Seattle is a seafood lover’s paradise. With the city sitting right on the Puget Sound, fresh fish, oysters, and crab are practically a way of life here. While places like Pike Place Market’s seafood stalls get most of the attention, there are some incredible restaurants that locals swear by. If you’re craving top-tier seafood, here are two of my absolute favorite spots that never disappoint.
Elliott’s Oyster House – The Ultimate Waterfront Seafood Experience
If you want fresh oysters with a stunning waterfront view, Elliott’s Oyster House is the place to be. Located right on Pier 56, this Seattle staple has been serving up some of the best seafood in the city for over 40 years.
The first time I ate here, I made the rookie mistake of thinking “oysters are oysters.” I ordered a random selection without much thought—but the moment I took my first bite of their locally harvested Kumamoto oyster, I finally got it. Sweet, slightly briny, and buttery smooth, it was easily the best oyster I’d ever had.
Elliott’s offers a progressive happy hour, meaning the earlier you arrive, the cheaper the oysters. I highly recommend coming in before 4 PM to score some of the freshest oysters at an unbeatable price.
Aside from oysters, their Dungeness crab cakes are phenomenal—crispy on the outside, packed with fresh crab on the inside, and served with a tangy lemon aioli. If you’re feeling indulgent, go for the Cedar Plank Salmon. It’s cooked to perfection and has that subtle smoky flavor that reminds you why the Pacific Northwest is famous for its salmon.
Between the seafood, the waterfront view, and the lively atmosphere, Elliott’s Oyster House is one of those places that just feels like Seattle.
RockCreek – A Hidden Gem for Seafood Lovers
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, RockCreek in the Fremont neighborhood is a seafood lover’s dream. This spot doesn’t have the waterfront views of Elliott’s, but what it lacks in scenery, it makes up for with incredible flavors.
RockCreek focuses on sustainable seafood, and every dish feels carefully crafted. One of my all-time favorites here is the Blackened Alaskan Rockfish. The fish is perfectly flaky, with a slight heat from the blackening spice, and served over a bed of coconut rice that balances it out beautifully.
Another must-try? Their Seafood Chowder. I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by chowder, but this one is next-level. Packed with smoked fish, potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth, it’s the kind of dish you want to curl up with on a rainy Seattle day.
The vibe at RockCreek is laid-back yet sophisticated, making it a great spot for a date night or a casual seafood feast with friends. And while it’s still a bit of a hidden gem, locals know this is one of the best places in town for fresh, sustainable seafood.