Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
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.
Housed in a historic log cabin a block from Alki Beach, Il Nido (the nest) takes a playful look at Italian culinary traditions. House-made fresh pasta is the star, joined by creative focaccia breads, chicory salads, and entrées like pork coppa. Reservations book out 30 days ahead of time, but you can always try for a seat at the bar for an aperitivo and a snack.
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.
