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A closeup view of a bowl, with noodles, chopped vegetables, and green and red peppers sticking out prominently.
Fried rice at Pestle Rock
Pestle Rock

14 Great Restaurants That Make Ballard a Seattle Dining Destination

The neighborhood has everything from dive bar chili to high-end tasting menus

by Jade Yamazaki Stewart, Eater Staff, and Harry Cheadle Updated
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Fried rice at Pestle Rock
| Pestle Rock
by Jade Yamazaki Stewart, Eater Staff, and Harry Cheadle Updated

Once a quiet working-class Nordic-American neighborhood, Ballard is now a nightlife, shopping, and restaurant destination. Boutiques and cocktail bars line Ballard Avenue (home to one of Seattle’s few year-round farmer’s markets), and townhomes and high-rises have taken the place of single-family homes. Some of the best restaurants and bars in the city can be found here, along with almost (almost!) too many breweries, which is why if you walk far enough inland you can literally smell the hops. Where else in Seattle can you find Dungeness crab fried rice, Detroit-style pizza, and Sri Lankan cocktails?

Know of a spot that should be on our radar? Send us a tip by emailing seattle@eater.com. As usual, this list is not ranked; it’s organized geographically, west to east.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Sunny Hill

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Sunset Hill landed this stellar pizzeria in 2020, focused on both Detroit-style square and 12-inch round pies served from a Wood Stone hearth oven. Options include the War Child, topped with mushrooms, leeks, and truffle cheese; and the Murray, which has smashed meatballs, peppers, onions, and basil. The smash burgers are sensational as well, topped with frizzled onions (don’t forget about the waffle fries, which come with umami ketchup or black garlic ranch). And the seasonal spritzes make for a refreshing cocktail best enjoyed on the comfortable back patio.

3127 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 659-0355
(206) 659-0355

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Cafe Munir

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The food at Munir, with influences from owner Rajah Gargour’s Lebanese background, is a vegetarian’s dream. The small plates of lentils ground with roasted garlic, house labneh, and sweet pears in savory tahini always impress, and Sundays at the restaurant mean an elaborate chef’s choice meal that’s sure to impress. Patrons should check Instagram for seasonal items that keep the menu vibrant.

2408 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 783-4190
(206) 783-4190

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Rupee Bar

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This Ballard bar and kitchen is led by Elizabeth Kenyon, previously of Manolin, who crafts an assortment of Sri Lankan and South Indian snacks like egg rolls stuffed with lamb and potato curry, tomato, and curry leaf, and yogurt-marinated spiced fried chicken. The cocktail menu includes South Asian ingredients like toasted coriander seeds, turmeric, and tamarind date chutney. The bar won a James Beard Award for best design for restaurants with under 75 seats in 2020, and Kenyon was a semifinalist for two other James Beards in 2020 and 2022.

6307 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 397-3263
(206) 397-3263

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Copine

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A rare fine-dining establishment in a generally casual neighborhood, Copine serves a mix of American, Italian, and French fare in its three-course prix fixe dinners and a la carte bar menu. Recent tasting menu selections include raw hamachi with red Fresno chilis and cucumber, agnolotti pasta filled with morels and preserved Meyer lemons, and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. The bar serves wine with snacks like grilled lamb tenders with cucumber yogurt, buttermilk biscuit pork sliders, and truffle popcorn. In 2023, Copine scored a James Beard nomination for Outstanding Restaurant.

6460 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 258-2467
(206) 258-2467

Beast and Cleaver

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At this hybrid butcher shop–restaurant from London native Kevin Smith, customers can find premium cuts of pasture-raised meat from local farms, as well as terrines, porchetta di testa, and pâté en croute. There are also fabulous tasting menu dinners under the moniker the Peasant that include well-crafted seasonal plates and plenty of beer and wine pairings. In summer 2023 it will be expanding, bringing its highly sought-after burgers to Fair Isle Brewing.

