You’d think finding the hidden gem restaurants in Seattle would be easy since there are so many articles claiming to reveal the best of the best. But it’s not always that simple. I’ll let you in on a little secret: food writers tend to gravitate to the spots everyone talks about. That means there’s often a siloed view of the city’s food scene.
So, to combat the repetitive articles that list the same crowd favorites over and over, I’m sharing the true under-the-radar Seattle restaurants that not nearly enough people talk about.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Seattle
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La Cabaña
website | neighborhood: Greenwood (get directions) | cuisine: Latin/Central American | price range: $$
La Cabaña is hands down my favorite Seattle hidden gem restaurant. They’re low key one of the 5-star restaurants in Seattle thanks to their authentic take on Central American dishes like pupusas, chicharrones, and my favorite, molcajete. With abundant portions and some of the best takeout in Seattle, they’re a spot that way too few people talk about.
Made in House / BOPBOX
BOPBOX website | Made in House website | neighborhoods: Georgetown (BOPBOX) & Fremont (Made in House) | cuisine: Korean | price range: $$
Made in House and BOPBOX are sister restaurants specializing in elevated Korean comfort food served in a laidback atmosphere. Made in House is one of my favorite Fremont restaurants and is more of a cafe, whereas BOPBOX is set up more for takeout (though they do have some tables).
Their menus are virtually identical, so whichever one you visit, make sure to get Mom’s Medley bibimbop with a sunny side up egg, crispy rice, and tons of fresh veggies. They also make their own nut “mylks”, so if you want a cashew mylk latte, this is the place to get one!
Cafe Turko
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: Turkish | price range: $$
It’s dangerous how close I live to Cafe Turko. I go so often that I even included them in my Fremont self-guided food tour.
Color and vibrancy are a running theme here, from their plates to the lanterns lining the wall. They even have rainbow hummus, a must-order, alongside their lamb beyti kebab, which comes grilled and wrapped in lavash bread. It’s like a quesadilla, but with tangier, earthier flavors and less cheese.
Stumbletown
website | neighborhood: Ballard (Outpost directions & Stumbletown directions) | cuisine: sandwiches | price range: $$
Stumbletown has some of the best sandwiches in Seattle, but most people just fly by their unassuming locations at the corner of 3rd and 65th in Ballard and tucked in a block of buildings along 65th. However, they’re worth a stop if you want simple sandwiches that will transport you to Italy.
My favorite is the chicken sandwich, which is kept uncomplicated with pecorino, arugula, sweet peppers, and garlic aioli, all piled on a ridiculously fluffy ciabatta. Make sure to add the pesto!
Cakes of Paradise Bakery
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: bakery | price range: $
I can not rave about Cakes of Paradise enough, a hidden gem tucked in an industrial complex without much foot traffic. They’re one of my favorite dessert shops in Seattle, so much in fact that I include them on my Georgetown food tour.
I’m always amazed by how moist and fluffy their cakes are, but what truly sets them apart are their unique Hawaiian flavors. My favorites are the bright pink guava and the multi-colored rainbow cakes. If you love cheesecake, don’t miss the mango flavor!
Pro tip: Another member of the family owns the equally as good Kauai Family Restaurant next door! Go there first for some of the best Hawaiian food in Seattle.
Tres’ House of Cheesesteaks
website | neighborhoods: Ballard (get directions) & Greenwood inside The Lamplighter (get directions) | cuisine: cheesesteaks | price range: $
Another one of my favorite sandwich spots in Seattle is Tres’, a Black-owned Seattle restaurant singularly focused on massive juicy, cheesy cheesesteaks. They’ve moved around a bunch, taking up residence inside Ballard or Phinney dive bars. Their latest move is back into their food cart parked across the street from Ballard High School and inside The Lamplighter in Greenwood.
Each sandwich comes with your choice of beef or chicken, and they offer a few sides and a burger, too. I’m a sucker for an Original Philly, with beef, of course, and I’m always in awe over how much cheese manages to melt into every bite.
