Amazing Places to Eat on the Waterfront in Seattle and the Eastside

Living in the Puget Sound area comes with the unbeatable perk of stunning water views right in our backyard — and as my family would agree, there are few better ways to delight in them than with a delicious meal.

Luckily, there is no shortage of fabulous local dining options right at the water’s edge — offering up spectacular vistas, along with inviting outdoor spaces to soak in the sunshine. And while some of the swankier venues are best saved for a date night, there are lots of laid-back options to choose from, complete with kids menus and wiggle room.

From the freshest seafood to Japanese bakeries or comfort diner classics, these kid-tested waterfront dining destinations around Seattle and the Eastside are some of my favorites for grabbing a bite with a view.

Ivar’s Salmon House

We may be starting with an obvious choice, but this beloved restaurant (one of three waterfront locations) has become a Seattle landmark for good reason. Designed by a local architect, the cedar-lined Salmon House is set right on the edge of Lake Union. It is made to look like a Northwest Native American longhouse, complete with a traditional open-pit barbecue.

Look out on the sweeping views of the lake and city skyline through the wall-to-wall windows and take in the cool native art and historical photos decking out the interior. Their legendary clam chowder is a must to start. Grown-ups may want to try the catch of the day — my choice is the Taste of the Northwest platter, serving a sampler of seafood in one dish. (The seafood could only get fresher if you dove right in yourself.)

Kids menu favorites: Littles with more sophisticated palates can go for the grilled wild salmon on the kids menu (don’t worry, they also have grilled cheese and chicken tenders).

Location: 401 N.E. Northlake Wy., Seattle

Saint Bread

You might not get pretty boardwalks or sweeping views of the water at this industrial-feel Portage Bay hideaway just off the UW campus, but the lines speak for themselves — the food and funkiness factors are well worth it. A menu based all around bread is enough of a selling point for my family, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at this community cafe and bakery housed in an old boat-building facility. The pastry case tends to sell out, so come early. (And don’t worry, there are plenty of caffeine options for parents.)

Not a morning person? Dinner is also served Thursday through Sunday, highlighting Japanese flavors like furikake rice bowls and chicken karaage. And if that’s not enough, two fun sister eateries pop up next door for the summer months: Hinoki, a Japanese barbecue food truck with picnic seating, and the refreshment drink shack, Heave Ho!

Kids menu favorites: Get your carb fill on the heated patio with creative sandwiches and pastries with a Japanese twist. The fried egg sandwich and black sesame buns are a must-try.

Location: 1421 N.E. Boat St., Seattle

Little Water Cantina

This homey family-owned spot in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood will make you feel like you’ve just landed south of the border. Putting a slight PNW twist on authentic Mexican cooking, this is the place to go when you’re in the mood for juicy, heaping plates of tacos (try the wild boar if you’re feeling brave), loaded nachos, and — for the adults — top-notch margaritas (try the Picante with a kick of serrano). A huge patio, twinkling with string lights, gets enclosed and heated when temps drop, so you can gaze out on Lake Union year-round.

Kids menu favorites: A simple kids menu has plain tacos, rice and quesadillas, though mine prefer to eat their body weight in chips and guacamole.

Location: 2865 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle

The Crab Pot

Let’s face it, most meals with young ones are spent trying not to make a huge mess. But what if the mess was actually the point? That’s right — if you want to embrace the chaos, head on over to The Crab Pot, with waterfront locations in Seattle’s Miner Landing and Bellevue, with the building floating over a small local lake. The highlight? A massive seafood feast dumped from giant steaming buckets right on the table in front of you. Roll up your sleeves, tie on a bib and dig into piles of crab, clams, shrimp, corn and more.

Kids menu favorites: My kids get a kick out of cracking crab legs. There are also plenty of more traditional menu options if you’re not feeling adventurous, from seafood classics to chicken and burgers.

Seattle location: 1301 Alaskan Way, Pier 57, Seattle
Bellevue location: 2 Lake Bellevue Dr., Bellevue

Como

European vacay not in the cards this summer? No sweat. Just hop over to this hip spot in Kirkland’s Carillon Point, and pretend you’ve arrived right on the shores of Lake Como (in actuality, trusty Lake Washington) while taking in the sparkling marina from the airy patio. Inspired by Italy’s Lombardy region, Como pulls in a trendy crowd with its authentic Northern Italian fare and indoor-outdoor vibes, but all the kids will need to hear is “pizza and pasta!”

Kids menu favorites: Share one of the generous-sized wood-fired pizzas with the whole family. More adventurous palates can dig into fried squash blossoms and Dungeness crab risotto.

