25 Best Romantic Restaurants in Seattle, WA

© RockCreek Seafood & Spirits

RockCreek Seafood & Spirits is a seafood-focused restaurant and bar located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Open daily for dinner and weekend brunch, RockCreek has a seasonally changing menu that features sustainably sourced seafood around the globe. The restaurant also uses locally sourced products from the Northwest, including crab, oysters, and mussels. Tropical fish like Hawaiian Ono and Kona Kampachi are also on the menu, as well as East Coast staples like Striped Bass. RockCreek Seafood & Spirits is one of the best restaurants in Seattle for couples. The spacious eatery is housed in a double-story fishing lodge, with a large central dining area filled with hand-crafted tables, a stylish bar, a lovely open-air patio, and an upstairs loft for private dining.

4300 Fremont Avenue N, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-557-7532

© Westward & Little Gull

Westward & Little Gull on North Lake Union serves a Mediterranean menu for brunch and dinner in a stunning location with a lakeside view. Executive Chef Zoi Antonitsas balances Mediterranean and Northwest flavors, and many of his dishes are prepared in a wood-burning oven. The approach of those who run this water-inspired restaurant is natural and casual, with a focus on fresh ingredients and high-quality produce. If you are looking for unique romantic restaurants in Seattle to celebrate a special occasion, Westward & Little Gull is a great place to visit. Westward’s menu includes nibbles, vegetables, fruit, fish, seafood, meat, and poultry. And with sweets such as the Theo chocolate mousse or the Butterscotch pot de crème, you definitely won’t want to skip dessert.

2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-552-8215

© Joule

Joule is a Korean-fusion steakhouse that serves Northwest-Asian cuisine in a sophisticated and refined setting. Home to James Beard-nominated chefs and celebrated husband and wife cooking team Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, Joule presents fusion-inspired meat dishes and creative, shareable sides for lunch and dinner. Joule is also open for brunch, and has become popular for all-time favorites such as French toast and grits. Highlighting Korea’s love of beef, starters like steak tartare and bone marrow are followed by a variety of steak cuts served with eclectic sides such as truffled pine nuts and sorrel. Joule is also known for its wine dinners, which allow guests to enjoy an intimate evening of dining and drinking, with a focus on the unique northwestern wine list.

3506 Stone Way N. Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-632-5685

© AQUA by El Gaucho

Couples are in for an impeccable dining experience at AQUA by El Guacho. This fine dining restaurant boasts of its fresh seafood, superior service, and fantastic waterfront views of Elliot Bay. Their exhibition-style kitchen is open for diners to see, specializing in a wide selection of seafood dishes like yellowfin tuna au Poivre and salmon rillette. They also offer quality cut steaks including a 28-day dry-aged Niman Ranch All-Natural Prime Certified Angus Beef steak, which is charcoal grilled to perfection. Enjoy your meal accompanied by a superior selection of wine and spirits along with signature cocktails like the Aqua Mule.

2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle, WA 98121; Phone: 206-956-9171

© Canlis Restaurant

With innovative dishes, romantic sweeping views, and unparalleled service, Canlis is the perfect location for an intimate dinner for two. The picture-perfect restaurant is housed in a modern building with beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows to take in views of Seattle, Lake Union, and the Cascade Mountain range. In addition to great views, diners can expect to feel like they truly matter, seeing as thoughtful service has been the heart and soul of this award-winning restaurant for the past seven decades. Their menu is simple yet elevated, offering a multi-course dining experience where guests may choose three of their courses and be surprised with several others in between. Everything about Canlis will surely give couples an evening worth remembering.

2576 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109; Phone: 206-283-3313

© Le Panier

Resting in the heart of Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Le Panier is a traditional French bakery that has been serving homemade bread, pastries, and other French delicacies for over 10 years. Named after the large willow baskets that carry baguettes fresh from the oven, this warm and welcoming bakery is owned by Kristi Drake and Thierry Mougin, who have created their own little French haven serving traditional and artisanal French treats. From freshly baked baguettes and bread to sweet and savory patisseries, Thierry and his team of bakers present a mouthwatering array of French delights that they make from scratch every day. Le Panier is one of the best Seattle restaurants for fans of traditional French baked goods.