Ristorante Picolinos
website | neighborhood: Sunset Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | price range: $$$
As an Italian-American, I take my Italian food in Seattle very seriously. There are buzzy places you go for the national accolades, and then there are neighborhood joints you frequent for the old school focus on consistently churning out comfort food favorites.
Ristorante Picolinos fills that latter category, and they do it in a way that toes the line between casual and upscale. They’re located on a deceptively huge lot in a residential neighborhood north of Ballard. I’ll never forget how surprised I was to find a huge backyard garden that makes for one of the most romantic restaurants in Seattle. Yet during the day they sling coffee and sandwiches from the in-house bakery connected to the main dining room.
Like a true go-to Seattle restaurant, there’s one dish I order every single time I’m here, and that’s the Ravioli al Formaggio con Burro e Salvia. The ravioli is more complex than your traditional one because it’s stuffed with goat cheese, Parmesan, and ricotta. It’s also shaped more like a tortellini and is lightly pan-fried to add texture. Then it’s finished in a brown butter sage sauce and tomato drizzle, and lastly garnished with crispy sage. I’m literally salivating while writing this!
Cafe Munir
website | neighborhood: Loyal Heights (get directions) | cuisine: Lebanese | price range: $$
Cafe Munir is truly one of the most underrated restaurants in Seattle. Tucked in a residential area north of Ballard, they serve some of the best Mediterranean food with truly authentic dishes like arayess be jibneh, cheese-stuffed Arabic bread grilled over an open fire. They also have multiple types of hummus and even Middle Eastern spirits like arak, which has a beautiful anise flavor and pairs surprisingly well with all of their dishes.
My favorite items on the menu are the lentil dip and chicken. Both are always deeply flavored and a balance of both earthy and acidic flavors.
Ciudad
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: Portuguese | price range: $$
I initially liked Ciudad for their colorful, Instagram-worthy dining room, with vibrant murals, natural lighting, and colorful seating drawing me in. But it’s their food that’s earned them a spot on this list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Seattle.
Ciudad is probably best known for their grilled meats and veggies that you can order by the pound, but I think their small plates are what really shine. I always order the same three: grilled halloumi, roasted cauliflower, and kofta meatballs. Each are consistently executed with an assortment of toppings that balance flavor and texture beautifully.
Oriental Mart
website | neighborhood: Pike Place Market (get directions) | cuisine: Filipino | price range: $
It’s hard to believe that one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Seattle is located in Pike Place Market, but it’s true. Most people walk right past Oriental Mart since it looks like a convenience store, but locals know the back counter is actually one of the best places to eat in Pike Place.
There’s no wrong choice on the menu, but their salmon sinigang soup is my favorite. It’s a traditional Filipino stew that has a tangy tamarind flavor and rich broth. There’s not many seats, so I usually take it to go and shamelessly slurp as I peruse the market.
Quick Pack Mart
website | neighborhood: Central District (get directions) | cuisine: fried chicken | price range: $
I swear Seattle is the only place I’ve been that somehow manages to sneak the city’s best cheap eats into local convenience stores. Quick Pack Mart is one of those convenience stores and has some of the best fried chicken in Seattle.
It’s cash only, and there are no sides or custom flavors. It’s just fried chicken made throughout the day. The owner will fry it to order, but only if you order seven or more pieces, which is still a bargain since it’s less than $2 per piece.
Pro tip: Want more convenience store goodness? The nearby-ish Shell on Beacon has great fried catfish and people rave about the gizzards.
Golden Daisy Restaurant
website | neighborhood: Beacon Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Chinese | price range: $
When I want hole-in-the-wall dim sum and congee, I go to Golden Daisy. They’re as no-frills as it gets, with take-out only and a line out the door on weekends. I usually call ahead so I don’t have to wait.
Aside from the dim sum, which is always fresh, plump, and filled with the perfect amount of broth, their duck, congee, and doughy fried sesame balls are also delicious. Since they’re some of the best cheap eats in Seattle, you might as well order them all!
Maruta Shoten
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: sushi | price range: $
I know the term “cheap sushi” doesn’t exactly sound appetizing, but let me tell you, the sushi sold out of this Japanese grocery store is somehow some of the best, most underrated sushi in Seattle.
