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A plate of pasta and clams with cherry tomatoes and spices on a white plate. — West Seattle’s Phoenecia features Lebanese-inspired menu items as well as dishes made with Pacific Northwest ingredients.

The Best Restaurants in West Seattle

The bridge is back, so time to check out some of the city’s best coffee shops and restaurants

by Laura LeMoon Updated Apr 18, 2025, 12:31pm PDT

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West Seattle’s Phoenecia features Lebanese-inspired menu items as well as dishes made with Pacific Northwest ingredients.

| Nadia Khazaal

by Laura LeMoon Updated Apr 18, 2025, 12:31pm PDT

West Seattle isn’t its own city but it sort of feels like one. Requiring a drive across a (thankfully now reopened) bridge from most of the rest of Seattle, it’s the kind of place you might not go unless you lived there, and that’s a shame. The Alki boardwalk rivals any stretch of waterfront in town, there are ample opportunities for kayaking and whale-watching, and there are a lot of great restaurants, which is what we’re here for.

There’s the smokehouse and butcher shop at Lady Jaye, the crispy falafel at Falafel Salam, and acclaimed Italian restaurant Il Nido in the stately Alki Homestead. New to the map as of April 2025 are Ma’ono Fried Chicken, Upwell Wine and Coffee, and the choux specialists at Panterelli Patisserie.

As usual, this list is not ranked but arranged geographically from north to south. Know of a spot that should be on our radar? Send us a tip by emailing [email protected].

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Marination Ma Kai

Do you need us to tell you about Marination?! The Korean-Hawaiian mini-chain has locations all over town, but the Alki spot stands out for its panoramic view of downtown and its proximity to the water taxi. Use it as a destination for a walk along the water and get some kalua pork tacos kimchi fried rice — and we dare you not to get a warm, salty, meaty Spam musubi when you leave.

3714 South Hudson Street, Seattle, Washington 98118

A tray of Spam musubi. — Spam musubi at Marination.

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West Wings

Don’t judge a book by its cover or a wing joint by its ambience. West Wings is one of those generic-from-the-outside restaurants that is 56 percent sports bar, but the wings are something else. Not just spicy, not quite traditional Buffalo joints, they are pepper-y and cumin-y and rich. These aren’t wings you order to soak up easy-drinking IPAs, these are wings you eat in complete silence so you can experience the layers of flavor. There’s also sports on TV here... you could almost call it a “sports bar.”

2329 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, Washington 98116

A plate of Buffalo wings with celery and sauce. — Wings at West Wings.

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Driftwood Restaurant

The media, us included, has made a fuss of Driftwood’s hyper-local sourcing and ever-changing, ultra-seasonal menu. It’s the only restaurant where we’ve eaten pawpaw, which is like a cross between a melon and a kiwi, and one of the few places in Seattle that has served squab. But how about their pull-apart rolls? These menu fixtures are warm, soft, light, inviting, and come with lavender herb butter. Order them to start a meal, order them for dessert, just order them.

2722 Alki Avenue Southwest, WA 98116

A plate of fish on a bed of vegetables topped with thinly-sliced radishes. — Black cod at Driftwood.

Il Nido

Little has changed at this classic restaurant since the departure of lauded chef Mike Easton has left (Il Nido is now in the hands of longtime management). You come here not just because of the beautiful mansion-like setting, but because the pastas are always fresh and gorgeous to look at. If you’re tired of just-made pasta — couldn’t be us — check out the seared ribeye. For groups, you’ll want to make a reservation, but bar seating is often available on a walk-in basis.

2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

An elegantly plated salad. — A dish at Il Nido.

Also featured in:

Freshy's

The dream of the ‘90s is alive at Freshy’s. Part coffee shop, part bar, part unexpectedly excellent soup restaurant, this hole-in-the-wall is as cozy and welcoming as your hippest aunt’s living room. The last time we were here, there were two guys at the bar discussing werewolves and vampires in very serious tones. Come in, tune out, log off, and try the soup.

