The top 12 most craved food in Seattle

Seattle loves good, authentic food. Whether you consider yourself a diehard foodie or are simply looking for new dishes, finding food in Seattle is a flavorful adventure. From Beecher’s mac and cheese in Pike Place Market to salmon snacks rooted in Seattle’s Native American heritage, Seattle’s food scene promises a tasty mix of contemporary and traditional.

Discover what to eat in Seattle and try tasty highlights like rainy-day comfort foods, summer delicacies like Dungeness crab fresh from Puget Sound, and small-batch marionberry pie. Plan your ultimate culinary journey with this guide to 12 things to eat in Seattle.

1. Cedar plank salmon

The Pacific Northwest is a salmon lover’s haven, and Cedar Plank Salmon offers an elevated salmon experience. Inspired by the cooking methods of Pacific Northwest Native Americans, this dish incorporates fresh, locally sourced salmon cooked on a cedar plank.

How to eat the best cedar plank salmon in Seattle?

The best place to enjoy cedar plank salmon is at one of Seattle’s waterfront restaurants, where you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in the city alongside views of Puget Sound.

2. Dungeness crab

In Seattle, Dungeness crab celebrates the region’s bountiful coastline. Named after the port town of Dungeness, Washington, these crabs are known for their sweet, tender meat.

How to eat the best Dungeness crab in Seattle?

Visitors will find Dungeness crab at seafood shacks, high-end restaurants, and farmers’ markets across the city. Try it at a seaside eatery where you can crack into a fresh crab while watching the ships on Elliott Bay.

3. Seattle dog

The Seattle Dog is a mouthwatering snack that’s become a regional classic and a staple of late-night crowds. Unlike your average hot dog, it features grilled sausage—often Polish or Bratwurst—served with cream cheese.

How to eat the best hot dog in Seattle?

Enjoying a hot dog at a baseball game is practically an American institution, and you can do just that at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, where the Seattle Dog is a menu favorite.

4. Clam chowder

Drawing on the maritime traditions of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle’s take on this classic dish features local clams and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth.

How to eat the best clam chowder in Seattle?

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Seattle’s clam chowder, you’ll find it in the historic and bustling hub of Pike Place Market. A steaming bowl of clam chowder on a rainy day visit to Pike Place is an essential Seattle experience.

5. Marionberry pie

Thanks to marionberry’s local roots, the marionberry pie is a taste of home for Pacific Northwest residents. The marionberry, often praised as the perfect berry by locals, is known for its sweet, slightly tart flavor, making it the ultimate filling inside a pie’s buttery, flaky crust.

How to eat the best marionberry pie in Seattle?

Savor the best marionberry pie in Seattle at cozy local bakeries or farmers’ markets. The freshness of locally sourced ingredients truly enhances this classic treat.

6. Geoduck

The geoduck (that’s pronounced "gooey-duck,” FYI) is a giant, native clam found in the Pacific Northwest. It’s known for its rather distinct and comical appearance and sweet, delicate flavor. In Seattle, chefs prepare geoduck in various ways — from thinly sliced and served raw to sautéed or deep-fried.

How to eat the best geoduck in Seattle?

Treat yourself to geoduck at a higher-end seafood restaurant. Chefs will know how to prepare this unique ingredient so its flavor shines.

7. Beecher’s mac and cheese

One of the most beloved foods from Seattle is Beecher’s Handmade Cheese’s. Their award-winning cheese can be found throughout Washington's restaurants, markets, and stores for good reason. As one of the most popular foods on their menu, Beecher’s mac and cheese is a dish that encapsulates the creaminess and flavor of their artisanal cheeses.

How to eat the best Beecher’s mac and cheese in Seattle?

The best place to indulge in Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is where it all started, back in 2003: in the heart of Pike Place Market.

8. Oysters and stout

Seattle’s culinary scene would only be complete with mentioning its abundant, fresh oysters. The city’s coastline location allows for a regular supply of some of the best oysters in the world. Pair these with a pint of local stout, and you have a classic combination that locals swear by.

How to eat the best oysters and stout in Seattle?

Head to a waterfront restaurant or oyster bar. Ask your server for local stout recommendations — Seattle’s local breweries often craft stouts with this pairing in mind.

9. Seattle’s sourdough

Seattle’s cool, damp climate is ideal for cultivating the wild yeast that gives sourdough bread its signature tang. Most Seattle bakeries have original sourdough recipes, many of which have been nurtured for decades.

How to eat the best sourdough in Seattle?

For the best sourdough in Seattle, pop into artisanal bakeries in neighborhoods like Ballard and Fremont, where locals know you can find some of the freshest, tangiest loaves. Pair it with the city's famous coffee, and breakfast is ready for a day of walking tours in Seattle.

10. Farmers' market berries

Seattle is surrounded by lush farmland, and during the summer months, the area is ripe with various fresh berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and the local favorite — marionberries — are some of the sweet treats you’ll find.

How to eat the best farmers' market berries in Seattle?

Search for the berry stands that pop on the streetside when the sunny season rolls in, or visit one of Seattle’s outdoor markets. Try berry picking if you want fresh fruit and a fun day of outdoor activities in Seattle.

11. Smoked salmon candy

A traditional delicacy of the Pacific Northwest’s Native American tribes, smoked salmon candy is a must-try food in Seattle. Known for its sweet, smoky flavor and jerky-like texture, this local specialty combines traditional smoking methods and a candying process involving maple syrup or a brown sugar glaze.

How to eat the best smoked salmon candy in Seattle?

Like many famous foods in Seattle, you can find smoked salmon candy at Pike Place Market.

12. Rainier cherries

Named after Mount Rainier, Rainier cherries are a beloved Seattle fruit. These cherries are known for their vibrant yellow and red color, large size, and their mix of sweet and tart flavor.

How to eat the best Rainier cherries in Seattle?

Get everything on your grocery list, including the freshest Rainier cherries, at an outdoor market, produce stand, or one of the many grocery marts focused on fresh, locally sourced produce. You can also pick your own at several Seattle farms.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Seattle?

Among the traditional must-eat dishes of Seattle, cedar plank salmon, Dungeness crab, marionberry pie, geoduck, Seattle sourdough, and Rainier cherries make the top of the list. Famous food in Seattle also includes smoked salmon candy, a local specialty with a rich history.

What are the best food tours in Seattle?

For the best food tours in Seattle, a walking tour with the bonus of tastings lets you sightsee in Seattle while also discovering the best places to try local foods and drinks. With themes like coffee, markets, street food, and comfort food, you can customize your food tour to suit your tastes. For a hands-on tasting experience, join a cooking class or workshop.

What are the top local food markets in Seattle to visit?

Pike Place Market is the most famous, offering a wide variety of local produce, seafood, and artisanal food products. Other notable markets include Ballard Farmers Market and the Fremont Sunday Market, both celebrated for having some of the best food in Seattle.

What is the best time of year to visit Seattle for food lovers?

Seattle offers different foods to eat throughout the year. Summer is berry season and a great time for fresh seafood. Fall provides a bounty of root vegetables and mushrooms. Comfort foods like toasty pastries, clam chowder, and Beecher’s mac & cheese reign supreme during Seattle’s trademark wet, chilly months. The city's diverse food scene ensures a rewarding culinary experience year-round.

How much should I budget for food in Seattle?

Seattle's food scene caters to a range of budgets. An average meal at an inexpensive restaurant or cafe can cost about $15-$20, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost $40-$70 per person. Remember also to set aside a budget for food markets and specialty stores.