Introducing a new segment where I talk about some of my favorite restaurants in specific cities. I’ll try and add a variety of restaurants so there isn’t one specific type of cuisine showing more than the rest. If I can remember certain dishes, I’ll definitely try and include those as well. Hopefully, inspire you to travel and eat at some of these fantastic restaurants. It seemed only fitting to start with the city that started this blog and my need to try new restaurants. Here are my top 10 restaurants in Seattle’s surrounding area (with an honorary mention at the bottom) in no particular order.
1. Blu Water Bistro in Leschi neighborhood
I say in no particular but that is a lie as this is probably my top 5 restaurants in the world. It is a restaurant I would take anyone to if they were visiting Seattle. Blu Water is a hidden gem in my opinion. You’ll most likely only see locals there as it isn’t the first place people will look when they’re visiting the Emerald City. It’s relatively affordable and the perfect place to take the whole family or have a quiet date night. Located in the Leschi neighborhood along Lake Washington, it’s a great place to watch the sunset happen. With portable heat lamps, you can eat outside year around. Plus they have a rotating menu so there is always something new to check out. Some of my favorite dishes that I’ve had are their Baked Bree, French Onion Soup, Parmesan Crusted Rockfish, Bluwater Burger, and their Dungeness Crab Mac & Cheese. This place is a must-try and one of the few restaurants I make sure to hit every time I come back to Seattle.
2. Tavern Hall in Bellevue neighborhood
Tavern Hall was one of my favorite places to go on game day and just enjoy some good pub food. Located in the Bellevue Mall, it’s not your typical mall restaurant in my opinion. Mall food is always blah but this would be a place I would go back to whenever I was craving classic American cuisine. Their cocktails were delicious and they had plenty of TVs to watch your favorite team. The back area has multiple shuffleboards if you’re looking for an activity to get the whole crew together. Some of my favorites are their Hearth-baked Pretzels, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Black Bean burger, and their Fish & Chips.
3. Taco Chukis in Capital Hill neighborhood
Man, I miss Taco Chukis. Taco Chukis offered the cheapness of Taco Bell but the flavor and freshness of a high-end taqueria. With multiple locations throughout Seattle, it was the perfect, affordable lunch place. One of my favorite things about Taco Chukis was they would use ingredients I wouldn’t often find in other taco joints but they made it oh so delicious. Some of my favorites are the Torta Asada, Nopal Asado Adobada, Mulita Pollo, and Taco Adobada.
4. Kathakali in Kirkland neighborhood
A gem of a restaurant that I wished I found sooner. It opened my eyes (and tastebuds) to Indian cuisine and I have not turned back since. This isn’t the typical Seattle tourist restaurant. It’s very much a place where you will find locals enjoying a nice meal. It’s the kind of place that you can try and Google what the food may be, but it comes out looking and tasting so much better that what it looks like online. Some of my favorites when I visited were the White Truffle Oil Masala Dosa, Paneer Butter Masala, and of course their house Naan.
5. Jack’s BBQ in SoDo neighborhood
Jack’s was one of my favorite places to grab lunch around my office in the SoDo neighborhood. BBQ always reminds me of home, so always found myself at Jack’s when I was feeling extra homesick. Their meats were always delicious and their sides could’ve been eaten by the pound. Plus a little secret menu item is they have some amazing breakfast tacos. Have to have your order in before the morning that you want them, but they are well worth it. Some of my favorite items from Jack’s are their Buttermilk Hushpuppies, Brisket, and Savory Ranch Beans.
6. Elemental Pizza in University Village
Wood Fire Pizzas have my heart. They are the superior pizza. Yes, I did in fact say that and I will stand by those beliefs. They come in so many amazing topping flavors and that slightly crispy crust. Mmm Mmm Mmm. Elemental Pizza is located in my favorite mall in Seattle if not my favorite mall in the United States. So for me, it was a win-win situation. Some of my favorites are their Quattro Formaggi Pizza, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Roasted Beet Salad, and of course the Burrata.
7. Cactus in Madison Park neighborhood
Cactus was one of those restaurants where when I wanted to go out but couldn’t think of anything specific I wanted, I ended up at Cactus. It was one of the first places I ate at when I first moved out there, so it has a slightly nostalgic feeling towards it. Plus they make some killer margaritas. With multiple locations throughout the Seattle area, it’s easy to find yourself there for a Taco Tuesday. Some of my favorites are their Austin Style Guacamole, Roasted Corn Quesadilla, Baja Fish Tacos, and the Chimayo Enchiladas.
8. Doc’s Marina Grill in Bainbridge Island
Whenever I had guests visiting from out of town, one of my favorite half-day adventures was taking the ferry over to Bainbridge and going to Doc’s for some food. It’s the place I would go if I wanted some good seafood at an affordable cost. Located right on the Marina, it was the perfect place to end up after taking a walk along the island. It screams comfort. Some of my favorite dishes are their Clam Chowder (probably the best I’ve ever had), Sea Food Mac & Cheese, Impossible Burger, and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich.
9. BeachHouse in Kirkland neighborhood
BeachHouse was another restaurant I wished I had found sooner. Located on the Eastern side of Lake Washington, it’s one of the best places to grab a bite to eat and watch a beautiful sunset. With trails for biking and walking all around it, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite while taking in the natural beauty of Washington. Some of my favorites are their Brussel Sprouts, Teriyaki Chicken Sesame Salad, Paella, and the Kalbi Braised Short Rib.
10. Sumo Express in Capital Hil neighborhood
Sumo Express was my go-to carryout/delivery place. I found it on accident when I was just looking for some chicken teriyaki and instantly became obsessed. Though I never ate at the restaurant in person, I can vouch that their delivery definitely held up. It’s not always easy to have your delivery food taste as amazing as when you eat in the restaurant, but I dare to say that Sumo Express was able to do so. Some of my favorites are their Pork Gyoza, Dragon Roll, Japanese Yakisoba, and the Katsu Chicken Bento.
11. (Honorary Mention) Infinite Soups in Tacoma and Sultan Bakery in Sultan
Wouldn’t be one of my posts if I didn’t completely ignore the topic of only picking 10 restaurants and decided to add extras. Now, these are getting honorary mentions because they are outside of the Seattle boundaries and would take about an hour from downtown to get to. But they are so worth it. Infinite Soups is this hole-in-the-wall soup store that may sell some of the best soups you will ever have. With a rotating daily menu that only gets announced the morning of on their Facebook page, there is always a new type to try and you will never get bored with it. Better to go early as they sell out every day. Sultan Bakery is another little shop that you can easily pass and wouldn’t know existed. Anytime I found myself heading East toward Leavenworth, I made sure to make a stop. Amazing pastries that will have you dreaming about it months later.
Thank you for checking out this post! I hope you enjoyed it! If you check out any of these restaurants please let me know! Would love to hear your thoughts. What city should I write about next?
Until Next Time, The Library Abroad
The Library Abroad 
Leave a comment