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West Seattle’s Phoenecia features Lebanese-inspired menu items as well as dishes made with Pacific Northwest ingredients.
Nadia Khazaal

15 Wonderful Places to Eat in West Seattle

Enjoy the West Seattle ‘island’ with Lebanese-inspired dishes, sustainable sushi, and more

by Leonardo David Raymundo, Meg van Huygen, Gabe Guarente, and Mark Van Streefkerk 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 Leonardo David Raymundo, Meg van Huygen, Gabe Guarente, and Mark Van Streefkerk Updated

From the Alki boardwalk — home to Seattle’s only sandy beach — to stunning views of Elliott Bay and ample opportunities for kayaking and whale-watching, there’s a lot to love about laid-back West Seattle. In recent years the neighborhood has felt even more like an island due to the West Seattle bridge closure. But with a thriving restaurant scene, residents and visitors were hardly missing out. West Seattle features its own smokehouse and butcher shop at Lady Jaye, crispy falafel at Falafel Salam, sustainable and responsibly-sourced sushi at Mashiko, and acclaimed Italian restaurant Il Nido.

Until the bridge reopens (currently slated to open mid-summer), visitors from the north can take the long way via Highway 99 or I-5 south to Marginal Way, or take the pedestrian water taxi from downtown to Alki for a distinctly West Seattle vibe. 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. Recent specials included pasta primavera with tagliolini, asparagus and herb puree, pecorino romano, and ricotta. For groups, you’ll want to make a reservation at the website, but for one or two guests 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:

Harry's Beach House

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This cozy, welcoming spot right across from Alki beach park centers seafood and seasonal ingredients. Check out the rockfish and chips, oysters, or salmon sandwich. Harry’s is also open for weekend brunch, featuring french toast, shrimp and grits, and a smoked salmon benedict.

2676 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 513-6297
(206) 513-6297

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

Also featured in:

Ma'ono

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Diners from all over Seattle travel to Ma’ono for its Hawaiian-influenced fried chicken, available in a few forms: sandwich, drumsticks or chicken fingers. Round out your order with a side of mac & kimcheese or a blue Hawaiian slushee.

4437 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 935-1075
(206) 935-1075

Also featured in:

El Chapulin Oaxaqueno

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This Mexican food truck on California Avenue is a reliable local favorite. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and at 10 a.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” serving up 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, compete with Meat Box subscriptions.

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

Also featured in:

Bakery Nouveau

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A bit of a throwback to mid-century European cafes, this is a powerhouse pastry shop, chocolate maker, and lunch spot, offering sandwiches and quiches alongside a lineup of sweet delicacies that includes the unbeatable twice-baked almond croissant. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, and there’s often a line out the door on weekend mornings.

4737 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 923-0534
(206) 923-0534

Mashiko

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Sustainable sushi is at the core of this West Seattle gem. Although founding chef Hajime Sato stepped away from the restaurant in 2019, he left it in good hands, with a staff that carries on the ethos of carefully sourced fish. In addition to the plentiful omakase options and roll selections, Mashiko recently introduced sake dinners.

4725 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 935-4339
(206) 935-4339

Also featured in:

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. Haymaker recently added Saturday brunch, featuring buttermilk biscuits, and steak and eggs with porcini hollandaise.

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

Marination Ma Kai

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In addition to Marination’s two other Seattle locations and long-standing food truck, the Alki location is its most scenic. 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. Enjoy a stellar view on the outdoor patio, or make a stop on your way to catch the water taxi.

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, making all the selections both halal and mostly gluten free (using tamari for the sauce instead of soy). The classic chicken features a smoky char. The menu includes spring rolls, yaki udon noodles, and vegan options.

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:

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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. Recent specials included pasta primavera with tagliolini, asparagus and herb puree, pecorino romano, and ricotta. For groups, you’ll want to make a reservation at the website, but for one or two guests bar seating is always available on a walk-in basis.

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

Harry's Beach House

2676 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

This cozy, welcoming spot right across from Alki beach park centers seafood and seasonal ingredients. Check out the rockfish and chips, oysters, or salmon sandwich. Harry’s is also open for weekend brunch, featuring french toast, shrimp and grits, and a smoked salmon benedict.

2676 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 513-6297
(206) 513-6297

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

Ma'ono

4437 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Diners from all over Seattle travel to Ma’ono for its Hawaiian-influenced fried chicken, available in a few forms: sandwich, drumsticks or chicken fingers. Round out your order with a side of mac & kimcheese or a blue Hawaiian slushee.

4437 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 935-1075
(206) 935-1075

El Chapulin Oaxaqueno

4451 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

This Mexican food truck on California Avenue is a reliable local favorite. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and at 10 a.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” serving up 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, compete with Meat Box subscriptions.

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

Bakery Nouveau

4737 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

A bit of a throwback to mid-century European cafes, this is a powerhouse pastry shop, chocolate maker, and lunch spot, offering sandwiches and quiches alongside a lineup of sweet delicacies that includes the unbeatable twice-baked almond croissant. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, and there’s often a line out the door on weekend mornings.

4737 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 923-0534
(206) 923-0534

Mashiko

4725 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Sustainable sushi is at the core of this West Seattle gem. Although founding chef Hajime Sato stepped away from the restaurant in 2019, he left it in good hands, with a staff that carries on the ethos of carefully sourced fish. In addition to the plentiful omakase options and roll selections, Mashiko recently introduced sake dinners.

4725 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 935-4339
(206) 935-4339

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. Haymaker recently added Saturday brunch, featuring buttermilk biscuits, and steak and eggs with porcini hollandaise.

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

Marination Ma Kai

1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

In addition to Marination’s two other Seattle locations and long-standing food truck, the Alki location is its most scenic. 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. Enjoy a stellar view on the outdoor patio, or make a stop on your way to catch the water taxi.

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, making all the selections both halal and mostly gluten free (using tamari for the sauce instead of soy). The classic chicken features a smoky char. The menu includes spring rolls, yaki udon noodles, and vegan options.

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

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