Cancel

Open app

Search

Canlis

4.0 (1.9k reviews)
Ultra High-EndNew American, Seafood
Closed • Closed
Updated 2 months ago

Canlis Photos

Business Info

CANLIS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Upscale
Quiet
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Canlis

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Cocktail
Christina P.

A beautiful restaurant that puts thought and care into everything. First you have to acknowledge the beautiful ambiance. Gorgeous view of Lake Union with floor to ceiling windows, in a beautiful and peaceful building. The service was friendly and top notch and really went above and beyond. The food was great and I was full before they even brought the first course because all the little bites were so varied and delicious. I had the celeriac which was the right choice - it was really innovative and unlike anything I've ever had before. It is apparently cooked while still in the ground. The Parmesan pasta and soufflé were always wonderful. They were exceptionally careful with my allergy and recommended lovely wines and cocktails. A beautiful evening.

Maria L.

Had an amazing evening at Canlis! From the amazing views to the exceptional service. We were greeted by the valet and then the owner--which was a pleasant surprise. The bartender, Zoey, was amazing and the pork loin and salmon and crème brûlée were divine! Highly recommend.

Alexis V.

finally got reservations after a month for my high school best friend and me. So glad that we did because we got to try the closest equivalent to a Michelin star restaurant in Washington state. It seems like there is none of that here, so this restaurant was on our must-try list for some time. Food had us speechless...idek what we ate, I just remember that it was good. Got 5 courses that genuinely filled us up, and we were hungry! Dessert was a bit underwhelming because it was confections that I could have gotten anywhere else as they are same tier of deliciousness as a mom-and-pop bakery shop, but the appetizers and main meals were soooo memorable. The way that the steak melted in our mouth and I personally do not prefer to eat that. Food was such an experience from taste to mechanical breakdown when you consume it, but please note that the main meal of meat and potatoes that we got was an extra $65 each on top of the mandatory $180 price for each of us with the 5-part menu. Paid $100 each for reservations, which is subtracted from the total, but we still had a remainder of $483 left to pay. Do not come here without doing research on how much u will actually spend because yes...there is a mandatory 20% service fee. Totally makes sense because only valet parking nearby, they box your leftovers to then leave in your car when you depart, and the waiters/waitresses put in work to understand the menu as well as ensure your comfort throughout your sta (e.g. monitoring coat check). We were seated at the booths that faced the big window of the city skyline, which was not much a sight compared to Kerry Park, but the pretty lights still made it nice to look out of once in a while. Wish that staff made more efforts to push for pictures because this is not one of those restaurants that you go on a whim on with the stacked reservations list. Shoutout to the Bellevue couple, Alex and CJ, who paid for our tiki rum volcano drinks to celebrate my birthday before a possible deployment to the Middle East...u both made this restaurant experience THAT muchbetter for us. Happy belated birthdays to the both of them, too, and pray for only good things to come your ways in this life together

The view was okay
Michael S.

Verdict: not worth coming here anymore. Back then, it maybe used to be the "Belle of the fine dining ball", but it's not anywhere close to being what it once was (it's so much worse than anyone could have imagined). The missus and I have had better fine dining in Seattle - its not here. My wife and I held our post-elopement dinner for 20 people (private dining in the smaller room) back in June 2025. The original booking process and organizational timeline were both fine - communication with the event organizer and picking the menu were a fairly seamless a smooth experience (nothing to comment on). Day-of: The early morning (10am) of our dinner, we stopped by before opening to drop off the handmade flower arrangements that the missus meticulously made for the table, as well as the place card names and the seating chart, and went on our way. It was fully set up when we came back that later that afternoon, so things looked good when we arrived shortly before our guests did, at around 5pm. This is basically where everything went downhill. Service fumbles: as guests arrived, instead of knowing where to go, or being led to the private dining area where we were mingling with our guests, no dedicated "front door wait staff/host" was at the front to greet or route them, so I got a lot of confused texts on where to go from guests who arrived (after valeting their cars) to... No host. The valet had taken their car, but the handoff to 'inside the restaurant' was so bad that... We just had guests wandering in without anyone helping them? The service in the actual room was fine - they brought the food out slowly, though - missus had wondered when the next course would arrive because she was hungry and they were super slow at moving the meal along. I guess the speedy water and alcohol refills were meant to try to quell the slow speed of service? Worse yet, the food... Man oh man, I thought this place was supposed to be fine dining. The food was overly salty, not memorable, and honestly, it definitely did not feel worth what we ultimately paid. Table stakes would have been if any one dish was "a standout" - especially for an establishment with such a storied legacy and having such-and-such number of James beard (culinary?) awards... I guess maybe we expected too much? Maybe this place is overrated? Maybe it's inflated hype? The only real "win" of the night was the company we'd invited, the missus' flower arrangements (which were a huge hit!), and the space / view itself. The food and the service were greatly disappointing. I'd give this a lower review but they did enough "right" in the first stages, that the lowest I think this place deserves is a rounded-up 2.5 (so 3/5). That Seattle times article (Nov 1, 2025) basically hit the nail on the head.

