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I thought about starting this out by mentioning that the very best part about travel is the opportunity to try new food and explore unique restaurants, but the truth is that it’s one of my favorite parts about life. I have lived in Seattle for a couple years now and still find so much joy in discovering new hype-worthy food spots. After a million saved Instagram posts and countless weekends trying new spots, I have created my personal master list of food recs. For months now, it’s sat in my notes app, just a copy-paste away for friends and family looking for the best bites in Seattle. I figured it was about time to gift the general public the fruits of my efforts. Whether you’re planning a trip this year, recently moved to the city, or have lived here for years and are in search of a great new spot, you’ve come to the right place. These are my 10 favorite food spots in Seattle right now:
1. Taste of India: Located in the University District, this remains my favorite Indian restaurant of all time. It’s the place I compare everything else to. Tucked on the edge of a residential neighborhood, this cozy spot offers mouth-watering eats and bottomless chai. I’ve tried a few different things on the menu and everything is always a hit, although my most frequent order is probably the Egg Curry. There’s a small lot for parking across the street, but if it’s full, you should have no problem finding free street parking in the adjacent neighborhood.
2. Wilmott’s Ghost: This is the place I always bring my friends to when they visit. In my opinion, it’s the restaurant with the most wow-factor. Located inside the Amazon Spheres, this restaurant is situated in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Let’s start with the interior: Bold lighting fixtures and turquoise leather booths set the scene for a modern and colorful dining experience and the globe-like glass dome gives you a front-row seat to the bustling city outside. They serve primarily pizza here, and their Margherita pizza is life-changing. (perhaps the best sauce recipe I’ve ever tried!) Not to mention, it’s just plain fun to cut up your pizza with their provided pair of pizza-cutting scissors! Free parking is available inside Amazon’s Apollo building after 4:00pm on weeknights and all day on weekends.
3. The George: This is another restaurant that sticks out in large part because of the interior. The George is located inside the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Downtown and the decadent decor that the hotel is famous for continues into the restaurant. I’ve only ever visited here for brunch, but never been disappointed and heard only amazing things about their afternoon and evening offerings. This place is perfect if you’re looking for an aesthetic experience on a girl’s trip or a high-end date night. Their menu consists primarily of upscale American breakfast foods as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, and seafood.
4. Reckless Noodles: I truly don’t know a better way to describe this place other than with the words “good vibes.” Located in the Central District, Reckless Noodles houses a warm, soulful, and vibrant atmosphere that always has me coming back for more. Their menu offers delicious Vietnamese dishes ranging from Wok Noodles and Lobster Fried Rice to their popular Curry Vermicelli Bowls. They’re open daily from 4pm-12pm.
5. Moriyama Sushi: I’ve tried a handful of sushi spots in Seattle and this one is my personal favorite! Moriyama is new to the Seattle area, having just opened earlier this year. Everything I’ve tried has tasted so fresh! Not to mention, the service is always spectacular and the people are so kind. Tucked away in the Eastlake neighborhood, they have a small, yet newly renovated dining room where you can enjoy their stunning rolls and more authentic Japanese cuisine!
6. Biang Biang: I’ve only visited here once, but have been dying to go back! Biang Biang specializes in hand-pulled Chinese noodles that are seriously amazing. You can order them either “dry” or in a delicious broth. They also have popular side dishes like fresh rolls and Bao buns and a great drink menu. They’re located on Pike St in Capitol Hill and are well worth the hassle of parking in that area! If you’re visiting Seattle and driving to the restaurant, I would recommend coming in the middle of the weekday as Capitol Hill is famous for their nightmarish parking and you’ll be more likely to find something close by at this time. However, if you don’t mind a short walk, I’ve almost always found an open spot at Cal Anderson park.
7. Off the Rez: What started out as a traveling food truck is now a popular (and permanent) stop on the University of Washington campus. Located inside the Burke Museum, Off the Rez is owned by couple Mark McConnell and Cecilia Rikard and serves up traditional Indian tacos made with Navajo fry bread. Mark’s mother grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation and imparted to Mark a love for Native cuisine, which is what led to the creation of this casual, must-try restaurant.
8. Petit Pierre: This is the recommendation I worked the hardest for. When I first moved to Seattle, in an attempt to get more familiar with the city, I tried a new bakery (and specifically a new croissant) each weekend and spent the following afternoon exploring the neighborhood it was located in. I tested over 30 different bakeries, searching for the best one and Petit Pierre is in my opinion, a landslide winner! They’re located in both Magnolia and Greenwood and home to the best pastries in Seattle. Order the Strawberries and Cream Cruffin if you want to experience pure bliss!
9. Kin Len: It only took us just two days to come back to this place after our first visit! We loved everything that we tried here and the ambiance is so fun! Do yourself the biggest favor in the world and order the Khao Soi! It’s located in Fremont and the best Thai I’ve had here in Seattle!
10. Tacos Chukis: There are a few different locations throughout Seattle, so you’re never too far from some delicious tacos! You literally can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but their steak tacos are my personal favorite! This is a popular local spot so expect to wait 15-30 minutes for your order, depending on the day and time you arrive. I promise it will be worth it though!
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