The Best Restaurant 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.

Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

$$ | Capitol Hill

The waters off the Washington coast produce some of the world's tastiest shellfish. This cozy bar, located on a lively block between Starbucks Reserve and Melrose Market, is a great place to take a deep dive into the deliciousness. Along with local oysters, you can sample clams, mussels, crab, shrimp, and, if you're feeling adventurous, geoduck. (It's not all raw; there are steamed, stewed, and baked options.) The Taylor family has been farming shellfish for five generations, and they know their stuff. They also have bars in Lower Queen Anne and Pioneer Square, and their the Samish Bay farm makes a great day trip stop.

1521 Melrose Ave., Seattle, 98122, USA
206-501–4321
Known For
  • Fresh regional shellfish
  • Well-made stew and chowder
  • Family-owned business

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