Seattle’s Hottest Dining Neighborhoods of 2019

As is tradition, Eater closes out the year by surveying local food writers on various restaurant-related topics. Here, the experts weigh in on this question: What was the best dining neighborhood of 2019? (Here are the top standbys of the year and the standout newcomers.)

Allecia Vermillion, editor-in-chief, Seattle Met: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but … West Seattle.

Chelsea Lin, editor-in-chief, Seattle Magazine: The real story here is how every neighborhood has some place pretty great worth visiting now.

Providence Cicero, food writer, former restaurant critic for the Seattle Times: Samara single-handedly put Sunset Hill on the dining destination map. Also, West Seattle is suddenly hot with Mike Easton’s Il Nido, Brian Clevenger’s Haymaker (joining sibling Raccolto), and the smokehouse Lady Jaye — from Radiator Whiskey vets, Charlie Garrison, Tyler Palagi, and Sara Rosales — all opening this year.

Frank Guanco, food and wine writer, Seattle Refined: Always easy to say Capitol Hill, but for the sake of argument, dare I say Queen Anne? Champagne Diner, Eden Hill Provisions, Paju, Lazy Susan, and Canlis with their summer parties all added much to the eating conversation for 2019.

Jill Lightner, Seattle food writer, author, and person who gets asked, “Is it still safe to eat this?” a lot: The one where I live (Columbia City) because it’s great, and also because — my god — traffic. I expect this to be my answer until the next branch of the light rail opens in 2021.