Location: 1270 Carillon Pt., Kirkland

Anthony’s HomePort Edmonds

With several scenic locations, local franchise Anthony’s is another quintessential destination for fresh seafood served alongside lovely water views. Our unbeatable choice for the younger crowd? Anthony’s HomePort Edmonds. Set on a promenade along Puget Sound and close to Edmond’s quaint downtown, it makes for the perfect ending to a laid-back weekend outing.

Watching the ferries glide across the water with the Olympic mountains in the background is incredible, but the best part? The huge sandbox filled with toys right outside the spacious patio, where the littles can dig to their hearts’ content while the parents might (gasp!) even get to finish their meal in peace. Must-trys include fresh oysters on the half shell and Dungeness crab. Take advantage of the three-course sunset dinners offered Monday through Friday until 5:30 p.m., it’s a great deal to get everyone fed well before the overtired tantrums start.

Kids menu favorites: Stretch their comfort zone with grilled salmon or opt for a familiar favorite like butter noodles.

Location: 456 Admiral Wy., Edmonds

Salty’s

Perched over bustling Alki Beach, Salty’s is our go-to spot for out-of-town guests, family reunions and celebratory meals. Its main claim to fame — besides the stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline — is the award-winning weekend brunch: an extensive all-day-menu affair with everything from gooey crab mac and cheese to my kids’ favorite, sticky brioche cinnamon rolls, and everything in between. For lunch and dinner, favorites range from their world-famous Alaskan salmon and halibut to steaks and pastas.

Kids menu favorites: A simple but fail-proof (and very affordable!) kids menu offers a classic burger, grilled cheese, fish ‘n’ chips or salmon.

Location: 1936 Harbor Avenue S.W., Seattle

Old Stove Brewing Co.

This popular local brewery boasts three cool locations but if water views is what you’re after, the Pike Place location is the clear winner. Right over Elliott Bay in historic Pike Place Market, you’ll find hip decor, fully retractable 80-foot windows, and a multi-level patio with an observation deck above where littles can stretch their legs before the food comes. Beer lovers will appreciate the 24 craft varieties on tap, while foodies can try the Hama Hama oysters, wood-fired pizzas or an artisanal burger.

Kids menu favorites: If your kid won’t eat chicken unless it’s in dinosaur shape, you’re in luck. Dino nuggets are on the kids menu! Finish up with the decadent chocolate chip cookie skillet, piled with vanilla ice cream.

Location: 1901 Western Ave., Seattle

Bay Cafe

Plenty of waterfront dining spots command an upscale vibe, but that’s certainly not the case for Bay Cafe, a traditional American retro diner that taps into the old-school vibe. Sitting at Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal in Ballard Interbay, the diner provides a prime spot for watching the busy working port that moors the fishing boats sailing in from the Alaskan coast. Inside, colorful vinyl booths and cozy lighting deliver as much comfort as the food. Think hearty breakfast staples, hot sandwiches, and creamy old-fashioned malts and milkshakes, along with a cute kids menu. My personal favorite is the golden-crisped Monte Cristo sandwich.

Kids menu favorites: My kids enjoy the cheeseburgers washed down with a root beer float.

Location: 1900 W. Nickerson St., Seattle

Marination ma kai

Bright orange umbrellas and aqua-blue tables send a sign of the sunny waterside locale and bright flavors you can expect at this fun West Seattle eatery. Originally started as a food truck, Marination brings a unique fusion of Hawaiian-Korean cuisine to the PNW, now available in four different locations. Marination ma kai, just off Alki beach, is our pick for a quick, counter-service refuel after a beachfront walk. Savor your meal on the cheery patio as you gaze out on the water. Wash it all down with a Hawaiian fruit drink or a tropical cocktail for the grown-ups. (Psst: Stop by on a Monday for all-day happy hour!)

Kids menu favorites: Tacos, Hawaiian-style luau plates and other assorted specialties are on the menu, with a simple kid’s plate available for picky palates. My kids enjoy the kalua pork sliders, while I love the spicy kimchi fried rice.

Location: 1660 Harbor Ave. S.W., Seattle

BeachHouse Bar and Grill

It’s not often that you find this perfect summer trifecta: a swimmable beach, a great playground and a good spot to grab a bite, all within a few steps of each other. But Kirkland’s Houghton Beach does indeed have it all! Take a dip in the lake or play a game of volleyball on the sandy beach, sunbathe while the kids explore the awesome pirate-meets-jungle play structure steps from the water, and finish up with lunch or dinner at the BeachHouse, a chill spot that serves up fresh twists on bar and grill fare along with gorgeous sunsets.

Kids menu favorites: I am partial to the birria tacos, while the kids menu wins healthy points with choices like grilled salmon or chicken Caesar. Finish up with s’mores for dessert, grilled right at your table!

Location: 6023 Lake Washington Blvd. N.E., Kirkland