Hannah P.

Amazing service and everything was top tier. We aren't sure if it was worth the entire price, but it was a wonderful first time experience.

Wine experience was amazing!
Frank S.

Canlis was an absolute experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, the level of service, attention to detail, and overall atmosphere made it feel like something out of a Michelin dining moment even though it's not officially one. Every single person on the team made the evening feel special without ever being over the top. The food was on another level beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and full of creativity without trying too hard. You could feel the passion in every plate. What stood out most was how seamless the entire night felt from the timing of each course to the way the staff anticipated what you needed before you even asked. Canlis doesn't just serve food, they curate an experience. It's warm, elegant, and unforgettable. Easily one of the best dining experiences I've ever had in Seattle!!

Overly oily and salty bread. Miso jam did not really work. But the vegetable dip is amazing
Cindy H.

Canlis is the special occasion of the special occasion restaurant with impeccable view of Lake Union, first class service and haute ambiance. As the OG of high end cuisine in Seattle, Canlis has been featured in almost major every food related media for Seattle, be it Top Chef, Eater essentials, and Food and Wine magazine. We came here after James Huffman, Canlis veteran took on the helm as executive chef. The menu seems to be featuring more local ingredients than previously, but honestly the ingredient and execution quality is just good but not exceptional for a restaurant of this caliber. For the October menu: The highlights are the umami explosion chowder, perfect for autumn tempura mushroom, classic Canlis salad, and unique blueberry halo halo. The lowlights are paper thin soggy root vegetable chips, overly oily and salty bread with overpowering miso dip (the green vegetable dip was delicious though), and heavily creamed potato side. The proteins (sablefish, steak, pork) were all cooked well but the quality of the ingredients itself is just average, I honest get fresher and more flavorful meat and fish from Uwajimaya and Whole Foods. Lastly, the breadsticks like cookies at end of the meal is really not up my alley, I'm not a fan of stale tasting star anise flavored dessert. Will I come back? Maybe in a few years when the new executive chef find his footing and refine the menu.

Marvin R.

What's it like at Canlis with the creations of Executive Chef Aisha Ibrahim? Allow me to say, this is not the neighborhood broiler it once was. Canlis is an inspiration to other restaurants in the region to emulate for fine dining excellence. It has definitely earned its place as the humble, silent and unofficial flagship of Seattle's culinary scene. You start by arriving a little bit early, and having cocktails (not drinks) at their lounge (not bar). Sit and order yourself one of their mixologists' suggestions. While doing so, wait and watch their creations at work. This are professionals who are driven to excellence. But that is where your experience BEGINS. I can show you pictures. I can describe to you the ingredients. But the profiles in preparation, organization and taste is something you have to encounter IN PERSON. This is so you can personally give justice to Canlis' hard work of crafting creative food, creative spirits and phenomenal customer service. I was also privileged to visit behind the line and see the action, up close and first hand. As a culinary professional myself, I can say I was definitely honored to be invited to see a kitchen with such a storied history. The care and dedication is something that cannot be replicated from a mere selfie, or improved with sprinkling of a garnish, proclaiming the word 'bam.' Where the restaurant has received three James Beard Awards, accolades are not the goal of the Canlis family, Chef Ibrahim or the dedicated staff. Excellence and your happiness is. That's why I would go back. And that's why you should visit.

Dessert
David H.

The service was great, the views were dope, andddddd the food was just ok. Like I get it, fine dining often times is more about paying for the experience as a whole, but sheeeesh for $600 I wish I left with a full stomach at the very least lmao. In terms of the quality of the food itself, I mean you could tell that they used top notch ingredients and the presentation was nice, but I can't say it separated itself from other restaurants in the area. When ya combine that with the fact that the quantities were tiny, idk. As a local, I'm glad I finally got to dine in the city's most famous restaurant, but at the same time, I probably won't be coming back.

