Seattle for foodies

From farmers markets to a vibrant food truck scene and fine dining, Seattle is a city that has every conceivable taste covered.

Creating a lasting imprint on diners, local restaurants pride themselves on having a sense of community deep rooted in Pacific Northwest heritage.

The city’s close connections to the coastline place seafood at the forefront of its cuisine.

Menus are heavily influenced by local farmers and producers from across the state.

Take a culinary journey and sample these top five foodie experiences.

Spoilt for choice at Pike Place Market 

One of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the US, Pike Place Market in Seattle offers everything from locally sourced specialty foods and delicious beverages to artisan crafts. An iconic landmark, the venue is considered ‘the soul’ of the city spanning nine acres in the center of downtown. Families can sample the culinary delights of Pike Place Market with an Eat Seattle food tour or grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, founded in 1971.

Eat like Tom Hanks at Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar

Offering the freshest seafood in the city, The Athenian is noted for its appearance in the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, follow Tom Hanks with steamed clams for lunch. Nestled in the famous Pike Place Market, the eatery was first opened in 1909 by three Greek brothers. Once a bakery and a luncheonette, it was one of the first restaurants in Seattle to be issued a licence for beer in 1933. The sign over the front door is the original one, hung there almost a century ago. The view from the restaurant is also one of the best in the city.

Fine dining at Canlis

Any discerning foodie visiting Seattle will attempt to get a reservation at Canlis. Combining sumptuous dishes with a sweeping view of the city, the restaurant overlooks Gas Works Park and the Cascade Mountains. The kitchen offers a multi-course dining experience where guests choose three of the courses and the rest are a surprise. Built in 1950, the establishment remains family-owned. It has multiple James Beard awards under its belt.

Willmott’s Ghost in the Amazon Spheres

The Spheres are an iconic centrepiece created for Amazon employees in downtown Seattle. An original concept, Willmott’s Ghost became the second space in the building open to the public, heralded by Pacific Northwest chef Renee Erickson. Gaining inspiration from previous travels to Italy, the menu focuses on the flavours of Rome, and is filled with delicious antipasti favourites and stone baked pizza.

Enjoy the fruits of your labour at The Herbfarm 

With over 900 wineries across Washington state, the destination is the second largest producer of premium wine in the country. Seattle has numerous urban wineries within the city, while Woodinville Wine Country has 130 plus wineries on offer. The experiences don’t stop at wine. Visit The Herbfarm for 24 Hours at the Farm. Start the morning with a farm tour by assisting the day’s harvest. Enjoy brunch and watch the kitchen come to life in preparation of the freshly picked produce. Before dinner, stroll through the gardens, have an afternoon nap or take in the relaxing Sammamish River. Later enjoy the cooked harvest in a romantic, candlelight. Then kick back with an overnight stay in The Willows Lodge.

For more information visit: visitseattle.org