Seattle’s wine scene is thriving, blending Pacific Northwest terroir with global influences. Here are 10 spots where the city’s culinary and viticultural excellence collide. Canlis, a Grand Award winner since 1950, remains a benchmark for fine dining. Its prix fixe menu, overseen by chef James Huffman, pairs Pacific Northwest ingredients with verticals of Burgundy and Rhône classics. The Canlis Salad, prepared tableside, is a must-try. Wine director Ally Lanoue’s 2,600-label list includes rare vintages from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Salon, proving the city’s depth.
Across town, Metropolitan Grill elevates steakhouse classics with rare cuts like Japanese snow beef and Washington’s Double R Ranch offerings. Chef Eric Hellner’s menu marries bold flavors with a 2,000-label wine list featuring Bordeaux first-grows and Napa’s Hundred Acre. The Met’s historic ambiance—dark wood paneling and green velvet banquettes—adds to its allure. For a more intimate experience, The Butcher’s Table serves Wagyu from Mishima Reserve alongside curated wines from Château de Beaucastel and Walla Walla’s Horsepower. Its “tasting flight” offers four cuts for $168, a testament to Seattle’s premium steak culture.
Atoma, a newcomer in Wallingford, channels Pacific Northwest heritage through small plates like duck with quince sauce and farmer cheese rosettes. Wine director Oscar Galvan’s 190-selection list spotlights emerging regions like Umbria and Salento, alongside Washington’s Andrew Januik. Meanwhile, Assaggio Ristorante brings Italian flair to Pike Place Market, with Mauro Golmarvi’s 120-label list focusing on Barolos and super Tuscans. Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge, perched 16 floors up, pairs panoramic Elliott Bay views with chef Ryan Pearson’s regional dishes and a list of Burgundy’s Domaine Leflaive and Rhône’s Jean-Louis Chave.
Goldfinch Tavern, nestled in the Four Seasons, merges live music with Washington wines and seasonal Pacific Northwest fare. Its 215-label list includes Domaine Serene and Chimney Rock, while Palisade’s seafood-centric menu—highlighting sake-marinated black cod and “Belly + the Beast”—pairs perfectly with Oregon Pinot Noir. Shaker and Spear’s fusion of Mexican and Asian flavors, served in Belltown’s Kimpton Palladian Hotel, showcases California’s Chardonnay and France’s Loire Valley. Finally, Six Seven Restaurant, perched above Elliott Bay, offers seared scallops and Roquefort-crusted beef alongside a 200-label list of Sta. Rita Hills and Walla Walla Valley wines.
Metropolitan Grill’s steak and wine pairing is a masterclass in indulgence.
Key points: Canlis redefines fine dining with its historic roots and rare wine selections. Metropolitan Grill’s steak and wine pairing is a masterclass in indulgence. The Butcher’s Table’s Wagyu and curated list highlight Seattle’s premium dining ethos.
What’s your go-to spot for wine and cuisine in Seattle? Share your favorite pairing in the comments.
Questions & Answers
What’s a top wine bar in Seattle?
Bar Boulud offers a curated wine list and French-inspired small plates in a stylish setting.
Which Seattle restaurant has the best wine list?
Roosevelt Hotel’s Eleven Madison serves an extensive, globally focused wine list with expert pairing options.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
