There's nothing better than good food with a scenic view, especially when it's right by the water. With places by the coast, Puget Sound, and along our many islands, lakes, rivers and bays, we have plenty of fantastic waterfront dining options throughout the Pacific Northwest. Sit down at one of these local spots, and you’ll experience a meal unlike anywhere else.
1. Ray's Boathouse, Seattle (Ballard)
Ray's is an iconic staple located in the Ballard neighborhood. The dockside restaurant offers sweeping views of the Seattle skyline & Puget Sound, along with fresh Northwest seafood like Wild King Salmon, Alaskan King Crab Legs and Dungeness Crab Cakes.
2. Boat Shed Restaurant, Bremerton
Boat Shed can be found by the Manette Bridge in Bremerton overlooking the gorgeous Dyes Inlet. Grab a seat on their patio this season & you'll be impressed by the waterside views, as well as their fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches.
3. Michael's On The Lake, Moses Lake
Michael's on the Lake is a go-to spot in Moses Lake for waterfront dining. Their menu features prime rib, seafood like scallops and halibut, and steaks alongside premium beer and local wine selections.
4. Tide's Tavern, Gig Harbor
If you're over 21, this top-rated tavern offers a great place to sit and dine overlooking Gig Harbor. The marvelous views, along with their fresh salads, salmon, steaks, signature pizzas and burgers have made them a local favorite for years.
5. Clinkerdagger, Spokane
Clinkerdagger dates all the way back to 1974. The old-school restaurant serves seafood, steak, pasta and more overlooking the Spokane River, with skyline views and outdoor seating that's perfect during the spring and summer.
6. Budd Bay Cafe, Olympia
For some of the best food & views in Olympia, try this cozy cafe overlooking the Budd Inlet. The classic restaurant serves steak, fish and more, along with vegetarian and lighter fare options.
7. Doc's Marina Grill, Bainbridge Island
Doc's Marina Grill makes some of the tastiest fish & chips by the water on Bainbridge Island. Their hand-cut Cod is Panko-breaded, then fried a golden brown and served with coleslaw or fries. They have deck seating, as well as another location in Port Townsend.
8. Lobster Shop, Tacoma
You can find this comfy spot in Tacoma overlooking the beautiful Commencement Bay. Lobster is their specialty, but the well-known shop serves all sorts of seafood and meat. With their outdoor seating, it's a perfect place to bring friends and family on a warm day for lunch.
9. Elliott's Oyster House, Seattle, Pier 56
Perhaps the most popular place to get seafood in the big city is this restaurant by the waterfront. Located on Pier 56, the eatery's known for their fantastic oysters and dazzling views of Elliott Bay.
10. Salty's On Alki, West Seattle
Salty's on Alki offers the best waterfront dining in West Seattle. They're known for their fantastic brunch buffets over the weekends, and spectacular views of the city skyline across Elliott Bay.
11. Waterfront Pizza, Port Townsend
Pizza is never a bad idea, especially when you get to enjoy it right by Port Townsend Bay. You can grab a slice to go here, or sit and enjoy the gourmet pies on their deck overlooking the water.
12. Dockside Grill, Sequim
Dockside Grill is an outstanding spot for waterside dining in Sequim. They offer steak, seafood, and a broad list of desserts, wines and cocktails to pair it all with. The restaurant sits by the John Wayne Marina, with fabulous views of the bay and Olympic mountains.
13. Palisade, Seattle
Palisade is an elegant seafood restaurant by the waterfront downtown. They're known for their exquisite Seattle City View Brunch, in addition to salads and chowders, prime steaks and desserts, including local Olympic Mountain ice cream.
14. Beaches Restaurant & Bar, Vancouver
With their stunning view over the Columbia River, it's no wonder this is one of the most popular restaurants in southwestern Washington. They offer a broad selection of seafood and burgers on the menu, as well as a number of craft brews on tap.
15. Breakwater Seafood & Chowder House, Aberdeen
Overlooking the Wishkah River, Breakwater Seafood is a vibrant waterfront gem to stop by on your way home from Ocean Shores or Westport. They serve seafood, tacos, salads, burgers, as well as some of the best Fish and Chips and Clam Chowder.
16. AQUA by El Guacho, Seattle
The floor-to-ceiling windows at this establishment make it easy to appreciate the lovely views of Elliott Bay. AQUA by El Guacho is located downtown at Pier 70, serving fantastic seafood and entrees like Crab Mac & Cheese, Filet Mignon, and heavenly rich desserts to top it all off.
17. Beachhouse Bar & Grill, Kirkland
Grab a seat at this Kirkland bar & grill and you'll be able to dine overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Washington. The bar & grill serves fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches to pair with their hand-crafted cocktails, draft beers and wine.
Have you been to any of these places by the water? What are some of your favorite waterfront restaurants in Washington?
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