Seattle: it’s more than just the backdrop to that Meg Ryan rom-com. Pacific Northwest peace of mind meets tech-fuelled growth in this seaport city. Here’s our tips on where to stay and eat, and what to see, in Seattle.
What to see
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Otherworldly, kaleidoscopic works by pioneering glass artist Dale Chihuly now embellish public spaces all over the world, but there’s no better place to see them than this complex at the Seattle Center, where an exceptionally well-curated collection of his vibrant sculptures dazzles in a range of contexts.
305 Harrison St, chihulygardenandglass.com
Theo
It’s the first certified organic and Fair Trade chocolatier in the United States, and it offers a factory tour that’s equal parts informative, inspiring and delicious. Watch the whole bean-to-bar process unfold, and don’t hold back on the samples.
3400 Phinney St, theochocolate.com
The lobby at Thompson Hotel (Photo: Andrew Pogue)
Where to stay
Thompson Seattle
Midcentury modern furniture, hardwood floors and navy accents complement local architect Olson Kundig’s angular design at this 158-room hotel, a short walk from bustling Pike Place Market. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise views, but take in even more sea-meets-sky panoramas at rooftop bar The Nest.
110 Stewart St, thompsonhotels.com
Where to eat
JuneBaby
French Laundry alumnus Edouardo Jordan introduces the rich culinary history of the American South to an eager audience at his acclaimed suburban charmer. Dip buttermilk biscuits into sticky cane syrup, swipe crisp pig’s ears through peachy honey mustard, carve into a deep-fried confit turkey leg with roasted squash, then chase it all with a Sazerac.
2122 NE 65th St, junebabyseattle.com
Maneki
More than a century of history is evident the moment you walk into Seattle’s oldest Japanese restaurant. Kind-hearted, multi-generational staff ferry large servings of expertly executed classics such as agedashi tofu, beef sukiyaki and chirashi zushi to a packed house of loyal patrons every night, while a small army of the eatery’s namesake cat figurines smiles and waves from the shelves above.
304 6th Ave S, manekirestaurant.com
Bruciato
A placid ferry ride across Puget Sound should be on every traveller’s itinerary. So, too, should a long lunch at this Bainbridge Island pizzeria (above) housed in an old hardware store, where Neapolitan-style pizze are served unsliced (with scissors for cutting) and showered with house-cured salumi, local vongole or foraged mushrooms. Bonus points for the smart natural wine list.
236 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, pizzeriabruciato.com
Reuben’s Brews (Photo: Supplied)
Where to drink
Seattle has more breweries than most other cities in America, so a taproom visit is almost inevitable. A punchy gose is a solid introduction to the seasonal selection of two dozen beers being poured at Reuben’s Brews (5010 14th Ave NW). And though the best cup of coffee in this caffeine mecca is fiercely contested, Milstead & Co (754 N 34th St) is an enduring favourite.
How to get there
Airlines including Delta, Qantas, United, Air Canada and Hawaiian fly to Seattle from select Australian cities with one stop.