Maybe because it’s rotated through so frequently or because they get the freshest fish in town, but I’ve never had a roll from here that wasn’t delicious. Plus, while you’re in, you can bop around and see if any cool Japanese snacks or drinks catch your eye.
Spicy Style of Sichuan
website | neighborhood: Northgate (get directions) | cuisine: Sichuan | price range: $$
Sichuan food is not for the faint of heart…let’s just say Spicy Style knows their way around a Sichuan pepper. They’re one of the best Chinese restaurants in Seattle specializing in authentic Sichuan dishes like hot pot, kung pao chicken, garlicky pea vines, and my favorite, toothpick lamb.
Located at the entrance to the Asian Family Market, this place is usually bustling with locals getting lunch in between errands, but it’s quick enough that I’ve never had to wait for a table. When you’re done, hop into the grocery store to stock up on awesome Asian snacks (my go-to is the Lay’s truffle chips!).
MedMix Jackson
website | neighborhood: Central District (get directions) | cuisine: Mediterranean | price range: $
MexMix is one of my favorite takeout spots in Seattle because I’ve never had a bad dish. They have a lot of classic Mediterranean street eats like hummus, baba ganoush, gyros, and Greek fries. They’re consistently executed really well and you can tell they put effort into each dish. Even their dolmas (which I always thought I hated) are actually really good and have the perfect soft yet chewy texture.
Phocific Standard Time
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | cuisine: Vietnamese | price range: $$
Phocific Standard Time (PST) is one of the few speakeasy bars in Seattle that focuses on Asian ingredients. It’s owned by the same restaurant group that is consistently James Beard nominated for their Pho Bac, Hello Em, and The Boat locations. But I think PST is the brand’s unsung hero because of its creative concept and hidden location on the second floor of their downtown Pho Bac location.
All you have to do is walk upstairs to be transported to a totally different vibe from the quick pho shop below. With a sleek, modern aesthetic, creative cocktail menu, and unique bites, it’s worth a stop if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary.
Pro tip: Want another one of my favorite hidden gem restaurants in Seattle? Grab wine and charcuterie board at Le Caviste next door!
Itto’s Tapas
website | neighborhood: West Seattle (get directions) | cuisine: tapas | price range: $$$
Itto’s is a neighborhood spot that’s one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Seattle. They offer a unique take on tapas, serving Moroccan-Spanish fusion dishes in an intimately lit dining room, making it a perfect date night spot. Their tapas are decent-sized, so 2-3 per person is ideal.
I suggest the paella, eggplant dip, scallops, and pastilla if available. For drinks, they’re the only place I’ve found that serves Moroccan wine, though it’s hard to resist their creative cocktails like the Moroccan Mai Tai, which comes with a beautifully floral homemade macadamia orgeat simple.
Seoul Tofu & Jjim
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Korean | price range: $$
Locals know that you need to go outside of Seattle to find most of the best Korean restaurants, but Seoul Tofu & Jjim is an unexpected gem hidden among the vast array of choices along busy Broadway in Capitol Hill. They consistently make great versions of Korean classics like japchae, bibimbap, and army stew.
My favorite item on their menu is the soondubu tofu soup because it’s the perfect balance of spicy and meaty. The best part? Every entree comes with banchan sides, white rice, and even a milk ice pop at the end.
Bake Shop
website | neighborhood: Queen Anne (get directions) | cuisine: bakery | price range: $$
If I lived close enough, I would go to the Bake Shop every day. By day, it’s a neighborhood bakery serving the best breakfast in Seattle with homemade baked goods, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. By night, it’s a dessert and wine bar with curated wines, plated desserts, and a small savory snack menu.
There’s also a small pantry shop inside that offers wine, cookie dough, bread loaves, and pantry staples. Basically, it’s a one-stop shop for the finer things in life.
Secret Savory
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Thai | price range: $$
Secret Savory gets my vote as the best Thai food in Seattle no one knows about. Their menu is massive so they organize it based on the region the dish comes from, which is something you don’t often see on Thai menus.
