Nestled between the sparkling waters of Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, Seattle, WA, offers a stunning and dynamic environment that is both urban and deeply connected to nature. The Emerald City is renowned for its signature skyline featuring the Space Needle, which stands against a breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains and expansive evergreen forests. From almost anywhere in the city, residents are treated to striking views of both the snow-capped Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges and the distant, iconic peak of Mount Rainier. Seattle is not only defined by its natural and urban beauty, but also by its extensive infrastructure and residential spaces. Bridges like the ones spanning Lake Washington connect bustling neighborhoods of varying sizes and architectural styles, showcasing the city's blend of density and space. In fact, an eastward view across Mercer Island, where large multi-story homes dot the waterfront and traffic moves along the I-90 floating bridge, illustrates this interplay between serene natural settings and the flow of city life.
Canlis - Seattle’s most iconic fine-dining destination. Perched above Lake Union in a mid-century modern landmark, it offers a world-class prix fixe menu, an legendary wine cellar, and a formal but increasingly creative atmosphere.
Spinasse - Located in Capitol Hill, this intimate Italian restaurant is renowned for its handmade pasta. It specializes in the traditional flavors of the Piedmont region, with the "Tajarin con burro e salvia" (fine hand-cut pasta with butter and sage) serving as a city-wide favorite.
Sushi Kashiba - Helmed by the legendary Chef Shiro Kashiba (a protégé of Jiro Ono), this Pike Place Market institution is widely considered the gold standard for sushi in the Pacific Northwest, particularly for its traditional omakase experience.
The Walrus and the Carpenter - A buzzy, nautical-chic oyster bar in Ballard that captures the spirit of the city. It focuses on incredibly fresh local shellfish, small plates, and expertly paired wines and cocktails.
Archipelago - A deeply personal and progressive Filipino-American dining experience. This Hillman City gem uses hyper-local ingredients (sourced within 360 miles) to tell the story of Filipino history in the Pacific Northwest through a multi-course tasting menu.
Altura - An elegant Capitol Hill destination for seasonal Italian-influenced fine dining. Altura is known for its exquisite tasting menus that highlight the best of the season's harvest with artistic precision.
Kamonegi - Chef Mutsuko Soma’s Fremont restaurant is a masterclass in soba. The buckwheat noodles are handcrafted daily and served alongside some of the most creative tempura and Japanese small plates in the country.
Communion - A "Seattle Soul" restaurant in the Central District that has become one of the hardest reservations to get in the city. Chef Kristi Brown blends Southern comfort food with local Asian and PNW influences to create a communal, vibrant dining experience.
Lark - Chef John Sundstrom’s award-winning restaurant is a pillar of the Seattle food scene. Lark offers a sophisticated New American menu in a stunning, high-ceilinged space, focusing on artisan-produced, seasonal ingredients.
Metropolitan Grill - Often referred to simply as "The Met," this is Seattle's premier classic steakhouse. Located in a historic downtown building, it is famous for its custom dry-aged steaks, tuxedoed servers, and old-school mahogany bar.