12 Best West Seattle Restaurants You MUST Eat At In 2023(+ What To Order) (2023)

Last updated:June 10, 2023

Looking for the best West Seattle restaurants? Well, you’re in the right place!

This corner of the city has a diverse and exciting restaurant scene worth exploring, whether you’re a first-time tourist or a lifelong resident. The expansive waterfront views in this area are legendary and, no doubt, make food taste even more delicious.

If you’re looking for an excellent place to eat, West Seattle is home to a wide variety of must-try dining options serving everything from authentic Asian cuisine to the cheesiest pizza around to a sophisticated morning croissant.

Check out this list of the 12 best West Seattle restaurants you gotta eat at and prepare yourself for a lot of stomach-churning deliciousness.

1. Il Nido

Il Nido is a stylish log cabin in a homestead by the Alki beach, that serves some of the best Italian food in town. Pair that with their extensive wine list, and you’re in for a scrumptious meal. Dimly lit with soft lighting and a cozy setting, this is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.

For starters, the Burrata salad joined with the Prosciutto, is phenomenal. Fresh and light, the Prosciutto is elegantly delicate and has the right amount of saltiness that goes well with the fresh burrata. You can tell both dishes were thoughtfully composed with only the best ingredients.

The Bucatini at this restaurant is the kind of pasta where the flavor gets better and better with each bite. It’s clear that a professional chef made this pasta because your taste buds will be constantly surprised by the new flavors you encounter.

What to order: Burrata, Prosciutto di Parma, Bucatini

Address: 2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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2. Mashiko

For those who are adventurous in creative concoctions involving fish prepared the Japanese way, Mashiko serves crazily good and completely sustainable seafood.

Each omakase course has its own sake recommendations to give you the ultimate Japanese sushi bar experience. The interiors are simple and give off a typical sushi bar.

Mashiko does a fantastic job with their omakase meals. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced. The Nami Omakase, in particular, is a delightful course with a great variety of fish. It includes one appetizer, a sashimi combo, a nigiri combo, miso soup, and dessert.

If you’re not up for a seafood adventure, try out their Fresh Nigiri of the Day. You can taste the freshness of the nigiri that feels like you’re tasting the sea. Ask locals about Mashiko, and they’ll tell you how excellent their nigiri is!

What to order: Nami Omakase, Fresh Nigiri of the Day

Address: 4725 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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3. Seattle Fish Guys

Located in the heart of the Central District, Seattle Fish Guys is a premium seafood restaurant and market serving fresh, premium, and seasonal seafood. From poke bowls to chowder to sashimi, everything served here is their daily selection, which can be enjoyed in a casual and modern space.

Their Salmon Poke Bowl consists of a hearty portion of the fatty fish, with authentic poke flavors, and is served with white or brown rice.

The Crab Sub is made to order and comes with fresh and delicious crab meat on a toasted bun, topped with Japanese mayo, sriracha, and green onion – this is a sure winner and makes you want more.

Heard of Idako? It is a Japanese rendition of seasoned and marinated baby octopus – an extremely appetizing and enjoyably chewy dish.

What to order: Salmon Poke Bowl, Crab Sub, Idako

Address: 411 23rd Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144

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4. Raccolto

From the ambiance to the service to the good​​ food— Raccolto does everything right. Specializing in Italian food, the pasta dishes in Raccolto are exceptional.

They have an open kitchen where you can see the chef in action while waiting for your meal. This gem of a restaurant is highly recommended for a date night or a small get-together with friends.

Their Strozzapreti with bolognese and parmesan packs a punch of flavor. It is rich and creamy without being heavy. The pasta itself is tender and specially made in-house.

Their Bone-In Pork Chop is an exceptional dish that looks like it belongs in a museum. Delight in the artistry of perfectly cooked pork, accompanied by charred carrots that add a touch of smoky sweetness. The dish comes alive with the addition of vibrant spring onions, infusing it with freshness and subtle pungency.

To finish your meal, their Buttermilk Panna Cotta tastes light and refreshing. Get this for dessert for an all-around delight.

What to order: Strozzapreti, Bone-In Pork Chop, Buttermilk Panna Cotta

Address: 4147 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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5. Itto’s Tapas

Itto’s Tapas is a cute little local spot with a twist on traditional tapas. Their combination of Spanish and Moroccan spices is truly out of this world. This setting is best for a romantic date night with an intimate, classy, and mature atmosphere. After a round of meals, enjoy a drink or two with their extensive menu, and you’re all set.

The Spanish Paella at Itto’s Tapas will transport you to the heart of Spain. This vibrant dish boasts a captivating ensemble of prawns, scallops, calamari, chorizo, linguisa, bell peppers, onions, green peas, lemon, cilantro, and perfectly cooked arroz.

As you savor each bite, the oceanic sweetness and the smoky richness of each ingredient unfolds a harmonious dance of flavors.

Their Beef Tenderloin is a popular item on the menu. The truffle oil brings out all the right flavors in this dish, making it absolutely perfect. Cooked medium rare, the meat is so succulent you can cut it with a fork.

What to order: Spanish Paella, Beef Tenderloin

Address: 4160 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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6. Haymaker

A hidden gem located on California Avenue in West Seattle, Haymaker is one of the best restaurants in town. From the bright and airy space to the bustling open kitchen, it’s the place you’ll want to linger over a drink after indulging in some delicious pasta.

The interiors are polished with a relaxed finish, perfect for a chill weeknight dinner.

Spicy, meaty, and buttery, Haymaker’s Rigatoni is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your life. The garlic cream sauce completes the dish and makes it impeccable in every bite.

