Poppy
Chef Jerry Traunfeld helms one of Seattle's most original restaurants and creates true harmony with his magical Indian-style thalis (platters). For a fixed price, sample 11 small plates. Specials change daily and may include roasted black cod, ricotta dumplings with wild mushrooms, and tandoori roasted poussin. Save room for the black and blueberry shortcake and homemade ice creams and sorbets. Poppy easily earns its spot among Seattle's top restaurants.
Poppy
622 Broadway E.
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 324-1108
poppyseattle.com
The Herbfarm
Head to the Herbfarm where Pacific Northwestern cuisine showcases local, seasonal ingredients. Metropolitan Seattle praises the Herbfarm as "pretty close to culinarily flawless." For appetizers, try paddlefish caviar or local Westcott Bay oysters. Choose Anderson Ranch Lamb or Lummi Island Salmon for an entrée. Finish with a luscious pear soufflé or huckleberry cobbler. The Herbfarm also offers beautifully appointed suites if you would like to spend the night after a decadent meal.
The Herbfarm
14590 NE 145th St
Woodinville, WA 98072-6950
(425) 485-5300
theherbfarm.com
Serious Pie
Are you in the mood for some Serious Pie? Owner Tom Douglas says, "I personally love cooking at the big stone hearth oven at Serious Pie. It's cooking like the cavemen. Just you and the fire." Chef Douglas works magic with that fire, serving pizzas topped with Spanish truffled cheese and roasted chanterelles or local clams, pancetta and lemon thyme. Serious Pie is just that: Pizza with heart, soul, and a touch of refinement. Ranked among Seattle's best restaurants by Seattle Weekly, give Serious Pie a try.
Serious Pie
316 Virginia St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 838-7388
tomdouglas.com
Metropolitan Grill
If you're feeling carnivorous, visit Metropolitan Grill for a dry-aged prime Porterhouse or New York steak grilled over mesquite. Seattle Weekly named Metropolitan Grill "Seattle's Best Steakhouse." Start with a Smoky Met Martini, concocted with Absolut, 18-year old Glenlivit and an orange twist. Order a classic Caesar or an iceberg wedge with local blue cheese. Enjoy those prime steaks with classic sides like creamed spinach and Yukon gold potato cakes. With its classic menu and upscale atmosphere, Metropolitan Grill earns its place among Seattle's top 10 restaurants.
Metropolitan Grill
820 2nd Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 624-3287
themetropolitangrill.com
Canlis
Visit one of Seattle's seasoned classics. Canlis was founded in 1950 and has been run by three generations of the Canlis family. Indulge on local oysters, prime steaks and fresh seafood in a rustic but refined lakeside setting. Enjoy a rare wine from the 24,000-bottle wine cellar. Expect excellent service and great attention to detail. Town and Country Travel Magazine rates Canlis as one of Seattle's 12 best restaurants.
Canlis
2576 Aurora Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 283-3313
canlis.com
Boat Street Café
Stroll down to the Boat Street Café, a breath of Provence on the Seattle waterfront. Sample homemade paté and pickles, roasted porcini mushrooms and a locally-raised pork loin chop. Seattle Weekly raves about Boat Street Café's "mouthfilling textures, brainy contrasts, and Provencal flavors." The eclectic, whitewashed decor is romantic and relaxing, just right for a special evening.
Boat Street Café
3131 Western Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121-3035
(206) 632-4602
boatstreetcafe.com
Spring Hill Restaurant and Bar
Mark Fuller takes the Seattle food scene to new heights with Spring Hill.
Food and Wine Magazine chose Fuller as one of the "Best New Chefs 2009" and Spring Hill was ranked among the "Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America 2009" in Bon Appétit. Try the duck egg raviolo or roasted chanterelles with grits and parmesan. For entrées, the roasted duck breast, sautéed sea scallops, or wagyu beef are excellent choices.
Spring Hill Restaurant and Bar
4437 California Ave S.W.
Seattle, WA 98116-4108
(206) 935-1075
springhillnorthwest.com
Rover's Restaurant
Stop by Rover's for "refined pleasures and otherworldly wine," says Seattle Magazine. Chef/owner Thierry Rautureau has been serving top-notch French cuisine since 1987. He combines high-quality local ingredients with classic French techniques. Guests recommend the five- or eight-course tasting menus, featuring smoked sea scallops, braised pork belly and pacific black cod. Rover's clearly is one of Seattle's top restaurants.
Rover's Restaurant
2808 E Madison St.
Seattle, WA 98112-4862
(206) 325-7442
rovers-seattle.com
Tulio Ristorante
Visit Italy for an evening at Tulio Ristorante. Chef Walter Pisano has perfected hearty Italian cuisine. Seattle Magazine writes, "We still swoon over the sweet potato gnocchi with sage." Enticing primi include semolina-encrusted scallops and pappardelle with fava beans, pancetta and mint. Secondi include Kurobuta pork shank and whole-roasted branzino. Stop by Tulio Ristorante tonight; and don't forget your appetite.
Tulio Ristorante
1100 Fifth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 624-5500
tulio.com
Le Pichet
Savor flawless French cuisine at Le Pichet. Award-winning food critic Jonathan Kaufman of Seattle Weekly raves, "The roast chicken and confit-gizzard salad always leaves us breathless." Try the creamy chestnut and mushroom soup, then move onto harissa-marinated lamb with sautéed figs, olives and preserved lemon. The atmosphere is warm and sophisticated, just the thing after a rainy day in Seattle. Vive la France.
Le Pichet
1933 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 256-1499
lepichetseattle.com
