15 of the Best Restaurants in Seattle & Near SeaTac Airport

Last Updated: July 31, 2026

Seattle has earned a reputation as one of the country's best food cities, but some of the region's most memorable meals aren't necessarily found downtown.

From waterfront seafood overlooking Puget Sound to refined farm-to-table dining hidden near the airport, expanding your search beyond the city opens the door to some truly exceptional restaurants. If you're planning a special occasion or date night, or are in town searching for an unforgettable meal, these restaurants showcase some of the best dining the greater Seattle area has to offer.

Pictured: Anthony's HomePort Restaurant in Des Moines, WA.
Credit: Maurice Photo Inc. 2019

Seattle Southside

Seattle Southside, the area around SEA Airport, is a global culinary hub with hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. Don't skip this vibrant region when hunting for your next special meal! And if you're visiting from out of town, you can choose from more than 60 hotels in the area. You'll be surrounded by good food and only a short drive or light rail ride from downtown Seattle. Check out some of our favorite restaurants, all of which are within a 10-minute drive of SEA Airport.

Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar

Copperleaf is one of the Seattle area's best-kept culinary secrets. Tucked inside the award-winning Cedarbrook Lodge, a tranquil resort in SeaTac, this unique restaurant embraces a true farm-to-table philosophy. Menus change throughout the year based on what's in season, so you'll see dishes like sweet corn risotto in summer and braised beef short rib in winter. Ingredients are sourced from local vendors and farms, as well as the property's own chef's garden. Before or after dining, stroll the grounds to see (and sniff!) the fresh herbs for yourself. The lodge also maintains an on-site apiary, providing honey used in special menu items, especially during National Honey Month (September). Pair your meal with an inventive seasonal cocktail or an equally thoughtful zero-proof creation, and you'll see why Copperleaf is a top dining destination. As a bonus, there's indoor and outdoor seating. When the sun is out, don't miss the chance to dine on a serene patio overlooking a pond and garden.

Anthony's HomePort & Lower Deck

If you want a quintessentially Northwest dining experience, you can't miss fresh seafood on Puget Sound. Anthony's HomePort has restaurants throughout the region, but the Des Moines Marina location stands apart thanks to its spectacular waterfront setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the sea, where boats glide by, and the Olympic Mountains often appear on the horizon. Time your reservation around sunset, and you'll enjoy one of the most scenic dining experiences near Seattle. The menu focuses on fresh Northwest seafood, from wild salmon and halibut to Dungeness crab and oysters, and everything is expertly prepared.

Want a more casual vibe? The Lower Deck (just below the main restaurant) is a great spot for summer happy hour.

Miyabi Sushi

Miyabi Sushi in Tukwila deserves a spot on every foodie's list. Open since 2005, the restaurant has spent decades building a loyal following thanks to meticulous craftsmanship and warm hospitality. Chef Masaaki Ishikura trained in Japan before bringing his talents to the Pacific Northwest, and that dedication to authenticity shines through every plate. Miyabi has also been recognized multiple times in The Seattle Times Readers' Choice Awards, a testament to just how beloved it has become among locals. Whether you order beautifully prepared nigiri, creative specialty rolls, or let the chef guide your meal with an omakase experience, you won't be disappointed.

Din Tai Fung

Few restaurants have earned the global reputation of Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung. Best known for its meticulously crafted xiao long bao (soup dumplings), every dumpling is folded by hand before being steamed to perfection. Beyond the signature dumplings, the menu features standout dishes like spicy wontons, cucumber salad, and noodles tossed in rich sesame or spicy sauces. There are also some great vegan options.

While there are a few locations around the region, the Din Tai Fung inside Westfield Southcenter is the best for families and groups. It's spacious, accommodating, and located inside Washington's largest shopping center. There's ample parking, and you'll be surrounded by shops and attractions. The location was also voted Best Dumplings in Seattle Southside.

Tandoori Slice

Tandoori Slice is the kind of off-the-beaten-path restaurant that's well worth seeking out. This family-owned gem in Des Moines was voted Best Pizza in the Best of Seattle Southside Awards, thanks to its creative Indian fusion pies that blend classic pizza with bold flavors like paneer tikka, butter chicken, and tandoori spices. The menu also features several genuinely delicious vegan pizzas, making it an easy pick for groups with different dietary preferences. Pair your meal with one of the inventive cocktails from the full bar (likely prepared by one of the owners) and settle into the cozy dining area for a relaxing yet casual meal.