2735 California Avenue Southwest, WA 98116

A retro sign that says “Freshy’s.” — The sign at Freshy’s.

Luna Park Cafe

The temporarily closure of this retro-kitsch diner has thankfully come to an end and you can once more get a “hobo” at Luna Park — that’s your choice of breakfast toppings mixed up with eggs and hash browns. If you’re feeling fancy, you can get an “omelet,” but the hobo is Luna Park Cafe’s contribution to diner cuisine.

2918 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126

English muffins on top of a frittata-like dish

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Itto's Tapas

West Seattle’s Spanish and Moroccan tapas bar has been a longtime favorite in the neighborhood. The tapas here are both tasty and artful, such as the grilled squid with zucchinis and romesco sauce, lemon chicken, and lamb skewers. Itto’s also offers plenty of vegetarian options.

4160 California Ave SW (California and Gennessee), Seattle, WA 98116

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Ma'ono

This mini-chain specializes in Hawaiian-style fried chicken, meaning fried chicken that has a thick breading accompanied by sides like daikon pickle, kewpie mayo, and a buttery King’s Hawaiian bun. Make sure to get napkins, and don’t forget to try their fried chicken fingers and a creamy, spicy side of mac and kimcheese. It get crowded in here on weekends — the move is to come by during off hours.

4437 California Ave SW (btwn Genesee & Oregon), Seattle, WA 98116

Also featured in:

Supreme

West Seattle’s New York-style pizzeria and bar has carved out its own space in the lively West Seattle Junction. Check out the Reaper, made with spicy coppa and reaper chilies, and the Hawaiian with Portuguese sausage, pineapple, and jalapeno. The neighborhood hangout has pinball games and pizza by the slice.

4521 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

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Lady Jaye

This restaurant has a 2,000-pound, applewood-fueled smoker called “Cletus,” who produces bulgogi short ribs, braised brisket, and smoked bologna sandwiches, among other meaty items. They all pair nicely with a bourbon and rye-heavy cocktail menu — featuring a smoked old fashioned, naturally. Cozy up to the fire pit at the outside patio, or check out Lady Jaye’s butcher shop.

4523 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Also featured in:

Panterelli Patisserie

This is a little bakery from owner Jacques Nawar specializing in choux pastry (pronounced shoe), the key component of eclairs and cream puffs and other sweet treats. The ingredients are all sourced from local farms, with an emphasis on European baking practices. The pistachio choux is a must-try, and make sure to check out the seasonal menu, which changes throughout the year along with the availability of local produce.

4210 Southwest Alaska Street, Seattle, Washington 98116

Phoenecia

This Lebanese-inspired restaurant has been a West Seattle staple since 1975. An excellent evening destination, Phoenecia features balsamic-braised lamb shank, pasta and seafood dishes, pizzas, and desserts like baklava and nutella cheesecake. Add a tiramisu cocktail for a satisfying finish.

4717 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Falafel Salam

Chef and owner Shimi Kahn first introduced diners to his Middle Eastern menu at the Fremont farmers market, showing off local sourcing, great vegan options, halal meats, and seasonal fermentation. He brought his recipes to a West Seattle brick and mortar in 2017, serving tender-inside falafel and chicken schwarma bathed in a tzatziki and green chili sauce.

5604 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Also featured in:

Upwell Wine and Coffee

The restaurant sibling to Walter’s Wine is one of those all-day hangout spots that have proliferated all over the city. It’s a coffee and pastry place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., then switches over to a wine bar for the evening. There’s no better way to pass the time than snacking on a prosciutto and burrata cheese plate with apricot mostarda and sipping a chilled glass of summery Italian Pinot Grigio.

