Where to Eat in Eastlake
Son Of A Butcher
Fire up the grill at this Korean barbecue spot on Eastlake Avenue E, where you cook a wide range of meats right at the table, from marinated beef bulgogi to a whole ribeye. Order a drink, too, since the cocktails have earned a good reputation. Some of the most praised dishes skip red meat entirely: try the steamed egg with tobiko, the spicy chicken with rice cakes and sweet potato, or the tofu soup.
Come for a casual dinner or as a walk-in. The online waitlist is known for being unpredictable, so leave a little flexibility in your evening plans.
Sushi Kappo Tamura
Head toward the north end of Eastlake Avenue E for Sushi Kappo Tamura, known for nigiri and rolls made largely with sustainably sourced fish. Landing a table here tends to be easier than at many of the city's busier Japanese restaurants. Start with the popular scallop nigiri and a salmon or spicy tuna roll, or settle in for the omakase offered at dinner.
The room suits date nights, dinners with parents, solo meals and bigger groups alike. If you are watching gluten, you will often find options here as well.
Otter Bar and Burger
Otter is a husband and wife operation, and owners Jim and Lisa set out to make you feel as though you are eating in a friend's home. The kitchen buys proteins from local butchers, rolls out seasonal specials, and pairs the food with house-made infusions and seasonal cocktails. Ask about the wines, too, since the team has begun pouring bottles from Washington wineries.
Bring the family, gather a group, or simply drop in for a relaxed neighborhood bar meal. The restaurant suggests booking ahead, and it also offers online ordering for pickup or delivery, plus catering for parties.
Grand Central Bakery
Stop at the south end of Eastlake Avenue E for breakfast or lunch at this bakery cafe, where sandwiches and salads fill the menu. Regulars point to the turkey and havarti, a tuna melt with Beecher's cheese on sourdough, and a kale caesar topped with parmesan bread crumbs. Grab a shortbread cookie on your way out for an easy treat.
It is a smart pick for kids, budget lunches and takeout, and the food leans a bit healthier than typical cafe fare.
Poke Square
For a fast, affordable lunch in the middle of the neighborhood, step up to the counter at Poke Square. Build your bowl with raw fish and toppings like edamame, nori flakes, scallions, seaweed salad, pickled ginger and tobiko. If you like heat, add spicy tuna and hot sesame soy.
It is a strong choice for takeout and for anyone looking for gluten-free options.
Serafina
Settle in at Serafina, a longtime Eastlake Italian restaurant often described as a Seattle classic. For years it has been the neighborhood's go-to for sit-down Italian dining. Check its own website for current menus and reservations.
Cicchetti
Right next door, Cicchetti is Serafina's sibling restaurant, and together the pair make Eastlake an easy choice for an Italian evening. Confirm current details directly with the restaurant before you go.
Before or After Your Meal
Eastlake rewards a short stroll. Walk over to Fairview Park, a small shoreline park on Lake Union with a boat launch on Fairview Avenue E. Right beside it, neighbors have tended the Eastlake P-Patch community garden since 1981.
For more ideas, browse our guides to Seattle neighborhoods, Seattle parks and things to do in Seattle.