Ice cream sundae
Melissa H.

Finally made it to Canlis--bar and lounge, nonetheless. When you go somewhere like this, the bar is set impossibly high, which leaves little room for the tiniest imperfections. You're expecting perfection. And overall? It didn't disappoint. It's refreshing to know there's still at least one place in Seattle where people feel compelled to dress up. Cocktails and dinner were wonderful--steak tartare, steak frites, Canlis salad, crudo, and the ice cream sundae. I'd order every single thing again. And I don't even like shoestring fries, but paired with a perfectly medium-rare steak? Fantastic.

cute salt
Steve S.

Canlis has been on my bucket list since moving to Seattle over 10 years ago. Finally made it happen on my 5th wedding anniversary which just so happened to be only 2 weeks after the Seattle Times left a fairly negative review. Reading the review left me a bit concerned, however, I also figured they would have addressed many of the "issues" that the Times noted. Well, I would say they definitely addressed the issues! We had a wonderful experience!! Spectacular service(as expected), great food/wine and what an amazing ambiance. I would say, for a tasting menu, they give you fairly large portions, we left there stuffed. One thing to note, we were very surprised by how many people had children with them dining here, so don't be shocked if you're looking for an entirely kid free evening ;)

Area
Sidney P.

We took the Times' advice to heart and enjoyed a few appetizers and drinks in the bar. The food was delicious, and the service was stellar. Only one glitch - they only have two draft beers and the keg was blown on one of them, at the beginning of the evening. Someone should have caught that - not the news we were hoping for. Overall take - beautiful restaurant and a great place to go if money is of no concern.

Last bite + coffee, to end the meal
Joyce L.

Upscale restaurant, with stunning view. Very $$$$, so when paying $200+ per person for a meal, you better expect perfection. However, some dishes were hits, and others were meh. Though I'm glad I got to try the famous Canlis and did enjoy the meal, given the price point, I'm not inclined to come again. But of the hits, the halibut melted in your mouth - yum! Wagyu was also delicious, validly so for quality meat. The opening amuse bouche & Zefira's delight (cocktail) were refreshing. And of the desserts, the citrus parfait was one-of-a-kind. Service was superb. They gave us a special map of Seattle since we were visiting from out of town. Very thoughtful. :)

Sablefish

See all

Photo of J B.
0
28
3

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

28 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 2

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 2

8 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2

7 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 month ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Grace F.
23
13
35

7 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 2

9 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 4

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 1

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Tony T.
308
1575
3678

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3

1 year ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1

10 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 2

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of KyHa V.
120
482
1001

11 months ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 4

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 2
Photo of J C.
0
22
2

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 48

Canlis Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Canlis

Does the lounge still offer a nightly happy hour?

Yes

Are the crab cakes loaded with belle peppers? I prefer a crab cake where I can taste the delicate sweetness of the crab and not all the filler. Whoever thought belle peppers were a good choice to be put into crab cakes?

We do not have crab cakes on our menu. The menu can be found at canlis.com/menu

What is the photography policies.Im planning a photoshoot?

I do not think you can perform an all out shoot while dining if it disturbs others.

Do you have gluten free options for someone with celiac disease?

Yes! We have a separate menu that is completely gluten free. Just keep in mind you may have a few less options than guests who dine without any dietary restrictions. If you have any other questions please feel free to email reservations@canlis.com… Read more

Can you eat in the bar?

Yes. I actually recommend eating at the bar over the dining room. It's more bang for your buck and you are not restricted to choosing just one per course.

Do they have vegan options? How much do they accommodate those with vegan diets?

I inquired about vegan options and was told that sadly, there were very few (only salads). This was with over a month's notice. I would take your business elsewhere for vegan options.

