Seattle may have something of a slacker reputation, but its burgeoning culinary scene is nothing to scoff at. The restaurants are hip without being tragic; low-profile but increasingly lauded. And menus often hinge on the holy trinity of the sustainable food movement—fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, which in the Northwest means delectable Coho salmon, foraged mushrooms, and artisanal cheeses. 

Whether you're savoring haute cuisine at the Emerald City's latest "it" spot or grabbing a late-night hot dog at the Dante's Inferno cart, you're sure to be in convivial company. Seattleites like to socialize (most bars host happy hour twice daily), and it's not uncommon to find yourself engaged in conversation with anyone from a musician or fisherman to a Microsoft exec.



2325 NW Market Street
206-784-0699

One of Seattle's new tapas restaurants, this tiny, informal haunt has become a favorite of both neighborhood hipsters and Ballard fishermen. Most activity centers around the bar, but seats near the window offer prime people watching. The affordable menu is scrawled on a chalkboard; highlights include sherried mushrooms on toast, deviled eggs, and blue-cheese-stuffed dates. Have Will, the ever-affable bartender, stir up a potent Dark and Stormy or pour one of more than 15 Spanish wines by the glass. Afterwards, you're within close proximity of Historic Ballard and a bevy of bars and venues that host live bands.

Dress: Anything goes
Prices: Inexpensive
Reservations: For larger parties only
Close to: A 10-minute cab ride from downtown hotels

 
2323 2nd Avenue
206-838-8008

This is where food-obsessed locals hang out late and chefs eat on their night off. Sit at the long, industrial bar, or cozy up to the open-air front window with a glass of wine from the 100 percent Italian list. Chef and owner Ethan Stowell (Food & Wine Best New Chef 2008 and owner of How to Cook a Wolf and Union) makes melt-in-your-mouth beef carpaccio that is a requisite prelude to the handmade pastas. (He even grinds his own wheat.)
 
Dress: Stylish
Prices: Moderate
Reservations: Only accepted for parties of six or more
Close to: Andra Hotel
 

2401 2nd Avenue
206-443-9844

Every afternoon, Shiro Kashiba scours Pike Place Market for what he deems the "best fish in town." And each evening a cultlike following of gushing couples and business travelers descends on his Belltown restaurant. His fabled black cod is a luscious and buttery beginning. Seasonally, local geoduck, spot prawns, and smelts from the Hood Canal appear atop perfectly vinegared rice. Preparations are simple and straightforward; don't expect to find trendy rolls with cutesy names. Reserve a spot at the 11-seat sushi bar and submit to the omakase menu. With a sharp knife and a friendly running dialogue (he loves to talk golf), Kashiba takes palates on a tour of tastes, colors, and textures.

Dress: Casual
Prices: Moderate to expensive
Reservations: Highly recommended
Close to: Westin Hotel Seattle

 
1001 East Pike Street
206-325-7711

Comfort reigns supreme at this always-packed neighborhood gastropub, where the clientele includes hardcore beer geeks and a well-heeled cocktail-sipping crowd. Sit at a table near the floor-to-ceiling windows and watch the colorful cast of characters that frequent Pike Street. Or belly up to the bar, where there are more than a dozen beers on tap, plus several by the bottle. Many wines are also available in a half-bottle format. The meat-heavy menu is divided into small and large plates—a few small plates will easily suffice for a meal. Try the Painted Hills beef tartare, wild boar sloppy joe, and the potato gnocchi with rabbit ragout. Quinn's is open until 1 a.m. every night (2 a.m. on weekends) and within walking distance of some of the city's best live-music venues.
 
Dress: Anything goes
Prices: Moderate
Reservations: Not available
Close to: A short cab ride from the Grand Hyatt Seattle

 
2319 East Madison Street
206-302-7874

Locals in the know angle weeks for reservations to watch chef-owner Jason Wilson work culinary magic in the small, open kitchen of Crush. It's an experience geared for savvy palates, but it lacks the pretentiousness of some of Seattle's big-ticket eateries. Reserve a front-row seat at the bar and consider the eight-course tasting menu, a steal for $125 considering the quantity and quality of ingredients. "Chicken-fried" veal sweetbreads riff on a childhood favorite; the tender Wagyu beef is regularly flown in from Japan. More than 25 wines are available by the glass .  

Dress: Stylish
Prices: Expensive
Reservations: Highly recommended
Close to: W Hotel Seattle