13 Famous Foods in Seattle & Best Places To Get Them!

What food is Seattle known for? The city’s culinary scene is most famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, particularly its world-renowned salmon and oysters.

However, Seattle's food offerings go far beyond seafood. The city also boasts unique specialties like Seattle-style hot dogs, delicious teriyaki, and even cherries that will make your heart skip a beat—in a good way!

Though smaller than cities like New York or San Francisco, Seattle is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to its food scene.

Seattle's diverse dining options are spread out across the city—from downtown’s Chinatown-International District to Columbia City to Capitol Hill and beyond. This is great for foodies looking to explore a bit of Seattle’s neighborhoods while knowing that delicious eateries will always be close by.

One of the best aspects of Seattle’s food scene is that you can taste a variety of cuisines from around the world without leaving the city limits. Whether you’re joining a Seattle food tour or navigating the city on your own, this guide will point you to Seattle’s must-try dishes and the best places to have them!

13 Famous Foods in Seattle & Where To Get Them

1. Salmon

The most famous salmon Seattle is known for is thrown daily at Pike’s Place Market.

Seattle’s reputation as a seafood haven is largely due to its access to amazingly fresh and flavorful wild-caught salmon. For a truly authentic Seattle salmon experience, head to Pike Place Market. This is not only the most famous market in Seattle, it is also one of the most famous food places in Seattle.

There you’ll find the market’s fishmongers skillfully throwing, catching, and packaging raw salmon in the course of providing the city’s freshest catch to seafood-loving customers. This flying-fish ritual is one of the most fun sights to witness in Seattle, and even more so if you are the one taking the fish home!

Where is the best place to try salmon in Seattle?

The Pink Door is known among locals as the best spot in town to order salmon because of its delicious taste and delicate preparation. For a more casual way to enjoy this famous food in Seattle, I recommend sampling the salmon from Pike Place Fish Market.

2. Pho

On a cold and rainy day, there’s no better food in Seattle than pho.

Seattle’s large Vietnamese community has made pho a beloved local dish. It’s arguably the second most popular food in the city behind salmon.

In my opinion, this Vietnamese noodle soup made with a deeply savory bone broth, thinly sliced meat, rice noodles, aromatic herbs, and flavorful garnishes is perfect for those sometimes gloomy Seattle days. It beats out even the best chicken noodle soup in the city.

Where is the best place to try pho in Seattle?

It may come as a surprise to many that the quality of pho in Seattle can rival that of the best pho in Hanoi or the best pho in Saigon, but that’s how much the hometown Vietnamese culinary scene has evolved.

Some of the best pho in Seattle can be had at Pho Bac Sup Shop in the International District. Their especially rich, flavor-packed broth and tender slices of beef make their pho a standout Seattle famous food.

3. Seattle Dog

One of the newest famous Seattle foods, the Seattle Dog

Although not as well known as the Chicago Dog, as exotic as an Alaska Reindeer Dog, as complex as a North Carolina Dog, or as big as Washington, D.C.’s half-smoke, the Seattle Dog has a unique twist all its own.

It starts out like a standard hot dog, but then it gets doctored up with cream cheese and grilled onions! Voila, there’s your Seattle Dog! It’s definitely one of the must-eat famous Seattle foods to try when visiting the Emerald City.

OK, it may not be for everyone, but the Seattle Dog is a low-risk, high-reward Seattle signature food worth checking out during your visit!

The Seattle Dog originated back in the 1980s to meet the late-night demand for street food in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle. It became increasingly popular throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, until it ultimately became one of the most famous foods in Seattle!

Where is the best place to try a Seattle Dog in Seattle?

Arguably the best place to try a Seattle Dog is at any late-night street food stand in Capitol Hill, or outside of one of Seattle’s major stadiums before or after a game.

The Seattle Dog and where it can be found haven’t changed that much in the last 30 years. It’s still adored by late-night partiers, sports fanatics, and concertgoers in the downtown core.

One of the great spots for a daytime option is The Frankfurter on the downtown waterfront, less than a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market.

Simply order a “Seattle-style” dog, grab an outside table, and enjoy this famous food Seattle loves while looking out onto Elliot Bay.

4. Rainier Cherries

Rainier cherries are one of my favorite Seattle treats.

These sweet, juicy cherries are an absolute delight, and they are one of the most beloved treats on this list of Seattle specialties.

It’s interesting that, as was the case when Oregon scientists developed Oregon’s marionberry to grow in the specific conditions of the Beaver State, scientists at Washington State University developed the deliciously unique Rainier cherry to thrive in Washington’s soils and climate. To spotlight its connection to Washington, the new cherry was named in honor of Mount Rainier, Washington’s highest mountain.

This succulent fruit with its telltale yellow and red skin and yellow flesh was developed in 1952, and the premium cherry has been a local favorite ever since.

Pike Place Market is the best place to find fresh Rainier cherries, especially during peak cherry season (usually during June and July). Local vendors offer these cherries at their stands, allowing you to sample them before buying this famous Seattle food!

