the best in the city by locals. Dine on the patio or wrap-around deck on everything from delectable crab, salmon, and eggs benedict to scones and fresh fruit. You’ll need to make reservations in advance to secure an outdoor table, especially on a sunny day.
AQUA by El Gaucho
AQUA by El Gaucho offers one of the finest waterfront dining experiences in Seattle, complete with views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Space Needle. Enjoy the views from the outdoor tables or inside with sculptural lighting in a bright, open space. The menu is seafood-based with an Asian flare and changes based on what’s fresh, but you might find items like oven-roasted Manila clams, grilled Chilean sea bass, Northwest oysters, Thai seafood stew, and lobster risotto. There are dishes that are sure to please vegetarians too.
