Trifter

When I worked at the Port of Seattle, I used to dine at many of the restaurants along the waterfront. These seven restaurants are my favorites for seafood. Most are located on Alaska Way or easily accessible from there. Included are directions on how to get there from the Seattle Waterfront.

This view of Seattle’s Waterfront taken from the Space Needle shows many places to find waterfront seafood.

Ivar’s on Lake Union in Seattle, Great Seafood from the Oldest Seafood Restaurant

401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105 Phone : 206 632-0732

 The first time I ever ate at Ivar’s on Lake Union, I was on a school field trip and we were brought here. The restaurant is built like an authentic Native American Indian longhouse and decorated with authentic designs. They offer the second best salmon salmon in town, prepare fish cooked on planks or deep fried as fish and chips. To visit the one on Lake Union requires a car or bus. Ivar’s Acres of Clams on the Seattle Waterfront is a good alternative with similar menu offerings from the same chain, but lacks the ambience of the Lake Union restaurant.

Duke’s Seafood and Chowder House in Seattle, Tastiest Seafood Offerings

901 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 Phone : 206 382-9963

This restaurant is a bit pricier than most of the others but has tasty offerings that are hard to beat. My favorite is the Macadamian Nut Halibut. Salads come as an extra charge but are worth the price paid; my favorite is the fresh greens with sugared pecans and oranges and grapefruit. Grilled or baked fish is served with tasty sauces , fresh cooked vegetables and either potato or rice. Take the cable car to Lake Union from the waterfront by Pier 70 and the Sculpture Garden. The restaurant is located across from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer. Prices range. Parking is validated but still costs three dollars.

Anthony’s Pier 66, Seattle, Best Oysters and Dessert on the Waterfront

2201 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98121 Phone : 206 448-6688

The primary reason we eat at Anthony’s is because they offer up some of the best Puget Sound oysters either on the half shell or as a $2.00 oyster shooter. Fish offerings are tasty. I also like their Almond Chicken Salad, Tempura Prawns and their desserts, especially their cherry x, a seasonal offering.

Cutter’s Bay House, Seattle, Best Place to Socialize over Drinks

2001 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, Phone: 206 448-4884

To reach this restaurant, climb the staircase or ride the elevator up to the main Pike Place Market entrance. Head north through the various stalls, past the flowers and right across the street from the main viewpoint for the Seattle bay,  a tourist finds Cutter’s Bay House. This place is a hopping place to have a few drinks before dinner.

Salty’s in West Seattle, Seattle, Best Fish and Chips

1936 Harbor Avenue. S.W, Seattle, WA 98126, Phone : 206 937-1600

Take the water taxi or drive to West Seattle. Salty’s is a fish and chips joint and decidedly down scale from most of the other restaurants on the list. Most locals like this restaurant because it serves up a good helping of fish and chips along with beer on tap. When tourists finish their meal, they can return to Seattle or take a stroll down the beach watching volleyball and fisherman.

Six Seven at the Edgewater Inn, Seattle, Quiet Ambience, Great Service and Best View

2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67, Seattle, WA 98121 Phone: 1 800 624-0670

I always feel like I should dress in business clothing and whisper at the Six Seven restaurant at the Edgewater Inn. This makes it perfect for a romantic tete-a-tete or to do business. Service is always so good that tourists will feel pampered. The ambience is plush, with linens, crystal and a great view of passing boats. The Edgewater Inn’s claim to fame is where many of the most famous visitors to Seattle stayed including the Beatles. Menu selections run from a simple soup and sandwich to a full meal.

Tillicum Village NW Indian Coast Cultural Center and Restaurant, Best, Authentic Salmon

1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55, Seattle, WA 98101, Phone: 206 623-1445

If tourists add in the cost of their ferry ride to Blake Island, this restaurant may seem the most expensive. It is the only place I have ever eaten salmon and liked it. The salmon is cooked on special staves in an authentic Native American Indian style, propped standing up so the juices run off. Very little of the fat remains afterwards and the fish is so tender it melts in your mouth. Prior to dining, Native American Indians perform authentic dances using hand carved masks.