While the Michelin Guide has not officially rated restaurants in Seattle, that doesn’t mean there are no restaurants that do have the potential.

Several places in the city are often compared to Michelin-starred venues in terms of:

• Quality
• Service
• Dining experience

I decided to go out and test some of them myself.

The result of that is a list of restaurants in Seattle that could very well earn a Michelin star if the guide were to expand its reviews to the city.

10. Le Coin

Le Coin restaurant in Seattle is a wonderful neighborhood gem with excellent cuisine that left me thoroughly impressed. From the moment we walked in, the entire staff was incredibly nice and helpful.

We chose to skip the Chef’s Counter Service (prix fixe) along the open kitchen because there were so many enticing menu items we wanted to try.

Our meal began with an excellent bread service, elevated by the addition of rich, velvety foie gras. The selection of breads, accompanied by yummy honey butter and turmeric onions, was a perfect start.

The steak tartare was well-seasoned and beautifully plated as an appetizer, followed by a seared octopus that was tender and generously portioned. The standout appetizer, however, was the sweetbreads, which even my reluctant wife loved!

For our main course, we decided to share the foraged mushroom dish from their vegetarian menu. It turned out to be the best mushroom dish we have ever had, with delicious cabbage and buttery mashed potatoes serving as the perfect bed for the tasty mushrooms.

The lemon tart, port flight, and Sauternes were a delightfully sweet ending to our meal.

Despite the lively indoor sound level, we were able to converse without shouting. Le Coin also offers an outdoor seating area, which we look forward to trying on our next visit.

9. Kedai Makan

• Address: 1802 Bellevue Ave, Seattle, WA 98122-2019
• Working Hours:
  • Sun: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Mon: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Tue: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Wed: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Fri: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Cuisine: Malaysian, Asian
• Contact: +1 206-556-2560

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Kedai Makan in Seattle, and it was an experience to remember.

That visit was my first time trying Malaysian food, and it exceeded all my expectations. The menu featured a variety of delightful dishes, including curry-like options, a laced flatbread, a refreshing salad, and some tangy pickled onions on the side.

There was so much more to explore, making it a true culinary adventure.

One thing to note is that the wait can be quite long. I arrived at opening time and still had to wait for an hour. It was almost enough to make me give up, but I’m so glad I didn’t. To pass the time, I took a stroll to the nearby Elliott Bay Bookstore, which was a lovely distraction.

Browsing through the books helped me bide the time, but as my patience was wearing thin, I finally got the call that my table was ready.

And oh, was it worth the wait! I ordered the belacan beef bee hoon, which is beef served over bee hoon noodles in a rich rendang sauce.

The dish was absolutely glorious. The beef was tender, the noodles were perfectly cooked, and the sauce was bursting with flavor.

It was a filling meal that brought back memories of my travels in Malaysia, evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure.

8. Shaker + Spear

• Address: 2000 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
• Working Hours:
  • Sun:
    • 09:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    • 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Mon
    • 07:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Tue
    • 07:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Wed
    • 07:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Thu
    • 07:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Fri
    • 07:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Sat
    • 09:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    • 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM
• Cuisine: Local cuisine, Seafood
• Contact: +1 206-737-4163

What a pleasant surprise Shaker + Spear turned out to be! I must admit I didn’t expect much at first.

Shaker + Spear is an intimate restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where everyone has a view of the bustling kitchen and bar. I chose to sit at the bar, and it was a fantastic decision. The bartender was not only friendly but also made amazing drinks.

One of the highlights of our visit was witnessing how smoothly the kitchen staff operated, especially under the guidance of their new executive Sous Chef. The open kitchen concept allowed us to see the efficiency and coordination of the team, which was quite impressive.

The service was nothing short than excellent. The team was incredibly attentive and worked seamlessly together to ensure we had everything we needed. It’s rare to see such a well-coordinated service team, and it certainly enhanced our dining experience.

I started our meal with the mushroom pâté and cedar plank salmon lox for appetizers. Both dishes were not only beautifully presented but also cooked to perfection, setting high expectations for the rest of the meal.

For the main course, I ordered the duck, black cod, and scallops, accompanied by a fried marble potato salad.

Every dish was delicious, with flavors that were both rich and well-balanced.

