wow! not to sound rude but these recommendations are really not "foodie" places as much as seattle good eats. I love most of the restos mentioned but as someone who travels to try restaurants around the world I have to say that for expensive go to Rovers, Le Gourmand or Union (the latter is a bit less formal)- both easy cabs from downtown. For more casual but cutting edge ingrediants/techniques/flavors go to Quinn's Gastro Pub, Crush, How to Cook a Wolf or Lark.

The other's mentioned again are mostly good solid restaurants where you will surely have a nice meal but it's not unusual fare IMHO. And Canlis is sooooo overrated except for their amazing desserts and views which you can get both of in the bar without ordering the full menu!

Mistral was the best but now closed and its successor is not opened yet. Rovers is excellent but the service when we were last there- about 3 weeks ago - was terrible. Canlis is wonderful (not dated at all - I don't know where that came from!). Our preference for a romantic and very good dinner would be Chez Shea in the market. It's quite small so reservations well in advance are essential. IMO Palisades has a lovely view but terrible food - noisy, as well.