With its stunning skyline, fascinating cultural history and obsession with fine food and drink, plus a naturally beautiful setting, Seattle is one of the most rewarding cities in the US to discover, says Owen Bargreen...
Top restaurants and wine bars in Seattle
Wild Ginger
One of the best wine lists in the city and delicious, Asian-influenced cuisine. Expert sommeliers will choose the perfect pairing for your black pepper scallops or seven-flavour beef. www.wildginger.net
RN74
Started by celebrity chef Michael Mina, this has a mind-blowing wine list and even better French cuisine, all in a convenient location in downtown Seattle. Great steak tartare, oysters and beef fillet with duck-fat fries. www.michaelmina.net/
RN74
The Herbfarm
This opulent prix-fixe restaurant in Woodinville has a deep wine list that boasts many older and tiny-production cuvées from Washington and Oregon. A must-visit for everything from a casual wine tasting to a Dom Pérignon-accented anniversary. www.theherbfarm.com
El Gaucho
The perfect place for a steak dinner: great dry-aged ribeye, an outstanding happy hour, and my vote for the best burger in Seattle. The northwest-centric wine list impresses, as do the by-the-glass offerings. Save room for the Bananas Foster, made tableside with great fanfare. www.elgaucho.com/dine/seattle/
El Gaucho
MetMarket
Looking to save money on a great bottle of locally produced wine? Check out MetMarket in Queen Anne for an impressive regional selection. Enjoy it with a picnic at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Belltown, with panoramic views of the city and waterfront. www.metropolitan-market.com/
Westward
My favourite restaurant view of the water and a hidden gem. Relax with a craft cocktail or a bottle of Champagne and freshly shucked northwest oysters. The eclectic dinner menu is every bit as good as the Lake Union views. www.westwardseattle.com
Westward
Sodo Urban Works
A few kilometres south of downtown Seattle, you can enjoy tastings at Rotie Cellars, Latta Wines and Sleight of Hand Cellars, all next door to each other. Be sure to taste the Rhône-style wines from each of these producers, which have all impressed in warm vintages in Washington. www.sodo-urbanworks.com
Purple
In downtown Seattle, this modern restaurant boasts a spectacular wine list and free corkage for your first bottle. Enjoy high-quality, reasonably priced food while you gaze at the stunning wine spiral display. Be sure to make room for the signature salted caramels for dessert. www.purplecafe.com/purple-seattle/
Purple
The Barrel Thief
This casual wine hangout is a favourite among wine industry types. Just a few minutes from downtown Seattle, this relaxed bar has more than 175 wines by the glass, including some excellent pours for US$16-$20. www.bthief.com
The Nest
The Nest at The Thompson Hotel in Belltown is the place where Seattleites go to be seen. Enjoy a glass of Washington State rosé while taking in the breathtaking views of nearby Elliott Bay and Mt Rainer. www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/
The Nest. Credit: Nic Lehoux
