I need advice on a great seafood restaurant in Seattle. I want to go for a birthday celebration. There are so many to pick from I'm having trouble choosing which one. I am staying at the Edgewater. I am looking for exceptional food. Thanks!

There are so many of them! I think on balance, I would go for Flying Fish. Its only drawback is it's a bit noisy but the food is fantastic. Most of the good restaurants do good seafood, so if it's a special occasion and you can give me some price guidelines, I can help further. Dick

Hi Alfreda,
(How did your transportation plans turn out?)
Dick's right...an embarrassment of riches...
At the Edgewater you're a short walk away from several highly rated places, including Elliott's Oyster House on Pier 56, or a bit closer, Anthony's Pier 66 & Bell Street Diner (same building on..Pier 66!) Up the hill on First Ave. is Cascadia, a new top-rated place with a more innovative menu. The Flying Fish is great; if you want a killer view with your food you could also consider Salty's on Alki (food not as good but the view is unbelievable). Along the same lines (pretty good food, not a lot of intimacy, but the view!) are Pescatore Grill right on the government locks in Ballard, or Palisade at the foot of Magnolia Bluff. But our personal favorite (along with many, many others) remains Ray's Boathouse, especially upstairs, at Shilshole Bay. A sunset at Ray's is a not-to-be-missed Seattle experience, IMO.

Dick: Price is not an issue, quality of food is essential.

John: Hi again. As far as transportation, I'm renting a car for 2 days so I can get to the Boeing 747 Assembly Plant tour and the Ballard Locks easily. The Edgewater told me I could use their shuttle to be picked up from Kenmore Air. I'm taking a cab to Renton for the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. I'll be in Victoria for 2 days so during those days Seattle transportation will be a non-issue. The rest of the time I will be near the Edgewater or downtown. The Edgewater has a free shuttle to downtown. The only time I will be taking a bus will be when I go to the Museum of Flight.
I have reservations for Ray's Boathouse on a day I won't have the rental car. I have been thinking of trying a different seafood restaurant that is closer to the Edgewater but the truth is I really would like to eat at Ray's Boathouse. How far do you think it is by cab? Thank you again for all your help.

I think a cab to Ray's might be expensive - it's a pretty long ride. I would not suggest Salty's - very mediocre food. Ray's is good, incidentally. Other choices would be any of the Tom Douglas places (Etta's Seafood, Dahlia Lounge, and Palace Kitchen). Etta's is a reasonable walk from Edgewater. You might call Chez Shea. In Pike Place Market - very romantic and fun - they change their menu weekly. You can ask what they are having - or if you can get in. Ponzi's is good, too. My favorites - regardless of price - might be Rover's and the Georgian Room at Four Seasons. But these are not specifically seafood places. McCormick and Schmick is famous, has OK food, but is a bit men's clubby for my taste. Anthony's have two restaurants in the same building quite close to your hotel - I would not recommend them. Too much formula and not enough imagination. Dick

Ray’s used to be good. Anthony’s nest door is better. FLYING FISH is great; SHIRO’S is tops.
Elliott’s also used to be good but has gone yuppie blah.

Make that "next" door.

Although not a purley a 'seafood' restaurant, I must put in a vote for Wild Ginger, an asian fusion restaurant that is my favorite Seattle Restaurant, along with Dahlia Lounge and Rovers.

Yeah for Rovers and Wild Ginger. They are the VERY BEST!

The Wild Ginger was a good suggestion. It is not seafood but the Pacific/Asian fusion is wonderful and so so so unique. Go for lunch and have the duck with the little steamed dumblings. The boar kabob appetizer is good. You must have reservations and it is near you. Pallisades is really nice and pampering. Just a beautiful restaurant with an expensive view. I live near Seattle and all of us go there for anniversaries, birthdays etc. Flying Fish is good as well but the noise gets to me.

Oh, well! The fake tropical decor and the plastic orchids at Palisades curdle my gastric juices.

Etta's is wonderful. You have been getting many good suggestions, but Etta's has remarkable salmon prepared like you've never tasted before. I am very partial to the seafood ice platters. A huge platter of crushed ice loaded with various selections of the freshest fish and shellfish. Thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Also, the dessert chef who is actually located at a nearby sister restaurant (Palace Kitchen) is a genious.

Hi Alfreda,
I was in Seattle in June'99 and ate at Etta's. I vote too for Etta's. I had the best crab cakes I have ever eaten in my life. Also the grilled eggplant was to die for. Anything there is a good choice because I enjoyed it so, we went three times while in Seattle. The desserts are also very tempting.
Mame

You might also want to check out ELLIOTT's on the downtown waterfront. For O.K. food but great atmosphere, trry Ivar's Salmonhouse on Lake Union.