Contemporary Restaurants in Seattle

Chef-owner Thierry Rautureau, winner of the coveted James Beard award, has been wowing Seattle for over two decades at Rover's. Serving dinner French cuisine in a cozy home, be prepared to be awed. ($$$$)

Chandler's Crab is the seafood branch of the Schwartz Brothers Restaurant chain. In business over 20 years, it is one of the best places for crab you'll find in Seattle. ($$$$)

Located in Eastlake, Serafina offers amazing Italian and American influenced food coupled with exceptional service. Its neighborhood appeal is a great spot that is sure to leave a lasting impression. ($$$)

Centrally located in downtown Seattle, The Oceanaire is extremely well known for fantastic seafood, excellent staff and an amazing variety of fresh fish. ($$$$)

Great views, excellent dining and friendly service is the standard at Ponti Seafood Grill, which has been serving Queen Anne residents for decades. ($$$)

Located at the base of the Mayflower Hotel, Andaluca Chef Wayne Johnson serves a mix of Northwest seafood with Mediterranean inspirations in an environment that is moody, yet warmly inviting. ($$$$)

Tucked away on Carillon Point, this contemporary restaurant features elegant Northwest creations from chefs Vicky McCaffree and Jessica Campbell, while offering spanning views of Lake Washington. ($$$$)

Located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, Tulio Ristorante offers up some of the best Italian-inspired food and is only a few minutes away from 5th Avenue and Benaroya Hall. ($$$)

Considered by most to be the grandfather of fine dining in Seattle, Campagne has been a common starting point for both romantic French evenings as well as some of Seattle's best chefs. ($$$$)

The first of many Tom Douglas restaurants in the Seattle area, Dahlia Lounge proves to be worthy of the reputations of its much celebrated chef. ($$$)

Nestled in central Belltown, Zoe offers plenty of contemporary American food in a comfortable, gregarious atmosphere while the bar provides tasty, unique concoctions like sage margaritas. ($$$)

In the heart of Queen Anne, Opal distinguishes itself as a worthy newcomer to the contemporary American and Northwest dining scene. ($$$)

Italian and Northwest at the same time, Volterra crafts unique dishes with seasonal and uncommon ingredients to delight the senses in a chic, yet warm setting. ($$$)

Located in Willows Lodge and situated next to the world famous Herbfarm, Barking Frog gathers local Northwest flavors onto menus and plates in a lodge like retreat in the heart of Woodinville. ($$$$)

Welcome to a bistro that is not too good for burgers. Modest, yet elegant, 35th Street Bistro proves that gourmet American fare can be had while avoiding the bells and whistles of contemporary dining. ($$$)

With its focus on the clashing of sweet and savory flavors, Earth and Ocean has much to offer including an impressive selection of house made charcuterie (a tasty assortment of preserved meats.) ($$$$)

By subtly blending American, Northwest and Mediterranean cuisine themes, the Purple Cafe and Wine Bar promises a great culinary experience set to candles and chic wrought iron furniture. ($$)

An expansive selection of fish greets you at this warm, street side Belltown locale. A focus on local foods, organic vegetables and wild caught seafood rounds out the impressive menu. ($$$)

Deep in the heart of Belltown, Brasa (old French for "coal ember") offers style, wines and a comfortable atmosphere that evokes a Mediterranean air. ($$$$)

In the heart of downtown Seattle, Boka offers a pleasant blend of urban American entrees in an equally enjoyable setting reminiscent of a 1950's lounge. ($$$)

Moody with old school style, Hectors drums up live music with American and seafood cooking to make a unique flair for this Kirkland restaurant. ($$)

Serious Pie, the Tom Douglas take on the classic Pizzeria, dishes out pizza (clearly), Italian sweets, beers & wines. Unique pizza toppings include penn cove mussels, pork belly, pancetta & more. ($$)