We will be visiting Seattle in May and would love to find a truly outstanding seafood restaurant close to the downtown/Pike's market area. Love Puget Sound so would appreciate a view. We would be greatful for recommendations from residents/seasoned travelers. Thanks, Cindy& Bill

I like Cutter's Bayhouse at 2001 Western Ave., right near the west end of Pike Place Market. Great view of Elliot Bay, great fresh seafood, not cheap, but you could certainly spend more. The Dining room is well-appointed and pleasant, but the after-work crowd at the bar can get a bit rowdy.

I find Cutters a bit touristy and think the fish is good but not outstanding. If you must have a view, then it'll certainly do. Elliott's and Anthony's Pier 66 are two other good but not great options with a view. My two favorite seafood places downtown are Etta's and Flying Fish, but neither has a view (well, Etta's might have a peek-a-boo view from certain tables, but you would go there for the food, not the view).

Cindy, I agree that Cutter's is a bit touristy and self-conscious, but great for a see- and be-seen drink if you're a twentysomething. The Bell St. Diner on the street level below the Anthony's mentioned by Sheri offers good food somewhat less expensively than upstairs, but not all seats have views. Place Pigalle within the main Pike (not "Pike's") Market building is not exclusively for seafood but the location and view can't be beat and the fish is usually excellent. There's also a new-ish place on Pier 70 (at the north end of the central waterfront, accessible by the streetcar) called Waterfront which has gotten excellent reviews for best food with best view, but we haven't yet been there.

Away from the downtown area (car or taxi) are a couple of places with outstanding views and good food: Ray's Boathouse at Shilshoe Bay (north of downtown) is a Seattle favorite - the upstairs cafe is out of this world at sunset. Salty's on Alki is in West Seattle, the city district on the other side of Elliott Bay from downtown, with a drop-dead view over the water of the city and mountains behind; and Palisade at the foot of Magnolia Bluff (northwest of city center) has great water, marina and city views and seafood with a Polynesian emphasis - a bit touristy but fun.

We loved Place Pigalle--service, food and location-- and the food at Etta's (but didn't see any view of the sound) Right on the water, we thought Ivar's Acres of Clams was good for lunch, although it is certainly touristy. But then we were tourists and enjoyed our lunch in SUNSHINE on the outside deck. Thought Elliot's very poor service and had lunch at the Bell St. Diner on the first floor of Anthony's and found it to be OK but not to write home about. The restaurant we missed (you can only have so many meals) and will get to the next time was Wild Ginger--not seafood, but looked delicious. We also had a drink at Campagne and would try to book there the next time. Seattle's a great city.

Agree that Salty's view is fantastic, though not in the area you are asking for. We ate salmon there in the bar (otherwise very long wait for dining room) one evening as the sun set and the ferries crossed--just beautiful. Then we went to the airport and caught our redeye flight home.

While not in the area that you requested, Chinook's down by the marina is a great place for salmon. And the fish and chips are great too.