6 Best Restaurants in The Central District, Seattle

A popular neighborhood coffeehouse, Broadcast roasts its own ethically sourced coffee; many locals pick up bags of coffee beans here. Choose from well-made standard espresso drinks or more creative options like the Disco Pony (espresso with Perrier, half 'n' half, and a lemon twist over ice) as well as seasonal offerings. Broadcast also carries tasty pastries from Temple Pastries, along with a few other light breakfast and lunch items. If there's no seating, check out the nice park right across the street.

Don't let the modest digs dissuade you: the Ethiopian cuisine here is delicious. Open all day, Cafe Selam serves specialties like beef or lamb tibs (cubed meat sautéed with onions and spices) and ketfo (steak tartare), but is particularly known for its ful, a spicy breakfast dish of lightly pureed fava beans topped with eggs, onions, peppers, and feta cheese, served with two fluffy French loaves.

Though slammed at lunchtime thanks to the high school across the street, this fast-food restaurant (the original location of a popular local chain) serves up some of the best fried chicken in Seattle—Oprah once had the founders fly to Chicago to make it for her birthday. Both original and spicy flavors are terrific, but be warned that the spicy is exactly that. The rolls are big, fluffy, and baked in generously greased muffin tins. 

Offering a taste of New Orleans in the Central District, Fat's Chicken & Waffles serves authentic Southern cuisine in a hip spot filled with furniture and murals made by local artists. Helmed by a chef with deep Louisiana roots, Fat's serves shrimp and grits, red beans and rice, biscuit sandwiches, and other soul food classics in addition to the namesake chicken and waffles.

This tiny, unpretentious neighborhood espresso bar has a classic coffeehouse vibe, with red walls, eclectic local art, a comfy worn sofa, and a few small tables. You'll find standard coffee drinks here along with homemade pastries, quiches, and sandwiches.

This seafood shop-cafe hybrid sells some of the freshest fish around town. They makes some of the best poke around Seattle, along with sides like kimchi and mac salad, and dishes like a crab panini and clam chowder. Containers of daily catches and shellfish line the walls, and there's more to see in the glass case. Everything changes with the season. There are a few tables to the right of the busy counter, or take your food to go and enjoy it in nearby Judkins Park. The smoked salmon is a delicious souvenir to bring home.