The Chef’s Tasting Menu is superbly on point if you’re with a bigger group. You’ll get lots of small bites from their starters, mouthwatering pasta, and special dishes you can’t find on their menu. All dishes are served well-seasoned and attractively plated; there’s no need to ask for additional salt or seasoning.

What to order: Rigatoni, Chef’s Tasting Menu

Address: 4706 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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7. Buddha Ruksa

Bringing in the flavors of Thailand to West Seattle, Buddha Ruksa has almost every Thai cuisine you think of on its huge menu. The restaurant is divided into two sections from the entrance: a bar to your left and a dining room to your right. The only downside about this restaurant is it’s so popular the waiting times can get insane.

Their Crispy Garlic Chicken has a wonderful, crisp flavor that locals rave about. You can choose the spice level depending on what you can tolerate, but we recommended ordering a medium spice level for the right amount of kick.

One cannot call themselves a “Thai” restaurant without the famous pad thai, and Buddha Ruska made sure of that with their Phad See Iew. The wide rice noodles are stir-fried to perfection, creating an exceptional combination of flavors with the black bean sauce.

What to order: Crispy Garlic Chicken, Phad See Iew

Address: 3520 SW Genesee St, Seattle, WA 98126

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8. Lady Jaye

Lady Jaye specializes in a “Meat N’ Three” style menu where you select one main dish from their staples or daily specials and three sides. The restaurant has a humble butcher shop and casual vibe paired with a sweet aroma of meat and smoke— lots of it. This is the best spot for a night out, with great food and an extensive whiskey selection.

With a rotating daily special, you have something to look forward to every day on Lady Jaye’s menu. If you miss a day, just come back next week. On Tuesdays, the Smoked Wagyu Cheeseburger has an excellent burn-to-meat ratio and a consistent warmth throughout. Possibly the best burger in town, this is worth visiting every Tuesday.

Part of their staples menu, their Prime Bulgogi Short Rib Melt is a staple indeed. The bulgogi is cooked to just the perfect temperature, so it instantly melts in your mouth with a subtle hint of spiciness and a salty garlic flavor.

What to order: Smoked Wagyu Cheeseburger, Prime Bulgogi Short Rib Melt

Address: 4523 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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9. Harry’s Beach House

A quaint little spot on the Alki waterfront, Harry’s Beach House is the place to visit on a sunny day for brunch or lunch. The restaurant has a local beach house feel with a beautiful view of Elliot bay. Harry’s Beach House transports you to an instant beach vacation thanks to its eclectic, Bohemian interiors.

Harry’s Burger is about to be one of the best you’ve ever had. Very rich in flavor with a buttery bun, this burger is well done and juicy to the core. With every bite, you can taste the quality of the ingredients.

Another terrific item on their menu, the Salmon Sandwich, is simply heaven. The crispiness of the salmon and the thickness of the bun create a satisfying texture that makes you want to get another bite.

What to order: Harry’s Burger, Salmon Sandwich

Address: 2676 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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10. Falafel Salam

Falafel Salam has everything Mediterranean, from fresh in-house baked pitas to organic lamb and chicken, which smells and tastes amazing as you walk inside the restaurant. This place will convert you into a falafel fan because of how great their falafels are.

Falafel Salam is your best bet if you want a great, quick spot to indulge in good food in the Junction.

Their famous Falafel Pita Wrap is among their bestsellers, with good reason. The pita itself is chewy and has a distinct flavor that goes well with the falafel. For a spicy kick, request a hot sauce on the side.

For those who have difficulty deciding what to order, “The Hesitator” combo allows you to sample not just the restaurant’s falafels but basically everything on their menu! They give out a spicy sauce in a tiny cup that is great to pair with all the dishes.

What to order: Falafel Pita Wrap, The Hesitator Combo

Address: 4746 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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11. MOTO

A warm and homey eatery with a patio that serves “odd” innovative pizzas; words alone are not enough to describe how fantastic pizzas are in MOTO. In fact, you’ll need to order two months in advance to get a taste of MOTO’s pizzas or try your luck as a walk-in. How great are their pizzas that you must wait for two months? Well, you’ll never know if you don’t try.

The most popular item on their menu, Mr. Pig, is a unique pizza made with a gorgeous combination of sweet and salty exotic ingredients. If you love Filipino food, this is the pizza to get.

For a vegetarian option, The Plant is a breathtaking pizza with mixed seasonal greens that may turn you off if you don’t like veggies. But when you get to taste it, you’ll know this one is worth the two months of wait.

What to order: Mr. Pig, The Plant

Address: 4526 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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12. Shadowland

Located in the heart of West Seattle, Shadowland is a cool bar and restaurant that is the best spot to visit when you need a nice drink and a good meal. Shadowland offers a mellow yet sophisticated ambiance with interesting artwork along the wall. The place has comfy booths for deeper conversation, stools at small round tables, and small outdoor seating.

Made with fresh ground Angus beef and the sweetest caramelized onions, Shadowland’s Shadow Burger is to die for. You wouldn’t expect to grab the greatest burger here, but here it is. A real meal in a bar? Count us in.

Their Pesto Pasta Salad is a true ode to the beauty of simplicity and freshness. With mini penne rigate, marinated artichoke hearts, sweet peas, and creamy pesto dressing, this pasta salad is the best creation to exist. Whether you’re seeking a light and satisfying meal or a vibrant side dish, Shadowland’s Pesto Pasta Salad will not disappoint.

What to order: Shadow Burger, Pesto Pasta Salad

Address: 4458 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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Some of the best restaurants in the world can be found in West Seattle’s tucked-away cafes and dives, but the city’s cuisine has much more to offer. Head on over to our list of the best Seattle restaurants for more mouthwatering options in the area.

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