1902 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-441-3669

© Tulio Ristorante

Known as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, Tulio Ristorante has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for 23 years. Named in honor of his father, Tulio Ristorante is owned and managed by Chef Walter Pisano whose passion for Italian cuisine shines through in every dish. Using only the freshest Pacific Northwest ingredients, his menu offers diners traditional Italian dishes with an innovative twist, such as Korobuta pork shank with ricotta whipped potatoes. From breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, the restaurant is an excellent choice. Its intimate and elegant dining room creates the perfect setting for appreciating Chef Pisano’s exquisite cuisine, and an impressive wine list presents excellent wines to accompany each dish.

Phone: 206-624-5500

© Tat's Deli

Tat's Deli offers visitors an authentic East Coast deli experience in the heart of Seattle. From the extensive menu of delicious eat-in, take-out, and delivery meals to the friendly and convivial service and bustling atmosphere, this fantastic little deli doesn’t disappoint. Located in Pioneer Square, Tat’s serves an extensive breakfast and lunch menu consisting of classic deli favorites such as Philly steaks, hoagies, hot subs and unique sandwiches, soups, salads, and sides. Tat’s also has a mobile food truck that can be found at popular lunch spots throughout town. Tat’s caters special events and parties as well.

159 Yesler Way, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-264-8287

© Cafe Campagne

Located in the historic Post Alley of the Pike Place Market, Café Campagne is one of Seattle’s foremost classic French restaurants. Known for its traditional French cuisine and wine and elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, Café Campagne evokes all the aspects of a classic Parisian brasserie, from the beautiful décor to the mouthwatering menu. Dishes are made with only the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients, many of which are handcrafted in-house. Examples include the charcuterie, duck confit, smoked salmon, and preserved items. Guests can find the perfect accompaniment to every meal,as Café Campagne has an excellent selection of wines that are handpicked by the café’s expert wine director.

1600 Post Alley, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-728-2233

© TRACE

TRACE Restaurant is a stylish restaurant and bar in downtown Seattle that offers diners a contemporary urban dining experience. Led by Executive Chef Steven Ariel, TRACE will delight foodies and aficionados alike with its innovative, farm-to-table menu, which consists of regional specialties made with local, seasonal, and organic products from the Pacific Northwest. A chic sushi bar serves freshly made sushi and sashimi, and the kitchen makes a point of using sustainably caught seafood. The award-winning designer bar offers a range of dynamic hand-crafted cocktails and liquor from regional distilleries, as well as a notable wine list that consist of both local and international vintages.

1112 4th Avenue, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-264-6060

© Matt's in the Market

Matt’s in the Market is a warm and welcoming restaurant in the heart of Pike’s Place Market. Dan Bugge, who worked as a fishmonger in the market for many years, eventually fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the owner of this popular eatery. The menu consists of delicious dishes made with local ingredients from the nearby market. Using a variety of fresh seasonal products from the market, Executive Chef Shane Ryan creates a range of dishes that have diners returning on a regular basis. Offering spectacular views of Elliott Bay and the market's famous clock through beautiful arched windows, Matt's intimate setting is the ideal place for a business lunch or romantic dinner for two.

94 Pike Street, Suite 32, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-467-7909

More vacation ideas: 25 Best Things to Do in Seattle.

© Terra Plata

True to its name, Terra Plata (meaning "earth-to-plate") is an inviting restaurant in the famous Melrose Market that serves a tempting menu of farm-to-table fare. Inspired by seasonal products from local growers and artisan producers, Chef Tamara Murphy’s passion for cuisine shines in her creative and delicious plates, such as the Yakima asparagus with fried duck egg or the water buffalo burger with taleggio, pickles, and arugula. Take your lunch in the beautiful rooftop dining area overlooking the edible garden, and enjoy a selection of seasonally-inspired handcrafted cocktails, locally brewed draft beer, or excellent wines by the glass.

