12 Unique Restaurants in Washington State: Exploring the Wild Side of Washington’s Dining Scene

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Washington State’s dining scene is as bold and diverse as its landscapes, offering everything from forest hideaways to waterfront gems. Known for fresh seafood, farm-to-table dining, and its innovative culinary spirit, Washington serves up meals that are both delicious and unforgettable.

Picture slurping oysters fresh from the Puget Sound at Taylor Shellfish Farms, enjoying wood-fired pizza in a treehouse-like setting at The Bait Shop, or savoring wild game at a rustic lodge tucked deep in the Cascades. Craving something quirky? There’s even a spot where you can dine in an old-school train car or sip coffee surrounded by towering evergreens.

From Seattle’s foodie hubs to hidden treasures across the state, I’m sharing 12 unique restaurants that prove dining in Washington is a true adventure. Let’s explore!

👉 Pro Tip: The Chef-Guided Food Tour at Pike Place Market is a must! You’ll taste fresh bites like smoked salmon, pastries, and local cheese while getting insider tips from a chef. Show up hungry, wear layers (Seattle weather is tricky), and leave room in your bag—you’ll want to bring some goodies home!

Unique Restaurants in Washington State: 12 Incredible Washington State Eateries

From breathtaking locations to one-of-a-kind flavors, these spots stand out. Gear up to uncover the dining treasures of Washington.

1. Canlis

• 📍 Location: Seattle (Queen Anne)
• 💲 Price range: $150 – $250+ per person (Tasting Menu/Lounge)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pacific Northwest Fine Dining / Modern American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic Seattle institution (since 1950), panoramic city/Lake Union views, award-winning wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate special occasion splurges, fine dining connoisseurs, experiencing Seattle history, and romantic evenings.

Prepare for a legendary Seattle fine dining experience at Canlis. This iconic restaurant, perched on Queen Anne hill since 1950, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, Lake Union, and the Cascade Mountains from its stunning mid-century modern dining room. It’s a true classic.

Expect dishes like delicate Canlis Salad prepared tableside, perfectly cooked local seafood such as sablefish, or exquisite Wagyu beef preparations. Impeccable service and an award-winning wine list complete this unforgettable experience.

2. The Herbfarm

• 📍 Location: Woodinville
• 💲 Price range: $250 – $350+ per person (Multi-course themed dinner with wine pairings)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pacific Northwest / Farm-to-Table / Destination Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: World-renowned themed 9-course dinners with wine pairings, on-site herb gardens and farm.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate food and wine lovers and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.

Prepare for an epicurean pilgrimage to The Herbfarm in Woodinville! This world-renowned destination isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an immersive journey through Pacific Northwest flavors. Each evening features a lavish, nine-course themed dinner with exquisite wine pairings.

Many ingredients are sourced from their on-site gardens. You might savor a dish featuring heirloom tomatoes you saw growing, foraged berries in a delicate dessert, or farm-raised rabbit prepared with herbs from the garden. Reservations are essential.

3. The Pink Door

• 📍 Location: Seattle (Pike Place Market)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian-American / Cabaret
• 🔥 Standout Features: Unmarked pink door entrance in Post Alley, nightly cabaret/trapeze entertainment, and classic Italian-American fare with Puget Sound views.
• 🎯 Perfect For: A unique and theatrical night out, romantic dinners with a twist, and lovers of Italian food and entertainment.

Look for the unmarked pink door in Post Alley and step into the enchanting world of The Pink Door! This Pike Place Market institution is a delightful blend of delicious Italian-American food and captivating entertainment, with trapeze artists or cabaret performances.

You should definitely try their famous Lasagna Pink Door, a creamy, baked version. A fantastic bowl of cioppino filled with fresh seafood, or their simple yet perfect linguine alle vongole (clam linguine), are also excellent choices. The views are stunning.

• Read Next: 12 Amazing Hidden Gems in Washington Only Locals Know About

4. Life on Mars

• 📍 Location: Seattle (Capitol Hill)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegan Bar Food / Plant-Based Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: All-vegan menu and bar, extensive vinyl record collection and listening stations, retro-space-age vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegans and plant-based eaters, music lovers and vinyl collectors, and a funky hangout.

Blast off to a world of plant-based goodness at Life on Mars in Capitol Hill! This super cool spot is an all-vegan bar and eatery with a fantastic retro-space-age vibe and an impressive vinyl collection you can listen to at dedicated stations.

Chow down on their delicious vegan fried “chicken” sandwich with all the fixings. A hearty plant-based burger, like the “Mars Burger,” or their loaded “chorizo” fries, are also popular. Their creative vegan cocktails are out of this world.

5. Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining

• 📍 Location: Elbe (Departs from Elbe)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $100+ per person (Train ride & meal)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining on a historic steam train, scenic journey through forests near Mt. Rainier, and a family-friendly experience.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Train enthusiasts, families, and enjoying a meal with stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.

All aboard for a scenic journey on the Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining experience! Departing from Elbe, you’ll dine aboard a historic steam train as it chugs through beautiful forests with glimpses of Mt. Rainier. The experience is wonderfully nostalgic.

