Going out to eat is nice and all, but there’s nothing like ordering from the best takeout restaurants in Seattle and stuffing yourself silly in PJs. No manners. No small talk. Just you and the freedom to be as slovenly as your heart desires.
If you’re looking for takeout food in Seattle, this roundup is for you. I share my favorite places that I go to again and again for takeout sushi, pizza, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and more. I even dish where to get takeout fried chicken that doesn’t lose its luster.
So kick up your slippers and get ready for some good eating from the comfort of your own home.
21 Best Takeout Restaurants in Seattle
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more as I discover them!
La Cabaña
website | 606 N 105th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Greenwood | cuisine: Central American | price: $-$$
This spot is my go-to place in Seattle for Central American comfort food. And the portions are ENORMOUS. It’s easy to miss as it’s tucked away on bustling 105th Street and doesn’t invest in advertising. But the crowds of people that swarm La Cabaña around dinnertime was all the confirmation I needed to check it out.
The main dishes are large, so the sampler plates are the way to go if you want to try a bit of everything. It’s super easy to order over the phone, but you can also stop by and order in person.
If you’re not sure what to get, I always back the Salvadorian Platter with crowd favorites like tamales and pupusas. Want an entree? Try the Mar y Tierra Molcajete with chorizo, chicken, prawns, queso fresco, and other goodies or the Bistec Encebollado, a beef dish with caramelized onions and tomatoes. They’re my go-to takeout dishes when I don’t get the platter.
Golden Daisy Restaurant
website | 2518 Beacon Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Beacon Hill | cuisine: Chinese | price: $
If I’m in the mood for dim-sum or low-frills Chinese food, I’ll make a beeline for Golden Daisy. This casual spot serves a ridiculously good dumplings and BBQ pork duck, but it’s the fried dumplings and sesame balls that I never pass up. They have this pleasantly gummy texture and a ton of complex flavors you wouldn’t expect from fried dough balls.
This place is take-out only, so it’s a great idea to call ahead before you swing by to pick up your order.
Bounty Kitchen
website | neighborhood: Queen Anne & Capitol Hill | cuisine: American | price: $-$$
Bounty Kitchen is a mecca for people that seek healthy restaurants in Seattle. It serves a selection of sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls that don’t leave you feeling bloated.
It’s a casual counter-service restaurant, so it gets busy around lunchtime. But the Good Morning Avocado Sandwich and Thai Peanut & Basil Salad are worth battling for. Both are vegetarian, demonstrating how this is one of the best restaurants for vegetarians and vegans in Seattle.
MíLá
website | 278 106th Ave NE (get directions) | neighborhood: Bellevue | cuisine: Chinese | price: $-$$
Most people preach about how much they love Din Tai Fung, but I think MíLá (previously called Xiao Chi Jie) is where it’s at. This modern restaurant specializes in Chinese street food and sells everything from rice bowls to baos.
I recommend getting their bestselling xiao long bao soup dumplings stuffed with pork, shrimp, or chicken. They melt in the mouth and are always swimming in a rich, savory broth. They’re best eaten fresh, so if you can’t eat them quickly consider buying them frozen and steaming them at home!
Secret Congee
website | 6301 Seaview Ave (get directions) | neighborhood: Sunset Hill | cuisine: Southeast Asian | price: $
Secret Congee makes my list of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle thanks to their exceptional version of the savory rice porridge famous in Asian cuisines. The soup base is exceptional, but the creative toppings is where they really shine.
The pork belly congee has my heart thanks to its deep umami flavor, but you can keep things meat-free with the miso and squash congee. Order online through their website and get ready to be wowed.
Saffron Grill
website | 2132 N Northgate Way (get directions) | neighborhood: Northgate | cuisine: Indian | price: $
If you catch a whiff of Saffron Grill as you near Northgate Mall, you’ll probably be pulled through the door. It’s one of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle as the food never looks nasty or congealed after being packed. In fact, I like to think the delicious spices and sauces are marinating everything as I drive.
The naan bread is HUGE and is enough for two if you’re on a budget. In terms of what to get, don’t miss the paneer tikka masala appetizer and baigan bhartha, a stewed eggplant that goes perfectly with rice and naan. One taste and you’ll understand why they’re also on my list of the best Indian food in Seattle.
CrackleMi
website | 5605 22nd Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Vietnamese | price: $-$$
CrackleMi is a cute Vietnamese grill spot in downtown Ballard, yet I’ve never eaten there because this is one of my most-frequented takeout spots in Seattle. I’m absolutely obsessed with their Cookout Rice Bowl not only for the incredible short rib and grilled chicken flavors, but because it feels like a more healthier option of the different types of takeout cuisines you can get.
