Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Kristin

outdoor dining Seattle
Photo credit: Edgewater Hotel

On the lookout for great outdoor dining spots in Seattle? Blessed with stunning waterfront patios and sprawling seafood menus, Seattle’s restaurants are constantly dreaming up new ways to win over visitors. Between exploring Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, try out some of the best places to enjoy a meal outside in Seattle.

Six Seven (2411 Alaskan Way; 206-269-4575) Downtown

USA Today called the sensational wraparound terrace at the Edgewater Hotel “the best waterfront restaurant in Seattle.” “The view outside is amazing, especially during a summer sunset,” one OpenTable diner says. Without a doubt, the upscale atmosphere is perfect for special occasions, but Six Seven is unstuffy enough to be a locals’ meeting place. Enjoy the view over a happy hour cocktail, then dig into dishes like miso-glazed black cod and applewood-smoked pork chops. “The Cedar Plank King Salmon was absolutely the best salmon I’ve ever tasted,” One Yelp reviewer says.

Ray’s Boathouse and Café (6049 Seaview Ave. NW; 206-789-3770) Ballard

Deemed by Travel + Leisure as a “longtime leader in locavore cuisine dishes,” this waterside gem is an iconic stop in Seattle’s trendy Ballard neighborhood. For seafood enthusiasts, a meal at Ray’s is something of a pilgrimage. The menu offers an enormous array of fish dishes, mussels, clams, Dungeness crab and oysters. “Ray’s Cafe is an absolute must experience restaurant in Seattle,” says one Yelp reviewer. For a more casual atmosphere, you can head upstairs to the outdoor deck at Ray’s Café. In addition, the address offers plenty to like. For example, taking in the views of Puget Sound is the perfect way to cap off a day exploring the historic homes and lighthouse in Discovery Park. You may even see a “cute little seal swimming nearby,” teases one Google reviewer. Reviewers on Yelp and TripAdvisor also applauded Ray’s COVID-19 measures.

Maximilien (81A Pike St.; 206-682-7270) Downtown

Love French food? All in all, it’s hard to think of a more romantic restaurant than the patio at Maximilien. In the heart of iconic Pike Place Market, Maximilien offers Parisian-inspired dishes like duck confit, steak frites and moules marinière. Along with the unbeatable location, the restaurant boasts “legendary views” of the water, as one Google reviewer put it. During the pandemic, the weatherproof “igloos” scattered make the al fresco experience unforgettable. “The outside dining was fabulous!” according to a TripAdisor review.

Salty’s on Alki Beach (1936 Harbor Ave. SW; 206-937-1600) West Seattle

Before you leave town, enjoy at least one meal on the patio at Salty’s for a classic Seattle experience. “This place is famous for its waterfront location and great view of Seattle across the bay,” says a Google review. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, the restaurant offers an extensive seafood menu ranging from Alaska King Salmon to chowder and fried razor clams. Diners especially recommend the brunch, which was named to OpenTable’s list of top 100 in the country. “Absolutely love their weekend brunch with a variety of fresh seafood,” raves one Yelp commenter.

Marination Ma Kai (1660 Harbor Ave. SW; 206-328-8226) West Seattle

Last but not least, this waterfront oasis featured in the New York Times’ 36-hour guide definitely rates as one of the best outdoor dining spots in Seattle. Daytrippers fresh off the water taxi join locals for the unique fusion of Hawaiian and Korean cuisine. Eater calls it “a great spot for outdoor dining in the city,” thanks to an unfussy patio with picnic tables and umbrellas. The highlight, of course, is the impressive view of Downtown Seattle across the water. “This is the best casual dining on Alki Beach,” says one Yelp fan. “Amazing view of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.”