2362 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 708-1400
(206) 708-1400

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Pestle Rock

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Pestle Rock features Thai food from the Isan region of the country, which is known for dishes packed with fresh herbs and chili peppers and drenched in lime juice. Highlights include the crispy fried chicken wings, an excellent kao soi, and a Dungeness crab fried rice. Quality preparations also make deft use of local ingredients, such as the grilled wild boar collar served with lime juice, toasted rice, and lots of chili pepper.

2305 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 466-6671
(206) 466-6671
A closeup view of a bowl, with noodles, chopped vegetables, and green and red peppers sticking out prominently.
Pestle Rock features food from Thailand’s Isan region.
Pestle Rock [Official]

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San Fermo

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The menu at this popular Ballard restaurant is minimal and lighter than one might see at more traditional Italian joints, and changes daily. Recent standouts include a chicory salad with persimmon and pomegranate molasses and a decadent saffron spaghetti bolognese with pork and veal. There’s also an outdoor deck and expanded sidewalk seating.

5341 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 342-1530
(206) 342-1530

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Rachel's Bagels & Burritos

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Formerly the much-loved Porkchop & Co, this Ballard shop was reborn as a bagel spot during the pandemic. These perfectly chewy bagels are excellent across the board, with offerings like bagels topped with za’atar and shichimi togarashi (a Japanese chili pepper and spice blend). There are also great bagel sandwich options, like the Nick and Nora, a riff on avocado toast with chili crisp. Beyond bagels, the shop serves a few satisfying one-pound breakfast burritos with fillings like Oaxacan cheese and guajillo chili salsa, and J Kenji López-Alt-approved biscuit sandwiches.

5451 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 257-5761
(206) 257-5761

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Cookies Country Chicken

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It’s only fitting that Cookie’s Country Chicken has found a home in Ballard, a neighborhood with strong nautical ties. Owner Brian Chandler spent 10 years in the maritime industry, including a stint spent perfecting his fried chicken recipe while feeding oil industry crews in Louisiana. Top sides include mashed potatoes with gravy, mac and cheese, and collard greens.

1744 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 603-5111
(206) 603-5111

The Walrus and the Carpenter

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Renee Erickson owns a shoal of sea-themed restaurants, but none more iconic than this oyster bar, located in the back of one of Ballard Avenue’s historic brick buildings. The seasonal small plates menu doesn’t miss, and first-timers should order the always-in-season fried oysters, crunchy on the outside and rich and creamy on the inside — a treat even if you’re not an oyster person. If you want to become an oyster person, you’re in the right place, since not only are the oysters high-quality, but the staff is happy to talk you through the varieties and differences. There are no reservations here; to guarantee yourself a seat show up when it opens at 4 p.m. to get on the waiting list, or try arriving late on an off night.

4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 395-9227
(206) 395-9227

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Mike's Chili Parlor

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Amid all the new development, Mike’s is an actual hunk of history. Founded in 1922, this dive bar is still cash-only, still rings regulars up on an antique cash register, and still serves a mysterious beer called the “Mike-ro Brew.” And there’s still an actual Mike (Mike Semandiris, the great-grandson of the original Mike) stirring chili in a huge battered pot behind the counter, which they serve on its own or poured over a burger, fries, or a hot dog. There are fancier restaurants in Ballard, but none that feel more like home.  

1447 NW Ballard Way, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 782-2808
(206) 782-2808

Delancey

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Diners know this spot for its thin-crust wood-fired pizza and lovely salads. Two-day-fermented dough is the base for the likes of zesty tomato sauce, spicy salami, and onions. The Jersey salad with red cabbage, crispy lettuce, and croutons is a crunchy treat. Don’t leave without a couple of the chocolate chip cookie with gray salt, or buy some of the cookie dough to bake at home.

1415 NW 70th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 838-1960
(206) 838-1960

Also featured in:

Brimmer and Heeltap

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Set in a beautiful brick building on Market Street with an airy dining room and leafy patio, this neighborhood bistro serves creative dishes like radishes with salmon roe and creme fraiche, Manila clams in cider broth, and pork chops with fermented greens. It also has a deep and complex cocktail menu. Owner Jen Doak also has a small cafe called Red Arrow Coffee in the backyard and a small-but-mighty wine shop in Half Seas, which is set to expand to a space across the street.