7. Art of The Table

 

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• Address: 3801 Stone Way N Suite A, Seattle, WA 98103
• Working Hours:
  • Tue: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Wed: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Fri: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Cuisine: American, Contemporary
• Contact: +1 206-282-0942

I was delighted to discover “Art of the Table” in Seattle. My experience there was exceptional, and I’d love to share the highlights of my visit.

One of the things that often challenges me when booking these types of meals is securing a reservation for just one person. However, “Art of the Table” accommodated my solo dining request without any issues, which I greatly appreciated.

The seating arrangement was perfect, as I was positioned at a counter overlooking the food preparation area. It provided a wonderful opportunity to watch the chefs in action, adding an engaging and interactive element to the dining experience.

The food itself was a highlight of my trip. Each dish was fresh, meticulously thought out, and expertly prepared. I have a couple of dietary preferences—I’m not fond of cucumber and watermelon—and the staff was very accommodating.

They informed me that one dish would need adjustments, and they handled this seamlessly, ensuring my meal was tailored to my tastes.

6. Copine

• Address: 6460 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107-2424
• Working Hours:
  • Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Fri: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Cuisine: French, Contemporary
• Contact: +1 206-258-2467

My friends recently visited my in Seattle. I am talking aboud individuals who are self-proclaimed “foodies,” and I decided to take them to Copine.

Although the restaurant is a bit far from the East Side, the drive was absolutely worth it. The ambiance struck a perfect balance—tables were nicely spaced out, and noise levels were low, making it easy to enjoy conversation without shouting.

The service was top-notch. Our server was both friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.

However, the food itself was somewhat inconsistent. We started with an amuse-bouche that unfortunately fell flat—it was quite bland and didn’t set the tone for the meal as I had hoped.

Things picked up with the mushroom soup, which was deliciously rich but could have benefited from a few cracks of pepper to elevate the flavors fully.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the sturgeon. The dish was exquisitely prepared, but the portion size left much to be desired; it was disappointingly small. For dessert, I had the vegan chocolate mousse, a personal favorite.

While the flavors were nicely balanced, the mousse hadn’t quite set and ended up having a texture closer to Catalan hot chocolate. It was a bit of a letdown, as I was looking forward to a firm and creamy mousse.

Despite the highs and lows, the overall experience at Copine was memorable.

The prices, however, are on the steeper side—around $200 per person with drinks and tip. It’s a bit pricey, especially considering I walked away still feeling a tad hungry.

5. Cascina Spinasse

• Address: 1531 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122-4023
• Working Hours:
  • Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Mon: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Tue: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Wed: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Fri: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Sat: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Cuisine: Italian
• Contact: +1 206-251-7673

As someone who is notoriously hard to please, discovering Cascina Spinasse during a brief visit to Seattle was a delightful surprise.

My advice: plan well in advance if you want to guarantee a spot, though they do welcome walk-ins starting at 5:00 PM, if you’re feeling spontaneous.

The highlight of Spinasse is undeniably its pasta, which is a must-try when you visit. I started with the Tajarin Con Burro E. Salvia. Who knew that something so simple could be so enjoyable?

The delicate strands of pasta, bathed in sage butter, were pure comfort on a plate. Next, I moved on to the Tajarin Al Ragu, a dish that elevates the classic tajarin by adding a rich, savory mix of pork and beef. It was simply delicious.

Lastly, I sampled the Cavatelli Con Conit D’Anatra. While it was wonderful, I did find it a bit light on the duck. The flavors were spot on, proving that quality triumphs over quantity.

When it comes to desserts, I highly recommend the Panna Cotta, Vanilla. The creamy panna cotta, paired with toasted walnut butter and grapes, was the perfect end to the meal.

Despite the culinary excellence, I must admit that the overall experience didn’t quite justify the high price. Waiting almost a month for a reservation might not be worth the effort, considering there are other dining options available that offer better value for the price.

While the food itself was excellent, the overall experience may not be worth the long wait and high cost.

4. 2120

• Address: 2120 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
• Working Hours:
  • Sun: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Mon: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Tue: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Wed: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Thu: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Fri: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Cuisine: American, Contemporary
• Contact: +1 206-829-8700

What an experience at 2120! From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the GM at the door, who personally walked us through their amazing cocktail offerings. The cocktails were incredible—make sure to try ‘The Cure’ with the local Westland distillery whiskey as a base.

Absolutely delicious.

The food was outstanding as well. I had the pappardelle with braised lamb, cooked to a perfect al dente.

