4 Best Restaurants in Capitol Hill and the Arboretum, Seattle

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Capitol Hill has become Seattle's major culinary destination. The greatest concentration of restaurants is in and around the Pike–Pine Corridor—Pike and Pine Streets running from Melrose Avenue to 15th Avenue. Überhip gastropubs like Quinn's and all-day cafés like Oddfellows are all the rage, as are smaller, posh new American and Italian-inspired eateries like Lark, Anchovies & Olives, and Cascina Spinasse. On the northern end of Broadway, Poppy is a delicious departure from standard menus, with its Indian-inspired thali (small amounts of different dish preparations served in small compartments on a large platter), while a wide variety of coffeehouses make the Hill downright destination-worthy.

Analog Coffee and B-Side Foods

$ | Capitol Hill

Analog is a classic, comfortable place to sip a well-made espresso drink. Inside there's something more: the kitchen of B-Side Foods, which makes simple, tasty breakfast and lunch—a rice bowl, toasts, quiche, and a first-rate egg sandwich. B-Side maintains its own identity, but you place your food order at the Analog counter and eat there (if you can nab a seat).

Drip Tea

$ | Capitol Hill

If bubble tea is your thing, this is your place. Eye-catching three-color drinks and "designer blend" smoothies show off creative combinations of fruit, boba, syrup, and ice cream. For the full experience, get yours in a bear-shaped takeout bottle, or order soft-serve in the bear-shaped waffle pastry, called "bearyaki." And pick up some merch—the store sells sneakers and streetwear, 

416 10th Ave., Seattle, 98122, USA
206-457–4374
Known For
  • Colorful drinks and ice cream
  • Over-the-top bubble tea
  • Bear-shaped bottles

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Espresso Vivace at Brix

$ | Capitol Hill

Vivace has a longstanding reputation for making some of Seattle's finest espresso. The location, in a condo complex, is a little short on character, but the place still has great, bustling energy, with a colorful mural looking down on Hill residents tapping on laptops or wrapped in conversation.

532 Broadway Ave. E, Seattle, 98102, USA
206-860–2722
Known For
  • Classic coffeeshop feel
  • Lively space
  • Excellent espresso

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Victrola Coffee Roasters

$ | Capitol Hill

Victrola is one of the most loved of Capitol Hill's many coffeehouses, and it's easy to see why. The coffee is fantastic, the baristas are skillful, the sizable space is hung with work by local artists, and everyone, from soccer moms to indie rockers, is made to feel like this neighborhood spot exists just for them.

411 15th Ave. E, Seattle, 98112, USA
206-325–6520
Known For
  • Laid-back feel
  • Art-decked walls
  • Fresh-roasted beans

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