21 Most Expensive Restaurants in Seattle, Washington in 2024

When you dive into the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, you find a wealth of incredible gastronomical creativity that ranks the city as one of the top gourmet destinations in the U.S. Of course, there’s seafood aplenty, with several of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle taking advantage of the seaside setting to bring supreme catches to their menus. But the most expensive restaurants in Seattle also highlight farm-to-table freshness and international magic, with world-class chefs putting their best innovations on the table.

So, what are the most expensive restaurants in Seattle? And what specialty cuisines do they offer hungry guests looking for a singular suite of magnificent dishes? We’ve compiled a trove of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle that provide treasured fare you’re bound to love. If you’re ready to give yourself the gift of great eating, these spots will get you off to a tasty start.

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• The 21 Most Expensive Restaurants in Seattle
• Other Foodie Experiences in Seattle

The 21 Most Expensive Restaurants in Seattle 

1. Canlis

For nearly 75 years, Canlis has been the gold standard among the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, offering top-tier elegance to generations of discerning gourmets. Every aspect of this glimmering jewel speaks of quality, from the striking architecture and stunning views to the sumptuous selections and world-class beverage craft.

The Vibe

Dress to impress when you enter this posh spot and you'll be sitting pretty.

What to Order

The interactive multi-course meal allows you to choose three options and the chef chooses the rest. Things to try include delicacies like sablefish, American wagyu beef and smoked cacao with nougatine and milk ice cream. 

Canlis | 2576 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 | $$$$

2. Mashiko Japanese Restaurant

A purpose-driven mission to serve only sustainable seafood makes Mashiko Japanese Restaurant one of the more mindful choices among the most expensive restaurants in Seattle. In addition to high-end selections, the owners are committed to being innovators of sustainably sourced luxury.

The Vibe

Austere interiors keep the atmosphere relaxed and the focus on the food at this sophisticated restaurant in Seattle.

What to Order

Getting a selection of nigiri and sushi rolls allows you to try a variety of flavors. To really splurge, go for one of the omakase options.  

Mashiko Japanese Restaurant | 4725 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116 | $$$$

3. Serafina

Serafina adds neighborhood warmth to the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, along with thoughtful culinary creativity. It’s an all-occasion space, fantastic for simple evenings with friends as well as anniversary celebrations. Notably, if you’re looking for birthday ideas in Seattle, booking a table here for a celebratory dinner is a must. 

The Vibe

Rich wood surfaces and dark ceilings encompass diners in classic luxury.

What to Order

Select bucatini alla carbonara or rigatoni Bolognese for your pasta dish. Both are a perfect intro to an eggplant melanzane entrée, featuring fresh eggplant and tomatoes all topped with creamy ricotta.

Serafina | 2043 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102 | $$$

4. Maximilien Restaurant

French charm, like the kind Maximilien Restaurant serves up, can make even the most expensive restaurants in Seattle feel down-to-earth and welcoming. Its prime location at Pike Place Market and sensational Puget Sound vistas only make your prospects for grand moments more enticing!

The Vibe

Glorious views of the Puget Sound make every seat in one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle a winner.

What to Order

Go for the steak frites to enjoy your choice of flat iron or filet mignon, served with crisp hand-cut fries and fresh greens for a true Parisian mix.

Maximilien Restaurant | 6460 24th Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107 | $$$

5. Wataru

What are the most expensive restaurants in Seattle without a sushi house in the mix? Wataru brings Edomae-style sushi to the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, making this kitchen a sweet spot for lovers of classic rolls.

The Vibe

Minimalist design with clean wood and bamboo fixtures makes for simplistic and relaxed dining.

What to Order

Order a 10-piece omakase sushi selection for traditional sushi intriguingly flavored with apple smoke and the zing of red rice vinegar.

Wataru | 2400 NE 65th St., Seattle, WA 98115 | $$$$

6. Altura

Altura is an Italian word meaning "achieving great heights or profound depth," a concept one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle takes to heart. Combining local ingredients and authentic Italian recipes into a unique fusion of regional spirit, this welcoming eatery invites eager guests to taste the highest-quality Italian dishes with a Pacific Northwest twist. 

The Vibe

Modern treatment of classic Italian elements equates to an artistic space filled with warmth.

What to Order

Indulge in the tasting menu and discover delights that include creamy lobster risotto, wild boar ravioli and poached quince flavored with rose hips.

Altura | 1040 E. Union St., Seattle, WA 98122 | $$$$

7. Shiro's Sushi

At Shiro's Sushi, one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle for traditional Tokyo-style sushi, fresh catches are transformed into sushi dishes that are both warmly familiar and refreshingly novel. Chef Shiro Kashiba brought this joyful space to Seattle in 1994, setting a new city standard for classic sushi.

The Vibe

This unassuming brick building holds a world of gourmet treasures. Dine at the counter to watch your dishes being expertly prepared. 

What to Order

If you come by for lunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., you can settle in for Shiro's Bento and choose four nigiri, plus one sushi roll, served with salad and a dessert.

