A Taste of the Pacific Northwest: 5 of the best foodie experiences in Seattle
From farmers markets and delicious street food to award-winning restaurants and fine dining, Seattle is a city that has every taste covered. Creating a lasting imprint on diners, local restaurants pride themselves on having a sense of community deep rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
The city’s close connections to the surrounding coastline place seafood at the forefront of its cuisine while menus also play testament to the innovations of local farmers and producers from across the state. For the very best ways to sample Seattle’s gastronomy scene, check out our top five experiences below.
Get spoilt for choice at Pike Place Market
One of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the United States, Pike Place Market in Seattle offers everything from locally sourced specialty foods and delicious beverages to artisan crafts and shopping stalls. An iconic landmark, the venue is considered ‘the soul’ of the city spanning nine historic acres in the centre of downtown Seattle. Families can sample the culinary delights of Pike Place Market with an Eat Seattle food tour or grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, founded in 1971.
Eat like Tom Hanks at Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar
Offering the freshest seafood in the city, The Athenian is most known for its appearance in the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, what better time to sit where Tom Hanks once enjoyed steamed clams for lunch with Rob Reiner whilst discussing the mysteries of dating. Nestled in the famous Pike Place Market, the eatery was first opened in 1909 by three Greek brothers. Once a bakery and a luncheonette, it was one of the first restaurants in Seattle to be issued a liquor licence for beer in 1933. The sign over the front door is the original one, hung there almost a century ago. The view from the restaurant is also one of the best in the city.
Dine lavishly at Canlis
Any discerning foodie visiting Seattle will attempt to get a reservation at Canlis. Teaming once-in-a-lifetime dishes with a sweeping view of the city, the restaurant overlooks Gas Works Park and the Cascade Mountains creating the perfect atmosphere for a fine dinner, without being stuffy. The kitchen offers a multi-course dining experience where guests choose three of the courses and the rest are a surprise. Built in 1950, the establishment remains family-owned and, with multiple James Beard awards under its belt, is considered one of the best in the US.
Discover Willmott's Ghost in the Amazon Spheres
The Spheres are an iconic centrepiece created for Amazon employees in downtown Seattle. An original concept, Willmott’s Ghost became the second space in the building open to the public, heralded by Pacific Northwest chef Renee Erickson. Gaining inspiration from previous travels to Italy, the menu focuses on the flavours of Rome, and is filled with delicious antipasti favourites and stone baked pizza. The interior boasts relaxing pastel colours and stylish seating.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour at The Herbfarm
With over 900 wineries across Washington state, the destination is the second largest producer of premium wine in the country. Seattle has numerous urban wineries within the city, while Woodinville Wine Country, just a stone's throw away, has 130 plus wineries on offer. And the experiences don’t stop at wine. Visit The Herbfarm and immerse in its daily routine by experiencing 24 Hours at the Farm. Start the morning with a farm tour by assisting the day’s harvest. Enjoy brunch served by the talented chefs and watch the kitchen come to life in preparation of the freshly picked produce. Before dinner, stroll through the gardens, have an afternoon nap or take in the relaxing Sammamish River. Later enjoy the cooked harvest in a romantic, candlelight setting before retiring in the comfort of The Willows Lodge.
For more information, please visit: visitseattle.org.