Pictured: Tandoori Pizza in Des Moines offers Indian-inspired toppings.

Neighborhood Cafe

While it may be on the casual side, Neighborhood Cafe punches well above its weight with incredibly flavorful Filipino fusion cuisine. Voted Best Coffee in the 2026 Best of Seattle Southside Awards, this locally loved café is known for its inventive coffee and matcha creations, alongside a menu of standout food items that have earned a devoted following. Popular menu items include the longganisa breakfast, ube or banana bread French toast, and adobo fried rice. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast, brunch, or one of its famous beverage flights, this locally owned spot consistently delivers.

For even more stellar recommendations south of Seattle, check out all the winners of the Best of Seattle Southside Awards. Eateries were honored across 10 categories, including best happy hour, halal, and bubble tea.

Seattle

Seattle is famous for its food scene, and it's all easily accessible from Seattle Southside. If you're staying near the airport, you can catch the light rail at one of the three local stops and ride 30 minutes north to explore downtown and beyond.

Spinasse

For a taste of northern Italy without leaving Seattle, few restaurants compare to Spinasse on Capitol Hill. Known for its handmade pasta, especially the famously delicate tajarin, Spinasse specializes in the rich, comforting cuisine of Italy's Piedmont region. The intimate dining room and consistently exceptional execution have made it one of Seattle's most sought-after reservations. To get there from Seattle Southside, you can take the light rail to Capitol Hill Station.

Canlis

No list of Seattle's best restaurants would be complete without Canlis. For more than 70 years, this iconic fine dining destination has defined special occasions in the city. The mid-century modern dining room offers sweeping views of Lake Union, while the kitchen continues to push Pacific Northwest cuisine forward with beautifully executed tasting menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients. Canlis is about a 30-minute drive north of SEA Airport. It's not directly off the light rail, so getting there by public transit will take twice as long.

Communion

Located in Seattle's Central District, Communion has earned national acclaim for its creative menu that blends Southern comfort food with African American, Asian, and Pacific Northwest influences. Chef Kristi Brown's James Beard Award-winning restaurant has been featured by publications including The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine, thanks to standout dishes like the oxtail, black-eyed pea hummus, and catfish po'boy. Visitors staying in Seattle Southside can easily get there by taking Link light rail to the Judkins Park Station, followed by a short walk or quick rideshare to the restaurant.

Off Alley

With just a handful of seats in Seattle's Columbia City neighborhood, Off Alley has earned an outsized reputation as one of the city's most exciting restaurants. The ever-changing menu highlights seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients, often showcasing underappreciated cuts of meat alongside fresh seafood and local produce in inventive, boldly flavored dishes. It has attracted national attention from publications including The New York Times, which named it one of its 50 Favorite Restaurants in America. Reservations are limited, but for adventurous diners looking to experience one of Seattle's most talked-about restaurants, it's well worth planning ahead. Off Alley is easily accessible via light rail. From SeaTac/Airport Station, you'll ride just four stops north.

The Pink Door

Hidden behind an unassuming pink entrance in Post Alley near Pike Place Market, The Pink Door has been one of Seattle's most iconic dining destinations for more than 40 years. The restaurant serves Italian-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, from handmade pastas and wood-fired seafood to perfectly cooked steaks and house-made desserts. Beyond the food, it's the atmosphere that keeps people coming back. Depending on the evening, you might enjoy live jazz, cabaret, or even aerial performances while you dine, creating an experience that's uniquely Seattle without feeling gimmicky. It's easily accessible from Seattle Southside via Link light rail. Just ride north to downtown and get off at Westlake Station.

North and East of Seattle

To the north and east of Seattle, you'll find everything from cozy neighborhood bistros to nationally acclaimed fine dining destinations surrounded by forests, waterfronts, and wine country. Bellevue and Redmond are now more accessible from Seattle Southside than ever via the Link light rail's 2 Line. Restaurants farther north are typically not easy to reach by public transit, so you will likely want to drive. There are many rental car options in SeaTac.

