4 Best Restaurants in Belltown, Seattle

The New Mexican-style breakfast burritos at this cozy counter-service spot have a cult following, thanks to a tasty homemade hatch chili sauce. Bang Bang also serves coffee, sweet baked goods, and a handful of lunch options, including tortas and vegan mac and cheese.

Tom Douglas dishes out his signature Northwest style, spiked with Greek and Mediterranean touches—another huge success for the local celebrity chef. Try a slow-roasted lamb leg or the big bean shakshuka. Also on the menu: a variety of kebabs (including a halloumi cheese-and-fig version for vegetarians) and scrumptious spreads including smoky eggplant, tzatziki, and olive fig. Booths are usually full at this bustling, dimly lit restaurant, which anchors the Hotel Ändra. The weekend brunch is also fabulous; save room for the doughnuts.

Serious artisanal pizzas are worth the wait here—and there will be a wait at this tiny Belltown restaurant. Famed local restaurateur Tom Douglas delivers chewy, buttery crusts anchored by such toppings as roasted oyster mushrooms and truffle cheese; or Penn Cove mussels, pancetta, lemon thyme, and chili flakes. Wash it down with a local brew, a glass of local wine, or some bubbly. High seats and communal tables crowd this bustling space.

This Belltown favorite is helmed by superstar-chef Ethan Stowell (also of How to Cook a Wolf and Staple & Fancy), who is known for his fresh pasta. Serving up Italian goodness by the plateful in an industrial-chic bi-level space, Tavolàta is a decidedly lively, loud, and delicious night out on the town. The bar serves simple, elegant cocktails (Campari or Cynar with soda never fails). Start with an arugula and chickpea salad, croquettes, or bruschetta. Homemade pasta is the main draw here, such as fresh campanelle with dandelion green pesto, pecorino, and sunflower seeds, or pappardelle ragu. Entree offerings are traditional with flair: king salmon with pistachio and eggplant puree, or grilled steak with pickled baby veggies.