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A plate of pasta and clams with cherry tomatoes and spices on a white plate.
West Seattle’s Phoenecia features Lebanese-inspired menu items as well as dishes made with Pacific Northwest ingredients.
Nadia Khazaal

14 Wonderful Places to Eat in West Seattle

The bridge is back, so time to check out some of the city’s best coffee shops and restaurants

by Meg van Huygen, Gabe Guarente, and Harry Cheadle Updated
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West Seattle’s Phoenecia features Lebanese-inspired menu items as well as dishes made with Pacific Northwest ingredients.
| Nadia Khazaal
by Meg van Huygen, Gabe Guarente, and Harry Cheadle Updated

From the Alki boardwalk to stunning views of Elliott Bay to ample opportunities for kayaking and whale-watching, there’s a lot to love about laid-back West Seattle, now easier to get to thanks to the bridge finally reopening. West Seattle features its own smokehouse and butcher shop at Lady Jaye, crispy falafel at Falafel Salam, and acclaimed Italian restaurant Il Nido. Here’s an overview of some of the best restaurants in the area, arranged geographically from west to east.

Know of a spot that should be on our radar? Send us a tip by emailing seattle@eater.com.

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Il Nido

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Even though lauded chef Mike Easton has left to focus on his next restaurant in Eastern Washington (Il Nido is now be in the hands of longtime management), the destination dining experience in the historic Alki Homestead is still a go-to. Notable attractions are famed pastas and meaty entrees, such as the coveted seared ribeye. For groups, you’ll want to make a reservation at the website, but bar seating is always available on a walk-in basis.

2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 466-6265
(206) 466-6265

Also featured in:

Supreme

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West Seattle’s New York-style pizzeria and bar has carved out its own space in the lively West Seattle Junction. Check out the Reaper, made with spicy coppa and ghost chilies, and the Hawaiian with portuguese sausage, pineapple, and jalapeno. The neighborhood hangout has pinball games and pizza by the slice.

4521 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 257-4767
(206) 257-4767

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El Chapulin Oaxaqueno

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This Mexican food truck on California Avenue is a reliable local favorite. Open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. on the weekends), El Chapulin Oaxaqueno serves up burritos, tacos, tortas, pork tamales with green sauce, zucchini and spinach, and more. There is a small outdoor seating area available.

4451 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 227-9453
(206) 227-9453

Lady Jaye

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This restaurant has a 2,000-pound, applewood-fueled smoker called “Cletus,” who produces bulgogi short ribs, braised brisket, and smoked bologna sandwiches, among other meaty items. They all pair nicely with a bourbon and rye-heavy cocktail menu — featuring a smoked old fashioned, naturally. Cozy up to the fire pit at the outside patio, or check out Lady Jaye’s butcher shop.

4523 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 457-4029
(206) 457-4029

Also featured in:

Freshy's

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The dream of the ‘90s is alive at Freshy’s. Part coffee shop, part bar, part unexpectedly excellent soup restaurant, this hole-in-the-wall is as cozy and welcoming as your hippest aunt’s living room. The last time we were here, there were two guys at the bar discussing werewolves and vampires in very serious tones. Come in, tune out, log off, and try the soup.  

2735 California Ave SW #120, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 937-4316
(206) 937-4316

Itto's Tapas

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West Seattle’s Spanish and Moroccan tapas bar has been a longtime favorite in the neighborhood. The tapas here are both tasty and artful, such as the grilled squid with zucchinis and romesco sauce, lemon chicken, and lamb skewers. Itto’s also offers plenty of vegetarian options.

4160 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 932-5039
(206) 932-5039

Also featured in:

Falafel Salam

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Chef and owner Shimi Kahn first introduced diners to his Middle Eastern menu at the Fremont farmers market, showing off local sourcing, great vegan options, halal meats, and seasonal fermentation. He brought his recipes to a West Seattle brick and mortar in 2017, serving tender-inside falafel and chicken schwarma bathed in a tzatziki and green chili sauce.

4746 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 325-2335
(206) 325-2335

Also featured in:

Haymaker

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Star chef Brian Clevenger’s fifth restaurant has made an impression with a mix of excellent Italian-leaning dishes and PNW fare (there’s another location in Eastlake). Most of the food highlights just three key ingredients, such as black cod with soubise sauce, English peas, and salmon roe.

