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VOTE: Are These Seattle's Most Overrated or Underrated Restaurants?

Seattle is home to thousands of restaurants, and some consistently stand among the top of online reviews crowning the best restaurants in Seattle. While "best restaurant in Seattle" can of course be a matter of personal taste, we're opening it up to readers to weigh in on which local eateries are truly worthy of the accolades and buzz, and which are simply overrated.


With so much choice, it can be difficult to discern which restaurants truly live up to the hype. This article delves into some of our city's most popular eateries, examining their ratings, accolades, and customer reviews to determine if their popularity aligns with their culinary prowess, and then giving you the opportunity to add your own opinion with voting.


Dick's Burgers walk-up burger restaurant open late at night in Seattle serving cheap burgers to locals

1. Canlis

A Seattle institution since 1950, Canlis reigns supreme in the local fine-dining arena. Breathtaking views of the area, impeccable service, and innovative cuisine on the menu have earned Canlis high rankings from America's most celebrated critics, including Condé Nast Traveller and Bon Appétit. However, some diners find the prix fixe menu and formal atmosphere daunting.

  • Ratings: 4.6 stars on Google, 4.1 stars on Yelp

  • Reviews: Positive reviews rave about the exceptional service, breathtaking views, and inventive dishes. Some negative reviews mention the high prices and formality.


Canlis

  • Overrated

  • Underrated

  • Aptly-rated

  • No opinion




2. The Pink Door

This quirky trattoria is a Seattle icon among both tourists and residents alike. Live entertainment, vibrant atmosphere, and authentic Italian fare have attracted countless visitors, landing it features in numerous publications and TV shows. However, some leaving reviews find the food inconsistent and the ambiance overwhelming.

  • Ratings: 4.6 stars on Google, 4.4 stars on Yelp

  • Reviews: Positive reviews highlight the lively atmosphere, fun entertainment, and delicious Italian food. Negative reviews mention the long wait times, inconsistent food quality, and noisy environment.


The Pink Door

  • Overrated

  • Underrated

  • Aptly-rated

  • No opinion




3. Ivar's Seafood

A Seattle staple since 1938, Ivar's is renowned for its fresh seafood, iconic fish and chips, and creamy clam chowder. The multi-location eatery has locations throughout the Seattle area and has expanded as far as Marysville and Tacoma, with smaller format concessions served at Seattle's stadiums. While it enjoys a loyal following, some find the atmosphere touristy and the food average.

  • Ratings: 4.5 stars on Google, 3.7 stars on Yelp

  • Reviews: Positive reviews praise the fresh seafood, iconic dishes, and friendly atmosphere. Negative reviews mention the long lines, impersonal service, and touristy vibes.


Ivar's Seafood

  • Overrated

  • Underrated

  • Aptly-rated

  • No opinion




4. Tilikum Place Cafe

This Seattle favorite opened in 2009 and offers a menu brimming with dishes inspired by Eruopean cuisine. Tilikum Place Cafe is located in a historic neighborhood, inside a classic building that at one point was a print shop. The cafe's bustling atmosphere, friendly service, and portions have earned it a devoted following. However, some find the noise level excessive and the seating cramped.

  • Ratings: 4.6 stars on Google, 4.3 stars on Yelp

  • Reviews: Positive reviews praise the large and diverse menu, vibrant atmosphere, and generous portions. Negative reviews mention the noise level and cramped seating.


Tilikum Place Cafe

  • Overrated

  • Underrated

  • Aptly-rated

  • No opinion




5. Spinasse

This intimate Italian restaurant in the heart of Capitol Hill boasts a menu that features high-end, Norther Italian cuisine in a cozy, rustic space. Spinasse's warm, inviting atmosphere and craveworthy cuisine (prepared in an open kitchen!) have garnered it critical acclaim and a devoted local clientele. However, some find the portions small and the prices high.

  • Ratings: 4.6 stars on Google, 4.4 stars on Yelp

  • Reviews: Positive reviews praise the expertly prepared dishes, attentive service, and charming atmosphere. Negative reviews mention the small portions and high prices.


Spinasse

  • Overrated

  • Underrated

  • Aptly-rated

  • No opinion




6. Cafe Juanita

Nestled in Kirkland (we know, this isn't technically a Seattle area restaurant but we'll include it given that it's highly acclaimed and in the Seattle area), Cafe Juanita serves exceptional Northern Italian cuisine made with Pacific Northwest ingredients. This acclaimed restaurant has earned numerous accolades, and was recently named among OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in the US for 2023. However, the tasting menus come at a steep price, and reservations are notoriously difficult to secure.

  • Ratings: 4.7 stars on Google, 4.3 stars on Yelp

  • Reviews: Positive reviews rave about the exceptional food, impeccable service, and ambience. Negative reviews mention the high prices and difficulty of obtaining reservations.


Cafe Juanita

  • Overrated

  • Underrated

  • Aptly-rated

  • No opinion


7. Dick's Drive-In

While not fine dining, Dick's Drive-In is a Seattle staple and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone without an opinion on their burgers, fries, and shakes. The original location opened in 1954 in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood, and has since grown to multiple locations throughout the region. However, the tasting menus come at a steep price, and reservations are notoriously difficult to secure.

  • Ratings: 4.4 stars on Google, 3.5 stars on Yelp

  • Reviews: Positive reviews mentions friendly staff, multiple locations, service speed, and price. Negative reviews mention food quality and long lines at peak hours.


Dick's Drive-In

  • Overrated

  • Underrated

  • Aptly-rated

  • No opinion


Ultimately, Seattle's diverse culinary offers provide something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a romantic fine dining experience, a vibrant and casual environment, or a taste of local flavors, there's a restaurant waiting to be discovered and loved. Determining whether these restaurants are underrated, overrated, or aptly-rated of course depends on individual expectations and preferences.


For some, the ambiance, service, and entertainment might outweigh the food itself, while others prioritize culinary excellence and value for money. Therefore, the best way to discover the true worth of Seattle's popular restaurants is to experience them firsthand and form your own opinion.


Some trends emerge from this analysis, however. Restaurants like Canlis and Cafe Juanita, with their focus on fine dining and exceptional ingredients, tend to receive high ratings and accolades, cementing their status as culinary destinations. Conversely, restaurants that serve lighter fare or are common tourist destinations sometimes do not receive the same level of high rankings as their fine dining counterparts, despite serving great food.


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