I know it can be tricky to find pre-theater dining in Seattle. After all, many of the downtown restaurants cater to the office crowd, meaning they close at 6 PM or earlier. When you’re trying to find a spot that takes reservations, doesn’t have a wait, and guarantees you’ll be in and out in under 2 hours, pickings can be slim.
I’m a member of both the 5th Avenue Theater and Paramount Theater, so I’m always looking for new places to eat near the Seattle theaters. So, I put together a list of my go-to spots near the major theaters: 5th Ave, Paramount, Seattle Theater Group, and the Moore. No matter what you’re craving, consider this your guide!
Pre-Theater Dining in Seattle
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more pre-theater restaurants in Seattle as I discover them! Also, I added which theaters each restaurant is closest to, but since all the theaters are close to each other downtown you can visit any that catches your eye!
Lenox
website | closest theater: Moore Theater (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Afro Latin
Lenox is one of my favorite Black-owned restaurants in Seattle, and it just so happens to be near the Moore Theater. The vibe is gorgeous, with tropical palm wallpaper and greenery, and the food is unique and refreshingly acid-forward. The menu is inspired by Afro and Latin American cuisine, particularly where they intersect in the restaurants of Harlem, New York.
Get the ceviche if it’s available, or try their empanadas, which are generously stuffed with meat and fried to perfection. As for the cocktails, they’re rum-heavy and all dangerously drinkable.
Ben Paris
website | closest theater: 5th Avenue Theatre (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: New American
In addition to being one of the more Instagrammable restaurants in Seattle, Ben Paris is a great option for pre-theater dining in Seattle because it’s fast. Their menu is seasonal and eclectic, with items from curry manila clams to lamb tagliatelle, and they have an equally thoughtful wine and cocktail selection.
I suggest getting a few apps and splitting some entrees (the braised short rib is a must). Then wash them down with a few house martinis to loosen up before showtime.
Le Caviste
website | closest theater: Paramount Theatre & STG (get directions) | price: $$ | cuisine: French wine bar & charcuterie
Le Caviste is a small, unassuming wine bar that’s one of the best hidden gems in Seattle. It’s run by master sommelier David Butler and features a highly curated selection of French wines, all of which are written on the blackboard when you walk in.
The food menu is small but well executed and surprisingly affordable. Don’t miss the Beaujolais charcuterie board and fish en papillote, fish wrapped in parchment with lemon, herbs, and potatoes. If you eat meat, they also serve one of the best steak tartare in Seattle. But shh, it’s off menu and you have to ask for it!
Chan
website | closest theater: STG & Paramount (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Korean
Chan is right across the street from The Paramount Theatre, so it’s a great for pre-theater dining in Seattle. They focus on classic Korean flavors with a nod to Pacific Northwest ingredients, served through an open kitchen that blends seamlessly into a sleek and minimalist dining room.
The menu is split into small plates, raw bar, protein, and rice/noodle dishes. If it’s available, get the sot bap with smoked duck, king oyster mushroom, and crispy onion. It’s designed to be shared, so if you split that and an appetizer, plus a few cocktails, you should be good to go.
Cortina
website | closest theater: 5th Ave (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Italian
Cortina is one of my go-tos for pre-theater dining in Seattle. It’s one of the several restaurants owned by pasta legend Ethan Stowell along with Tavolata, another downtown Italian spot. You can’t go wrong with either of his restaurants, but Cortina is conveniently located and one of the best restaurants near the 5th Avenue Theater.
The menu is a bit fancier than his other spots. You’ll find a lengthy list of shareables, scratch-made pasta, and a few protein-focused entrees. There are no wrong answers, though I’m partial to the bucatini with guanciale, tomato, chili, and pecorino.
Fun fact: they also have one of the best happy hour menus, which runs from 2 PM to close at the bar.
Bangrak Market
website | closest theater: Moore (get directions) | price: $$ | cuisine: Thai
Bangrak is one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Seattle. Its bright color scheme pays homage to the colorful markets of Bangkok.
The menu has a lot of Thai street food options, so no one in your group has to compromise. I’m partial to the khao soi, AKA coconut curry noodle soup with crispy egg noodles, pickled mustard, and your choice of protein. If you have a sweet tooth, their sweet sticky rice with mango is next-level good.
