As Seattle's only true waterfront hotel, The Edgewater Hotel dazzles with its picture-perfect location overlooking Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. At this rustic-meets-modern lodge where roughly half of the hotel's 223 rooms offer stunning Bay views (the remainder face the iconic skyline), guests enjoy the Pacific Northwest-inspired decor and spectacular on-site dining at Six Seven, where patrons savor scrumptious fare inside or out. Aside from sensational panoramic views in the light-filled dining room, Six Seven visitors find teal booths, funky wood panel walls, subtly elegant chandeliers, a central stone fireplace and faux-industrial tree fixtures that bring a whimsical bent to a classy space. Savor outstanding options like the lox or "Seasonal Farm Fresh Omelet" at breakfast time; later indulge in the "Roast Penn Cove Mussels," breading-less crab cakes, cedar plank salmon and, a must-try, the gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon, adorned with forager mushroom ragout, asparagus, potato crisp and natural jus.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: At Seattle's only true waterfront hotel (The Edgewater Hotel), Six Seven dazzles with its picture-perfect waterfront location and outstanding regional fare.
Corinne's expert tip: Guests will enjoy a locally-sourced wine list as well as happy hour that takes place Sunday to Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music in the lounge Friday and Saturday nights.
As the name suggests, this cozy Belltown outpost is a sustainable restaurant and food producer that fiercely promotes local sourcing. At this popular eatery based in the heart of downtown (at the corner of 1st and Bell), chefs make beautiful, flavorful dishes with fresh and seasonal ingredients, the majority of which come from within a 360-mile radius of Seattle. Restaurant staff members say, "We believe that local produce, mea, and grains are more than mere vehicles for nutrients, but vital parts of the intricate system that supports our environment and the good folks who live here." Start with the deviled eggs, PB&J bon bons or a delectable beet salad, before tucking into heartier dishes like braised rabbit leg and vegetable ragout, smoked pork shank or heirloom farro with sugar pumpkin, mascarpone and mushrooms.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: This warm and inviting Belltown outpost is a sustainable restaurant and food producer that fiercely promotes local sourcing.
Corinne's expert tip: Call (206) 441-9360 of reservations, or book using Yelp Reservations. For special events, consider booking the Chef's Table experience, designed with "casual farmhouse elegance" in mind.
Ivar's recently unveiled a massive transformation at its flagship location on Pier 54, located on Seattle's waterfront overlooking Elliott Bay. The stunning remodel, the biggest in the storied eatery's 77-year history, means expanded indoor dining space, a brand-new outdoor patio, enhanced state-of-the-art kitchen and a completely refreshed interior that pays homage to the iconic restaurant's roots. If you prefer dining alfresco, enjoy a meal on the picture-perfect patio deck, while taking in the sights and sounds of Elliott Bay. To satisfy your craving for Northwest seafood, Ivar's chefs have created award-winning preparations to reflect the season's bounty, yet they continue to showcase Ivar Haglund's world-famous original recipes. Choose between dishes that feature wild Alaska salmon, deep-water halibut, Alaska King Crab, Dungeness Crab, jumbo prawns, manila clams and weathervane scallops, to name a few of the eatery's fresh, regional delights.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Ivar's recently unveiled a massive transformation at its flagship location on Pier 54, featuring an expansive new patio; also, the seafood-centric menu continues to shine.
Corinne's expert tip: Also, located on the street fronting the restaurant, the Fish Bar offers take-out service and casual outdoor dining until 11 p.m.
A bright, open space with sculptural lighting and barrel-backed chairs invites guests to check out great views and a wonderful, seafood-based menu. Although options change depending on what's fresh, you may find oven-roasted Manila clams to start or Northwest oysters served with grapefruit tequila sorbet. Main courses include lobster risotto, Thai seafood stew and sesame-seared sea bass. If you prefer meat, there's 28-day dry-aged Niman Ranch All-Natural Prime Certified Angus Beef® and custom-aged Certified Angus Beef® Tenderloin Filets, personally selected by John Tarpoff. Vegetarians are pleased by plank-roasted vegetables, and desserts are eminently rich and satisfying no matter what you choose. In the mood for some music? Live piano music is a nightly treat from 6 p.m on.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Aqua by El Gaucho, "Seattle's quintessential waterfront fine-dining waterfront experience," features a bright, open space in a sensational setting and innovative takes on seafood classics.
Corinne's expert tip: On a clear day, views of the Olympic Mountains across Elliot Bay are unbeatable, especially from the deck. Passing ferries and other maritime activity prove a perfect backdrop to an unforgettable meal, and sunsets from this vantage are spectacular, too. (Valet parking available.)
Boasting great views (of the stunning skyline and the enthralling waterfront) and an expansive dining area with several distinct venues, this branch of the Anthony's chain is inviting and bright. It also offers outdoor dining when the weather cooperates. The menu features a cornucopia of fresh, well-prepared Northwestern seafood. Among the dishes you'll find are lobster, salmon, Dungeness crab cakes, coconut prawns and Alaskan halibut. The restaurant also has a good selection of desserts, and cheesecake rates especially high on the list. (Also find in this multi-tiered building: Anthony's Bell St. Diner and Anthony's Fish Bar.) Anyone up for some seafood restaurant-hopping?
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Anthony's Pier 66 features fresh Northwest seafood in a contemporary and sophisticated waterfront setting.