If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, I highly recommend picking up some of these cherries beforehand to enjoy during your journey!

Where is the best place to try Rainier Cherries in Seattle?

Head over to Pike Place Market and look for a produce booth or stall. Your eyes will likely take in an abundance of other fresh fruit before you spot the cherries among the piles of delicious offerings, but rest assured that this is where you’ll find some of the freshest cherries in all of Seattle!

5. Sushi

With all of the fresh seafood Seattle is known for, it’s not surprising that you’ll find lots of great sushi.

With its remarkable access to fresh seafood, it’s no wonder that Seattle boasts a thriving sushi scene. There is an abundance of sushi restaurants and sushi bars throughout the city, so you’re sure to never be short on options to enjoy this famous food of Japan. However, there are definitely a few sushi spots that outshine the rest.

Where is the best place for sushi in Seattle?

For an elevated fine-dining experience, Sushi Kashiba is a top choice for sushi lovers. And that’s not only because the owner, Chef Shiro Kashiba, opened Seattle’s first sushi bar back in 1970. It’s also because of the expertly crafted sushi rolls and incredibly high-quality local ingredients featured here.

Sushi Kashiba is also renowned as one of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle because its omakase experience is particularly refined, featuring an impressive array of seasonal and exquisite sushi options.

For a more casual experience, head to Umi Sake House for happy hour. It’s the perfect place to get a few sushi rolls of your choice paired perfectly with the house-recommended sakes. My personal favorite is the bad boy roll, a sushi roll made with eel, crab, avocado and cream cheese!

I also adore Kamakura for its sushi. This popular restaurant is located in the Fremont neighborhood just outside of the downtown core. It’s absolutely worth the short trip on the bus or via Lyft or Uber.

6. Clam Chowder

For seafood lovers, creamy clam chowder is a must-try Seattle food.

In the same way you can’t imagine a list of famous San Francisco foods or famous Boston foods without the celebrated local clam chowder, Seattle’s list of famous foods must include the beloved version of its hometown clam chowder.

Seattle’s clam chowder is a creamy, comforting dish that has long been a local favorite and famous food in Seattle, Washington. There are a few varieties of clam chowder served in Seattle, but the most popular is from Ivar’s Acres of Clams, located on Pier 54 along the Seattle waterfront.

Ivar’s is famous for its rich and flavorful clam chowder, and its location right on Elliott Bay makes for the perfect spot to indulge in this Seattle specialty!

Where is the best place for clam chowder in Seattle?

Aside from Ivar’s clam chowder, another great contender is a bowl of hot clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder! The clam chowders at both of these spots are worth trying during your visit to Seattle.

In fact, since clam chowder is without a doubt one of the most famous foods in Seattle, I highly recommend trying some from a couple different places so that you can decide for yourself who makes the best chowder in the city.

7. Teriyaki

Trying salmon teriyaki takes care of two foods Seattle is known for with one dish.

Seattle’s version of teriyaki is a sweet and savory delight, with a distinctive local twist. It departs from the traditional Japanese style of teriyaki by incorporating garlic and ginger into the teriyaki sauce in an overnight marinade. It’s truly one of my favorite dishes to get in Seattle!

Where is the best place for teriyaki in Seattle?

Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill is a great place to experience this popular dish featuring flavorful grilled meats with a delicious teriyaki glaze. The teriyaki chicken and beef are particularly noteworthy.

It was Japanese immigrant Toshi Kasahara who opened Toshi’s in 1976, making it the first teriyaki shop in Seattle. Furthermore, it was his marinade that gave birth to the unique flavor mixture that became part of the Seattle signature style.

When the new taste sensation burst onto the scene, it ignited the local interest in teriyaki that led to it becoming a food Seattle is famous for.

Today, Toshi's Teriyaki is a beloved Seattle institution, and it absolutely deserves a visit while you’re in Seattle.

8. Banh Mi

Looking for a delicious lunch in Seattle? Banh mi is an incredibly tasty option.

The Seattle food scene includes a rich variety of Vietnamese cuisine, and banh mi sandwiches are a highlight.

Banh mi is a short baguette with a thin crust and a fluffy texture, often split like a hot dog bun and filled with meat and other savory ingredients. Today in Seattle—like in Hanoi and Saigon—you can also find banh mi with salmon or other fish.

Where is the best place to try banh mi in Seattle?

Saigon Drip Cafe in Seattle’s Pioneer Square serves up some of the best banh mi in the city, featuring crispy baguettes filled with delicious meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. If you’re aiming to try some of Seattle’s most famous foods, a stop at Saigon Drip Cafe for a banh mi is essential.

9. Oysters

Fresh oysters from the Puget Sound should not be missed during your Seattle stay!

Seattle is renowned for its fresh oysters, especially those that come from the Puget Sound. It can even be argued that oysters in Seattle are some of the best oysters in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Because of the cooler waters present near Seattle year round, you’re able to get the freshest oysters no matter when you’re planning a visit to Seattle.

Where is the best place to try oysters in Seattle?