Deep Dive
website | closest theater: Moore (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: cocktail bar & small bites
Deep Dive is the semi-speakeasy bar at the Amazon Spheres owned by celebrity restauranteur and chef, Renee Erickson. I say it’s a “semi” speakeasy because the entrance isn’t technically hidden, but the sign is small and the door is nestled into the sphere so it’s not obvious how to get in.
The aesthetic is “under-the-sea glam,” which, considering the dim lighting and cozy seating arrangement, makes it a perfect stop for pre-show dining in Seattle. The food menu consists of light bites like homemade focaccia, warm olives, and their famous Seattle hot dog.
Willmott’s Ghost
website | closest theater: Moore (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Roman pizza
Willmott’s Ghost is another Renee Erickson spot also located in the Amazon Spheres. It specializes in doughy Roman-style pizzas and antipasti, all served in a trendy and brightly decorated dining room.
Definitely get the Roman white pizza for the table, but don’t miss the small plates. I’ve had excellent meatballs, calamari, and ravioli.
Phocific Standard Time
website | closest theater: STG & Paramount (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Vietnamese
Phocific Standard Time is one of my favorite restaurants near STG. It’s one of the best speakeasies in Seattle located above Pho Bac. It frequently goes unnoticed because there’s no signage, but you just have to walk upstairs to be transported to a totally different vibe.
The pho is well-executed and a must-order along with any of their creative Asian-inspired cocktails. They also have a great banh mi that’s the perfect bite when you’re looking for pre-theater dining in Seattle.
Dough Zone
website | closest theater: STG & Paramount (get directions) | price: $$ | cuisine: Chinese
If you’re on a time crunch or feeling particularly hungry, go to the Dough Zone. It’s a fuss-free franchise that actually does Chinese dumplings justice. Plus, being a franchise means service is usually quick, the food isn’t too expensive, and you don’t feel guilty for rushing out on a memorable experience.
Terra Plata
website | closest theater: Paramount & STG (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: New American
Terra Plata has one of the best rooftop views in Seattle. Don’t get me wrong, the dining room is cute too, but with a heated and covered patio available year-round, it would feel like a sin not to take advantage.
The menu is Spanish-driven, consisting of tapas meant to be shared. Paella is only available on Monday, but the rest of their menu is solid so it doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. I’m fond of the black cod and albacore crudo since they remind me the most of what I ate on my last trip to Spain before the pandemic.
Stateside or Foreign National
Stateside website | Foreign National website | closest theater: Paramount & STG (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Vietnamese fusion
I first tried Stateside for brunch years ago, but it’s their creative take on Vietnamese cuisine that’s kept me coming back for dinner when I’m looking for pre-theater dining in Seattle. Their chili cumin pork ribs and sticky rice dumplings are addictive, as is the vanilla duck egg custard for dessert.
If you want more of a cocktail bar vibe with small bites before your show, head next door to their bar, Foreign National. It has a totally different vibe, more romantic and moody, with a disco ball for good measure. Definitely get the cheeseburger bao!
Pro tip: If Foreign National’s door is locked, that means it’s full (the space is tiny). Just wait outside and they’ll come get you when a table opens up.
The Pink Door
website | closest theater: Moore (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Italian
You might not think The Pink Door is good for pre-theater dining in Seattle since it’s located in Pike Place Market, but if you can snag a reservation it’s the perfect spot for dinner before your show. It’s lively and has Italian Carnival themed decor throughout.
Since this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle, so expect a lot of pastas and small plates. The must get here is the lasagna, which has both red sauce and pesto.
Meet Korean BBQ
website | closest theater: Paramount & STG (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Korean BBQ
I will never pass up a chance for Korean BBQ, especially when one of the spots with the best quality meat just so happens to be right next to the theater. Meet Korean BBQ differs from other Korean BBQs in that only the server can cook the meat. I always find the cooking part to be overwhelming, so I much prefer it this way.
When you go, make sure to add a few orders of their pan-fried rice cakes and scallion pancakes. They’re some of the best I’ve had, and they perfectly complement the natural meatiness of the steak.