Corinne's expert tip: Anthony's Pier 66 offers complimentary validated parking in the Art Institute Parking Garage. (Bring your parking voucher with you for validation.) Valet parking is also available nightly beginning at 4:30 p.m., located on Alaskan Way just north of the restaurant.
This once-tiny restaurant, greatly expanded in 2007, offers incredible views of the Market and the Puget Sound, courtesy of huge, semicircular windows. Flawless seafood is the name of the game, and it's collected fresh from vendors below. Oyster sandwiches, often eaten at the counter, are much-coveted at lunch, and dinner calls forth such delicacies as tortilla-crusted Alaskan halibut, pan-roasted wild salmon and mussels steamed with chorizo, charmoula and cava. In the evenings, the atmosphere is candlelit and romantic, although tables are at a premium. Don't leave without decadent desserts that create a perfect ending to a fantastic meal; choose between delights like the Candy Bar Square and Ginger Citrus Bread Pudding.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Matt's in the Market offers elevated fare in more way than one; enjoy regionally-sourced dishes while overlooking the bustling PIke Place Market scene below.
John's expert tip: For the most simple and authentic local lunch, get a grilled salmon sandwich, a portion of smoky, delicious pure protein and omegas tucked gently between a flaky bun.
True to its handle, this waterfront establishment (at Pier 56) has long been serving up spectacular views of bustling Elliott Bay along with delicious oysters (more than 30 varieties). The interior is cozy enough to accommodate lots of folks, especially if a laid-back, casual meal is on the slate, but patio dining is the place to be when the sun's shining . If you're on your own, sidle up to the 21-foot oyster bar for convivial dining. Menu highlights include the aforementioned oysters (prepared just about any way imaginable), crab, lobster and more. The venue also boasts an excellent wine list, local brews and a highly desirable happy hour menu. Since sustainability is particularly important to the owners, Elliott's works with local oyster growers and fishery partners who share a commitment to preserving the planet.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Elliott's Oyster House lures diners to Pier 56 with its spectacular waterfront views and fresh seafood. While oysters star, check other delights, too!
Corinne's expert tip: The popular "Progressive Happy Hour" happens Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the lounge--meaning freshly shucked oysters on the half--shell that start at just 75 cents a piece at 3 p.m.
In Belltown, Ethan Stowell has done it once again by wowing diners at his Italian gem Tavol?ta. Here, pasta reigns--from rigatoni to casarecce, conchiglie to linguini. A restaurant whose name means "to gather around a table," Tavol?ta is an ideal space for large parties and private events. Monthly Sunday Feast dinners mean four-course family meals served at the communal table (that seats up to 26 diners), perfectly embodying the venue's philosophy. Enjoy nightly happy hours (from 5 to 7 p.m.) as well as dishes like brushcetta and salumi boards to start, rigatoni and potato gnocchi for pasta dishes, salmon and beef short ribs as entrees and grilled carrots as a side.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Ethan Stowell's Tavolata in Belltown means divine Italian fare in an industrial-chic setting. Arrive hungry, so you can fully indulge!
Corinne's expert tip: Enjoy the monthly Sunday Feast, a four-course family meal served at the tavol?ta (communal table) where seating is limited to 26 diners.
Funky and hip, this recently refreshed Italian eatery features rustic food and boasts live entertainment in the adjacent lounge. The interior has a certain bohemian charm, but the best area to dine is on the rooftop deck, which affords a magnificent view of Puget Sound. To start a meal, begin with bruschetta or the antipasto plate of savory morsels. Entrees include Tuscan grilled chicken, gnocchi with wild mushrooms, roasted pork loin and Muscovy duck. You'll find a range of pastas; also look for a daily risotto special that's usually a great bet! Comforting desserts include such fare as "Chocolate Ooey-Gooey" and apple-hazelnut cake.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: The Pink Door is a funky and hip Italian eatery in the heart of Pike Place Market with delicious rustic food (think Tuscan).
Corinne's expert tip: In nice weather, try to score a table on the rooftop deck for fantastic views of the Puget Sound! Due to the intimacy of the restaurant, they are typically only able to accommodate parties of 10 or less for reservations.
At the Alexis Hotel, just off downtown's Madison Street and close to Pioneer Square, the cozy yet hip Bookstore Bar & Cafe stocks its shelves with impressive reading material and an extensive stash of Scotches, bourbons and whiskies. Executive Chef Eric Rivera sends out delectable, locally-fueled dishes. "It's an exploration of the whole flavor spectrum, where you can go from sweet to savory to sour in one bite," he explains. "We have all these great local ingredients at our disposal, and we'll be highlighting flavors of the Pacific Northwest — but in a way that will feel fresh and new to locals and visitors alike." Highlights range from weekday breakfast spreads and weekend brunch to a coveted happy hour (daily from 3 to 5 p.m.).
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: The Bookstore Bar & Cafe means regionally-sourced fare with inventive twists in a cozy, friendly atmosphere; the shelves are stocked with Scotches and reading material.
Corinne's expert tip: Happy hour (daily from 3 to 5 p.m.) features delicious bites like beef jerky chips, savory pancakes, vegetable tempura and "Craboyaki." In some cases, the dining experience here becomes interactive as chefs prepare and serve courses tableside, which Executive Chef Eric Rivera describes as a chance for guests to see "sleight of hand magic" first-hand.