Canlis
Canlis has set the standard for fine dining in Seattle since the 1950s. The prix fixe menu includes a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert, plus a few elegant surprises between courses. The food is consistently excellent—creative and carefully composed without straying into showiness—but the real draw is the experience. The service is famously attentive, and the mid-century-modern dining room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Union, feels like a step back in time. This is the only restaurant in town with a dress code: jackets are “recommended” for men (they’re happy to loan one), and casual attire won’t fly. To soak in the atmosphere without committing to the full meal, grab a seat at the bar but still make sure to dress the part.