View All 9 Questions

You might also consider

Local Tide - Dover and Fries ig @snapped.by.neel

Local Tide

(500 reviews)

$$

Fremont

I came here with a friend today around 2pm! There was a line to order but we didn't mind waiting,…read moreSunday afternoon on a sunny day so we expected it! I've been wanting to try this place for awhile and I am so glad I finally did! We ordered a few things to share and every single dish was delicious! Shrimp toast: this was a great appetizer to share! Very crispy and the sauces on the side gave it a more complex flavor! It came with a sweet mayo and chili sauce. The chili sauce is definitely spicy if you can't handle spice so beware on how much you're using if that's the case. I also really enjoyed the slaw that came with it, it was very refreshing and it had a bit of sweet mayo flavor to it, I think it's the same as the dipping sauce but I could be wrong! Fried oysters: these were delicious! I think fried oysters can be a hit or miss for me, sometimes the interior can feel too dry and feel kinda of mushy-like, like I'm eating bread rather than seafood. But this had great texture on the inside while being crispy on the outside! The sauce on the side tasted like a pepper aioli which gave the oyster a nice tang *the fried dishes were great but after having a few, it definitely felt heavy, so this would be something I share with someone else vs eating it on my own Smoked salmon belly dip: I really enjoyed this! It was creamy and had chunks of salmon in it. It wasn't too dense or thick so it was perfect for scooping onto the kettle chips. The kettle chips were lightly salted so it was the perfect combo with the dip. Clam chowder: wow I absolutely loved this! This is different than any other chowder I've had. While I love a white creamy chowder from your typical seafood places, the base being a fish stock definitely brought out the seafood flavor vs a white chowder feeling like a cream base. This chowder still felt creamy and rich without the seafood flavor being overpowered. Rockfish bowl: the crab rolls were sold out by the time we made it to the register so we opted for this instead and I am so glad that we did. I didn't really expect this to blow me away but this was such a refreshing dish that balanced out the fried dishes we got. It used viet flavors that you may typically find in a banh mi which made it refreshing and had great texture from all the different fresh ingredients and fried garlic. I also loved how the fish came in patty form mixed with pork, it was flavorful and moist. I love any type of fish tofu/patty, I think it really makes fish flavorful when it sometimes can have a really mild flavor. I'll definitely be back to try the crab rolls!

On the higher price-end, Local Tide has a small menu of gorgeous healthy and fresh dishes!…read more The shrimp toast is 100% in the top 3 bites I have had in Seattle, absolutely no doubt!!! Just be mindful that the portions are a little small for what you spend though

The Walrus and the Carpenter - hama hama clams

The Walrus and the Carpenter

(2k reviews)

$$$

Ballard

Best oyster bar in Seattle, excellent raw seafood bar. Spot prawn crudo and Pacific oysters are a…read morestandout. Outstanding service and staff that really know their seafood. Renee Erickson's team always does excellent with small plates. The endive salad with toasted pistachios was delightful, refreshing, and well-made. Sit at the oyster bar and order a glass of your favorite crisp white or bubbly. Always a good time, great vibes. Usually love the steak tartare but the night we went they were using some odd aioli that I didn't care for.

The Walrus & Carpenter is a place I wanted to love, and there's definitely a lot to like here. The…read morespace is fantastic and very inviting, with a lively, cozy feel that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the experience. The food is good across the board. The oyster selection is always fantastic with a great variety to choose from, though they do feel a tad pricey. The bread is fabulous, really well done, but at the end of the day it's still just bread. The tartare is solid and enjoyable. I was a bit disappointed in the sardines as the walnut pesto and shallots overwhelmed the fish, which on their own are delicious and didn't need that much going on. The cheese options are another highlight and something I do quite enjoy. Overall everything here is solid and well executed, and I understand why it's popular. For me though, it never quite reaches exceptional. It's a good experience, just not one I find myself going out of my way for.

Barnacle

Barnacle

(136 reviews)

$$

Ballard

Stayed at an Airbnb nearby and been scoping an oyster place nearby and decided to take my wife and…read moreher parents to share a bottle of wine and have some oysters and apps. The hosts were great and flexible by means that we got here right before close and all that was left was wine and oysters from the adjacent restaurant but they let us relocate next door where they had more options in terms of food. So we ordered 2 dozen oysters (there was no advertised price), bottle of wine (62 bucks) clams, cheese, and another side dish, and a few beers. Food taste was great but very small portions for the money. I believe the steamed clams was like 30 something but barely a pound so we ordered another one. Thought the total bill for the 4 of us was going to be around $200 but was shocked to see a $510 dollar bill for some small apps and wine/beer. Turns out they up charged the oysters imho so was 120 for 2 dozen and automatically added 22% gratuity without ever disclosing any of this. We were still hungry and had to uber eat afterwards. We could have gone to Ruth Chris steak house for the price of 4. Our rental car also was smashed into off the street and window was missing as well as our son's back backpack. Very disappointing day . I seldom take the time to write up a review but this deserves disclosure to forewarn others that it is expensive

Went here for a girls' night and loved it! The oysters were absolutely delicious, easily one of my…read morefavorite spots. The bread paired perfectly with our oysters and wine. The environment was cozy, and the service was friendly and took the time to explain the oysters and drinks, which we really appreciated. Highly recommend for oyster lovers!

