The Experts Name Seattle’s Top Dining Neighborhoods for 2017

As is tradition, Eater closes out the year by surveying local food writers on various restaurant-related topics. Readers, please feel free to chime in with your own thoughts in the comments section below.

What was the best Seattle dining neighborhood of 2017?

Leslie Kelly, Seattle-based food writer:

You can satisfy every possible craving at Pike Place Market, from stellar gumbo at Steehead Diner and a massive/super messy spaghetti and meatball sandwich at LoPriore Pasta Bar (it's not on the menu, but ask Brian to make you one), to the classic steak-frites at the newly refreshed Cafe Campagne. At lunch, I love to sit at the bar at Matt's, where Robbie'll treat you right. For quick bites, go get a pickle on a stick at Britt's or a bratwurst on a stick at Bavarian Meats. The Crumpet Shop, DeLaurenti, and Three Girls Bakery never fail to make my day a lot more delicious. And Etta's recently blew me away with a bunch of awesome uni specials on its "Creatures of the Deep" menu. Well done, chef Andrew Rivera.

Nicole Sprinkle, food writer and critic, Seattle Weekly:

For once, restaurants popped up in so many places that no single neighborhood stood out. Equal opportunity eating.

Jackie Varriano, editor, Zagat Seattle:

Of course, Capitol Hill comes to mind instantly if only for sheer number of openings, but I think we also saw great spots open in Belltown, Greenwood, and Ravenna. I don’t know if there was one “best” neighborhood this year.

Rosin Saez, associate food and drink editor, Seattle Met:

The one that’s the shortest walk from my apartment. So, Capitol Hill.

Angela Garbes, Seattle-based food writer:

I've got my eye on what's happening in White Center right now, where established local entrepreneurs (like the folks behind Lil' Woody's, Beer Star, and Drunky's) are opening up new locations alongside the neighborhood's long-standing taquerias, pupuserias, pho shops, Cambodian delis, as well as family-friendly pizzerias and pubs. It's a great mix and, so far, they all seem able to thrive.

Providence Cicero, food critic, The Seattle Times:

Serious food and full-service dining establishments are finally creeping north of the Ship Canal bridge. Capitol Hill still has an astonishing density and range of restaurants and cuisines but Ravenna, Phinney, and Greenwood are the up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Tan Vinh, food and drink writer for The Seattle Times:

The answer, as it has been for quite a few years, is still Capitol Hill. But it’s exciting to see the resurgence of Belltown and South Lake Union reinventing itself.