My other must-get dish here is the short rib daikon soup. I don’t know exactly how they make their broth, but it’s so flavorful despite being basically as translucent as water. I don’t even think the short rib in it is that great. It’s all about that damn broth and daikon!
Pro tip: If you’re closer to Roosevelt or the U-District, you might want to check out their sister restaurant Sizzle&Crunch that has a very similar menu.
X’ian Noodles
website | neighborhood: U-District & Westlake | cuisine: Chinese | price: $
If I’m ever in the mood for fast-casual Chinese food around the U-District, I’ll usually stop by Xi’an Noodles for a quick bite. They sell hand-pulled noodles and mouth-watering street food, including my all-time favorite spicy cumin lamb noodles.
They’re served without soup and have an incredible spice kick. I’ll go as far as to say they’re life-changing. You can order a portion through Clover or stop by in person for a to-go box.
MedMix Jackson
website | 2204 S Jackson St (get directions) | neighborhood: Central District | cuisine: Mediterranean | price: $
MedMix Jackson is one of the best family-owned Mediterranean restaurants in Seattle. Everything I’ve had here is excellent and they’re super fast for takeout.
My go-to order is the lamb-beef gyro, hummus, and baba ghanoush. If you’re a dolma lover, you should order them here because I don’t even like dolmas and think MedMix’s are great. They also make excellent Greek fries that somehow hold up after spending time in the car.
Tres’ House of Cheesesteaks
website | 1447 NW 65th St (food cart, get directions) & 820 NW 85th St (inside The Lamplighter, get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: American | price: $
You don’t need to head to Philly to try some of the best cheesesteaks in the country. And this is major, as I grew up on the East Coast and have had my fair share of gooey sandwiches!
Tres’ has given me a much-needed taste of home as they manage to melt the cheese JUST RIGHT. The tender beef and onions burst out when you take a bite, and the perfectly gummy cheese is super flavorful. Better yet, the famous cheesesteaks are just $9 and you can easily walk around with your sandwich in hand.
Don’t miss around, just get the OG cheesesteak and thank me later.
BOPBOX
website | 5633 Airport Way S (get directions) | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: Korean | price: $
BOPBOX is a fast-casual Korean restaurant in Georgetown. I actually interviewed owner Jeanny for my self-guided Georgetown food tour because I love them so much. I learned that she first started making homemade oat milks, but decided to open a fast casual spot with her mother and aunt after securing a lease in a historic building. The landlord said she had to do a restaurant if she wanted the space, so she took the leap and never looked back.
What I love about BOPBOX is that they’re taking what I call a more millennial approach to Korean food. The dishes are traditional, but use more modern techniques to create a more veg-forward version with a lot of complex flavors.
My go-to order is the Mom’s Medley bibimbop with bulgogi ribeye. The rice is crispy and it’s served with a medley of pickled, fresh, and fried vegetables that is like a symphony of textures in your mouth.
Pro tip: Located in North Seattle? Their sister restaurant Made in House located in Fremont has a pretty much identical menu.
Thaiku
website | 6705 Greenwood Ave N (get directions) | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | cuisine: Thai | price: $$
Thaiku first caught my eye because its name was so darn cute. Little did I know that it was hiding some of the best Thai food in Seattle. It’s located in a house that was converted into a restaurant, so it has this vibe like you were invited over to someone’s house for dinner. In true Thai style water is served in metal cups and there are a bunch of curry, rice, and fresh salad options.
I always order their khao soi soup. It’s one of the best versions in the city with a nice spicy kick and fall-off-the-bone chicken.
My Friend Derek’s
website | 3601 Woodland Park Ave N (get directions) | neighborhood: Fremont | cuisine: Italian-ish | price: $$
My Friend Derek’s is one of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle for pizza, hands down. You won’t find authentic Neapolitan thin crusts or New York-style pies here. Nope, this place is all about deep dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s sinfully cheesy and dripping with grease.
The pizza never loses its crunch while sitting in the box as it’s ridiculously thick and even tastes unbelievable when cold. The pepperoni pizza is my go-to, but you can’t go wrong with plain cheese. Just as a heads up, this spot is takeout only because you’re picking up at the owners house. So, don’t rock up expecting indoor dining!
Pro tip: You can throw a party at Derek’s by inviting 15-30 friends to his house and getting unlimited pizza and salad. I’m determined to do this in my lifetime.
Poke Square
website | 1701 NW Market St (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Hawaiian | price: $
It’s no secret that I’m crazy about finding the best poke bowls in Seattle. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that I jumped for joy when I found somewhere that was virtually around the corner from my house.