The Garrison

The Garrison

(77 reviews)

$$$

Ballard

This spot has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for our family. It has really beautiful…read moreinterior and ambiance and their oysters are delicious and a steal at 2.50 per oyster during happy hour. It's located on market Street so parking can be a challenge, but we are normally able to get by after doing a few laps or paying at a paid lot nearby

I leave fairly close but hadn't visited The Garrison since they took over this space. Had dinner…read morewith friends in the area that didn't serve alcohol and we were looking for a place to grab a drink and this space popped up. We had a table in the front section which was nice to be able to catch up since there was four of us. Since we had just ate dinner we were really just here for drinks however we did order the Crab & Caramelized Leek Dip which is a warm dip served with warmed house corn chips. Was very tasty. We had some of their Hpuse Creation cocktails. I had a clean vodka martini, one of my friends had a gin dirty martini with the pickled shrimp, another had a regular dirty vodka martini and one had the Dr Walnut. One of my friends got an additional cocktail the White Wolf. The dirty martinis a house brine that makes the drink look pink my friends seem to enjoy Can't say too much about ambiance since we didn't see the entire space but where we were was nicely lit and the restroom was neat. Service was great attentive and very informative. Will have to stop by for HH sometime

The Ballard Cut - Tommy steak. Get in there!

The Ballard Cut

(317 reviews)

$$$

Ballard

The Ballard's Cut is an absolute gem -- a true Seattle staple that deserves every ounce of praise…read moreit gets. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere captures you: modern décor, intimate lighting, and a warm vibe that feels both upscale and inviting. Everything is immaculately clean and thoughtfully designed, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience. If you're a bourbon lover, this place is paradise. Their collection is incredible, but what truly sets them apart is the service. The Bourbon Curators, Ms. Hannah and Mr. Tommy, along with our amazing waitress Ms. Sassy, make you feel like a VIP from start to finish. They welcome you with open arms and create a personalized bourbon journey -- teaching you about flavor profiles, history, and how to discover different palettes you never knew you had. It's not just a drink menu... it's an experience. And the food? Michelin-worthy. We shared the Autumn Chicory Salad and the homemade Autumn Mushroom Pasta -- both beautifully crafted, rich in flavor, and perfectly paired with the bourbon experience. Every bite showed off the kitchen's talent and passion. We were actually recommended this restaurant by strangers we met at the Seattle Space Needle -- and wow, did they steer us right. The Ballard's Cut surpassed every expectation. If you love bourbon, phenomenal food, and top-tier service from people who treat you like family, then this is the place. Do not miss it.

We came as a family of six. We were all unimpressed…read more It started with bread. We ordered it, it never came. When we asked, our server blamed a "computer system outage." For bread. I genuinely don't know what to do with that explanation. The food took so long. I ordered my steak medium rare and it arrived overcooked. I thought this was a steakhouse and yall can't even cook a steak medium rare? One person in our party never received their salad despite asking multiple times. Their stupid steak dish is $50 entree with zero sides. I added cauliflower for an extra $17 charge and received something I could have made in five minutes. Finally, we tried to order dessert and were told they were out of the item we all wanted. This place is a ripoff with terrible service.

