Introduction
Seattle is lovingly referred to as The Emerald City because of its lush, year-round greenery.
A few years back, Dave and I spent an early Fall weekend in The Emerald City, and it was bliss. We spent most of our time outside where we saw beautiful art installations made by both humans and Mother Nature. Click here to see all the parks we visited throughout Seattle, including Seward Park which offers a stunning view of Mt. Rainier.
This Pacific Northwest paradise is also a food lover's dream. Its diverse culinary scene draws from its rich cultural influences - and the abundance of fresh, local ingredients available in the region. From savory seafood to delightful desserts, I think this city has it all.
So I encourage you to read on as I highlight some of the restaurants that made our short time in Seattle such a dream, including options for both vegans and those with gluten-free dietary preferences.
Iconic Hom Bows
Photo courtesy of Mee Sum Pastry.
Let's start with one of the most delicious foods I’ve ever eaten: the hom bow. Also known as hum bao or bao buns, these Chinese pastries are soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with various savory or sweet flavors. They’re also one Pike Place Market's most iconic and delicious treats.
For a next-level hom bow experience, I recommend Mee Sum Pastry, which is an unassuming food stall across from the green building at Pike Place Market. Here, you can choose from a variety of flavors, including barbecue pork, chicken curry, and a vegetarian option: sweet red bean.
Hom bows are the perfect on-the-go snack. Dave and I grabbed one of each (pork, curry, and red bean) and shared this trifecta of deliciousness while sitting on the pier to take in the harbor. I kid you not, I would plan a trip back to Seattle just to have hom bows again.
Asian Influences
Hom Bow is a small window into the significant history of diverse Asian populations in Seattle: One marked by waves of immigration, discrimination, resilience, and substantial contributions to the city's cultural and economic fabric.
This history, of course, has influenced the culinary scene present today. So I strongly encourage you to support Asian-owned restaurants during your time in The Emerald City.
I promise you’ll find some of the best sushi, curry, Korean BBQ, dim sum, pho, lumpia, and pad thai within these city limits. Here’s a list of some AAPI restaurants to consider during your visit.
Sumptuous Sushi
Photo courtesy of Nishino.
Nishino was one of the places we indulged in during our trip. This upscale sushi spot blends traditional Japanese with modern twists. According to their website, they are ranked in the Top Ten of restaurants in America. This dinner was an investment meal (I’m more of an “unassuming food stall” type of traveller), but I really enjoyed this fine dining experience.
Plus, Nishino is right near the Washington Park Arboretum so Dave and I capped off our evening with a walk through nature: It was the perfect date, if you ask me.
Premium Local Produce
The Pacific Northwestern climate is ideal for growing a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
While exploring Seattle, you’ll likely stumble upon a farmer’s market or corner co-ops selling crisp, fresh produce like locally grown apples, cherries, and blueberries. We found wonderful snacks at Central Co-Op, which is nestled between the Capital HIll and Cherry Hill neighborhoods.
For those unfamiliar with this concept, food co-ops are supermarkets owned and operated by community members. They usually focus on providing natural, organic food and produce from as many local sources as possible. Shopping in places like these, rather than larger grocery chains, is an easy way to support the local community you’re visiting. Co-ops definitely align with the overall ethos of a progressive city like Seattle, and I like to support community-focused organizations like a co-op whenever I can.
Independent Coffee Shops
Photo courtesy of Cherry Street Coffee House.
Seattle is synonymous with coffee, thanks in large part to the headquarters of Starbucks and other huge coffee brands. However, it seems Seattle locals have carved out a protected space for smaller, independently-owned cafes to thrive amid the giants.
Now, I’m not a huge coffee fan, but Dave most certainly is. So we spent a lot of time exploring the local coffee scene.
Cherry Street Coffee House, which is family-owned, is one shop I really liked. It has four locations throughout the city, and the one we visited was about a 15-minute walk from Pike Place Market.
I prefer smaller shops like Cherry Street because I like to support that level of business. It also means I’m more likely to find unique menus and cozy corners for chatting or working. I admit, however, that I’m no expert when it comes to coffee. I just recognized that, within nearly every neighborhood in Seattle, I was never more than a short walk from a coffee shop.
Eater Seattle published an article on iconic cafes throughout the city, and I encourage you to check that out for perspectives from writers who actually understand what makes a great cup of coffee.
Fresh Seafood
Given its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Seattle is renowned for its fresh seafood, particularly salmon.
A hearty bowl of clam chowder or seafood bisque will warm you from the brisk breeze that’s ever-present in Seattle. So I encourage you to head back to Pike Place Market for a chowder bowl at one of the many stalls lining the market. Pike Place Chowder is an option for those with dietary limitations like me. Their classic chowders can be made vegan and gluten-free upon request, and I can attest that the lack of dairy and gluten doesn’t have to take away from the flavor.
If you’re adventurous like me, keep an eye out for geoduck, which is a Pacific Northwest specialty. Geoduck, pronounced “gooey-duck,” is a large clam with a unique texture and a fresh, briny flavor. It’s popular in sushi, sashimi, and chowder dishes at local restaurants.
Classic Fast-Food
Photo courtesy of Dick’s Drive-In.
You may be thinking, all this fresh seafood and local veg sounds delicious, but what about french fries? Well, Seattle locals have thought of that, too.
Dick’s Drive-In is a regional burger chain specific to Washington state. This Americana masterpiece has multiple locations throughout Seattle, including a food truck. I don’t eat beef, but Dave really enjoyed their burgers, which are served on locally-made buns that are delivered fresh each day. Dick’s also has milkshakes and ice cream in classic flavors like Chocolate or Vanilla and unique flavors like Maple Nut.
I really liked their hand-cut french fries, which they prepare fresh daily. Also, their oil is not processed in a plant that processes peanuts so those with nut allergies can still indulge.
Craft Beer
Seattle is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene. All over the city, you’ll have access to a wide range of styles, from IPAs to stouts.
Our AirBnB was in the Beacon Hill neighborhood so we spent most of our evenings near there. Parahillian Brewery is right around the corner from the Beacon Hill light rail station and 36 bus line. The indoor seating is fairly limited, but their patio has a fire pit, which makes it great for dinner and drinks during the Summer and early Fall. You can choose from an extensive menu of food, wine, and beer or cider on tap.
Notably, Parahillian was Beacon Hill's first brewery, and has a cozy neighborhood feel. If you happen to be there during the week, they host live music sessions every Tuesday.
Photo Courtesy of Milk Drunk.
Creative Soft-Serve (And Chicken?)
Also in Beacon Hill, Milk Drunk is a cute little shop that sells soft-serve in unique flavors like matcha and pumpkin mascarpone. They also have vegan options like pomegranate serrano.
Interestingly, it looks like they’ve expanded their menu since Dave and I were in Seattle. Milk Drunk now offers a variety of chicken sandwiches to create the perfect combination of savory and sweet in one stop.
They also have kale salads and fried portobello sandwiches for my vegan and gluten-free friends.
Conclusion
Seattle's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, with something for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
As a recap, here is a Google map link I created for the restaurants listed above. However, I’ve outlined just a sampling of the culinary delights available in The Emerald City.
I know I’ll be back one day (The hom bow beckons me), and can’t wait to see what else this gem of a city has waiting for me.