Restaurants with a Scenic View in Seattle

The Best Views for Special Occasions

By Kristin Kendle

Updated 01/29/18

In a city with as many scenic views as Seattle has, restaurants with a view are popular for romantic occasions such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries or other special occasions—and the views are stunning whether natural or city. After all, it’s difficult to top a sparkling city view or an expansive view of the Puget Sound.

Unless you’re heading to Ivar’s on the waterfront or a casual spot in Pike Place, count on making reservations for your view dining experience. If you’re going for a holiday like Valentine’s Day, reserve well ahead to ensure you can get a spot—and a view as not all seats in view restaurants are near windows. If you’re going for the view, ask for a reservation near a window.

  • 01 of 06

    Salty’s on Alki

    View from Salty's at Alki
    ••• View from Salty's at Alki. Kristin Kendle

    Perched on the edge of Elliott Bay in West Seattle, Salty’s has one of the best (if not the best) views in Seattle. On a nice evening, this is the place to be as the sun sets. You won't see the sunset, but you'll see its colors reflecting on the city scape across the bay. Watch the lights come on in downtown Seattle and twinkle in the water. There are relatively few spots to enjoy the skyline as you dine and this is the best one. The menu features local seafood, and the restaurant is also known for its Sunday brunch buffet.

    Type of view: Water, Seattle skyline
    Location: 1936 Harbor Avenue SW, Seattle

  • 02 of 06

    SkyCity at the Space Needle

    Seattle Center
    ••• Seattle Center's Space Needle. Kristin Kendle

    Another view in Seattle that’s hard to top is the one from Sky City—the rotating restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. Sure, it’s got a slightly touristy twinge to it, but where else are you going to get a complete 360-degree view of the city, lakes and Puget Sound? Nowhere else. You’ll pay for the views, no doubt about it, but especially if you’ve never dined at the top of the Space Needle, tourist or not, it’s a worthy experience. Make reservations during a nicer time of year to really enjoy the expansive view.

    Type of view: City and water
    Location: Space Needle at Seattle Center

  • 03 of 06

    Canlis

    Canlis
    ••• Matthew Hine

    Canlis is not all about view, as in not all tables are situated by a window. However, Canlis is a fine dining establishment with a romantic atmosphere and the floor-to-ceiling windows open up to views of Lake Union, Gas Works Park and downtown Seattle. The restaurant requests that dress be classy, but requires it for those sitting at coveted window seats. Excellent service and amazing Northwest-style cuisine help make sure every dinner at Canlis is special.

    Type of view: Lake Union and downtown
    Location: 2576 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle

  • 04 of 06

    Palisade

    Tucked into the expansive Elliott Bay Marina, Palisade’s view celebrates some of Seattle’s most unique features—namely its maritime culture. Overlook the marina and sailboat masts as well as the water and the city as a backdrop. To go hand-in-hand with the maritime view is a menu with a heavy emphasis on local seafood, from raw oysters to cedar plank roasted salmon.

    Type of view: Water
    Location: Elliott Bay Marina, 2601 W Marina Place, Seattle

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • 05 of 06

    Maximilien

    Seattle Great Wheel
    ••• Seattle Great Wheel. Kristin Kendle

    Maximilien is located in Pike Place Market and offers a lovely view of Elliott Bay. You'll be able to watch as the Seattle Great Wheel slowly turns, ferries and go, and ships come in and out of the port. In nicer weather, sit on the outdoor deck to enjoy the view just that much more. The Olympics are visible in the distance on a nice day. Cuisine is French, which adds an extra touch of romance.

    Type of view: Water
    Location: 81 Pike Street, Suite A, Seattle

  • 06 of 06

    Six Seven Restaurant

    Located inside Seattle’s only waterfront hotel, The Edgewater, Six Seven is an upscale spot to enjoy a fabulous view of the water and mountains. The menu features organic and naturally sourced ingredients, and the atmosphere is modern and posh. On nicer days, there’s an outdoor deck. Lunch and breakfast are served on weekdays, and on weekend mornings, enjoy brunch with a view, too!

    Type of view: Water
    Location: 2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67, Seattle