425 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 420-2534
(206) 420-2534

Also featured in:

Stumbletown Ballard

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Opened in late 2021, Stumbletown is named after the strip of 65th Avenue Northwest where people used to “stumble” for predawn drinks or coffee. There’s a small beer and wine selection here, but you come to Stumbletown for the “Italian-inspired” sandwiches, hand-held symphonies of cured meat, sun-dried tomato spread, hot or sweet peppers, and arugula, all on warm bread from Sea Wolf bakery.

6256 3rd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 453-8307
(206) 453-8307

Also featured in:

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Sunny Hill

3127 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA 98117

Sunset Hill landed this stellar pizzeria in 2020, focused on both Detroit-style square and 12-inch round pies served from a Wood Stone hearth oven. Options include the War Child, topped with mushrooms, leeks, and truffle cheese; and the Murray, which has smashed meatballs, peppers, onions, and basil. The smash burgers are sensational as well, topped with frizzled onions (don’t forget about the waffle fries, which come with umami ketchup or black garlic ranch). And the seasonal spritzes make for a refreshing cocktail best enjoyed on the comfortable back patio.

3127 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 659-0355
(206) 659-0355

Cafe Munir

2408 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117

The food at Munir, with influences from owner Rajah Gargour’s Lebanese background, is a vegetarian’s dream. The small plates of lentils ground with roasted garlic, house labneh, and sweet pears in savory tahini always impress, and Sundays at the restaurant mean an elaborate chef’s choice meal that’s sure to impress. Patrons should check Instagram for seasonal items that keep the menu vibrant.

2408 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 783-4190
(206) 783-4190

Rupee Bar

6307 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

This Ballard bar and kitchen is led by Elizabeth Kenyon, previously of Manolin, who crafts an assortment of Sri Lankan and South Indian snacks like egg rolls stuffed with lamb and potato curry, tomato, and curry leaf, and yogurt-marinated spiced fried chicken. The cocktail menu includes South Asian ingredients like toasted coriander seeds, turmeric, and tamarind date chutney. The bar won a James Beard Award for best design for restaurants with under 75 seats in 2020, and Kenyon was a semifinalist for two other James Beards in 2020 and 2022.

6307 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 397-3263
(206) 397-3263

Copine

6460 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

A rare fine-dining establishment in a generally casual neighborhood, Copine serves a mix of American, Italian, and French fare in its three-course prix fixe dinners and a la carte bar menu. Recent tasting menu selections include raw hamachi with red Fresno chilis and cucumber, agnolotti pasta filled with morels and preserved Meyer lemons, and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. The bar serves wine with snacks like grilled lamb tenders with cucumber yogurt, buttermilk biscuit pork sliders, and truffle popcorn. In 2023, Copine scored a James Beard nomination for Outstanding Restaurant.

6460 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 258-2467
(206) 258-2467

Beast and Cleaver

2362 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117

At this hybrid butcher shop–restaurant from London native Kevin Smith, customers can find premium cuts of pasture-raised meat from local farms, as well as terrines, porchetta di testa, and pâté en croute. There are also fabulous tasting menu dinners under the moniker the Peasant that include well-crafted seasonal plates and plenty of beer and wine pairings. In summer 2023 it will be expanding, bringing its highly sought-after burgers to Fair Isle Brewing.

2362 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 708-1400
(206) 708-1400

Pestle Rock

2305 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Pestle Rock features Thai food from the Isan region of the country, which is known for dishes packed with fresh herbs and chili peppers and drenched in lime juice. Highlights include the crispy fried chicken wings, an excellent kao soi, and a Dungeness crab fried rice. Quality preparations also make deft use of local ingredients, such as the grilled wild boar collar served with lime juice, toasted rice, and lots of chili pepper.

2305 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 466-6671
(206) 466-6671
A closeup view of a bowl, with noodles, chopped vegetables, and green and red peppers sticking out prominently.
Pestle Rock features food from Thailand’s Isan region.
Pestle Rock [Official]

San Fermo

5341 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

The menu at this popular Ballard restaurant is minimal and lighter than one might see at more traditional Italian joints, and changes daily. Recent standouts include a chicory salad with persimmon and pomegranate molasses and a decadent saffron spaghetti bolognese with pork and veal. There’s also an outdoor deck and expanded sidewalk seating.