Shiro's Sushi | 2401 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 | $$$$

8. Archipelago

Archipelago reaches across the Pacific to give traditional Filipino dining a seat at the table among the most expensive restaurants in Seattle. This specialty house crafts tasting menus that lead curious gourmets through the character and history of the islands for a story told in cuisine.

The Vibe

A stylish bistro feel with sustainable materials adding natural appeal at every turn.

What to Order

From the Miki noodles to the black garlic adobo, every dish is representative of the finest Filipino flavors, recreated with epicurean elegance.

Archipelago | 5607 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 | $$$$

9. Harvest Beat

Gourmet vegan dishes come home to roost at Harvest Beat, a rare plant-based entry on the seascape of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle. Seasonal menus celebrating local produce ensure unique culinary moments for visitors looking for flavorful things to do in Seattle.

The Vibe

Reminiscent of a French village eatery, Harvest Beat is perfect for a dinner party away from home.

What to Order

Seasonal five-course dinners are the specialty of the house, which means an array of inventive dishes await you no matter when you make reservations. While the menu varies, expect creations like twice-baked fingerling potato with tahini lime sauce and native trailing berry bread pudding topped with wild maple blossom vanilla bean ice cream. Every course comes with an expertly selected wine pairing as well. 

Harvest Beat | 1711 N. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98103 | $$$$

10. Eden Hill Restaurant

Eden Hill Restaurant proves that the most expensive restaurants in Seattle don't have to be pretentious. This earthy eatery provides generous comfort in a sunny and stylish Downtown space, helping one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle live up to its paradise-inspired name.

The Vibe

A nook as petite and well-designed as this is best described as "adorably intimate."

What to Order

All of the dishes on the menu are sure to impress, but if you can’t decide, the potato gnocchi topped with octopus Bolognese and a side of brown butter, Brussels sprouts is a must-try. 

Eden Hill Restaurant | 2209 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 | $$$$

11. Copine

If you long for an artful plate in a chic setting enjoyed among the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, Copine is a wish come true. American cuisine is given the French treatment for a fusion menu that celebrates the best of both.

The Vibe

Romance abounds among the precise corners of this tidy and elegant dining room. 

What to Order

The playful Waffle Toad-in-a-Hole is a unique dish to try, featuring a Palouse hen egg with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and indulgent maple bourbon syrup. The smoked sablefish with shaved radish and consommé Japonaise or scallops with beets and leeks are other innovative options that are well worth tasting. 

Copine | 6460 24th Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107 | $$$$

12. The Capital Grille

If The Capital Grille sounds like a familiar name among the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, maybe it's because of the chain's sterling reputation for bringing delicious delicacies to tables around the U.S. Diners seeking classic dishes served in a quintessentially upscale setting can have their fill at this city favorite.

The Vibe

Old money elegance meets modern whimsical charm thanks to fun gilded-frame portraits lining the walls.

What to Order

Pan-fried calamari served with hot cherry peppers is a Capital Grill signature dish from the appetizer menu. Follow up with dry-aged NY strip steak with a gorgonzola crust for a satisfying gourmet meal.

The Capital Grille | 1301 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 | $$$$

13. Palisade

Both the food and the marina view make Palisade a top choice among the most expensive restaurants in Seattle for fans of the finer things in life. Visitors can gaze at ocean views while coveting the sleek seacrafts cruising the harbor.

The Vibe

This colossal rotunda restaurant provides nearly 360-degree views of the marina, an unbeatable backdrop.

What to Order

Drop in for brunch and savor delicacies like prime rib hash with roasted red peppers, crab cake Benedict or lobster and spinach frittata.

Palisade | 2601 W. Marina Pl., Seattle, WA 98199 | $$$ 

14. Spinasse

When the most expensive restaurants in Seattle concentrate on quality and authenticity in the way that Spinasse does, the results are bound to be delicious. Enjoy trattoria-style selections that highlight handmade pasta in an atmosphere that's more family-centered than the price list may suggest.

The Vibe

Sweet and simple interiors showcase colorful art and quirky décor.

What to Order

Order the Capunet to enjoy a platter of savoy cabbage stuffed with braised beef and pork and glazed with a caramelized honey sauce to sweeten the situation. The seasonal risotto is also highly recommended. 

Spinasse | 1531 14th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 | $$$$

15. Sushi Kashiba

Not only is Sushi Kashiba one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, but it also happens to be the most expensive Japanese restaurant in Seattle, as well as the city's first-ever sushi bar. Opened in 1970 by Chef Shiro Kashiba, this landmark eatery presents trays of premium gem-like sushi arranged for your enjoyment.

The Vibe

Angular Japanese elegance and light wood accents provide clean lines for a simplistic dining experience. Eat at the counter to see your dishes being made or opt for a table for a slightly more intimate dinner.

What to Order

The menu here is highly seasonal and varies frequently, but expect dishes like sautéed geoduck, agedashi tofu and a variety of fresh fish sushi rolls and nigiri. 

