Seattle is one of the best food cities in the United States, and in this episode, I took on the challenge of eating at 7 Iconic Seattle Restaurants in 24 Hours. From historic dining spots and legendary teriyaki joints to fresh oysters, epic sandwiches, and late-night street food, this Seattle food tour proves exactly why the Emerald City is a must-visit for food lovers.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest or just searching for the best food in Seattle, this guide highlights the essential eats every traveler should try.
Getting Around Seattle with DiscoverCars.com
Before diving into the food, let’s talk logistics. Seattle’s food scene is spread out — from West Seattle to Capitol Hill and everywhere in between — so having a car is a game-changer. I rented mine through DiscoverCars.com, and it made exploring so much easier (and cheaper) than I expected.
What I love about DiscoverCars.com is how straightforward it is — you can compare prices across multiple rental companies, find local deals, and book in minutes. I picked up my car near the airport, cruised across the city in comfort, and had the flexibility to chase great food all day long. If you’re planning your own Seattle food adventure, trust me — rent a car. Seattle’s neighborhoods deserve to be explored on your own schedule.
1️⃣ Easy Street Records & Café (West Seattle)
We kicked off the day with breakfast and a side of Seattle music history at Easy Street Records & Café — part diner, part record shop, and fully iconic. Locals swear by their massive breakfast burritos and pancakes, and you’ll often find yourself eating next to walls covered in vinyl and rock memorabilia. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up while soaking in that classic Seattle vibe.
2️⃣ Marination Ma Kai (West Seattle / Alki Beach)
Next stop: Marination Ma Kai, where Hawaiian-Korean fusion meets one of the best skyline views in the city. Sitting right on Alki Beach, this spot serves kalua pork sliders, spicy pork tacos, and aloha spirit in every bite. Grab a table by the water, look out toward downtown Seattle, and thank yourself for making the trip across the bridge.
3️⃣ Un Bien (Ballard)
Over in Ballard, Un Bien is a must-visit for one reason: the Caribbean Roast sandwich. Juicy, tangy, and dripping with flavor, it’s a handheld masterpiece that might ruin all other sandwiches for you. This family-run gem is the spiritual successor to the original Paseo, and the lines out the door make total sense once you taste it.
4️⃣ Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar (Pioneer Square)
You can’t come to Seattle and skip the oysters. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar in Pioneer Square delivers some of the freshest seafood in the Pacific Northwest. I ordered a dozen local oysters on the half shell with a cold beer and could’ve easily stayed for hours. Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or just curious, this is quintessential Seattle dining.
5️⃣ Teriyaki Madness (Capitol Hill)
Seattle loves teriyaki — it’s practically the city’s unofficial comfort food. Teriyaki Madness in Capitol Hill serves up big, saucy portions of grilled chicken teriyaki with rice and salad. It’s simple, satisfying, and represents an entire side of Seattle’s food culture that often flies under the radar.
6️⃣ Maneki (Japantown / International District)
For a taste of history, Maneki is unbeatable. Established in 1904, it’s Seattle’s oldest Japanese restaurant and a beloved community landmark. From fresh sashimi to classic bento sets, every dish here feels like a step back in time — and a reminder of how deeply Japanese culture is woven into Seattle’s story.
7️⃣ Hawk Dogs (Capitol Hill)
To wrap things up, we hit Hawk Dogs, the late-night food cart famous for Seattle’s signature street food: the cream cheese hot dog. It sounds wild, but trust me — one bite of that grilled sausage, warm bun, and smear of cream cheese, and you’ll get it. It’s messy, it’s weird, it’s Seattle.
Final Thoughts
After a full day of eating my way through Seattle, one thing’s clear: this city is stacked with flavor. Whether it’s historic Japanese dining, bold island fusion, or late-night street eats, Seattle’s food scene has something for everyone.
So next time you plan a Pacific Northwest adventure, rent a car with DiscoverCars.com, map out a few of these iconic stops, and eat your way through one of America’s tastiest cities.
