Seattle’s relationship with seafood feels almost mythic—this is a city where the menu often comes straight from Puget Sound. The scent of saltwater mingles with the energy of the city, and you never have to wander far to find a great oyster bar, a steamy bowl of chowder, or that crave-worthy grilled salmon done just right. Years ago, I spent an afternoon at Pike Place Market, not just eating but eavesdropping on chefs seeking the catch of the day, and left with a simple truth: Seattle’s seafood scene is the real deal.
If you’ve ever wondered where to find the essence of this city on a plate, consider this your map. This guide skips the tourist traps and hones in on the places where both locals and chefs dine out on seafood that tastes as fresh as the waterfront breeze. Think briny oysters, flaky halibut, and chowders that warm you all the way through. Ready to discover the best seafood in Seattle? Let’s wade in.
1. All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar
Tucked inside Hotel 1000, All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar reimagines the downtown dining scene with an air of understated style. The feel here is classic Seattle—a carefully curated mix of city energy and sea breeze. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a window seat and watch the city flow by while the staff brings the catch of the day straight to your table.
Fresh oysters are the big draw. Each batch is shucked moments before it reaches your plate, capturing that briny burst Seattle oysters are known for. The seafood chowder holds its own too—creamy and loaded, each spoonful tells the story of the Sound.
Locals know to drop by between 3 and 5 for happy hour deals. For a real Seattle taste, try the grilled Alaskan halibut. You’ll understand why All Water holds its own among the city’s best.
2. Chinook’s
Chinook’s sits right on Salmon Bay, making every table a window into Seattle’s maritime rhythm. It feels easy here; fishermen unload their catch outside, and inside, the menu reflects what’s landed each day. My first visit was a rainy afternoon, and the view alone was worth coming back for.
The kitchen excels at classic Pacific Northwest fare. The alder-planked wild salmon is what everyone talks about—smoky, flaky, and deeply satisfying. Chinook’s chowder draws a loyal crowd, hearty and laced with local seafood flavors.
Don’t skip the house-made sourdough—it’s made to mop up every last drop of broth. For brunch, crab hash is a favorite, full of rich Dungeness flavor. Chinook’s delivers soulful Seattle seafood, no pretense required.
3. Pike Place Chowder
At Pike Place Chowder, there’s a palpable buzz before you even step through the door. Lines form early, for good reason. This spot, tucked into Pike Place Market, has claimed more awards than most places have menu items. My rainy-day ritual involves braving the line for that first steamy bite.
The New England Clam Chowder is legendary, creamy yet never heavy, loaded with tender clams and fresh herbs. True Pacific Northwest style comes through in the Seafood Bisque, where every spoonful delivers rich layers of crab and shrimp.
Pike Place Chowder’s commitment to sustainable seafood tastes as good as it feels. If you’re new, grab the chowder sampler for an edible tour of Seattle. One taste, and you’ll understand the devotion.
4. Shuckers Oyster Bar
Shuckers Oyster Bar at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel feels like stepping back in time, with its original oak paneling and tin ceiling tracing back to a 1930s haberdashery. There’s an old-school confidence here that matches their reputation—this is one of Seattle’s oldest oyster bars, and it shows in all the right ways.
What sets Shuckers apart is the meticulous care behind every plate. I once spent a slow evening here with friends, making our way through the fresh local oyster selection. Each one was expertly shucked to order, cold and briny with flavors that change depending on the day’s catch from Puget Sound.
If oysters aren’t your thing, the grilled wild salmon brings Northwest authenticity to your fork—tender, flaky, and beautifully presented. Shuckers has charm and tradition, making even a simple dinner feel like a special event.
5. Duke’s Seafood South Lake Union
Duke’s Seafood South Lake Union boasts a second-story view of the water, where you can watch boats and seaplanes while you eat. There’s a laid-back warmth here, from the people who greet you at the door to the kitchen’s approach to Pacific Northwest classics. My first meal at Duke’s stretched into hours—good conversation, lake views, and food that makes you pause mid-sentence.
Sustainability anchors the menu, so there’s confidence in every plate. The cod tacos are a standout: seasoned just right and wrapped in tortillas that let the flaky fish shine. For something richer, the Duke’s award-winning clam chowder lives up to the hype—creamy, hearty, and brimming with local clams.
This is a spot to linger, sampling oysters and soaking up the best of Seattle’s waterfront dining.