Sushi Kashiba | 86 Pine St., Ste. 1, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$$$ 

16. Kokkaku

The fine Japanese artistry displayed at Kokkaku lends an international sheen to one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle. This traditional-style meat house features masterpieces that honor Asian-Pacific cuisine.

The Vibe

Thoroughly modern magic infuses this space, perfect for an evening out with friends or a sweetheart.

What to Order

The Kobijume tataki tuna sees tender yellowfin tuna served alongside an arugula salad adorned with edible flowers.

Kokkaku | 2208 N. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98103 | $$$

17. Matt's in the Market

Cue up a reservation at Matt's in the Market to find out how the most expensive restaurants in Seattle work ingredients from the renowned Pike Place Market into the local dining scene. You'll find a menu showcasing steak and seafood staples in an energetic space specializing in culinary enjoyment.

The Vibe

Checkerboard floors and rustic-chic fixtures are flooded with sweet sunlight for a more casual high-end meal.

What to Order

Seafood stew tosses together the best of the bay, including mussels, clams and finfish, plus spicy Italian sausage for a little heat. The burrata salad can't be missed either.

Matt's in the Market | 94 Pike St., Ste. 32, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$$

18. The Butcher's Table

Glide into the supper-club stylings of The Butcher's Table and see why the most expensive restaurants in Seattle command such a high price. This contemporary steakhouse presents exemplary menus in a luxe setting that feels like membership is required for entry even though it’s not.

The Vibe

A quirky garage door wall opens the dining room to the city for an almost al fresco dining experience.

What to Order

Opt for a vegetable capellini to get seasonal delicacies served over fresh pasta dressed in Calabrian chile miso butter.

The Butcher's Table | 2121 Westlake Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 | $$$$

19. The Fisherman's Restaurant Seattle

More than just one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, The Fisherman's Restaurant Seattle is also one of the city’s most inventive seafood kitchens. Its Miner’s Landing location also means it offers stunning views of the Great Wheel. For a unique date idea in Seattle, take a romantic ride on the Ferris wheel before or after a sensational meal at this high-end eatery. 

The Vibe

Nautical chic with timber-lined ceilings and dark wood floors help sell the spectacular oceanside spirit.

What to Order

The Alaskan halibut and chips dish reimagines the heritage English meal with a coastal American spin. Alternatively, try the Captain's Plate, with pollock and prawns added to the mix. End your meal with one of many luxurious desserts.

The Fisherman's Restaurant Seattle | 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 | $$$

20. How To Cook a Wolf

No self-respecting foodie would miss the chance to dine at a place called How To Cook a Wolf. When one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle turns simple ingredients into a revolving menu of magical Italian dishes, culinary enchantment reigns.

The Vibe

Wrap-around wood ceilings and natural surfaces match Seattle's soothing temperate rainforest energy. 

What to Order

Try the Bistecca, featuring steak topped with salsa verde and served with broccolini and rutabaga. The agnolotti with taleggio fonduta, plus roasted carrot, parsley oil and walnut is ideal if you want something a little lighter but equally delicious. 

How To Cook a Wolf | 2208 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 | $$$

21. El Gaucho

Sublime steakhouse stylings come to the most expensive restaurants in Seattle via El Gaucho, a legacy Pacific Northwest locale for nearly 30 years. It's a resurrection of the original El Gaucho, open between 1953 and 1985, for local gourmands to savor.

The Vibe

Black-tie waitstaff and an in-house piano clue you in that this snazzy steakhouse is one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, bar none.

What to Order

The Steak El Gaucho combines a filet mignon with medallions of Maine lobster and tender asparagus for a steakhouse sample par excellence.

El Gaucho | 2200 Western Ave., Ste. 101, Seattle, WA 98121 | $$$$

Other Foodie Experiences in Seattle

The Washington state dining scene is about more than just sashaying through the most expensive restaurants in Seattle. If luxury home dining is more to your taste, how about booking one of many private chefs in Seattle for unique, handcrafted menus made in the space you’re most comfortable in? Invite friends and family for a sumptuous meal prepared by a top local chef who knows how to assemble a five-star dinner. They’ll handle clean-up at the end of the night as well!

Alternatively, for DIY home cooks, cooking classes in Seattle offer first-rate instruction from teachers around the city, all ready to show you how to make your own magnificent dishes. Choose a cuisine, toss on an apron and get ready for a hands-on lesson in gourmet cookery designed to elevate your home dining possibilities. It’s an ideal way to turn your own kitchen table into a site that rivals the most expensive restaurants in Seattle, with your own personal twist.

Visiting the most expensive restaurants in Seattle is a surefire way to discover the elevated cuisine offered around this spectacular Pacific Northwest city. The combination of the region’s spectacular fare served among breathtaking vistas makes the finer restaurants in Seattle such a special collection. With the most expensive restaurants in Seattle offering deluxe dishes with a complimentary side of scenery, you can’t go wrong!

For even more ways to explore Seattle and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.