WASHINGTON | THE WEST

The Seattle Michelin Guide: Here are 12 Restaurants That Deserve Recognition

By Mei Chen | Oct. 25, 2025

Canlis

AUTHOR BIO: Mei Chen has worked for nearly a dozen start-ups in as many years, taking her to several West Coast cities. While she’s sure her current day job is permanent, she also has her eye on Carmel.

Over the years, I’ve built my own version of the Michelin Guide for Seattle, one dinner debate and barstool argument at a time.

Back when I lived in Bellevue, I spent weekends crossing the bridge to chase down every contender. Later, when work brought me to Seattle weekly, I made it my side mission to eat everywhere anyone claimed was “star-worthy.” I’ve tried them all—some dazzling, some disappointing, some that still haunt me in the best way.

After all those meals and miles, I’ve narrowed it down to the restaurants that truly deserve a place in Seattle’s Michelin conversation. So if Michelin inspectors ever make it to the city, here are Seattle’s Michelin-worthy restaurants.

Archipelago

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In Hillman City, this eight-seat gem celebrates Filipino-American cuisine through a Northwest lens. Chef Aaron Verzosa and his wife, Amber Manuguid, weave a narrative at Archipelago of heritage with dishes like Dungeness crab paired with calamansi. The hyper-local ingredients, sourced within 360 miles, make every bite feel like a love letter to the Pacific Northwest. Reservations are scarce, so act fast.

What it deserves: One Star

Bin 47

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Inside Woodinville’s new Somm Hotel, chef Maximillian Petty—formerly of Eden Hill—has traded the Queen Anne hustle for something more deliberate. His Bin 47 menu reads like he began with a list of PNW ingredients: olympic oysters with grilled cucumber granita, creste di gallo with Dungeness crab pasta with sweet-corn cream, Carlton Farm pork cheeks and butternut squash. The dining room gleams in marble and candlelight, and the service hums at the same unhurried pace as the wine pours. This place is new, and in a year from now, after I’ve eaten here as many times as humanly possible, I’m guessing based on my first visit that I might be adding one or two more stars.

What it deserves: One Star

Café Juanita

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Over in Kirkland, Café Juanita is where chef Holly Smith has been perfecting Northern Italian cuisine for over two decades. The agnolotti, filled with tender rabbit, is a triumph, and the wine list rivals any you’ll find in Tuscany. The intimate space feels a world away from Seattle’s bustle, making it well worth the drive.

What it deserves: One Star

Canlis

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Perched on the edge of Queen Anne, Canlis has been Seattle’s culinary grand dame since the 1950s, but its constant reinvention is what keeps it on the map. Newly appointed chef James Huffman crafts plates as if composing edible poetry: geoduck chowder, mayocoba beans with chicory, and a "halo" of blueberry and leche flan. You get to choose three dishes from the multi-course menu, at $180, and it'll always come with surprises along the way. The mid-century modern dining room, with its panoramic Lake Union views, might distract you, but don’t miss the soufflé for dessert—it’s as classic as the restaurant itself.

What it deserves: Two Stars

Communion

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Chef Kristi Brown’s Communion, in the Central District, is where soul food meets innovation. Her black-eyed pea hummus is now legendary, and the smoked oxtails will have you planning your next visit before you finish your first bite. The space radiates warmth, from the communal tables to the playlist that feels like a hug.

What it deserves: Bib Gourmand

Kamonegi

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Fremont’s Kamonegi is the soba spot cooking at a far higher level than your average noodle bar. Chef Mutsuko Soma handcrafts buckwheat noodles that are silky perfection, served either cold with dipping sauce or in warm, comforting broths. Pair them with a side of tempura maitake mushrooms, and you’ve got a meal that’s humble yet unforgettable.

What it deserves: Bib Gourmand

Mezzanotte

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In Georgetown, Mezzanotte is proof that neighborhood spots can have big personalities. This Italian eatery offers handmade pasta that practically sings on the plate. The black cod in acqua pazza, pictured here, is a standout, and the Aperol spritzes flow freely in the lively, industrial-chic dining room. Bonus points for the playlist, which is as bold as the dishes.

What it deserves: Recommended

Musang

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Another Filipino powerhouse, Musang in Beacon Hill is a testament to community and creativity. Chef Melissa Miranda’s dishes, like pancit canton with smoked salmon, are inspired by family recipes but reimagined for a modern palate. The airy, homey space doubles as a hub for local events, making it as warm and welcoming as the food.

What it deserves: Bib Gourmand

Surrell

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In a hundred-year-old house on East Madison, chef Aaron Tekulve’s Surrell quietly delivers one of Seattle’s most refined tasting-menu experiences. Leveraging Washington-only wines and micro-seasonal ingredients from Cascades farms and Puget Sound waters, every dish feels like a quiet revelation of place and purpose. The room is elegant but approachable, reminding you that fine dining doesn’t have to feel stiff—just exceptionally good.

What it deserves: Two Stars

Tomo

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In White Center, Tomo is a study in restraint. Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, a James Beard Award nominee, creates dishes that blur the line between simplicity and complexity. Think raw scallops draped in shiso, or koji-aged pork with mustard greens. The dining room is tiny, but the experience feels expansive—like discovering a secret you want to keep to yourself.

What it deserves: Recommended

The Walrus and the Carpenter

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Ballard’s seafood jewel, The Walrus and the Carpenter, feels like a party in a tiny oyster bar. Chef Renee Erickson’s whimsical approach shines in dishes like smoked trout with apple and crème fraîche. The oysters, harvested from nearby waters, are a salty-sweet revelation. Pro tip: Arrive early—this place doesn’t take reservations, and the line rivals a Pike Place gum wall crowd.

What it deserves: Recommended

Wataru

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Ravenna’s Wataru isn’t just a sushi bar—it’s an omakase experience. Chef Kotaro Kumita sources the finest fish from Japan and pairs it with perfectly seasoned rice for a symphony of flavor. The intimate, minimalist space ensures that the food takes center stage, and trust me, it deserves it.

What it deserves: One Star