City Guide / Seattle

New to the City? The Best Restaurants in Seattle for New Residents

By Bri Hand | Jun 17, 2021
View of Seattle skyline and Space Needle.

Over the years, Seattle has earned a reputation as a foodie hotspot. From modern takes on classic cuisine to unpretentious eateries, the Emerald City holds plenty of promise for adventurous diners. First, though, you’ll need to find these spots, especially if you’re new to the Pacific Northwest. 

Whether you’re looking for some fun spins on street food or want a totally upscale experience, Seattle has something for you. Here’s what you need to know about the best restaurants in Seattle:

Nue balances style with substance

For some diners, atmosphere is just as important as the food on their plate. If you like eating in style, Nue is the perfect spot to check out. The dining room is packed with memorabilia, knickknacks and tchotchkes, so you’ll always have something to look at as you wait for your food. 

Nue’s menu prioritizes global street eats. In one bite, you might get a fresh taste of Thailand, and in the other, it’s the robust, hearty cuisine of Ireland. There are so many options at Nue that it might feel a bit overwhelming, but you can rest easy knowing the entire menu is delightful—and that you can always come back for seconds or thirds! 

Marination Ma Kai combines Hawaiian and Korean to great effect

If you’ve never thought to try Hawaiian-Korean fusion, now’s your chance. Marination Ma Kai does things a little differently, and the payoff is massive. Their flavor combinations are unique and inviting, with fresh pops of acid and sweetness that complement savory notes. Marination Ma Kai is the perfect spot if you feel like you’ve already tried everything. 

This restaurant also has a few key features that stand out to the uninitiated. First, there’s the breakfast bar, which is as tempting as it sounds. Then, there’s the dockside patio, so you can take in views of the water as you eat. 

Le Pichet provides an intimate escape from a bustling city

At first glance, Le Pichet seems fairly unassuming. After all, this small French bistro is a little on the quiet side. However, that’s exactly why it’s perfect for a date night or a cozy dinner. Le Pichet handles traditional French cuisine with aplomb, and you have various traditional options on offer. Start off with a charcuterie board, and be sure you don’t leave before eating the pain au chocolat. 

Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge spices things up with a Cajun-Creole menu

For a true Seattle favorite, you absolutely have to swing by Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge. This Cajun-Creole spot offers all the vibrant flavors of regional southern cuisine you could want. Toulouse features fixed-price menus that are great for dates and social gatherings, and the New Orleans-inspired dining room is truly transportive.

Many diners enjoy the candlelit atmosphere and say that Toulouse is one of the more romantic spots in the city. If you’re looking to impress a loved one, you may want to bump Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge to the top of your must-dine list.

As a food Mecca, Seattle has innumerable dining options that are sure to fit anybody’s cravings. When you first move to Seattle, it’s important to explore the food scene more closely. It’ll help you find favorite spots and do a bit of socializing while you’re at it. For food that’s difficult to top, Seattle has you covered.

Moving to Seattle? 

If you’re considering a move to Seattle, Landing offers furnished apartments in Seattle with flexible leases that let you stay in town as long as you’d like—and try all the food you can eat! Browse Landing’s available apartments in Seattle here, or contact us to learn more about how our membership works. 

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Bri Hand

Bri Hand is Landing's Content Marketing Manager. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours.