Seattle is full of restaurants that deliver when it comes to special moments in your dating and relationship journey. Explore the best restaurants in Seattle, where you can find everything from wood-fired Northwestern dishes to Korean steakhouse fare to sustainably-minded sushi.
Indulge in housemade pasta and Italian classics while celebrating an anniversary at a cozy neighborhood trattoria in Capitol Hill. Get to know your date over live entertainment at a seafood-forward Italian spot in Belltown. Bond over Filipino soul food in a cozy remodeled home in Beacon Hill.
Read on to discover the 10 best date night restaurants in Seattle.
For a romantic milestone celebration at an elegant Italian spot— reserve a table at Spinasse (Capitol Hill/First Hill)
Spinasse’s striking balance of elegant, rustic, and cozy sets the stage for an anniversary meal of traditional Italian cuisine from the Piedmont region. The cozy trattoria is decked with sturdy wooden tables with mismatched chairs, vibrant abstract art, and lacey curtains. Settle in for an elegant tasting menu with family-style servings of Italian hits like signature ajarin with butter and sage
For a first date at a rustic-chic spot with live entertainment— check out The Pink Door (Belltown Pike Place Market)
Owner Jackie Roberts creates a welcoming escape at The Pink Door with an Italian-driven menu, friendly staff, and lively entertainment. The elegant and rustic space has candlelit tables and chandeliers, dotted with whimsical vintage paintings and sculptures. Order up the seafood-packed cioppino, a staple on the menu for over 40 years, and see if things get flirty and fun with your date in the lounge area where musicians and aerial performers do their thing.
For one of the best restaurants for Valentine’s Day in Seattle — book a table at Single Shot (Capitol Hill/First Hill)
Experience the 1920s vibe of Single Shot, where wood-fired Northwest fare, creative cocktails, and warm hospitality make for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day date. The marbled and mirrored interior leads to the visible compact kitchen where chef Antonio Palma skillfully prepares his seasonal menu, which changes frequently. Previous contemporary American standouts include Neah Bay seared halibut and grass-fed NY strip steak. Don’t skip out on the panna cotta or chocolate pudding cake.
For exceptional sushi from a legendary chef — grab a table at Sushi Kashiba (Belltown/Pike Place Market)
For a second date that truly impresses, head to stellar Japanese spot Sushi Kashiba in the heart of Pike Place Market. Founded by the legendary chef Shiro Kashiba, a three-time James Beard Award nominee and protégé of Jiro Ono, this fine dining gem showcases Edomae-style sushi. Take a seat at the coveted omakase bar to enjoy plates of broiled black cod, tempura vegetables, seafood salad, and more. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Kashiba himself behind the counter.
For sustainable Japanese sushi — make a reservation at Sushi Kappo Tamura – Dining Room (Eastlake & Allison)
Sushi Kappo Tamura – Dining Room is a group date favorite, thanks to a lively atmosphere and menu of sustainable Japanese seafood starring seasonal, Pacific Northwestern ingredients. An open kitchen encourages conversations between guests and the chefs as they prepare dishes in full view. Choose from two-, three-, or five-course combinations, sushi platters, or a la carte menus—bonus points for a rooftop garden that provides hyper-local produce.
For a casual date — ensure your table awaits at Musang Seattle (Beacon Hill)
Head to Musang Seattle for a casual date of inventive Filipino dishes. Founded by chef Melissa Miranda, the community-driven restaurant in Beacon Hill boasts a cozy dining room that blends dark wood with paintings depicting Filipino agricultural heritage. The menu is inspired by the chef’s childhood memories, with standouts like house-smoked Pacific oysters and crispy fried pork belly. Save room for the plum and coconut sorbet.
For a celebratory date at an innovative Korean steakhouse — book a table at Joule (Wallingford)
When you need to celebrate, visit Joule for a feel-good Korean steakhouse feast. Sit by the fire pit on the patio or in the minimalistic dining room and watch the wife-and-husband chef team, Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, work their magic. Expect bold, Korean-inspired dishes with locally sourced ingredients—think Muscovy duck with chunjang, miso celeriac puree, and jujubee.
For a birthday date at one of the best romantic restaurants in Seattle — head to Cafe Juanita (Kirkland)
Cafe Juanita opened in 2008 and is one of the best romantic restaurants in Seattle for its refined, Northern Italian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Holly Smith, the restaurant is in a remodeled mid-century house with a patio overlooking the lush Juanita Creek. The serene ambiance and maple wood tables set the stage for beautifully plated prix-fixe tasting menus. Go all in with optional wine pairings or enhancements like caviar service.
For a date with panorama views of Seattle — reserve a table at Salty’s on Alki Beach (West Seattle/Alki)
Salty’s on Alki Beach is a must-visit for top-notch seafood and sunsets over the Seattle skyline. Glass-like outdoor tents on the decks mean you and your date can watch the sunset over Puget Sound no matter the season. Expect elegant, seafood-forward dishes ranging from calamari and Dungeness crab cakes to tuna melt sandwiches and roasted scallops. Don’t miss the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch.
For a romantic weekend brunch date — visit Cafe Campagne (Belltown/Pike Place Market)
Escape to the charming French-inspired Cafe Campagne for a weekend brunch date that feels like a true taste of France. Watch the action at Pike Place Market from the sunny patio or sit inside the vintage-style brassiere decor with plenty of wooden accents. Dig into bistro classics like French toast, traditional cassoulet, and three types of quiches.
Seattle is packed with date restaurants for getting to know someone new or celebrating the big moments with a longtime companions. Group dates call for sustainable flavors and camaraderie at a Japanese gem. An elevated celebration demands a bold Korean steakhouse. True romance vibes always rule at a French-inspired brasserie.
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