Seattle offers the kind of adventures best enjoyed by slowing down. Whether you’re there for business, a layover en route to Japan, or gearing up to trek up Mt. Rainier, we’ve got some tips to help you eat well and relax right.
A weekend in Seattle is always a great idea. Crisp air, great restaurants, imposing nature, and with museums, shopping and street life that will keep you busy exploring throughout your stay.
Where to Stay
The Four Seasons Seattle, arguably the city’s most luxurious property, occupies a prime spot in Seattle’s core. Just steps from Pike Place Market—America’s oldest farmers’ market—the neighborhood is rich with Seattle’s history and some of its best eats to match.
The hotel’s 147 spacious rooms feature king-sized beds with upholstered headboards, scenic artwork, and 55-inch flat-screen TVs. It’s likely why you’ll find a small set of Residences at this property, with permanent guests who chose to make a home at the hotel. Here, attention to detail is a given, where it feels like staff take care of things even before you can think of it.
In true Seattle fashion, the Four Seasons offers a coffee concierge service that delivers a complimentary fresh drip coffee to your room at your call. The evening’s turndown service is equally impressive, with slippers and extra plush robes set bedside, drapes drawn, mood lighting adjusted, and a few chocolate treats to complete the vibe.
The bathrooms are large and lavish, outfitted with marble interiors, deep soaking tubs, and a separate rainfall shower. Mirrors come with built-in TVs, allowing you to catch up on the morning news while you straighten your hair.
Outside your room, you’ll likely situate yourself poolside on a rooftop chaise. The 40-foot heated infinity pool, the only outdoor pool in the city with waterfront views, offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Great Wheel, no matter the season. Meanwhile, the hotel’s spa draws inspiration from the Pacific Northwest, offering treatments like evergreen facials and espresso-infused massages for a true regional indulgence. Forgot your swimsuit? No problem—complimentary ones are available.
You’ll need a reservation for Goldfinch Tavern, the hotel’s lively in-house restaurant stays bustling despite the abundance of dining options nearby. It’s easy to see why. Many tables offer ocean views, and we’d recommend booking just before sunset to take in the golden hues that fill the space. The atmosphere inside is elevated but never pretentious, with locals dining alongside guests—a true testament to the quality of the food and experience.
On the menu, sample the Hama Hama oysters and salmon crudo, topped with capers and tapioca mignonette. The cioppino is a worthy splurge, playing up on some of Seattle’s finest seafood—Dungeness crab, prawns, clams, mussels, scallops, and salmon—all swimming in a rich broth and served with toasted focaccia. The wine list is long and impressive, and cocktails are always stirred with seasonal ingredients in mind.
Where to Eat
Head to B-Side in Capitol Hill for breakfast, where you’ll find yourself in a sizable line, but will quickly realize it’s worth the wait. An unassuming coffee shop, here they serve their delightful scallion-egg sandwich topped with Beecher’s cheddar, country ham, pickled daikon, and a charred onion aioli, that must be paired with hot sauce for added perfection.
Conveniently located next to the Four Seasons is Three Girls Bakery. Founded in 1912, it’s the oldest continuously operating business in Pike Place Market and was the first business licensed to women in Seattle. It’s only fitting you experience the hype, so sit shoulder to shoulder with patrons at their luncheonette and grab a lox bagel sandwich. Don’t leave without a pastry to go, the M&M cookie is a bestseller for a reason.
Dough Zone Dumpling House is another local favorite, often revered as “the Din Tai Fung of Seattle.” Many make the comparison, but you’ll have to sample the ‘best dumplings in Seattle’ to be sure. Share the Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Dan Dan Noodles, and the signature Pork Q Bao Buns, with a pan-fried crispy bottom and perfectly puffy exterior, that soaks the juices into the dough. The service is speedy, and chances are wherever you are in Washington State, you’ll stumble upon one of their locations.
Eating seafood in Seattle is practically a sport so you’ll want to pace yourself. Stop by Japonessa for their generous daily happy hour, where many of their prized rolls are nearly half off. The Sweet Seduction roll features seared eel topped with snow crab, scallion, and a coconut mango glaze – offering a smoky yet buttery finish. The rice-to-nigiri ratio is celebrated and the flavors effortlessly melt in your mouth. Chase it down with the bourbon-forward Green Tea Sour or a Hot Sake Tokkuri (also on the happy hour menu!)
For dinner, try Nue where the specialty is global street food. A tagline like that could be a hit or miss, but Nue does justice to authentic elements from an array of cuisines. Across long communal tables adorned with mismatched beer coasters from around the world, you can order Burmese Laphet Thoke, South African Bunny Chow, or Brazilian Acarajé all from the same eclectic menu. Wash it down with a cold beer imported from Laos or decadent Vietnamese coffee to seal the experience.
Where to Drink
The Doctor’s Office undoubtedly makes every itinerary, including the list of World’s Best Bars, time and time again for a reason. Owner, Michael Powell (who, yes, is a medical professional) has sourced a collection of highly exclusive spirits from around the world. You’ll kick things off with a glass of sparkling wine, but let the team know what you’re in the mood for, and they’ll deliver. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot at this 12-seater space, so make your reservations early.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer is a playful soda shop in the heart of Pike Place Market that serves bubbly drinks (spiked and non-spiked) made with Seattle’s fresh water, lemons, and ginger. With many flavors on tap, try the black currant or cucumber tarragon flavors. Aditi Chai is another stall at Pike Place deserving of a stopover, serving a hearty cup of masala chai, brewed from a treasured family recipe.