La Marea Marisqueria

La Marea Marisqueria

(17 reviews)

Ballard

There is a reason I came here at least once a week. The first time…read moreI visited was on a 4th of July with a friend and had the Tuna Tostada and one of the specials that day which happened to be elote. First off they are not shy about telling you about the spice of the offerings. People who follow them on instagram know that they're pretty clear of the ingredients of their dishes. I often sit at the counter in the La Marea area, they will often state that the dish is spicy.They go one step further with service and ask do you want all the dishes to come out at the same time or as they are finished being prepared. Service is always friendly and helpful. La Marea was my first experience with a more expanded mariscos experience. As a Japanese American I love all the fresh raw fish tostadas especially the Tuna the salsa macho on this dish is delicious deep in flavor and texture but doesn't take away from the fish itself. When the cooler weather came they started adding hot dishes which do not disappoint and live up to the flavor and quality of the rest of the menu. The torta generous and definitely great for someone with a large appetite. The Aguachile and Tostadas are on the lighter side but still filling. I will almost always get a special if it's available. When Oysters were in season they were very popular. It's always fun to see what Bo comes up with for seasonal ingredients. Also don't forget to try their Michelada you buy it on the La Marea side and grab your beer on the Fair Isle side it's usually paired with their corn lager our house la

My loves, We flew in…read morefrom LA to SEA on a whim for a birthday trip... let me tell you to put it in your itinerary to stop in for some great mariscos I mean it. The hospitality, attention to detail on the food is impressive. I highly suggest this place please give La Mare all the love, they deserve it.

Ray's Boathouse - Ancho Crusted Albacore

Ray's Boathouse

(1.4k reviews)

$$$

Sunset Hill, Ballard

We ordered bread to start ($8). The butter was hard, and since the bread itself wasn't warm, it…read moremade spreading nearly impossible - a small detail that set a slightly off tone at the beginning. For mains, we ordered the ribeye and the grilled sablefish. The sablefish was delicious and a nice change from more standard fish dishes I've had before. The puree it came with was good, but the dish, I thought could've been served warmer. The ribeye had a weak sear and chewy, unrendered fat making it tough and difficult to slice, and the cut itself was uneven with one end thicker than the other. The sauce ended up being overpowering rather than enhancing the dish. On a positive note, the service was thoughtful, and the view is absolutely stunning. In the end, I'd come back for the ambiance and maybe another seafood dish, but skip the steak next time.

Ray's is a decent choice for seafood, but without the views, this would be a 3-star. The restaurant…read morehas amazing views and is right on the water. We were sat right at the window, and even post sunset it is a nice ambiance. The restaurant was not overly crowded and we didn't have to wait long with our reservation. I do recommend getting a reservation though. The staff was friendly, helpful and on top of things. The food was good, but was pricey. We got the mushroom risotto and added scallops to it. To add 2 scallops was +$26 which is steep even for Seattle. The scallops were cooked really well, but I would still say the price tag wasn't justified. We also also had the Wild Alaskan King Salmon and the Sablefish in Sake Kasu . The salmon was okay, but nothing noteworthy. The sablefish was delicious, and I would definitely recommend. If you are looking for a special meal - anniversary, birthday, etc. - and want great views of the water then I think Ray's is a good choice. While the food is pricey, there are some solid options on the menu. But if you are just looking for some great seafood, there are better tasting and better priced places around Seattle that would be better suited.

RockCreek Seafood & Spirits

RockCreek Seafood & Spirits

(1.4k reviews)

$$$

Fremont

The night before, I'd had oysters at an overly performative but insanely beautiful bar on 12th Ave…read more(iykyk) and they left a lot to be desired. So when I woke up still craving shellfish, RockCreek was the call. It was the right one. A dozen oysters to start: Kumamoto and Shigoku. Clean -- no grit, no sand. Whatever they're doing back there, it's working. The brine was full and present in every shell, and the mignonette hit that rare sweet spot of light but actually seasoned. The Winter Old Fashioned? Get it. It was so delicious. Then came the crab Benedict. The side salad alone was worth writing home about -- big, buttery, peppery leaves draped in one of those feather-light vinaigrettes that sounds simple until you try to replicate it at home and realize you can't. But the real star of the entire plate was the potatoes. Crispy outside, genuinely fluffy inside, seasoned with conviction. A masterpiece is not too strong a word. Closed with a glass of pink wine. Was eyeing the bottle with the piglet on the label, but it was bottle-only -- a distinction I find increasingly arbitrary as a former server and bartender. One day that policy will be a relic. Not yet, apparently. Best brunch I've had in Seattle in two years. Highly recommend.

Came in for happy hour on a quiet Tuesday night and had a great experience, as usual. Rock Creek…read morecontinues to deliver bright, flavorful food. We ordered some of our go-tos -- hamachi crudo, tuna tartare, and calamari -- and everything was spot on. The vinegar dill fries are exceptional: thin, super crispy, and loaded with seasoning (honestly hard to stop eating). We also tried the loaded fish sandwich and the cornmeal-battered lingcod -- both solid choices. Spicy margarita lived up to its name with a nice kick. It was pretty dead when we arrived around 5pm, with only one other larger table seated, which made for a relaxed, easygoing happy hour. Always a dependable spot when you're craving seafood done right.

