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Seastar is shuttering just after the holidays. After five years, The South Lake Union restaurant and raw bar from chef John Howie will close its doors on January 3. The 2,200-square-foot space above at the Pan Pacific Hotel (above the Denny Whole Foods) was originally occupied--for a blip--by Asian/Latin concept Marazul.
One of the few restaurants to buck Seattle-to-Bellevue trend and open first on the Eastside, Seastar launched in winter of 2009. Per a statement, Seastar and developer Vulcan "came to a mutual decision" to not renew Seastar's lease, but it may not be the end:
Chef Howie believes that Seastar's concept is perhaps better suited in another location, and is currently searching for a new space.
The original, 12-year-old Bellevue location remains open for business. Howie has his hands full with the opening of two new Bothell projects: Beardslee Public House and Wildwood Spirits Co. Both are now slated to open in January.