This place offers online ordering for takeout and delivery on UberEats, but I like going into the store for the Subway-like experience of creating my bowl. You get to choose a base of rice or salad (or a combo of both), a protein, and an assortment of toppings.
If you want to recreate my order, here you go: a large 3 fish bowl with 2 salmon and one tuna, light on the white rice. Add cucumber, salt, and medium poke sauce. Then top with wasabi, scallions, corn, edamame, avocado, fried onion, fried garlic, and sesame seeds.
Pho Asia
website | 801 S 3rd St (get directions) | neighborhood: Renton | cuisine: Vietnamese | price: $
Pho Asia has an ideal takeout menu when you want a warming bowl of Vietnamese food without dining out. It’s a bit of a trek to their Renton location, but I think they’re making one of the best bowls of pho in the city. Their menu rarely changes, so you can nail down your favorites if you become a repeat customer (though the right choice is chicken pho ga). Just be aware that there’s a $0.50 fee per entrée if you’re grabbing takeout.
Pro tip: Head to Pho Than Brothers if you need somewhere closer. There are locations throughout the city and it’s my favorite cheap eats in the Seattle proper.
The Chicken Supply
website | 7410 Greenwood Ave N (get directions) | neighborhood: Greenwood | cuisine: fried chicken | price: $
The Chicken Supply serves drool-worthy Filipino fried chicken in Greenwood that’s perfect for a lazy weeknight dinner. Each portion is covered with batter before being dunked in gluten-free breading. So, it’s allergy-friendly!
I fell in love with the crunchy, crispy skin and tender meat at first bite. And the garlic rice topped with peanuts? The perfect side.
This is a takeout only spot and it sells out fast, so plan ahead. Orders open at about 9:30 pm the night before so you can get your orders in early.
Spice Waala
website | Capitol Hill and Ballard | cuisine: Indian | price: $
I first found Spice Waala operating at local farmers’ markets throughout the city, but they’ve since opened up two brick and mortars. The owners started selling Indian street food around Seattle to bring the nostalgic dishes from their childhoods to life. You might expect classic curries and naans, but they’re selling unique treats like kathi rolls and chaat that are much harder to find in the city.
If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the aloo tikka roll that’s served with a fried egg. I also love their chaat nachos. They’re perfectly balanced with great crunch.
Betsutenjin Ramen
website | 954 E Union St (get directions) | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | cuisine: Japanese | price: $
Betsutenijn Ramen is one of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle. And it’s a good thing too, as their tiny shop on East Union Street is always crowded. The décor here is authentic and cozy, but I’ve rarely managed to get a seat. So, takeout is best!
I’ve had a few dreams about their Hakata-style ramen since I first tried it, and I was blown away by the silky-smooth pork bone broth that made up the bulk of the dish. I found out afterward that it was prepared for an incredible 8 hours in a pressure pot without MSG.
Dumpling the Noodle
website | 1723 N 45th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Wallingford | cuisine: Chinese | price: $
Dumpling the Noodle is a relatively new kid on the block, but it’s already one of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle for dumplings and hand-pulled noodles. I’m not afraid of trying new things, but I can’t bring myself to order anything aside from the Chili the Beef Lamen. It’s rich and packed with spice, but the addition of peanut butter brings things right back to earth.
If you’re not a noddle fan, the wontons and pork buns are moist and steamed to perfection. You can get your meal for takeout or delivery via UberEats so you don’t even need to leave the house to get your fix.
Jerk Shack
website | neighborhoods: Belltown (get directions) & Central District (get directions) | cuisine: Caribbean | price: $$
I couldn’t round off a list of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle without mentioning Jerk Shack. This place is a Belltown staple and the brainchild of Seattle-born Trey Lamont. I’ve dined inside this colorful restaurant and the atmosphere is electric. But you’ll usually find me chowing down on my plate of jerk chicken with a napkin bib, tons of dipping sauce, and a hefty serving of ginger yams in the comfort of my own home. Feel free to call ahead to place an order or swing by for takeout.
Toyoda Sushi
website | 12543 Lake City Way NE (get directions) | neighborhood: Lake City | cuisine: Japanese | price: $$
Toyoda Sushi is a great place to grab takeout in Seattle when you’re craving unpretentious Japanese food with middle-of-the-road prices. This place first burst onto the scene in 1989 and has been serving classic rolls in town ever since.
What I like best is that they don’t skimp on fish in their rolls. It’s fresh and no-frills, just how I like my everyday sushi. I usually always order their uramaki rolls with the rice on the outside and karaage. It’s a feat how their fried chicken is able to stand up to at least 30 minutes in the car and still be crunchy.
More delicious food in the Seattle area
Once you make your way through this list of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle, check out these other incredible eats around the city.