Brimmer & Heeltap - Grilled Whole Sardines with lemon and gremolata

Brimmer & Heeltap

(688 reviews)

$$

Ballard

Absolutely delicious. Probably one of the best cocktails I've had in Seattle. All around the…read morecocktails were great. I usually don't even like mezcal but this was eliteeee. The service was amazing, our server walked us through the dishes and helped us choose. The chicken came out looking a little unseasoned but it was the table favorite because it had the most flavor out of everything else. Looks can be deceiving lol. That potato's are amazing and a good side dish! They have a little patio as well with heating!

How I heard of this place: Not having realized how long the establishment has been around, some…read morefriends suggested we give it a go for our Taste Buds Dinner Club, and we made it happen. Type of cuisine: "We never tire of talking to our guests about how we got our quirky name. Inspired by two British drinking terms, Brimmer & Heeltap seeks to celebrate the moments that exist between the first sip of one's libation and the last drops lingering at the bottom of the glass. Since late 2013 we've delighted in creating an environment that is inviting, lively, and comforting. A sense of playfulness is present in everything we do, from the inventive dishes our culinary team prepares, to the friendly, genuine hospitality we provide. We're a bistro that takes pride in being a neighborhood place - the kind you can escape to at day's end for a delicious meal shared among friends." Ambiance: "Located in the former Le Gourmand space in beautiful Ballard, Brimmer & Heeltap offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere complete with an open kitchen, full bar, and multiple sections to drink and dine in. Our garden patio is one of the best-kept secrets in the city, offering a dreamy place to dine outdoors during Seattle's spring and summer months. We also have a tucked-away back studio that offers the perfect setting for special, private gatherings year-round. Just how many pennies does it take to cover a floor? Just ask Brimmer & Heeltap's proprietress Jen who collected tens of thousands of them from family, friends, and the community to help execute the vision of a cool gathering placed dubbed, naturally, the "Penny Room." This dining room, beloved for both its wall of menus and its shining penny floor, is a favorite place to break bread with loved ones, and plays into the restaurant's blend of nostalgic and contemporary design. The restaurant was designed in collaboration with Sean Sifagaloa of KRFTWRK and local builder Mike Marian, owner of Marian Built. Light, texture, metal, wood, and floral elements are all at play here. This historic building possesses a playful, familiar charm that we wanted to preserve in its latest incarnation." What I ordered: Wishing to sample a little of everything, we were served, family style, two orders of Bread ($9 each) - buttered with salt and pepper; Fritto Misto ($12) - assorted, lightly fried and pickled vegetables with tarragon aioli; Smashed Burrata ($19) - snap peas, preserved lemon, mint, basil, sherry reduction; Carrot & Tahini Dip ($16) - caramelized garlic, feta, pistachio, crudite; two orders of Heirloom Tomatoes ($21 each) - melon, chevre, crispy quino, soft herbs; Crispy Potatoes ($16) - whipped feta, hot honey, mint; Mushroom Agnolotti ($34) - roasted maitakes, chanterelles, whipped ricotta, miso butter, thyme; Roast Chicken ($42) - chickpea, berbere yogurt, marinated cucumber, mint gremolata. To finish off our meals, we shared the Olive Oil Cake ($14) - basil yogurt cremeux, strawberry gel, and the Chocolate Tiramisu ($16) - mascarpone, rum, amaretto, candied hazelnuts. What I loved: Oh man, every dish was delightful. I found something to savor and repeat in each of the dishes we were served. From the sweetness of the heirloom tomatoes, to the creamy burrata, from the crispy potatoes, to the fresh peas and everything in between. Our least favorite, at the table was the mushroom Angnolotti, inconsistent from bite to bite. The presentation of the Carrot & Tahini dip was a bit haphazard compared to the rest of the dishes served, but the flavor was still lovely. Why I loved it: The service was unparalleled, comfortable yet professional and quick to offer recommendations for our larger party. The decorations and quaint spaces truly welcoming, and the food, excellent. Cost: High ($40+ per person)

Canlis - newamerican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...