1501 Melrose Avenue, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-325-1501

© Wild Ginger

Inspired by the beauty and culture of South-East Asia, Wild Ginger has been serving delectable Pan-Asian cuisine to diners for over a quarter century. Owned by Rick and Ann Yoder, Wild Ginger is one of Seattle’s most celebrated restaurants, bringing a taste of Asia to both locals and visitors. Dishes like young mountain lamb marinated in Indonesian soy sauce and Cambodian-style Kom Pot short ribs with turmeric, galangal, and honey are sure to delight. Wild Ginger offers a lunch and dinner menu as well as a special vegan menu, and selections from each one of them can be ordered to eat-in or take away, and an impressive cocktail, wine, and beverage list provides the perfect accompaniment to the meal.

1401 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-623-4450

© Portage Bay Cafe

Portage Bay Café is one of Seattle’s favorite places to enjoy a hearty breakfast, lazy brunch, languid lunch, or intimate dinner for two. With four locations across the city, Portage Bay Café boasts an extensive menu of delicious made-to-order meals, using only the freshest local ingredients sourced from surrounding farms and producers. From pancakes, eggs, and organic granola for breakfast to crisp garden salads, homemade soup, and jam-packed sandwiches, shwarmas, and burgers for lunch, Portage Bay Café has something for everyone. The café also provides a cold lunch delivery service and can be booked for private events in the evenings.

4130 Roosevelt Way NE, 206-547-8230; 391 Terry Avenue N, 206-462-6400; 2825 NW Market, 206-783-1547

© Palisade

Located in the Elliot Bay Marina with sweeping views over the bay, the Palisade is an elegant restaurant that serves Pacific North-West seafood in an unrivaled setting. This classic landmark restaurant has an enticing menu that features a variety of culinary delights, ranging from its famous Seattle City View Brunch to fresh salads, soups and chowders, succulent seafood, and prime-cut steaks. A chef’s early prix-fixe menu is also available and has three courses to choose from while the stylish bar serves an impressive range of handcrafted cocktails, spirits, fine wines, and local brews. Enjoy a laid-back lunch of freshly caught seafood and crisp salads against a backdrop of breathtaking marina views.

2601 West Marina Place, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-285-1000

© Revel

Owned by celebrated husband and wife cooking team Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi (the founders of Joule), Revel is a fairly new yet already celebrated restaurant that serves traditional Korean dishes prepared using classic French techniques. Housed in a modern industrially designed space with a long butcher-block table, wood banquettes, and a stylish bar, Revel is a trendy restaurant with a menu that is just as slick. Think short rib and scallion dumplings, lemongrass beef and cilantro noodles, and pork belly and bean sprout pancakes – and don’t forget dessert. The Szechuan peppercorn ice cream is not to be missed. Enjoy colorful cocktails and soju, as well as a variety of fine wines and craft beer from Quoin, Revel’s sister bar.

403 N. 36th St, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-547-2040

© Assaggio Ristorante

For a more casual yet intimate date night, come to Assaggio Ristorante. Inspired by the Italian way of life, this Italian restaurant is the perfect setting for couples to slow down and simply enjoy the company of those who matter most. Their delicious menu, thanks to Chef Mauro Golmarvi, is centered on authentic Italian recipes and techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation. Customers can expect a truly Italian dining experience from freshly made pasta to homemade fish stock to imported Italian cheeses. Highlights from their menu include Pici Carbonara, slow-cooked organic veal shank, and classic tiramisu.

2010 4th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121, Phone: 206-441-1399

© The Whale Wins

The Whale Wins on Stone Way North serves lunch and dinner with a menu that includes American and European dishes. Renee Erickson, an award-winning chef inspired by some of her favorite places in England and southern Europe, opened The Whale Wins in 2012 with her partners Chad Dale and Jeremy Price. The Whale Wins has a cottage-like interior and a homey wood-fired oven, creating a casual ambience. This warm neighborhood restaurant has a vegetable focused menu that includes pantry, small plates, main plates and sweets. Guests can choose to be seated in the dining room, at the bar, or on the garden patio.