6. Rockcreek Seafood & Spirits
Rockcreek Seafood & Spirits brings a global touch to Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood in a space that mixes lodge vibes with urban edge. The patio buzzes every evening, and the casual energy made even my solo dinner here feel like an occasion. Each plate reflects a certain boldness—the team sources seafood from both local waters and far-off coasts.
The menu rewards the adventurous. I can’t resist the crab and avocado salad—cool, tangy, loaded with sweet Dungeness. Their whole Idaho trout, crisped up on the grill, is a Northwest classic dialed up a notch.
If you’re curious about oysters, try the sampler for the full briny spectrum. Rockcreek nails freshness and variety, always with distinctive style.
7. Shaker + Spear
Shaker + Spear gives Belltown an inviting, modern seafood spot with just the right dash of creative flair. The space strikes a balance—warm lighting, friendly staff, and buzz from market-goers unwinding after a stroll. I ended up here on a whim one evening, lured by their locally inspired menu and relaxed vibe.
This kitchen isn’t afraid to change things up. The sea bass with seasonal vegetables shines—delicate, perfectly cooked, and always carrying a fresh Northwest twist. If you’re visiting for brunch, the smoked salmon benedict merges comfort food with regional pride, every bite balancing richness and tang.
Shaker + Spear thrives on fresh ideas and sustainable seafood, making it a go-to for those craving something familiar yet a bit adventurous.
8. Pike Place Chowder
The Pacific Place outpost of Pike Place Chowder draws steady crowds for good reason. This spot isn’t just about chowder—it’s a celebration of Seattle’s seafood traditions, handed down and perfected over years. My visit landed during happy hour and the warm, bustling atmosphere made it easy to stay longer than planned.
The clam chowder has earned more than its share of awards, but don’t skip the crisp fish n’ chips or the daily seafood stew. Both deliver bold local flavors and expert preparation. Adventurous eaters go for the Chowder Fries, a quirky but crowd-pleasing twist that quickly disappears from tables.
Sustainable seafood and local ingredients set Pike Place Chowder apart. This is comfort food that honors Seattle’s history and its palate.
9. The Walrus and the Carpenter
The Walrus and the Carpenter sits comfortably on Ballard Avenue, turning oyster eating into an art form. This place doesn’t aim for flash—it’s all about fresh flavors and honest technique, with a quietly energetic crowd.
The bar itself is a showcase for local oysters. On my first visit, I ordered a variety plate and found each oyster unique—salty, sweet, or briny, all shucked to perfection. There’s always an air of anticipation as trays pass by, each shell topped with something special.
If oysters aren’t your first choice, the grilled sardines are bright and expertly seasoned. The menu changes with the tides, but every dish highlights the Pacific Northwest’s best. The Walrus and the Carpenter feels both timeless and unmistakably Seattle.
10. Ivar’s Fish Bar
Ivar’s Fish Bar feels like a rite of passage for anyone exploring Seattle’s waterfront. Here, the focus is on classic, no-frills seafood that captures the city’s down-to-earth spirit. My first stop at Pier 54, I joined a long line, but the aroma of freshly fried fish said it all—worth every minute.
The fish ‘n chips are the star, with crisp batter and flaky fillets, best enjoyed dockside with a chill in the air and a view of Elliott Bay. Don’t miss the clam chowder, creamy and rich, a staple for locals grabbing a quick, satisfying lunch.
Ivar’s keeps things simple and generous, making it a favorite for an authentic waterfront seafood fix. Spare a fry for the seagulls—it’s tradition.
More Things to Try in Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous seafood dish in Seattle?
Seattle is best known for its fresh Pacific salmon, especially when grilled or smoked. Local clam chowder and Dungeness crab dishes also draw serious attention.
Where can I find the best oysters in Seattle?
Seattle’s top oyster bars include Shuckers, Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar, and The Walrus and the Carpenter. These spots source local varieties, served fresh and expertly shucked.
Is seafood in Seattle fresh and sustainable?
Yes, many Seattle restaurants build their menus around local catches and sustainable fishing practices. Menus often note sourcing, so you know exactly where your fish comes from.
Can I find gluten-free or vegetarian options at Seattle seafood restaurants?
Absolutely. Many seafood spots, including Chinook’s and Shaker + Spear, offer gluten-free and vegetarian dishes alongside classic seafood plates.
Is it possible to get seafood takeout near Pike Place Market?
Yes. Places like Pike Place Chowder and Ivar’s Fish Bar offer excellent seafood to go, perfect for a walk around the waterfront or the market.
