University District - Visit Seattle

Photo: Sea Turtle

Photo: Nicholas Boos

Photo: Art Bromage

Photo: Loren Javier

Anchored by the University of Washington’s leafy campus, this youthful neighborhood offers international dining and eclectic shopping.

A wooden table set in the University District Seattle neighborhood features dishes: a bowl of chicken covered in red sauce and sesame seeds, a salad with grated cheese and greens on a floral plate, two smaller plates with appetizers, and a basket with cloth-covered bread.

Pancita Courtesy of Amber Fouts

Explore

Two highlights of visiting U-Dub’s verdant campus are exploring the amazing collections of fossils, Northwest Indigenous art, and cultural artifacts at the beautifully designed Burke Museum (H4303 Memorial Way NE) and viewing the impressive contemporary art collection at the Henry Art Gallery (H15th Ave NE & NE 41st St). For a relaxing walk or a pleasant picnic amid lush greenery, head to peaceful Ravenna Park (5520 Ravenna Ave NE).

Eat and Drink

In a romantic storefront space, Pancita (5501 30th Ave NE) serves artful modern Mexican fare, while longtime favorites Taste of India (5517 Roosevelt Way NE) and Thai Tom (4543 University Way NE) continue to polish U District’s reputation for authentic, affordable international fare. Xi’an Noodles (5259 University Way NE) draws legions of fans for savory biang biang noodles, and Korean Tofu House (4142 Brooklyn Ave NE) serves richly complex soft tofu soup and flavorful barbecue. Inside the Burke Museum, Off the Rez (4300 15th Ave NE) serves Native American specialties like fry bread tacos and braised bison wild rice bowls.

Shop

University Village (H2623 NE University Village St) is home to dozens of nationally known upscale retailers as well as fine independent shops like Allbirds, which carries eco-friendly apparel, and Ravenna Gardens, a beautiful nursery stocked with books, planters, and garden gear. In the heart of the neighborhood, hunt for cool Asian-imported gifts and treasures at Shiga’s Import Shop (4306 University Way NE) and literary works at well-stocked Magus Bookstore (1408 NE 42nd St).