4706 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 946-6994
(206) 946-6994

Also featured in:

Phoenecia

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This Lebanese-inspired restaurant has been a West Seattle staple since 1975. An excellent evening destination, Phoenecia features balsamic-braised lamb shank, pasta and seafood dishes, pizzas, and desserts like baklava and nutella cheesecake. Add a tiramisu cocktail for a satisfying finish.

4717 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 492-5694
(206) 492-5694

Current Coffee

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At the risk of blowing up our spot, this is the best place west of the Duwamish Waterway for laptop warriors to work. There’s cozy upstairs seating, Sea Wolf pastries, and top-notch beans from roasters like Camber and Dorothea in the espresso hopper. When your workday is done, the bar Nook is right next door. Did we just convince you to move to West Seattle?? 

2206 California Ave SW STE B, Seattle, WA 98116

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Marination Ma Kai

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Marination has two other Seattle locations and its long-standing food truck, but the Alki spot stands out for its panoramic view of downtown and its proximity to the water taxi. Owners Roz Edison and Kamala Saxton fuse Korean and Hawaiian fare for a culinary experience that includes Spam sliders, kalua pork tacos, and kimchi fried rice.

1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 328-8226
(206) 328-8226

Also featured in:

Grillbird Teriyaki

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It’s difficult to put a fresh spin on teriyaki in this city, but West Seattle’s fast casual Grillbird restaurant tries its best with a wide range of protein and sauce options alongside the classic stuff like yaki udon noodles and spring rolls. The menu is halal and mostly gluten-free, and the tofu and cauliflower bowl is a fantastic vegan entree.

6501 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 402-4388
(206) 402-4388

Also featured in:

Lily's Salvadorean Restaurant

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Lilian Anaya Quintanilla’s restaurant may be one of the newest in West Seattle, but she has sold her pupusas and tamales at Seattle farmers markets for over a decade. The brick and mortar incarnation includes items like yuca with chicharrón, pupusas, and some Mexican items like burritos and chile rellenos. Also on the menu are Salvadorean breakfast plates with eggs, mashed beans, and fried plantains.

2940 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 397-3429
(206) 397-3429

Also featured in:

Luna Park Cafe

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The temporarily closure of this retro-kitsch diner has thankfully come to an end and you can once more get a “hobo” at Luna Park — that’s your choice of breakfast toppings mixed up with eggs and hash browns. If you’re feeling fancy, you can get an “omelet,” but the hobo is Luna Park Cafe’s contribution to diner cuisine.

2918 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 935-7250
(206) 935-7250
English muffins on top of a frittata-like dish

Also featured in:

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Il Nido

2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Even though lauded chef Mike Easton has left to focus on his next restaurant in Eastern Washington (Il Nido is now be in the hands of longtime management), the destination dining experience in the historic Alki Homestead is still a go-to. Notable attractions are famed pastas and meaty entrees, such as the coveted seared ribeye. For groups, you’ll want to make a reservation at the website, but bar seating is always available on a walk-in basis.

2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 466-6265
(206) 466-6265

Supreme

4521 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

West Seattle’s New York-style pizzeria and bar has carved out its own space in the lively West Seattle Junction. Check out the Reaper, made with spicy coppa and ghost chilies, and the Hawaiian with portuguese sausage, pineapple, and jalapeno. The neighborhood hangout has pinball games and pizza by the slice.

4521 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 257-4767
(206) 257-4767

El Chapulin Oaxaqueno

4451 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

This Mexican food truck on California Avenue is a reliable local favorite. Open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. on the weekends), El Chapulin Oaxaqueno serves up burritos, tacos, tortas, pork tamales with green sauce, zucchini and spinach, and more. There is a small outdoor seating area available.

4451 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 227-9453
(206) 227-9453

Lady Jaye

4523 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

This restaurant has a 2,000-pound, applewood-fueled smoker called “Cletus,” who produces bulgogi short ribs, braised brisket, and smoked bologna sandwiches, among other meaty items. They all pair nicely with a bourbon and rye-heavy cocktail menu — featuring a smoked old fashioned, naturally. Cozy up to the fire pit at the outside patio, or check out Lady Jaye’s butcher shop.