For a top-notch oyster experience, head to The Walrus and the Carpenter in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, known for its selection of raw oysters served with classic accompaniments. The casual yet refined atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy these briny delicacies.

Another popular spot is Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. This oyster bar is perfectly situated across the street from the Space Needle, Seattle Center, and Climate Pledge Arena.

Taylor Shellfish Farms supplies the oysters for the Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar: They’ve been farming oysters since the 1890s in the waters of the Puget Sound!

If you’re headed toward Bainbridge Island, don’t miss the oyster plate at Café Hitchcock when it’s available. The oysters are delicious and beautifully presented.

However, this dish is usually served only as a special, so it isn’t on the permanent menu. I recommend calling Café Hitchcock ahead of your visit to check if the restaurant is planning to have oysters available during your stay!

10. Poke

Poke is another popular food in Seattle that is widely available.

Although originating in Hawaii and still one of the favorite foods of Honolulu and the other most visited destinations within the Aloha State, poke is now also one of the most popular foods in Seattle, Washington, and throughout the PNW. If you haven’t tried poke yet, it’s a dish featuring raw fish and a variety of toppings, and it’s pretty delicious!

Because of how popular this fish dish is in Seattle, there are now a ton of restaurants, stalls, and food trucks that offer a customizable poke bowl experience with fresh fish and an array of delicious toppings. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal.

Where is the best place to try poke in Seattle?

My favorite poke spot in Seattle is Wild Fish Poke, located in Pike Place Market. The ingredients at this food stall are extremely high quality, and the staff is very friendly. They also allow guests to customize their bowls with toppings of their choosing, making it a great spot for both poke fanatics and those entirely new to poke!

11. Dutch Baby at Tilikum Place

For me, the no-frills classic Dutch Baby is the way to go.

Nothing beats a delicious Dutch Baby on a cloudy morning in Seattle. If you’ve never heard of this iconic Seattle dish, you’re in for a treat!

No, it’s obviously not a small Dutch child as the name of the dish suggests. Rather, it's a gooey baked pancake that can be customized to fit a savory palate or a sweet palate. Or, you can simply order it the classic way: with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and maple syrup.

Where is the best place to find Dutch Babies in Seattle?

Hands-down the best place to try a Dutch Baby in Seattle is at Tilikum Place Café in the Belltown neighborhood. This joint is close to the Space Needle and the downtown core, making it a great breakfast spot at which to enjoy this Seattle specialty food before taking in the sights of the city!

12. Coffee or Espresso

Sample a few brews to experience the coffee culture that Seattle is known for.

While not technically a food item, I couldn’t write a post addressing the question, “What is Seattle known for?” without mentioning coffee. Coffeehouses and coffeehouse culture more broadly are huge in Seattle.

The original Starbucks opened in Seattle way back in 1971, and this turned out to be a landmark event that closely tied the city’s persona to the caffeinated beverage. The link continues to this day.

Where is the best place to order coffee in Seattle?

This is a very complicated, weighty question, and you’re likely to get different answers depending on who you ask and how you ask it.

Overall, I’d argue that Espresso Vivace and Anchorhead Coffee serve up some of the best coffee in Seattle. However, any local coffee stand or pop-up is sure to serve a mean cup o’ Joe that will surely fuel you up for exploring all of Seattle’s attractions.

Just as there is no shortage of things to do in Seattle, there is certainly no shortage of coffee shops in this city!

13. Mac and Cheese

It may not be a Seattle original, but it’s certainly one of the foods Seattle locals love.

Did you know that the first version of mac and cheese in the United States was made by President Thomas Jefferson’s chef and became one of the famous foods of Virginia before spreading across America? Well, Seattle has its own mac and cheese claim to fame.

While the city isn’t necessarily known for mac and cheese in general, there is one specific mac and cheese dish that routinely wins awards for the best mac and cheese in the world! The restaurant serving this dish has put Seattle’s mac and cheese on the map, making it worth mentioning in this list of Seattle’s famous foods!

Where is the best place to get Seattle’s famous mac and cheese?

Without a doubt, the best mac and cheese in Seattle can be found at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Pike Place Market. Their flagship mac and cheese dish is consistently rated as the World’s Best Mac & Cheese and wins awards every year.

This delicious, gooey penne pasta mac and cheese is truly what dreams are made of. If you miss it while you’re exploring downtown Seattle, you’ll have one last chance to grab a bowl of this legendary mac and cheese at Concourse N near Gate 11 while you’re waiting at Sea-Tac Airport for your flight home!

Enjoy the food Seattle is known for

I hope that you’ve found this roundup of Seattle's famous foods and the best restaurants at which to find them helpful. I urge you to come to this amazing city filled with tons of interesting things to do and sample as many Seattle specialty foods as you can while enjoying all the city has to offer.

There is definitely plenty of delicious Seattle food to be found throughout the city. And, because must-try restaurants in Seattle don’t all cluster in the same neighborhood, you’ll be able to easily find foods Seattle is known for no matter what parts of town you explore.

Whatever you’re looking to experience in the Emerald City, you can be confident that there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.

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