I always get their khao soi, a yellow curry soup with juicy chicken and a pickled green mustard that really highlights the bold flavor. Other must-order dishes are their larb gai, phad thai, and their bountiful green papaya salad.
Livbud
website | neighborhood: Northlake (get directions) | cuisine: vegetarian | price range: $$
Livbud is another dual-purpose cafe and easily one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Seattle. By day, they offer breakfast, coffee, smoothies, and pastries. By night, they’re an upscale plated dinner destination with cocktails and seasonally rotating dishes like buckwheat risotto and lion’s mane tinga. I also love their aesthetic, with minimal decor, gorgeous lighting, and massive windows to let in tons of natural light.
Mendoza’s Mexican Mercado
website | neighborhood: Greenwood (get directions) | cuisine: Mexican | price range: $$
Since 2011, Mendoza’s has helped fill the void for good Mexican food since 2011. It’s a colorful Mexican grocery store on busy Aurora Avenue, so it’s easy to miss. But inside you’ll find a bountiful selection of hot and cold dishes available from the counter in back ranging from freshly-made pastries, tamales, stews, and some of the best carnitas tacos in Seattle.
Ballard Beer Box
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: pizza and beer | price range: $$
I first stumbled into Ballard Beer Box along the quiet part of NW Market Street for some local brews, but then made the best discovery: they have some of the best pizza in Seattle. They specialize in Neapolitan pizzas served on three-day fermented sourdough crusts, each one cooked to order in their tiny oven.
They have a variety of weird (in a good way) topping combinations, like their Grand Masala, which comes with a curry tikka masala base, mozzarella, paneer, aromatics, peppers, caramelized onion, and fresh cilantro. Of course, they have enough beers to satisfy any beer nerd, and you may find some really niche beers to take home with you.
Paju
website | neighborhood: SLU (get directions) | cuisine: Korean | price range: $$$
Paju is a posh, contemporary Korean restaurant serving classic dishes with an inventive flair, yet few people talk about it. I especially like going for dinner when the lights dim and the ambiance is more romantic.
The food is totally unlike any Korean fusion I’ve had before. Classic dishes like bulgogi are reimagined with truffle rib-eye steak and tender enoki mushrooms. I also loved their fried rice, which comes with kimchi, bacon, squid ink, and smoked quail egg.
El Quetzal
website | neighborhood: Beacon Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Mexican | price range: $$
I put El Quetzal on my shortlist of taco spots in Seattle I’d been meaning to try, and I’m so glad I finally got around to them. The dining room is vibrant and colorful, and the food is equally as welcoming. Yet few people know about them because they’re on a quieter section of Beacon Ave S.
For starters, their tortas are massive, with soft rolls stuffed with bountiful fillings. I also love their fish tacos, which come with pickled apples and generous portions of juicy fish. Even their margaritas, which I usually skip since they’re often made with sugary mixers, are delicious and have the perfect ratio of sugar to acid.
Violet
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | cuisine: American | price range: $$$$
Violet is one of my favorite spots for fine dining restaurants in Seattle, so much so that I’m weary about mentioning them for fear that reservations will become tough to get. But no gatekeeping here. Between their seasonal menu and immaculate dining room, I’ve never had an experience that wasn’t flawless and everyone should know about it.
You can order a la carte or take advantage of their American omakase. Whichever you choose, make sure to order one of their fancy cocktails and take a peak at their massive wine list.
Smarty Pants
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: sandwiches | price range: $$
Smarty Pants is an unexpected take on a laidback restaurant. It’s a motorcycle-themed bar with historic architecture and some of the best sandwiches in Seattle.
If you’re a sandwich purist, you can’t go wrong with their Club Pants, a satisfying take on the turkey club. That said, my absolute favorite is their Taylor Street Italian, which comes with generous portions of coppa, genoa salami, ham, provolone, crisp veggies, and giardiniera on a toasted French roll.
More Seattle hidden gems
Looking for more hidden gem restaurants in Seattle? I bias toward including under-the-radar spots in my articles, so check out my other guides for even more food finds.
