It’s no secret that if you follow me on social media, I don’t shy away from sharing the places that I’m going to for a good meal! Working behind the chair and having the privilege to serve many guests, one of the frequent topics of conversation is “ So where are you eating these days?”  which brought me to creating this list of my top 10 favorite restaurants in Seattle. These never let me down!

1. Homer (Beacon Hill) – Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Inspired

This restaurant was the first time I have ever tried lamb and I instantly fell in love. The vibes here are unmatched. If you’re up for dessert after your meal, check out their soft serve window to indulge in a little sweet treat as a palate cleanser to add the cherry on top.

What to Order: Set of top three spreads (this is a sample of all 3 of their spreads with warm pita bread) Grilled Lamb Ribs, Roasted Chicken, Raw Apple Salad, Sweet Corn with Feta

2. Tavolata (Belltown) –  Italian

Adam and I do a date night every weekend and we always find ourselves going back here. It’s just our old faithful. We order the same dishes because of the consistent quality and love washing it down with a few glasses of red wine!

What to order: Smoked Fish Bruschetta, Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe (to share, huge portion), Hanger Steak ( we usually get our own order) 

3.Bongos (Green Lake) – Caribbean 

This place is such a gem for authentic Caribbean Cuisine! Tucked away on Aurora Ave.  this was a frequent go to of ours during the Summer after long hikes. They have a fun and spacious outside patio area but it is also great to take to go or order delivery from on a cozy rainy day. If you love spicy comfort food you will love this spot

What To Order: West Indies Chicken Plate with a side of Maduro’s (ripe plantains)

4. Revel (Fremont) – Korean Fusion 

The restaurant you take your friends & family from out of town to impress. Another one of our favorite go-to’s.  I’ve never had a bad meal here and it will always be top 5 for me

!

What To Order: Short Rib Wontons, Dungeness Crab noodles, Pork Belly, Spicy Miso Rice Cakes, Kimchi and Rice

5. Local Tide (Fremont) – Seafood

I always take my clients advice on food and this was one of those places I kept hearing about. Come for a casual sit down or take away meal. Great sandwiches and if you are looking for good seafood spots, boy you are in for a treat when coming here!

What To Order: Salt & Pepper Fries, Fried Oysters, Albacore Tuna Sandwich(I can honestly eat this everyday), Smash Burger (So simple but so so good), Salmon BLT. They have such a great selection of specialty trendy beverages on hand and If you are a cider fan they carry  one of my favorite cider brands that I have at the salon called YONDER… so good!

6. Bangrak Market (Belltown) Thai Street Food

Let’s just say we love Thai food and get this probably once a week! This was Adam and I’s first date spot and has easily become one of our favorite sit down spots. It’s super laid back with a fun atmosphere.

What To Order: Fresh Garden Rolls, Crab Delight, Crying Tiger (charbroiled steak) with a side of Sticky rice , Moo Sam Chan Tod Nam Pla ( fried marinated pork belly), Kao Soi Chiang Mai (Thai egg noodle in curry sauce), Kao Neaw Ma Muang (mango sticky rice)  

7. Virginia Inn ( Downtown) –  American 

When I was working at a salon in this area, my coworkers and I would try to stop in here on our lunch break when we had time. Just discovered their brunch not too long ago and for sure a spot you will want to add to your rotating list for any meal.

What To Order: Salmon Sandwich w/ Small Green Salad or Fries. For brunch: Shrimp & Grits (No lie this was the best I’ve ever had.. and I grew up in the South!) 

8. Pablo y Pablo (Wallingford) – Mexican 

I’ve never gone to a Mexican restaurant and just ordered a salad but I do here because it’s honestly just that good dang good and usually my go to.

What To Order: Pablo Chopped with Shrimp or Steak, Street Corn & if you have a sweet tooth that day a side of Churros! 

9. White Swan (South Lake Union) Seafood 

I think it’s safe to say that this is everyone’s favorite hang out spot during the summer if you live downtown. It’s the perfect place to sit outside under their covered patio, watch the boaters or simply people watch and have a drink or 2.

What To Order: Crab Hushpuppies, Crispy Brussel sprouts, Fish & Chips or The Fishwich

10. Blue Water Bistro (Leschi) – American 

I’ll end my 10 places to eat in Seattle with this spot. I couldn’t leave this one out because it’s super nostalgic for me. As a kid growing up and coming to Seattle during the summers, my cousin, my grandparents and I would always come here for a celebratory meal. It was always a treat for us because my grandparents always cooked at home and it was very rare we ate out, so when we did it was always close to their home in Leschi. This still is that place that reminds me of my childhood and a spot Adam and I go to on the weekends for a good hang with the neighborhood locals for brunch.

What To Order: Blue Cheese Salad w/ Chicken, Blue Water Burger with a side of Fries, Fish & Chips (this was my grandparents favorite). For Breakfast: House Favorite Pancakes with a side of bacon and a Bakon Mary to drink.