4811 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, Washington 98116

Grillbird Teriyaki

It’s difficult to put a fresh spin on teriyaki in this city, but West Seattle’s fast casual Grillbird restaurant tries its best with a wide range of protein and sauce options alongside the classic stuff like yaki udon noodles and spring rolls. The menu is halal and mostly gluten-free, and the tofu and cauliflower bowl is a fantastic vegan entree.

6501 35th Ave SW (Morgan), Seattle, WA 98126

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Marination Ma Kai

3714 South Hudson Street, Seattle, Washington 98118

Do you need us to tell you about Marination?! The Korean-Hawaiian mini-chain has locations all over town, but the Alki spot stands out for its panoramic view of downtown and its proximity to the water taxi. Use it as a destination for a walk along the water and get some kalua pork tacos kimchi fried rice — and we dare you not to get a warm, salty, meaty Spam musubi when you leave.

3714 South Hudson Street, Seattle, Washington 98118

Visit Website

A tray of Spam musubi. — Spam musubi at Marination.

West Wings

2329 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, Washington 98116

Don’t judge a book by its cover or a wing joint by its ambience. West Wings is one of those generic-from-the-outside restaurants that is 56 percent sports bar, but the wings are something else. Not just spicy, not quite traditional Buffalo joints, they are pepper-y and cumin-y and rich. These aren’t wings you order to soak up easy-drinking IPAs, these are wings you eat in complete silence so you can experience the layers of flavor. There’s also sports on TV here... you could almost call it a “sports bar.”

Open in Google Maps

2329 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, Washington 98116

Visit Website

A plate of Buffalo wings with celery and sauce. — Wings at West Wings.

Driftwood Restaurant

2722 Alki Avenue Southwest, WA 98116

The media, us included, has made a fuss of Driftwood’s hyper-local sourcing and ever-changing, ultra-seasonal menu. It’s the only restaurant where we’ve eaten pawpaw, which is like a cross between a melon and a kiwi, and one of the few places in Seattle that has served squab. But how about their pull-apart rolls? These menu fixtures are warm, soft, light, inviting, and come with lavender herb butter. Order them to start a meal, order them for dessert, just order them.

Open in Google Maps

2722 Alki Avenue Southwest, WA 98116

Visit Website

A plate of fish on a bed of vegetables topped with thinly-sliced radishes. — Black cod at Driftwood.

Il Nido

2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Little has changed at this classic restaurant since the departure of lauded chef Mike Easton has left (Il Nido is now in the hands of longtime management). You come here not just because of the beautiful mansion-like setting, but because the pastas are always fresh and gorgeous to look at. If you’re tired of just-made pasta — couldn’t be us — check out the seared ribeye. For groups, you’ll want to make a reservation, but bar seating is often available on a walk-in basis.

2717 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Visit Website

An elegantly plated salad. — A dish at Il Nido.

Freshy's

2735 California Avenue Southwest, WA 98116

The dream of the ‘90s is alive at Freshy’s. Part coffee shop, part bar, part unexpectedly excellent soup restaurant, this hole-in-the-wall is as cozy and welcoming as your hippest aunt’s living room. The last time we were here, there were two guys at the bar discussing werewolves and vampires in very serious tones. Come in, tune out, log off, and try the soup.

Open in Google Maps

2735 California Avenue Southwest, WA 98116

Visit Website

A retro sign that says “Freshy’s.” — The sign at Freshy’s.

Luna Park Cafe

2918 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126

The temporarily closure of this retro-kitsch diner has thankfully come to an end and you can once more get a “hobo” at Luna Park — that’s your choice of breakfast toppings mixed up with eggs and hash browns. If you’re feeling fancy, you can get an “omelet,” but the hobo is Luna Park Cafe’s contribution to diner cuisine.

2918 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126

Visit Website

English muffins on top of a frittata-like dish

Itto's Tapas

4160 California Ave SW (California and Gennessee), Seattle, WA 98116

West Seattle’s Spanish and Moroccan tapas bar has been a longtime favorite in the neighborhood. The tapas here are both tasty and artful, such as the grilled squid with zucchinis and romesco sauce, lemon chicken, and lamb skewers. Itto’s also offers plenty of vegetarian options.