4523 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 457-4029
(206) 457-4029

Freshy's

2735 California Ave SW #120, Seattle, WA 98116

The dream of the ‘90s is alive at Freshy’s. Part coffee shop, part bar, part unexpectedly excellent soup restaurant, this hole-in-the-wall is as cozy and welcoming as your hippest aunt’s living room. The last time we were here, there were two guys at the bar discussing werewolves and vampires in very serious tones. Come in, tune out, log off, and try the soup.  

2735 California Ave SW #120, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 937-4316
(206) 937-4316

Itto's Tapas

4160 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

West Seattle’s Spanish and Moroccan tapas bar has been a longtime favorite in the neighborhood. The tapas here are both tasty and artful, such as the grilled squid with zucchinis and romesco sauce, lemon chicken, and lamb skewers. Itto’s also offers plenty of vegetarian options.

4160 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 932-5039
(206) 932-5039

Falafel Salam

4746 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Chef and owner Shimi Kahn first introduced diners to his Middle Eastern menu at the Fremont farmers market, showing off local sourcing, great vegan options, halal meats, and seasonal fermentation. He brought his recipes to a West Seattle brick and mortar in 2017, serving tender-inside falafel and chicken schwarma bathed in a tzatziki and green chili sauce.

4746 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 325-2335
(206) 325-2335

Haymaker

4706 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Star chef Brian Clevenger’s fifth restaurant has made an impression with a mix of excellent Italian-leaning dishes and PNW fare (there’s another location in Eastlake). Most of the food highlights just three key ingredients, such as black cod with soubise sauce, English peas, and salmon roe.

4706 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 946-6994
(206) 946-6994

Phoenecia

4717 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

This Lebanese-inspired restaurant has been a West Seattle staple since 1975. An excellent evening destination, Phoenecia features balsamic-braised lamb shank, pasta and seafood dishes, pizzas, and desserts like baklava and nutella cheesecake. Add a tiramisu cocktail for a satisfying finish.

4717 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 492-5694
(206) 492-5694

Current Coffee

2206 California Ave SW STE B, Seattle, WA 98116

At the risk of blowing up our spot, this is the best place west of the Duwamish Waterway for laptop warriors to work. There’s cozy upstairs seating, Sea Wolf pastries, and top-notch beans from roasters like Camber and Dorothea in the espresso hopper. When your workday is done, the bar Nook is right next door. Did we just convince you to move to West Seattle?? 

2206 California Ave SW STE B, Seattle, WA 98116

Marination Ma Kai

1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

Marination has two other Seattle locations and its long-standing food truck, but the Alki spot stands out for its panoramic view of downtown and its proximity to the water taxi. Owners Roz Edison and Kamala Saxton fuse Korean and Hawaiian fare for a culinary experience that includes Spam sliders, kalua pork tacos, and kimchi fried rice.

1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 328-8226
(206) 328-8226

Grillbird Teriyaki

6501 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

It’s difficult to put a fresh spin on teriyaki in this city, but West Seattle’s fast casual Grillbird restaurant tries its best with a wide range of protein and sauce options alongside the classic stuff like yaki udon noodles and spring rolls. The menu is halal and mostly gluten-free, and the tofu and cauliflower bowl is a fantastic vegan entree.

6501 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 402-4388
(206) 402-4388

Lily's Salvadorean Restaurant

2940 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126

Lilian Anaya Quintanilla’s restaurant may be one of the newest in West Seattle, but she has sold her pupusas and tamales at Seattle farmers markets for over a decade. The brick and mortar incarnation includes items like yuca with chicharrón, pupusas, and some Mexican items like burritos and chile rellenos. Also on the menu are Salvadorean breakfast plates with eggs, mashed beans, and fried plantains.

2940 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 397-3429
(206) 397-3429

Luna Park Cafe

2918 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126

The temporarily closure of this retro-kitsch diner has thankfully come to an end and you can once more get a “hobo” at Luna Park — that’s your choice of breakfast toppings mixed up with eggs and hash browns. If you’re feeling fancy, you can get an “omelet,” but the hobo is Luna Park Cafe’s contribution to diner cuisine.

2918 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 935-7250
(206) 935-7250
English muffins on top of a frittata-like dish

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