10 Seattle Foods You Have to Try Before You Leave the City

Seattle’s food scene is a delicious blend of Pacific Northwest ingredients, global influences, and iconic local favorites. From seafood pulled straight from nearby waters to beloved street eats and indulgent comfort food, this city serves up unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full relocation, don’t leave without tasting these ten legendary Seattle foods that locals swear by and travelers crave long after they’ve gone home.

Oysters from Puget Sound

Seattle’s oysters are briny, fresh, and harvested from the cool waters of the Puget Sound. Restaurants like Westward and Taylor Shellfish Farms offer an unforgettable slurp-worthy experience with views to match. Whether served raw on the half shell or broiled with unique toppings, these oysters are a must for seafood lovers. Their clean, mineral-rich taste reflects the waters they come from, making them one of Seattle’s most authentic bites you can savor year-round.

Beecher’s Mac and Cheese

Located in Pike Place Market, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese offers what might be the most famous mac and cheese in the city. Made with their signature Flagship and Just Jack cheeses, the dish is gooey, creamy, and impossibly rich. The penne pasta clings to the sauce perfectly, creating a savory explosion in every bite. Watch the cheese-making process through the glass window while you wait. It’s comfort food at its finest and one of Seattle’s can’t-miss dishes.

The Seattle Dog

What makes Seattle’s signature hot dog stand out? Cream cheese. It’s slathered onto a grilled bun, topped with a smoky sausage, and loaded with caramelized onions. Vendors outside stadiums and spots like Monster Dogs or Hawk Dogs serve this late-night favorite with serious flair. It’s weird, it’s indulgent, and it’s delicious. Whether you’re stumbling out of a bar or catching a Mariners game, this is the dog you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Dungeness Crab

Sweeter and meatier than its East Coast cousins, Dungeness crab is the crown jewel of Seattle’s seafood scene. Whether you crack into it at The Crab Pot or savor it in a melt at Burgermaster, you’ll understand why locals obsess over it. Served with butter, herbs, and sometimes on sourdough bread, this crab delivers a flavor that’s unmistakably Pacific Northwest. It’s fresh, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy waterfront meal you won’t forget.

Dick’s Drive-In Burgers

Dick’s is Seattle’s beloved homegrown burger chain, serving up nostalgia with every foil-wrapped Deluxe. Known for its simple, affordable menu and fast service, Dick’s is a favorite for late-night bites and post-game munchies. The burgers come with tartar sauce, melted cheese, and all the classic fixings. Grab a shake and fries to complete the trio. It’s not fancy, it’s familiar. And it’s been winning over generations of locals and visitors since 1954.

Pho from Pho Bac

Seattle’s Vietnamese population helped make pho a staple comfort dish in the city. At places like Pho Bac, this steaming bowl of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and beef or chicken hits the spot on rainy days. The broth simmered for hours, developing a depth that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug. It’s affordable, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Don’t leave Seattle without sipping your way through a big bowl of this cultural favorite.

Teriyaki from Toshi’s

Seattle has a deep love for teriyaki, thanks in part to Toshi’s, the original spot that kicked off the city’s obsession. The sweet and savory glaze, grilled meat, and rice combo became a go-to meal for students, workers, and everyone in between. Whether from a hole-in-the-wall or a food truck, Seattle-style teriyaki is its own thing, more sugary than traditional recipes but equally addictive. Don’t underestimate its simple, bold, and unforgettable flavor.

Bánh Mì from Saigon Deli

Tucked into Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, Saigon Deli is beloved for its $6 bánh mì, crispy baguette, savory grilled pork, fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and spicy jalapeños. It’s the kind of flavor-packed sandwich that rivals anything double the price in the city. While the no-frills spot might be easy to miss, locals know it delivers one of Seattle’s most satisfying bites. Quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly, this bánh mì is a must-eat before leaving town.

Caribbean Pork Sandwich from Un Bien

Un Bien’s slow-roasted pork sandwich is a messy masterpiece you have to try. Juicy, marinated pork, tangy aioli, and crisp lettuce are crammed into a crusty baguette. It’s dripping with flavor, and you’ll need a stack of napkins to get through it. A favorite of locals in-the-know, this sandwich traces its roots to Paseo, the legendary spot that started it all. If you want to taste one of Seattle’s boldest bites, this is it.

Coffee from Espresso Vivace

In a city obsessed with caffeine, Espresso Vivace stands out as a true gem. Known for pioneering latte art and perfecting the ristretto pull, this shop defines Seattle coffee culture. Each espresso shot is smooth, rich, and robust, best enjoyed in a tiny porcelain cup while watching Capitol Hill life buzz by. Forget the first Starbucks; this is where serious coffee drinkers go. For a true taste of Seattle’s morning ritual, Vivace is essential.