3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-632-9425

© Sushi Kappo Tamura

Sushi Kappo Tamura on Eastlake Ave is a Japanese restaurant with an open kitchen that serves cocktails and sushi in a contemporary and elegant space. Executive Chef Taichi Kitamura, who has always been fascinated with aquatic life, grew up in Kyoto. At Sushi Kappo Tamura, the chef is always happy to interact with his guests and show them how to debone a whole fish. The menu changes daily and the chef uses fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients in his creations. The restaurant also has a first-class Sushi bar with fine delicacies such as Alaskan king crab, squid, salmon and wild prawns.

2968 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-547-0937

© Spinasse

Spinasse is a rustically styled restaurant on 14th Ave that opened in 2008. For dinner, they serve traditional cuisine from Northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Chef Stuart Lane prepares refined, simple dishes using special methods from Piedmont and incorporates Pacific Northwest products. Pastas are handmade, and desserts and dishes are seasonally inspired. Spinasse is an intimate, cozy restaurant with an open kitchen. The menu includes various delights such as perfectly cooked pastas, ravioli, and chicken. For dessert, visitors may try Panna cotta, Torta di cammomila, or ZuppaInglese al limone.

1531 14th Ave, Seattle, Washington, Phone: 206-251-7673

© Chan Seattle

Chan Seattle on Pine St. serves modern and classic Korean dishes along with Asian-inspired drinks. Chef Heong-Soon Park always delivers the very best of Korean cuisine, taking the dining experience to a whole new level with seasonal, fresh, locally grown ingredients and bold flavors. Korean drinks and food, classic and contemporary, meet Western cooking methods in this powerful fusion. This cozy restaurant is located in a popular part of town and serves great food at reasonable prices. Chan’s menu includes small dishes, seasonal dishes, seafood, meat and poultry, flavorful vegetables, and delicious desserts such as rice beer ice cream, ginger crème brûlée and pumpkin candy power.

724 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101, +1 425-658-2626, Phone: 206-443-5443

© Salty’s on Alki Beach

What could be more romantic than enjoying a delicious meal with the one you love on Salty’s waterfront patio? The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining options, both of which boast serene harbor views. And there’s no need to worry about Seattle’s chilly weather thanks to numerous heaters and fire pits situated throughout the patio to keep you warm and toasty. Salty’s menu specializes in seasonal seafood and local fare including seafood chowder, lobster tail, and grilled fish. A full-service bar also offers wine, beer, spirits, and several unique cocktails. Customers are sure to be in good hands at this award-winning and service-oriented restaurant.

1936 Harbor Avenue SW, Seattle, Washington 98126, Phone: 206-937-1600

© The Pink Door

Since its opening in 1981, The Pink Door has been a popular restaurant destination amongst locals and visitors. Many aspects of the restaurant are closely tied to the owner’s Italian-American heritage from the building’s Duomo-inspired color palette to the simple, local produce-driven menu. Popular items on their lunch and dinner menu include the Pink Door Lasagna and Pink Door Cioppino. Diners can have their meal inside or out on the deck overlooking Elliot Bay. They can also expect to enjoy eclectic decorations alongside unique entertainment like trapeze, tarot, and cabaret. If visiting in the evening, be sure to adhere to their dinner dress code, which discourages athletic gear including flip flops.

1919 Post Alley, Seattle, Washington 98101, Phone: 206-443-3241

© Cafe Torino

Like true Italians, those at Seattle’s Café Torino take their coffee seriously. First, they use only Lavazza beans and make them into any version of coffee drink you can think of: cappuccinos, macchiato with cocoa called Torinese, Becerin with chocolate, coffee, and cream, and of course a standard drip coffee, light or dark roast. This modern, sleek cafe also serves Portland Steve Smith Tea for those who are not java addicts.

They also serve excellent sandwiches with imported Italian meats such as Parma ham, pistachio-studded Mortadella and Genoa Salame, and some superb in-house made biscotti and cookies. You can have a cold or grilled sandwich made with their Udi gluten-free bread. Their signature cookies are made with polenta flour and can come with a delicious ice cream filling.

422 Yale Avenue North, suite B, Seattle, WA 98109, 206-682-2099