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My Top Fine Dining Experiences in Seattle

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YookHweh yukhoe Korean style beef tartare from WeRo Seattle WA
Yukhoe from WeRo in Seattle, WA

I compiled a list of my TOP fine dining experiences in Seattle. I would time and time again recommend these spots to anyone.

My Top Fine Dining Experiences in Seattle

#1 TOWA

searing nodoguro fish Towa Kaiseki Restaurant Redmond WA
The coal-searing method used at Towa Kaiseki Restaurant

TOWA does an amazing Kaiseki experience in Redmond. This would solidly be my number one fine dining experience for anyone living or visiting the Seattle area.

Please read our full fine dining review of TOWA for more information.

Watch our Towa fine dining video below to see the entire experience.

 

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#2 Hummingbird Sushi

This new sushi spot in Queen Anne recently opened in August 2024 and has been delivering one of the most unique and creative Omakase experiences in Seattle.

It’s easily one of my top 3 dining experiences in Seattle!

Hummingbird Sushi was founded by Chef Ji Hun Hong. He brings his 21+ years of sushi-making experience to create a modern journey that you won’t forget.

We highly recommend their signature 10-piece Omakase experience, but you can also opt for their smaller Omakase or a la carte options.

Book your reservations here.

 

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#3 Altura

Altura is an Italian fine dining experience. Their modern Italian menu will shock your taste buds in a very good way.

Chef Nathan Lockwood grows and sources only the best ingredients. We highly recommend their modern beverage pairing to accompany your meal.

#4 Archipelago

Archipelago is a James Beard-nominated restaurant serving elevated Pacific Northwest Filipino cuisine.

No one leaves hungry, and you’ll leave with an understanding of Filipino culture in the PNW. The tasting course is proctored by Chef Aaron Verzosa.

Reservations are highly coveted and must be made at least 4 months in advance.

#5 Il Nido

Il Nido is an Italian restaurant on Alki known for its freshly made pastas. Their pastas are so flavorful, and reservations are highly recommended.

Chef Mike Easton (formerly of Il Corvo) founded Il Nido and is a 4x James Beard Nominated Chef.  He has since left Il Nido restaurant to the East Coast to spearhead Bar Bacetto.

#6 Jiang Nan

Jiang Nan is a New York-based Chinese restaurant serving elevated cuisine from various regions of China.

We were blown away at how elegant and flavorful each dish was.

Prices were very fair, and the ambiance exudes elegance. We will come back every time.

 

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#7 Flintcreek Cattle Co.

Flintcreek Cattle Co Bruleed Banana Split with tin roof ice cream and chocolate brownie
Brûléed Banana Split with tin roof ice cream and chocolate brownie

Flintcreek Cattle Co. is one of our top spots for steaks and more. Everything they do is exquisite!

We love their craft cocktails, steaks, and desserts.

 

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#8 The Herbfarm

The Herbfarm is an amazing experience led by Chef Chris Weber. This dining experience takes you into a charming cottage in Woodinville and through an experience of food harvested from the farm down the way.

We highly recommend staying an evening in Woodinville when you dine at the Herbfarm.

 

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#9 Shiro’s

Shiros Sushi Omakase Amadai tail fish
Amadai (Tail Fish)

Shiro’s is an Edomae restaurant named after Shiro Kashiba, an apprentice to the famed Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

We had an amazing time here with the new Chefs. We highly recommend their full Omakase course, which allows you to dine at the counter and interact with the team of Chefs.

 

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#10 Metropolitan Grill

This is the best spot for steaks. Metropolitan Grill introduced me to table side bananas flambé, and I’ve been spoiled ever since.

#11 Charlottee Restaurant and Lounge

Charlotte Restaurant has amazing views, food, and creative cocktails.

We highly recommend making a reservation during golden hour when their gorgeous dining space illuminates like gold!

 

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#12 El Gaucho

We can’t recommend El Gaucho enough! Their steaks are so juicy and perfectly cooked. Their venue is also great for groups.

#13 Paju

Paju is an elevated Korean fine dining experience by Chef Bill Jeong. Here you’ll find unique dishes such as squid ink fried rice. Be sure to end your meal with their barley ice cream bingsu.

They recently opened for lunch service in 2025 and serve simpler dishes such as Seollongtang, Korean Fried Chicken, and Bibimbap.

 

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#14 Alder & Ash

Alder & Ash is a New American restaurant with amazing food and drinks.

They’re located in the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Seattle.

 

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#15 The Butcher’s Table

The Butcher’s Table is another one of my top spots for steak in Seattle. I especially love their wagyu trio and polenta fries.

#16 Minamoto

 

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I feel like no one knows about this hidden gem on the East Side.

Minamoto is worth a trip to Bellevue. Their Japanese cuisine is phenomenal! You have to try their lavender smoked duck breast, omakase, udon, and various hand rolls and sushi rolls.

 

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To Be Tasted (TBT)

Here are spots on my radar that I haven’t had a chance to experience yet:

  • Off Alley
  • Atoma
  • Cafe Juanita
  • LTD
  • Pancita
  • The Peasant
  • Spinasse
  • Surrell
  • Taneda
  • Tomo

Fine Dining DNR List

Unfortunately, I have a do-not-recommend (DNR) list. Here are restaurants I would never recommend to anyone looking for fine dining in Seattle.

  • Ascend Sushi & Steak – Rooftop restaurant with upscale vibes. It’s best to come here for the views and happy hour.
  • Canlis
  • Pink Door – Fine dining pasta restaurant located in Pike Place Market, but only worth going to if there is a show.
  • Sushi Kashiba

If you found this list helpful, please share it with your foodie friends. Thanks for your support!


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