Elliott's Oyster House.

Ivar's Salmon House is classic Seattle, and their food is very good. Really unique place too, and if the weather is good their patio seating has good views and fun to watch the float planes come and go. Ray's Boathouse is another good place on the water.

You are right, there are so many choices

Ray's Boathouse is my suggestion. For a "working waterfront" view I recommend Chinook's, located at Salmon Bay, overlooking the fishing baits.

Well honestly I don't eat out very often in the nicer restaurants but here's my take for what it's worth...

I think the best seafood restaurants are not necessarily the ones on the waterfront which are more "touristy".

Places like Etta's Seafood, Matt's at the Market, Walrus and the Carpenter, Place Pigalle, Lecosho, Taylor Shellfish, Metropolitan Grill, Cutters are all very good.

If it has to be on the waterfront maybe... Six Seven or Anthony's Homeport?

Yes, to Six Seven. We liked it.
https://www.edgewaterhotel.com/seatt...estaurant.aspx

Friends say that Aqua by El Gaucho is amazing. But be forewarned it is $$$$$

https://elgaucho.com/dine/aqua/

I love Walrus and the Carpenter. My daughter takes me there every time I visit, and she doesn't even eat seafood. They're oysters are wonderful, and we love the cheese plates.

Me, too. It's a great restaurant.

Ray's is classic old-school Seattle but it's not really convenient to downtown. You'd have to have a rental car, or taxi, uber, lyft, take a bus to get out to Shilshole.

Oh sorry I didn't read it in your post, so wasn't really replying to that... I only now noticed moderator 2 suggesting it. And yes of course it is on the water.