Takai by Kashiba

Just a short walk from Bellevue Downtown Station on Sound Transit's 2 Line, Takai by Kashiba brings one of the region's premier sushi experiences within easy reach of Seattle Southside via Link light rail. Led by Chef Jun Takai, a James Beard Award semifinalist, the restaurant is known for its elegant omakase, impeccably prepared nigiri, and seasonal seafood sourced from Japan and the Pacific Northwest. The minimalist dining room lets the craftsmanship take center stage, creating an intimate experience that has quickly earned national attention.

The Lakehouse

The Lakehouse in Bellevue, led by James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Wilson, features a seasonal menu of locally sourced seafood, meats, and produce. Warm, inviting, and refined without feeling stuffy, The Lakehouse is equally well-suited for a leisurely brunch, a business lunch, or a special dinner. Pair your meal with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail or a glass of Washington wine, then take time to explore downtown Bellevue. The restaurant is located just a short walk from Bellevue Downtown Station on Sound Transit's 2 Line, making it an easy excursion for visitors staying in Seattle Southside.

Cedar + Elm

Set inside the beautifully restored Lodge at St. Edward State Park (northeast of Seattle, in Kenmore), Cedar + Elm offers one of the Seattle area's most memorable dining settings. Headed by a Noma-trained chef, the restaurant showcases Pacific Northwest cuisine with a seasonal menu built around locally sourced ingredients, from fresh seafood and responsibly raised meats to produce from nearby farms. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the surrounding forest, creating a peaceful backdrop that feels worlds away from the city. Before or after your meal, take time to explore the miles of trails winding through St. Edward State Park or relax on the lodge grounds, making Cedar + Elm an ideal destination for a leisurely day trip north of Seattle.

The Herbfarm

For a dining experience that's as much an event as it is a meal, The Herbfarm is in a class of its own. Located in Woodinville wine country, about an hour's drive from Seattle Southside, this legendary restaurant has earned national acclaim for its immersive, multi-course tasting menus that celebrate the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Each menu changes with the seasons and is thoughtfully paired with wines from Washington and beyond, while the chefs weave stories about the ingredients, local farms, and regional history throughout the evening. With reservations often booked well in advance, The Herbfarm offers one of the most memorable culinary experiences in the Seattle area.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Restaurants in Seattle

What are the best restaurants in Seattle?

Seattle is known for outstanding seafood, sushi, Italian cuisine, farm-to-table restaurants, and internationally inspired dining. Favorites include Canlis, Spinasse, Communion, The Pink Door, and several award-winning restaurants in nearby Seattle Southside, just minutes from SEA Airport.

Where can I find great restaurants near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)?

Seattle Southside offers more than 180 restaurants within about 10 minutes of SEA Airport. Popular choices include Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, Anthony's HomePort, Miyabi Sushi, Din Tai Fung, Tandoori Slice, and Neighborhood Cafe.

What are the best seafood restaurants near Seattle?

For fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, Anthony's HomePort in Des Moines is a top choice, offering waterfront dining overlooking Puget Sound. Other excellent seafood restaurants can also be found throughout Seattle and the surrounding region.

Are there fine dining restaurants near SEA Airport?

Yes. Cedarbrook Lodge's Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar is one of the area's premier fine dining destinations, while Canlis, The Herbfarm, Spinasse, and Takai by Kashiba are all exceptional choices within the greater Seattle area.

Can I reach Seattle restaurants using Link light rail from SEA Airport?

Yes. Link light rail provides convenient access from SEA Airport and Seattle Southside to many of Seattle's best dining neighborhoods, including Capitol Hill, Downtown Seattle, Columbia City, the Central District, Bellevue, and other popular culinary destinations.

Find Even More Great Food

We love to eat around here. Whether you're looking for the best pizza, an incredible brunch, the perfect spot for a special occasion or date night, or some truly adventurous dishes, you'll find it in Seattle Southside. And when you're ready to roll into bed after your meal, we've got you covered with lots of great accommodations.

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Annie Atherton

Author

Annie Atherton

Senior Content Writer

Annie Atherton is the Senior Content Writer at Explore Seattle Southside. As a (mostly) lifelong resident of the Seattle area, she is very proud to call the region home and to talk it up to all who will listen.