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West Seattle is enough of a trek from Seattle's central neighborhoods that some restaurants have, historically, had a hard time filling their seats. Luckily, West Seattleites love to eat out, and a new culinary energy is taking hold, making even gourmands from Ballard make the trek. The real superstar here is Ma’ono (formerly known as Spring Hill), but plenty of other neighborhood joints are top-notch and inviting. A walk up and down California Avenue will offer up plenty of choices.
Harry's Beach House, where the breeze is always scented with saltwater, is a casual yet exciting restaurant that opened in an old coffee shop in 2019. Spacious, warmly lit, and friendly, it's the perfect place to enjoy a long brunch or a drink and a snack after a day on the beach. The food is elegant but homey, with biscuits at brunch, a beloved burger at lunch, and fresh seafood on the dinner menu. Service can be slow, but that just gives you more time to enjoy the view.
It's undeniably touristy, but the views here simply can't be beat on a summer afternoon. Famed for its Sunday and holiday brunches and view of Seattle's skyline across the harbor, Salty's offers more in the way of quantity than quality—and sometimes a bit too much of its namesake ingredient—but it's a couple of steps up from the mainstream seafood chains. If you can get a table with a view, order a wine by the glass and a cup of chowder or some crab legs, and enjoy.
