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A dockside patio with umbrellas and wooden beach chairs. In the distance, a boat is tied to the dock. Several people are seated, taking in the view.
The patio at Westward offers incredible views of Lake Union.
Eric Tra/Westward

Restaurants With Some of the Best Views in Seattle

Seattle has unbeatable scenery and amazing food, so why not enjoy both at the same time?

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The patio at Westward offers incredible views of Lake Union.
|Eric Tra/Westward

The weather is finally warming up, days are getting longer, and as the rain eventually lifts it’s the perfect time to take in the scenery. For the Seattle area, that includes stunning views of the Cascades, Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, and Puget Sound. Thanks to exceptional restaurants that occupy some choice real estate, enjoying a multiple-course meal or award-winning fare while drinking in the sights is an achievable dream. Head for a (slow) spin atop the Space Needle atThe Loupe Lounge, enjoy all-day breakfast with lake views atThe Stone House Cafe, or the kimchi fried rice on Alki atMarination Ma Kai.

Here’s a list of some of the finest restaurants with the best views in the area. For a related list, check out ourrooftop dining guide.

As usual, this list is not ranked, but organized geographically from west to east.

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

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Magnuson Cafe & Brewery

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It’s sort of weird that it took until 2018 for someone to build a restaurant in Sand Point’s Magnuson Park — the former naval base hassweeping views of Lake Washington, and is one of the best places to kick back in the city on a nice day. This family- and dog-friendly brewery has solid rotating taps and the pub food-centric menu has nice little twists to it, like the crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon-onion jam, or the pineapple slaw that adds a tang to the fish tacos. It’s the perfect place to chill after watching your kids play soccer or your dog throw itself in the lake.

Westward

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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.

Saint Bread

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When Saint Bread announced that it was expanding toinclude a bar and dinner, it was welcome news — the Jensen Marina–based bakery occupies an ideal corner of Portage Bay, and it should be regarded as more of an all-day hangout spot than merely a place to grab (delicious) pastries. You probably already know that you can have a great time with an Americano, avocado toast, and this waterfront view, but remember that you can enjoy that same view with a cheeseburger and a beer.

Canlis

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There’s tons to love about one of Seattle’s most awarded restaurants, and at Canlis, the stellar view only adds to the acclaim. Theiconic restaurantoffers panorama views of the Cascades and Lake Washington. Coveted reservations for its multi-course fine dining experiences book out months in advance.

The Loupe Lounge

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The Space Needle’s bar is known for its slowly rotating floor and views of the city 500 feet above the ground.Reservationsfor Loupe’s dining and cocktail experiences start around $85 and go up to $275, which includes cocktails or wine selections paired with items like wagyu sliders, truffle fries, or olives. 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.

Lowell's Restaurant

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Pike Place Market is full of restaurants advertising views of Puget Sound, but Lowell’s gets bonus points because you get your pick of views — the first and third floors let you look out at the water, and the second floor is a bar overlooking the market that serves as an ideal people-watching outpost. Whether you’re splitting a fish and chips with your kids on a much-needed break from market-crawling or doing some pre-game drinking before you head over to the sports stadiums, Lowell’s is a welcome reprieve from the noise.

Maximilien Restaurant

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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.

The Fisherman's Restaurant

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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 alsooffers a four course dinning experience on the ride itself, for those who aren’t afraid of heights.

Smith Tower Observatory Bar

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Inspired by the speakeasies of yore, the bar atop the historicSmith Towercomes 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 addedcocktail classesfor small groups.

Iconiq

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Perched in the Mount Baker neighborhood, Iconiq’s windows open toward the downtown Seattle skyline. At night, the view of the city’s lights is particularly romantic, pairing well with Japanese-French cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.

Marination Ma Kai

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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 Stone House Cafe

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他這個前雷尼爾山海灘服務站toric 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 onLaina’shandmade ice cream and boozy milkshakes.

Magnuson Cafe & Brewery

It’s sort of weird that it took until 2018 for someone to build a restaurant in Sand Point’s Magnuson Park — the former naval base hassweeping views of Lake Washington, and is one of the best places to kick back in the city on a nice day. This family- and dog-friendly brewery has solid rotating taps and the pub food-centric menu has nice little twists to it, like the crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon-onion jam, or the pineapple slaw that adds a tang to the fish tacos. It’s the perfect place to chill after watching your kids play soccer or your dog throw itself in the lake.

Westward

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.

Saint Bread

When Saint Bread announced that it was expanding toinclude a bar and dinner, it was welcome news — the Jensen Marina–based bakery occupies an ideal corner of Portage Bay, and it should be regarded as more of an all-day hangout spot than merely a place to grab (delicious) pastries. You probably already know that you can have a great time with an Americano, avocado toast, and this waterfront view, but remember that you can enjoy that same view with a cheeseburger and a beer.

Canlis

There’s tons to love about one of Seattle’s most awarded restaurants, and at Canlis, the stellar view only adds to the acclaim. Theiconic restaurantoffers panorama views of the Cascades and Lake Washington. Coveted reservations for its multi-course fine dining experiences book out months in advance.

The Loupe Lounge

The Space Needle’s bar is known for its slowly rotating floor and views of the city 500 feet above the ground.Reservationsfor Loupe’s dining and cocktail experiences start around $85 and go up to $275, which includes cocktails or wine selections paired with items like wagyu sliders, truffle fries, or olives. 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.

Lowell's Restaurant

Pike Place Market is full of restaurants advertising views of Puget Sound, but Lowell’s gets bonus points because you get your pick of views — the first and third floors let you look out at the water, and the second floor is a bar overlooking the market that serves as an ideal people-watching outpost. Whether you’re splitting a fish and chips with your kids on a much-needed break from market-crawling or doing some pre-game drinking before you head over to the sports stadiums, Lowell’s is a welcome reprieve from the noise.

Maximilien Restaurant

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.

The Fisherman's Restaurant

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 alsooffers a four course dinning experience on the ride itself, for those who aren’t afraid of heights.

Smith Tower Observatory Bar

Inspired by the speakeasies of yore, the bar atop the historicSmith Towercomes 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 addedcocktail classesfor small groups.

Iconiq

Perched in the Mount Baker neighborhood, Iconiq’s windows open toward the downtown Seattle skyline. At night, the view of the city’s lights is particularly romantic, pairing well with Japanese-French cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.

Marination Ma Kai

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 Stone House Cafe

他這個前雷尼爾山海灘服務站toric 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 onLaina’shandmade ice cream and boozy milkshakes.

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