We chose to sit at a table on the periphery of the bar, which allowed us to soak in the lively atmosphere. The ambiance, especially with the outdoor seating next to the Spheres, added a magical touch to our evening.

Our visit was made even more special by Chad, who went above and beyond to make our dinner delightful. The entire staff was friendly and helpful, making us feel right at home.

A couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner here while visiting our son. We shared the Octopus and Mozzarella plates as appetizers—both were on point.

For the main courses, we had the Salmon, perfectly presented and cooked, the Lamb shank that was so tender it was falling off the bone, and the New York steak which was absolutely perfect.

3. Canlis

• Address: 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109-2206
• Working Hours:
  • Tue: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Wed: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Thu: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Fri: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sat: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Cuisine: American, Contemporary
• Contact: +1 206-283-3313

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Canlis in Seattle to celebrate a graduation, and it was an experience to remember. We opted for the multi-course dining experience, which perfectly suited the celebratory occasion. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—professional, courteous, and attentive.

Each course was a delightful bite-sized sampling, brought to the table by a well-coordinated team of servers. This seamless service added to the elegance of the evening. Every dish was not only tasty but also presented with artistic flair, making each bite a visual and culinary delight.

One of the standout items was the steak bites. They were tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection—truly a highlight of the meal. Another memorable taste was the dried persimmon, which was perfectly balanced—not too sweet, just right.

Overall, the cuisine quality was excellent, showcasing fresh, delicious ingredients chosen by the chef. Although the flavors were not entirely unique, they were masterfully executed, making for a delightful culinary experience.

The cost is something to consider, with the multi-course experience (including drinks) coming in at over $220 per person. However, if you appreciate fine dining and have a taste for pairing different flavors and textures, it is well worth the investment.

The reservation comes with a $100 per person fee, which is applied to the total bill, ensuring your commitment to the dining experience.

2. The Pink Door

 

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• Address: 1919 Post Aly, Seattle, WA 98101-1014
• Working Hours:
  • Sun: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Wed: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Thu: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Fri: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Sat: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Cuisine: Italian, Tuscan, Central-Italian
• Contact: +1 206-443-3241

The Pink Door in Seattle is truly a wonderful place, and if you’re planning to dine there, definitely make a reservation to secure your spot. It was my first time visiting, and I was a bit puzzled about where to enter because the door looked beige, not pink (LOL).

Upon arrival, I was greeted by friendly staff who promptly took us to our table. Our water glasses were filled immediately, and once my friends joined me, we ordered cocktails while we went through the menu.

The selection of starters was impressive, which I absolutely loved! However, it was at this point that the service started to slow down a bit.

Regarding the food, it was a mix of hits and misses. The arancini was just okay, but the oysters were delicious, especially with the tangy mignonette sauce. My favorite starter was the tuna crudo – it was simply outstanding.

For the main courses, the risotto was unfortunately very salty, and the lamb came out a bit cold and wasn’t all that satisfying.

On the brighter side, the pappardelle ragu was divine, and the “everything green” salad was so good it makes me want to return just to have it again.

1. Altura

• Address: 617 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102-5025
• Working Hours:
  • Tue: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Wed: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Thu:
    • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Fri: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Cuisine: Italian
• Contact: +1 206-402-6749

Dining at Altura in Seattle was an extraordinary experience that left me in awe of the chef’s talent and vision. I really believe this is the best place in all of Seattle.

I decided on Prix Fixe Dinner, and it was top-notch, nothing more nothing less. This chef is truly special, and their dedication to artistry and service shines through every dish.

The staff was attentive and professional, attending to all the things I asked them.

The evening continued with course after course of exotic and interesting dishes. It was one of the most exceptional dinners we have ever had, and by the end of it, I felt compelled to give the chef a standing ovation – it was that incredible.

The dining experience at Altura is meticulously crafted, from the serving ware to the dish compositions. The chef and staff are swinging for the fences with their vision of a chef-only menu, and they bring you on board for a culinary journey that is both impressive and delightful.

Several bites throughout the evening were sublime, leaving a lasting impression.

However, I must note that while the wine pairings were generally well-chosen, I found they leaned too heavily on white wines, which didn’t always complement the food as well as they could have. The staff, however, was quick to adapt when we requested different options, showcasing their flexibility and dedication to ensuring a perfect dining experience.