Lola
website | closest theater: Moore (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: Greek
Lola is one of Tom Douglas’ restaurants that’s best known for farm-to-table Greek food. Along with nearby Palace Kitchen and The Carlile Room, most of the produce for the restaurants is sourced from his 20-acre farm in Prosser, Washington.
In addition to having one of the best brunches in Seattle, Lola also boasts a dinner menu with items like slow shawarma, seafood tagine, and Washington-sourced chicken kebabs. I’m partial to the roast leg of lamb, but you can’t go wrong with any of Tommy D’s dishes!
Zaika
website | closest theater: Paramount & STG (get directions) | price: $$ | cuisine: Indian
There are plenty of must-try Indian restaurants in Seattle, but few who are willing to break from the classical dishes and try new things. Luckily, Zaika is open to experimenting with creative dishes like their jackfruit kofta and paneer pinwheels. But they still offer traditional dishes for the purists, like their chicken tikka masala, which remains one of the best I’ve had in Seattle.
The Metropolitan Grill
website | closest theater: 5th Ave (get directions) | price: $$$$ | cuisine: steakhouse
The Metropolitan Grill, or Met Grill, is one of Seattle’s OG steakhouses. They focus on dry-aged USDA prime steaks served alongside a curated wine list. Don’t let those fancy terms fool you; they also have one of the best burgers in Seattle, along with a very reasonably priced happy hour that includes prime tenderloin bites, prawn cocktails, and a classic martini that’s only $12 bucks a pop.
Maiz Molino
website | closest theater: Paramount & Moore (get directions) | price: $$ | cuisine: Mexican
Ever since Maíz opened their new location in South Lake Union, it’s become one of my favorite restaurants near the downtown theaters. Contrary to their other locations, this one is a bit fancier, with more of a sit-down experience. Their mole de mi ama is a must-order and features a complex house mole sauce, peanuts, and perfectly cooked chicken.
Umi Sake House
website | closest theater: Moore (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: sushi
I think I visited Umi more than any other restaurant back when I worked downtown, both because the sushi is fresh and well-executed, but also because they have one of the best happy hour deals. It runs before dinner and from 10 PM to midnight. If you happen to be hungry after the show, take a quick detour for some sashimi before heading home!
Von’s 1000 Spirits
website | closest theater: 5th Ave (get directions) | price: $$$ | cuisine: American
It took me a long time to visit Von’s because I thought it was just for tourists. However, I kept hearing locals recommend it for their homemade sourdough pizzas, pastas, and bread, so I finally went before one of our 5th Avenue Theatre shows.
I’m so happy I gave it a chance, as the pasta here is excellent. You’ll also find sandwiches, salads, and a creative cocktail list as long as a CVS receipt. if you like Instagrammable moments, keep an eye out for the cocktails that include sparklers and smoke!
84 Yesler
website | closest theater: 5th Ave (get directions) | price: $$$$ | cuisine: Italian-French
84 Yesler is an immaculately designed Seattle fine dining restaurant located in an old historic building in Pioneer Square. The menu is seasonally driven and marries classical French and Italian cooking, but with locally-sourced seafood as a primary player.
You can get the tasting menu if you give yourself enough room before the show. It’ll run you ~$110 pp for 4 courses, or do what I do and stick with a la carte. I’m still drooling over the parmesan churros (yes, you heard me), and they make one of the best steak tartare in the city.
Darkalino’s
website | closest theater: 5th Ave (get directions) | price: $$ | cuisine: Italian
Darkalino’s is the sister restaurant to Mezzanotte in Georgetown and remains one of the best places to eat dinner in Seattle. The menu is simple Italian and not too heavy, which is nice if you’re not super hungry and don’t want to fall into a food coma by intermission.
You’ll find a range of Italian sandwiches, homemade pastas, small plates, and spritzes of every persuasion. I vote for the ragu, which features beef and lamb slow-cooked until they melt in your mouth. If you’re craving a sandwich, the Italian combo comes on fluffy and well-salted focaccia along with mortadella, coppa, salami, and house “funky” sauce.
More places to explore nearby
Hey, you’ll need restaurant recommendations outside of your pre-theater dining in Seattle needs. Here are some other guides to eating and explore near downtown Seattle.
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