With a deckside view of Puget Sound and the sun setting behind the Olympic Mountains, this longtime Ballard restaurant along Shishole Bay is the total package. Ray’s doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, sticking to seafood classics such as fried oysters, pan-seared scallops, and salmon, but the location and atmosphere is tough to beat.

This Marination location on the West Seattle peninsula features a grand view of the city skyline and Elliott Bay. Among the popular Korean-Hawaiian fare are Spam sliders, kalua pork tacos, and kimchi fried rice. The spacious outdoor seating area is conveniently close to the pedestrian water taxi, which runs directly from downtown to Alki.

The Space Needle’s bar is known for its slowly-rotating floor and views of the city 500 feet above the ground. Reservations for Loupe’s dining and cocktail experiences start around $85 and go up to $275, which includes cocktails or wine selections paired with wagyu sliders, caviar, or oysters for example. The price also includes admission to the Space Needle, a table reservation, food, drinks, and parking, which may fit the bill for those hosting out-of-towners who want to booze it up at the city’s famed landmark.

Chef Nick Novello’s installation at this famed downtown waterfront restaurant makes the touristy spot worth revisiting. Local oysters, crab sourdough toast, and smoked salmon are a few of the standouts. Plus, not only is the place parked under the Great Wheel, but it also offers a four course dinning experience on the ride itself, for those who aren’t afraid of heights.

Maximilien has long been a reliable spot for downtown French dining, and a go-to for date night. This restaurant impresses with a menu of satisfying entrees, such as Hudson Valley duck leg confit and steak frites, best enjoyed on a sweet Pike Place Market patio with views of Elliott Bay. In the rainy months, enjoy the same outdoor views in a cozy, covered dome via Maximillen’s Le Igloo experience.

Inspired by the speakeasies of yore, the bar atop the historic Smith Tower comes with serious 360-degree views that stretch over downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Bites include potstickers and noodle bowls, and the classy vibe is perfect for special occasions. Just recently the bar added cocktail classes for small groups.

On the northern shore of Lake Union, Westward’s outdoor patio with tables and heated tents provide amazing views. Part of Renee Erickson’s Sea Creatures group, this impeccably designed, seafood-focused favorite serves up a robust selection of oysters, inventive cocktails, and weekend brunch.

Portage Bay’s waterfront Mexican restaurant is a popular spot on warm weather days. It’s also a hit for cyclists looking for eats along the Burke-Gilman Trail. There’s a 60-seat patio called Marina Cantina, open from May through September. At the cantina, diners can order rockfish tacos, quesadillas, and burritos from a bright orange food truck, all while sipping some potent margaritas. Veggie options are plentiful here.

Right on Lake Washington, this longtime fixture in the Leschi neighborhood is a local’s go-to for happy hour and weekend brunch. Featuring pizza, pastas, and seafood dishes, it’s also accessible by boat.

This former Rainier Beach service station in a historic tudor-style stone building was transformed into a bakery and cafe in 2015. With views that open up to Lake Washington, Stone House offers salads, sandwiches, breakfast all day, and an excellent array of pastries. Don’t pass up on Laina’s handmade ice cream and boozy milkshakes.