Seattle is a mecca for foodies and gourmands from all over the world. From just-off-the-boat fresh seafood, bountiful locally grown produce, and world renowned wines, Seattle has something delicious for everyone.

COFFEE CULTURE In 1980 the very first independent coffee stand in history, Monorail Espresso, appeared on a street in downtown Seattle, and you can still grab your favorite drink there today.Pass by any café at any time of the day or night and you will see people bustling in and out with their to-go cups, people passing an afternoon in overstuffed furniture over steaming lattes, and baristas chatting up the 'regulars' and mixing the most unique concoctions. Coffee is not a craze in Seattle; it is a culture. Yes, there could be a coffee shop on three corners of an intersection, or two on the same city block. Yet they are all booming with business, because coffee suits our casual, friendly culture here and welcomes even the most skeptical passerby. The Starbucks at Pike Place Market is a must see, but smaller Seattle names like the organic, fair-trade company, Caffe Ladro, are brewing some truly fantastic blends too. So whether you are at the airport for a layover, or in town for a week, don't forget your cup of coffee. The Seattle experience isn't quite complete without it.
SEAFOOD There are two ways to experience the freshest seafood in Washington. Dine at one of our many fine seafood restaurants in the area, or head to the famous Pike Place Market and pick out your very own. "The Market" is located on 9 acres of historic waterfront property and is the longest continuously running Farmers Market in the United States. It now houses about 150 vendors serving up fresh food, handmade crafts and other Seattle merchandise you simply can’t live without! You will find everything here, from Washington hazelnuts to the freshest produce and flowers, but the most popular item at the market is of course, our fish! All day long the boys at Pike Place Fish will be throwing fish left and right, so watch your step around them! They will kindly package up your fish in airline approved sealed packages so that you can take that famous salmon home to share. Many waterfront restaurants are serving up our fresh salmon and shellfish along with impeccable service and spectacular views of Lake Union or Elliott Bay. With our eclectic array of restaurant options, you certainly don’t have to try our seafood, but we sure recommend that you do.
AROUND THE WORLD Seattle's vibrant restaurant scene represents over 40 countries and regions from every corner of the world. In addition to traditional international cuisine, innovative Seattle chefs are creating unique fusion dishes that are satisfying the tastes of all your trendy taste buds. Fresh ingredients, clever combinations and award winning wine lists are commonplace here, as are beautiful waterfront and mountain views. From the corner bistro to the most elegant fine dining experience, from Greek to Ethiopian, your every craving will be matched by a very worthy opponent.
GREAT WASHINGTON WINES Washington State is proud to be the second largest premium wine producer in the United States. Currently there are nine major American Viticulture Areas and over 400 wineries producing 18 million gallons of wine per year. In 1981 there were just 19 wineries in Washington, and over the years the local wineries and restaurants have teamed up to introduce wine tasting and pairing into our coffee drinking culture. The Annual "Taste Washington" event is now bringing food and wine enthusiasts together in three cities each year, featuring all the top wineries and restaurants in the state. In addition, leading varietals such as Syrah, Merlot, Semillon, Chardonnay and Riesling are popping up on all the leading wine magazines annual selections for "best wines." Wine bars and tasting rooms are appearing all over the city, and with award winning wineries all around the city and across the state, it is no wonder why Seattle has become such a popular wine-lovers destination.

For a comprehensive listing of culinary options available in the Seattle area, please browse the online Visitor's Guide at VisitSeattle.org.