Enjoy a hearty American-style meal. Options vary by excursion but often include choices like roast chicken with mashed potatoes, a satisfying beef brisket, or a flavorful salmon fillet. The chug of the steam engine makes for a memorable adventure.

6. Bors Hede Inne

• 📍 Location: Carnation (Camlann Medieval Village)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $50 per person (Often part of village experience/feasts)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Medieval / Old English
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic medieval dining experience within a recreated 14th-century English village, period attire, and traditional Old English recipes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs (especially medievalists!), themed meals, and experiencing a bygone era.

Hark, good gentles and fair ladies, and prepare for a feast at Bors Hede Inne! Located within Camlann Medieval Village, this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an immersion into 14th-century England. Dine by candlelight, served by staff in period attire, and savor traditional Old English recipes.

Expect hearty fare. Popular dishes include roast pork with savory gravy, a rich beef and barley pottage (stew), or a simple but satisfying ploughman’s lunch with cheese and bread. Mead is available. It’s a unique and educational experience.

7. Dreamland Diner

• 📍 Location: Seattle (Fremont)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Futuristic Diner / American Comfort Food / Vegan Options
• 🔥 Standout Features: Psychedelic and highly Instagrammable “dreamscape” decor, creative comfort food with vegan options, fun cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Instagrammers and art lovers and imaginative takes on diner classics.

Step into a technicolor dream at Dreamland Diner in Fremont! This place is an absolute visual trip, with whimsical, psychedelic decor that feels like an intergalactic art installation. They serve creative comfort food with plenty of fantastic vegan options.

Trying their vegan “clam” chowder bread bowl is a great idea. A loaded Galaxy Burger (beef or vegan patty), or their crispy tater tot nachos, are also popular. Their colorful cocktails, like the “Nebula Nectar,” are just as fun.

8. Rhein Haus

• 📍 Location: Seattle (Capitol Hill) & Tacoma
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German / Bavarian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Bavarian beer hall atmosphere, indoor bocce ball courts, and hearty German sausages, pretzels, and beers.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food and beer lovers, and group outings.

Prost! Get ready for a taste of Bavaria at Rhein Haus! This place is a full-on German beer hall experience, complete with long communal tables, an incredible selection of German beers on tap, and even indoor bocce ball courts! The air is filled with clinking steins.

Ordering a giant soft pretzel with obatzda cheese is essential. Their selection of authentic German sausages, like bratwurst or currywurst, served with sauerkraut and mustard, or a crispy pork schnitzel, are fantastic. It’s loud, lively, and perfect for a festive outing.

9. Bobby’s Hawaiian Restaurant

Bobby’s Hawaiian Restaurant brings a slice of Hawaii to Lynnwood, Washington. As you step inside, the hustle of Highway 99 fades away, replaced by soothing Hawaiian tunes and a warm “Aloha!” from the staff. The place is a vibrant mix of tropical colors and island decor, making it feel like a mini-vacation.

Among unique restaurants in WA, Bobby’s stands out for its authentic Hawaiian vibe and flavors. The menu is a tribute to the islands, with dishes like Kalbi Ribs and Mochiko Chicken that are all about big, bold tastes. And it’s not just the food that’s Hawaiian; the spirit of Aloha fills the place, from the greeting when you walk in to the “Mahalo!” as you leave.

Bobby’s is a family legacy, now run by Bobby Jr. after his father’s passing. The family’s commitment shines through in every dish, crafted with care and a touch of home. Whether it’s the crispy Mochiko Chicken or the sweet Guava Cake, each bite is a taste of the islands.

10. Can Can Culinary Cabaret

• 📍 Location: Seattle (Pike Place Market)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $120+ per person (Dinner & Show)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pacific Northwest / French-Inspired / Dinner Theater
• 🔥 Standout Features: Parisian-style cabaret theater, burlesque and musical performances, and a locally sourced menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Risqué nights, cabaret enthusiasts, and unique dinner shows.

Prepare for an evening of dazzling entertainment at Can Can Culinary Cabaret in Pike Place Market! This intimate, Parisian-style theater offers a full “dinner and a show” experience, with incredible burlesque, musical, and dance performances unfolding just feet from your table.

The menu features seasonal, locally sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine. Consider the pan-seared scallops with seasonal vegetables, a flavorful duck confit, or their rich chocolate pot de crème. It’s a glamorous, slightly risqué, and utterly captivating night out.

11. Unicorn

• 📍 Location: Seattle (Capitol Hill)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person (Bar Food/Drinks)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Carnival-Themed Bar Food / American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Carnival and circus-themed decor, arcade games and pinball, creative cocktails and corn dogs.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Kitsch lovers, arcade game fans, and those indulging their inner child with a boozy twist.

Unleash your inner child at Unicorn in Capitol Hill! This bar is a full-blown explosion of carnival and circus-themed kitsch, with wild, colorful decor, arcade games, and pinball machines. They serve creative, whimsical cocktails and fun carnival-style food.

