In Seattle for my anniversary. What should we do? (house, wedding)

[mrsarmy]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I will be in Seattle on business this summer, and the trip just happens to coincide with our wedding anniversary. I am looking for a few restaurant suggestions. Price is not a *huge* deal, though we would prefer someplace that isn't uber expensive. Dressing up a little is ok too (maybe even preferred since I don't get to do it much). I have done some online research, but wanted to ask locals because my husband is not an adventurous eater. Someplace that offers steak as an option would be great. Thanks!

[Hemlock140]

There are many good steal restaurants here, and everyone has their favorite. For what it's worth, mine is El Gaucho on 1st Avenue in Belltown. It also happens to be just a few blocks from my office but I can't afford to go there for lunch! If you like great seafood, with water views try Anthony's Pier 66. They do have a filet mignon. If a cruise ship is in you will see it from there as it's next door to the terminal.

[Kayela]

Palisades (by the cruise terminal) is very good with gorgeous views. Eliott Bay Oyster house on the waterfront has a really nice selection of seafood and also has steak - neither one is cheap, but you can find items that won't break the bank too. It's a bit further out, but I also <3 Ray's Boathouse in Ballard - their deck is amazing. They have a more formal dining room in the bottom and a more casual bar upstairs. You could dress up a bit at any of those places and not feel out of place (except maybe the upper floor of Ray's).

Most restaurants in Seattle have their menu online so you can check them out before you make reservations.

Another idea is an Argosy dinner cruise. I've never been on one, but I've been on one of their sightseeing cruises and it was a lovely way to see the city and Sound. That might be something to look into as well.

[Bill Loney]

Originally Posted by Kayela

Palisades (by the cruise terminal) is very good with gorgeous views. Eliott Bay Oyster house on the waterfront has a really nice selection of seafood and also has steak - neither one is cheap, but you can find items that won't break the bank too. It's a bit further out, but I also <3 Ray's Boathouse in Ballard - their deck is amazing. They have a more formal dining room in the bottom and a more casual bar upstairs. You could dress up a bit at any of those places and not feel out of place (except maybe the upper floor of Ray's).

Most restaurants in Seattle have their menu online so you can check them out before you make reservations.

Another idea is an Argosy dinner cruise. I've never been on one, but I've been on one of their sightseeing cruises and it was a lovely way to see the city and Sound. That might be something to look into as well.

Defintely 2nd Ray's Boathouse. The quintessential romantic dinner, especially out on the deck. Plan to take in a sunset. They are nothing short of epic there.

[tobester]

Originally Posted by Kayela

You could dress up a bit at any of those places and not feel out of place.

Is Seattle one of the few places that, if you dress up, you may feel out of place?

[Blindtom]

Originally Posted by Bill Loney

Defintely 2nd Ray's Boathouse. The quintessential romantic dinner, especially out on the deck. Plan to take in a sunset. They are nothing short of epic there.

I also vote for Ray's Boathouse.

[Chilkoot]

Palisades is nice as Kayela mentioned. We also like the Purple Café across the street from the Fairmont and the Pink Door which is a funky little place near Pikes off the alley. No sign, just a pink door which sets the tone for the kind of place it is.

[itsmyusername]

Chowhound for the Greater Seattle Area is a good place to review for ideas.

[SaltyDawg]

Canlis - classic, spectacular views, unparalleled service, huge prices
Campagne - French class
Ray's Boathouse - others have mentioned it, but another Seattle classic literally hanging over the water.
The Corson Building - in an odd part of town, but WOW if you're a foodie
Tilth - if you want to go the full organic, local route, they don't cut corners, and they make some serious food

Or just go to Urbanspoon.com. They do a great job of profiling the local restaurants - there are so many excellent new restaurants in Ballard and Capitol Hill that I can't keep up. Walrus & Carpenter in Ballard was impressive, but not really romantic.

[MaikeerinWA]

Good suggestions in this thread.

Since moving to the Seattle area, we have had our anniversary dinners at Palisade, Salty's at Alki, Elliott's Oyster House, Daniel's Broiler, Ray's Boathouse, Ivar's Salmon House, and just this spring, Chandler's Crabhouse. You can spend quite a bit at these places, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of them, especially for an anniversary.

Canlis is probably our next anniversary place, or maybe El Gaucho.