5341 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 342-1530
(206) 342-1530

Rachel's Bagels & Burritos

5451 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Formerly the much-loved Porkchop & Co, this Ballard shop was reborn as a bagel spot during the pandemic. These perfectly chewy bagels are excellent across the board, with offerings like bagels topped with za’atar and shichimi togarashi (a Japanese chili pepper and spice blend). There are also great bagel sandwich options, like the Nick and Nora, a riff on avocado toast with chili crisp. Beyond bagels, the shop serves a few satisfying one-pound breakfast burritos with fillings like Oaxacan cheese and guajillo chili salsa, and J Kenji López-Alt-approved biscuit sandwiches.

5451 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 257-5761
(206) 257-5761

Cookies Country Chicken

1744 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

It’s only fitting that Cookie’s Country Chicken has found a home in Ballard, a neighborhood with strong nautical ties. Owner Brian Chandler spent 10 years in the maritime industry, including a stint spent perfecting his fried chicken recipe while feeding oil industry crews in Louisiana. Top sides include mashed potatoes with gravy, mac and cheese, and collard greens.

1744 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 603-5111
(206) 603-5111

The Walrus and the Carpenter

4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Renee Erickson owns a shoal of sea-themed restaurants, but none more iconic than this oyster bar, located in the back of one of Ballard Avenue’s historic brick buildings. The seasonal small plates menu doesn’t miss, and first-timers should order the always-in-season fried oysters, crunchy on the outside and rich and creamy on the inside — a treat even if you’re not an oyster person. If you want to become an oyster person, you’re in the right place, since not only are the oysters high-quality, but the staff is happy to talk you through the varieties and differences. There are no reservations here; to guarantee yourself a seat show up when it opens at 4 p.m. to get on the waiting list, or try arriving late on an off night.

4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 395-9227
(206) 395-9227

Mike's Chili Parlor

1447 NW Ballard Way, Seattle, WA 98107

Amid all the new development, Mike’s is an actual hunk of history. Founded in 1922, this dive bar is still cash-only, still rings regulars up on an antique cash register, and still serves a mysterious beer called the “Mike-ro Brew.” And there’s still an actual Mike (Mike Semandiris, the great-grandson of the original Mike) stirring chili in a huge battered pot behind the counter, which they serve on its own or poured over a burger, fries, or a hot dog. There are fancier restaurants in Ballard, but none that feel more like home.  

1447 NW Ballard Way, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 782-2808
(206) 782-2808

Delancey

1415 NW 70th St, Seattle, WA 98117

Diners know this spot for its thin-crust wood-fired pizza and lovely salads. Two-day-fermented dough is the base for the likes of zesty tomato sauce, spicy salami, and onions. The Jersey salad with red cabbage, crispy lettuce, and croutons is a crunchy treat. Don’t leave without a couple of the chocolate chip cookie with gray salt, or buy some of the cookie dough to bake at home.

1415 NW 70th St, Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 838-1960
(206) 838-1960

Brimmer and Heeltap

425 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Set in a beautiful brick building on Market Street with an airy dining room and leafy patio, this neighborhood bistro serves creative dishes like radishes with salmon roe and creme fraiche, Manila clams in cider broth, and pork chops with fermented greens. It also has a deep and complex cocktail menu. Owner Jen Doak also has a small cafe called Red Arrow Coffee in the backyard and a small-but-mighty wine shop in Half Seas, which is set to expand to a space across the street.

425 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 420-2534
(206) 420-2534

Stumbletown Ballard

6256 3rd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Opened in late 2021, Stumbletown is named after the strip of 65th Avenue Northwest where people used to “stumble” for predawn drinks or coffee. There’s a small beer and wine selection here, but you come to Stumbletown for the “Italian-inspired” sandwiches, hand-held symphonies of cured meat, sun-dried tomato spread, hot or sweet peppers, and arugula, all on warm bread from Sea Wolf bakery.

6256 3rd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 453-8307
(206) 453-8307

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