4160 California Ave SW (California and Gennessee), Seattle, WA 98116

Visit Website

Ma'ono

4437 California Ave SW (btwn Genesee & Oregon), Seattle, WA 98116

This mini-chain specializes in Hawaiian-style fried chicken, meaning fried chicken that has a thick breading accompanied by sides like daikon pickle, kewpie mayo, and a buttery King’s Hawaiian bun. Make sure to get napkins, and don’t forget to try their fried chicken fingers and a creamy, spicy side of mac and kimcheese. It get crowded in here on weekends — the move is to come by during off hours.

4437 California Ave SW (btwn Genesee & Oregon), Seattle, WA 98116

Visit Website

Supreme

4521 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

West Seattle’s New York-style pizzeria and bar has carved out its own space in the lively West Seattle Junction. Check out the Reaper, made with spicy coppa and reaper chilies, and the Hawaiian with Portuguese sausage, pineapple, and jalapeno. The neighborhood hangout has pinball games and pizza by the slice.

4521 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Visit Website

Lady Jaye

4523 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

This restaurant has a 2,000-pound, applewood-fueled smoker called “Cletus,” who produces bulgogi short ribs, braised brisket, and smoked bologna sandwiches, among other meaty items. They all pair nicely with a bourbon and rye-heavy cocktail menu — featuring a smoked old fashioned, naturally. Cozy up to the fire pit at the outside patio, or check out Lady Jaye’s butcher shop.

4523 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Visit Website

Panterelli Patisserie

4210 Southwest Alaska Street, Seattle, Washington 98116

This is a little bakery from owner Jacques Nawar specializing in choux pastry (pronounced shoe), the key component of eclairs and cream puffs and other sweet treats. The ingredients are all sourced from local farms, with an emphasis on European baking practices. The pistachio choux is a must-try, and make sure to check out the seasonal menu, which changes throughout the year along with the availability of local produce.

Open in Google Maps

4210 Southwest Alaska Street, Seattle, Washington 98116

Visit Website

Phoenecia

4717 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

This Lebanese-inspired restaurant has been a West Seattle staple since 1975. An excellent evening destination, Phoenecia features balsamic-braised lamb shank, pasta and seafood dishes, pizzas, and desserts like baklava and nutella cheesecake. Add a tiramisu cocktail for a satisfying finish.

4717 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Visit Website

Falafel Salam

5604 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Chef and owner Shimi Kahn first introduced diners to his Middle Eastern menu at the Fremont farmers market, showing off local sourcing, great vegan options, halal meats, and seasonal fermentation. He brought his recipes to a West Seattle brick and mortar in 2017, serving tender-inside falafel and chicken schwarma bathed in a tzatziki and green chili sauce.

5604 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Visit Website

Upwell Wine and Coffee

4811 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, Washington 98116

The restaurant sibling to Walter’s Wine is one of those all-day hangout spots that have proliferated all over the city. It’s a coffee and pastry place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., then switches over to a wine bar for the evening. There’s no better way to pass the time than snacking on a prosciutto and burrata cheese plate with apricot mostarda and sipping a chilled glass of summery Italian Pinot Grigio.

Open in Google Maps

4811 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, Washington 98116

Visit Website

Grillbird Teriyaki

6501 35th Ave SW (Morgan), Seattle, WA 98126

It’s difficult to put a fresh spin on teriyaki in this city, but West Seattle’s fast casual Grillbird restaurant tries its best with a wide range of protein and sauce options alongside the classic stuff like yaki udon noodles and spring rolls. The menu is halal and mostly gluten-free, and the tofu and cauliflower bowl is a fantastic vegan entree.

6501 35th Ave SW (Morgan), Seattle, WA 98126

Visit Website

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