Favorites For Swanky Dining

Treat yourself to a classy downtown staycation with panoramic views, boutique shopping, and elegant eats that will add a dash of whimsy to any excursion. 

 

DAY ONE

A modern room with a large window offers a stunning view of a bay, a ferris wheel, and buildings. Inside, there's a telescope, an armchair, and a small round table on a shaggy rug. Bright and airy atmosphere.


Class abounds at the Thompson Seattle—it’s the perfect hub for Seattle adventure. Wake up a block from Pike Place Market, surrounded by picturesque waterfront views and the sweet salty air.

For more hotels like the Thompson, Loews Hotel 1000, Lotte Hotel Seattle, and the W Seattle are also fantastic downtown choices.

Modern glass office building at dusk with reflections of nearby buildings. Streetlights illuminate the intersection in front, and light trails from vehicles create dynamic lines. Adjacent structures and a purple geometric shape are also visible.
Street view of a hotel entrance with people sitting at a bar inside. The neon sign is visible, and pedestrians are walking by on the busy street.


On weekends, start your morning at Ben Paris, a short walk from the Thompson with bountiful Benedicts and the Locals Only, a delicious strawberry-infused rum Negroni. Get your brunch to go and enjoy them outdoors at Pier 62.

A person wearing a black lace mask showcases intricate jewelry, including a multi-layer necklace with stones, several large rings, and stacked bracelets. The image has a burgundy geometric border in the corner.


Head a few streets over for the best boutique shopping around. Check out Marios for specialty tailoring of men’s and women’s clothing with a European flair, Jackstraw for personalized designer selections, or the Finerie for distinct takes on classic staples.

A couple wearing masks, carrying shopping bags, walks on a sunny street. Nearby, a store window displays mannequins dressed in colorful outfits, including a blue blazer with a tie and burgundy pants.
A metal bowl with two scoops of ice cream, one yellow and one pink, set outdoors on a sunny day. A spoon is in the yellow scoop. A blurred city street background is partially obscured by an orange geometric shape.


If you find yourself in town on a weekend, head to Gelatiamo, an upscale Italian gelato and pastry shop. Pro-tip: Get their individual-sized Tiramisu gelato cake. Thank us later.

Walk your treats down to Waterfront Park for incredible people watching and views of Puget Sound.

A sleek bar with dark herringbone tiles, lined with various liquor bottles on shelves and glasses on the counter. Below, a box of matches with "Aerlume" written on it is displayed.


Stay in view of the water with Aerlume. Open from Tuesday-Saturday for indoor and outdoor dining, This upscale restaurant boasts delicious fare with a fine dining atmosphere. Enjoy their seared jumbo sea scallops with crispy Brussel sprouts against a backdrop of the best waterfront views in the city.

A large Ferris wheel stands prominently by the waterfront, with a ferry passing behind it. Cranes are visible in the background across the water, and buildings are in the foreground, suggesting an urban setting.

Or, for a spectacular experience for four, enjoy a delicious dinner from The Fisherman’s Restaurant atop the Seattle Great Wheel. Feast on a full, four course meal in a private car on the world-famous Ferris wheel while it moves. With gourmet eats and panoramic views, this is an experience you truly can’t get anywhere else.

A rooftop terrace with modern seating overlooks a body of water at sunset. In the foreground, a cocktail glass with a bright red drink garnished with an orange flower sits on a table. Potted plants add a touch of greenery.


Cap off your night at The Nest, a gorgeous bar serving homemade craft cocktails located on the roof of the Thompson Hotel. Make a reservation—space fills up quick. It’s also home to the Nest Supper Club, a new pop-up curated by Thompson Seattle Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss.

 
 

DAY TWO

A plate of waffles with syrup and a fork on a dark table, accompanied by a cup of coffee with a heart-shaped latte art.


Start your morning off right with Anchorhead Coffee. That magical smell that greets you at the door is the “Quaffle,” which is part-cinnamon roll, part-croissant, and part-waffle. Pair with their pistachio milk Matcha latte for a breakfast you’ll think about all day.

A scenic rooftop view at sunset with two transparent dining domes. The sky is a mix of blue and orange hues. Below, ships are visible in the water, and a wooden pergola frames the scene. People are sitting inside the domes.


Looking for something romantic before the trip home? Lunch in Le Igloos, personal geometric bubbles, at Maximillien for decadent French fare with a rotating menu. Make a reservation—they fill up quick. Enjoy your lunch and plan your next romantic Seattle getaway against the backdrop of world-famous Pike Place Market.

About the Author

I Know A Place

Looking for more ways to adventure in Seattle? We've asked some of Seattle's underground experts to give us their favorites. CHECK OUT THE SERIES >>

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