Trying their gourmet corn dogs, like the “Unicorn Dog” with cream cheese and sriracha, is essential. “Unicorn Droppings” (deep-fried Oreos) or their narwhal balls (deep-fried macaroni and cheese) are also fun. It’s loud, a little strange, and a whole lot of fun.

12. Archipelago

If you’re looking to try Filipino food, Archipelago is the place to be. This restaurant is not your typical fine dining spot. It’s a place where Filipino culture shines through every dish. Chef Aaron Verzosa and Amber Manuguid, both Filipino Americans from the Pacific Northwest, pour their hearts into this unique restaurant. They use local ingredients to tell stories of their heritage through food.

This restaurant is among the best food in Washington State, offering a Filipino tasting menu that’s a first of its kind in Seattle. Each course is more than just a meal; it’s an insight into Filipino history and culture. From dishes inspired by Filipino heroes to those that reflect the everyday life of Filipinos in the Pacific Northwest, dining here is a journey.

Verzosa and Manuguid’s work goes beyond cooking. They’re about connecting with the community, sharing stories, and making everyone feel at home. Archipelago is a testament to their creativity, dedication, and the rich tapestry of Filipino culture in the Pacific Northwest, making it one of the best places to visit in Washington State.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Washington State

Check out these frequently asked questions to get the most out of our Washington State restaurant guide.

What food is unique to Washington state?

Washington state is famous for its seafood, especially salmon and oysters. It’s also known for its apples, producing more than any other state. Don’t forget about the cherries and berries, like raspberries and blueberries. Coffee culture is big here, with Seattle being the birthplace of Starbucks. For a unique treat, try geoduck, a large clam native to the region.

What Washington state is known for?

Washington State is known for its stunning natural beauty, from the lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the rugged peaks of the Cascade Range. It’s home to the iconic Mount Rainier and the scenic San Juan Islands. Washington is also famous for its tech industry, with companies like Microsoft and Amazon headquartered here. Plus, it’s a leader in wine production, with the Yakima Valley and Walla Walla regions.

What is Seattle food known for?

Seattle food is known for its fresh seafood, including salmon, crab, and oysters. The city’s diverse population means you can find excellent sushi, Vietnamese pho, and Ethiopian cuisine. Coffee is a big deal here, with a vibrant café culture. Don’t miss trying the local invention, the Seattle dog, a hot dog with cream cheese and sautéed onions.

Where can I find scenic places in Washington State to eat?

For scenic places in WA to eat, head to restaurants with views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, or the Columbia River. Places like Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle offer stunning waterfront views. The Dining Room at Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop overlooks the Methow Valley. For a unique experience, dine atop the Space Needle at SkyCity Restaurant.

How do I find the best restaurants in Washington State?

To find the best restaurants in Washington State, check out local food blogs, review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor, and follow Washington-based foodies on social media. Look for restaurants that source ingredients locally, showcasing the state’s produce, seafood, and wines. Don’t miss trying spots that have earned accolades or been featured in food magazines.

Where are cheap eats in Washington State?

For cheap eats in WA, explore food trucks, farmers’ markets, and local diners. Among the top places to live and visit in Washington State, cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane have vibrant food truck scenes with a variety of cuisines. University districts and downtown areas often have budget-friendly options. Look for happy hour deals at bars and restaurants for discounted food and drinks.

What constitutes fine dining in Washington State?

Fine dining in Washington State often involves restaurants with chef-driven menus, local and seasonal ingredients, and exceptional service. These establishments might offer tasting menus, wine pairings, and a curated dining experience. Locations can range from urban settings in Seattle and Bellevue to picturesque vineyards in Eastern Washington. Fine dining places pay attention to detail, from the ambiance to the presentation of dishes.

Can I find international cuisine in Washington State?

Yes, Washington State offers a rich variety of international cuisine. Seattle restaurants alone have a plethora of options, from authentic Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese to Ethiopian, Mexican, and Italian. The diversity of the population contributes to the availability of authentic and fusion culinary experiences. Don’t miss the International District in Seattle for some of the best Asian cuisines.

What are some must-try desserts in Washington State?

Must-try desserts in Washington State include fresh fruit pies made with local apples, cherries, and berries. The state’s dairy farms contribute to delicious artisan ice creams. Don’t miss trying Seattle’s specialty coffee paired with locally made chocolates or pastries. For something unique, seek out Native American fry bread, a versatile treat that can be sweet or savory.

How do I explore Washington State’s wine and dine scene?

To explore Washington State’s wine and dine scene, start in the wine regions like Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, and the Columbia River Gorge. Many wineries have on-site restaurants or tasting rooms with food pairings. Look for wine tours that include meals. In cities, seek out restaurants with extensive local wine lists to experience the perfect pairing of Washington wines with local cuisine.

Final Thoughts On Unique Washington State Restaurants

We hope you enjoyed exploring our Washington State restaurant guide. From unique eats to scenic spots, Washington has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, looking for a fine dining experience, or just want to try some cheap eats, this guide has got you covered during your stay in Washington State.

Remember, Washington’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, so there’s always something new to discover. Keep this guide handy for your next food adventure in the beautiful Evergreen State.