With one of the liveliest nightlife scenes that Seattle has to offer, Capitol Hill has become the neighborhood for hidden gem snacks, enchanting club scene, and so much more. Whether it’s date night, girls’ night out, or you’re just feeling like getting out of the house and taking in the city sights, Capitol Hill has something for everyone.
Capitol Hill has a bevy of restaurants to choose from ranging anywhere from New American and breakfast-for-dinner diners to fun twists on Japanese and Korean cuisine. Below are 15 of the best restaurants in Capitol Hill, what they serve, and more.
Tamari Bar
It’s not unusual to see a line outside of Tamari Bar, especially during weekends, and with good reason. Every drink and dish is designed by their chefs and bartenders to reflect the changing seasons and to showcase the best of Japanese cuisine. They have a rotating food and drink menu as well as several food staples, such as their sushi dishes, beef hot rock, and dan dan ramen. Their patio is heated during cooler months, their staff are always friendly, and there’s always a Ghibli movie playing, projected onto the brick wall above their bar.
Bateau
Locally owned and operated by award-winning chef Renee Erickson, known for General Porpoise and The Walrus and the Carpenter, Bateau is Capitol Hill’s sustainable steakhouse. Open for dinner every day of the week starting at 5 PM, Bateau showcases inventive dishes that combine foraged and fermented ingredients with sustainable steak cuts. Guests can order a la carte or try the chef’s tasting menu, complete with dessert.
Meet Korean BBQ
Following the trend of cook-it-yourself Asian restaurants, Meet Korean BBQ has become a popular place to gather with friends while cooking up a selection of delectable meats. However, just because Korean BBQ is popular doesn’t mean that they slack on the quality. Meet Korean BBQ uses high quality beef and pork along with seasonal ferments to add rich flavor. Guests can pick from meal sets or order individual cuts of meat, along with side dishes and cocktails.
Spinasse
Drawing inspiration from the Piedmont region in Northern Italy, Spinasse combines authentic Italian cuisine with ingredients sourced from local artisans and farmers. Their delicious menu has earned them the title as one of the best Italian restaurants in the entire city of Seattle. Here guests will find handmade pastas, seasonal desserts and dishes, a curated Northern Italian wine list, and a cocktail menu consisting of classics and house specialities. Spinasse is perfect for date night, with its romantically rustic decor and pretty lace curtains lining the windows.
Momiji
For Japanese fine dining in Capitol Hill, Momiji is one of if not the best place to go. Their elegant interior and peaceful garden set within the middle of the restaurant truly elevates Momiji, making it a romantic date night spot off the beaten path. Their sushi is delicious and flavorful while their drink menu has almost everything you could ever want, including delectable umeshu, also known as Japanese plum wine.
Taurus Ox
Taurus Ox is the first of its kind not just in Capitol Hill but in all of Seattle. This restaurant proudly showcases the unique bold flavors of Laotian cuisine while remaining reasonably priced so everyone can enjoy the taste of Laos. All of their main dishes are priced under $25, including their Thom Khem stew, Chicken Laap salad, and Khao Poon Noodle Soup. They also have a unique cocktail menu as well as canned and draft beers available.
La Cocina Oaxaqueña
For high quality Mexican cuisine in Capitol Hill, this is the place to go. With its eclectic decor, patio seating, and full bar, La Cocina Oaxaqueña is a lively spot to meet up with friends, enjoy the weekend, or celebrate something special. Their menu is extensive, including tacos, appetizers, desserts, and more. They even have a menu dedicated specifically to vegetarian dishes. They also have lunch specials from 11 AM to 4 PM and happy hour from 3 PM to 5 PM and 9 PM to closing.
Annapurna Cafe
This underground hidden gem serves traditional Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetian dishes. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM, Annapurna Cafe is owned and operated by Nepalese chef Roshita Shrestha who brings authenticity to every dish she creates. The cafe also has a bar, fondly named the Yeti Bar, complete with its own unique lager, the Yeti Lager. Annapurna Cafe also has a rotating menu of daily dinner specials, house specialty curries, and vegetarian entrees.
Rondo Japanese Kitchen
If Tamari Bar has too long of a wait, you can always get your fix of Japanese inspired bar food at Rondo Japanese Kitchen. Known as Tamari Bar’s sister restaurant, Rondo Japanese Kitchen actually came first, both of which were created by Makoto Kimoto. Although similar in concept, Rondo has its own separate menu with unique dishes like shio ox tail soup, curry donuts, chirashi bowls, bento boxes, and grilled sun dried mackerel.
Skillet Diner
With multiple locations all around Seattle, Skillet Diner has proven to be a cozy favorite amongst city dwellers. Perhaps one of the only places in Capitol Hill that actually serves breakfast for dinner, Skillet Diner has all of your breakfast cravings, from eggs benedict to chicken and waffles. Their interior is quite cute, with pastel green swivel chairs at the bar that directly overlook the kitchen and booth seating along the windows.
Ristorante Machiavelli
Don’t let the small and seemingly quiet exterior of Ristorante Machiavelli fool you. Inside is some of the best Italian food that Seattle has to offer. Although Ristorante Machiavelli unfortunately has no reservation system, the wait for a table is worth it. The restaurant itself is cozy, reminiscent of an Italian restaurant you’d see in the movies, and their pasta is divine. Put your name down on the waitlist, explore some nearby shops in Capitol Hill while you wait, and let Ristorante Machiavelli’s menu surprise you.
Nue
Described simply as an eclectic restaurant, Nue truly lives up to this title. At Nue, guests can experience a little bit of everything, from international classic dishes to new and exciting twists. Nue’s menu features street foods from around the world, including Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, Chengdu, Pakistan, Ecuador, and more. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available so everyone can find something to try and enjoy. Nue has been featured on Food Network and Cooking Channel shows.
Terra Plata
With its stylish interior and rooftop patio, Terra Platta has become a favorite in Capitol Hill as a place that is equally charming and delicious. They source their ingredients directly from local growers and artisans and have a focus for all things organic and sustainable. Open every day of the week starting at 4 PM, Terra Platta is known for its cocktail gems, Paella Monday night menu, and weekend brunches. Their menus also change with the seasons, meaning every time you visit you might just find something new.
Blotto
Part pizza restaurant, part bottle shop, and part bar, Blotto has become one of the hottest spots in Capitol Hill to the point that they sell out of pizza nightly. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 PM to 9 PM, Blotto is a first come first served style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating available. Their pizzas include classics like simple cheese pizza as well as specialty slices, like spicy mushroom kale pizza. Their menu also has desserts and sides available and they have a full wine and beer list as well.
MariPili Tapas Bar
Although this restaurant is fairly new in the neighborhood, it is already cementing itself as a favorite. WIth its homestyle friendly service and Galician tapas, MariPili Tapas Bar is owned and operated by Chef Garyson Pilar who learned to cook Spanish cuisine from her abuela, as well as during her studies in Spain and her internship in Galicia. Their menu has unique dishes like grilled octopus with broccoli and unique desserts like savory Galician flan. The drink menu has familiar local favorites like Washington wines as well as Estrella Galicia and Spanish wines.