Must-Try New Restaurants in Seattle This Season
Seattle, located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, is known for its Pacific Northwest cuisine. Its centerpiece is Pike Place Market, which has been serving the city since 1907. An interesting fact: Seattle has more restaurants per capita than most major U.S. cities, with over 4,000 establishments offering everything from fresh seafood to innovative fusion cuisine. In recent months, new dining spots have opened, which you can explore in this guide.
Nua Thai Restaurant and Bar

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Nua Thai Restaurant and Bar is a Thai dining establishment that focuses on delivering high-quality dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. The restaurant is known for its signature offerings, including Kor Moo Yang (grilled pork jowl) and Gui Chai Tod (crispy chive dumplings). Nua Thai provides both dine-in and takeout options. The restaurant features outdoor seating and is wheelchair accessible. Nua Thai accepts reservations and credit cards.
Menu Highlights:
Kor Moo Yang: Grilled pork jowl, praised for its simplicity and flavor.
Gui Chai Tod: Crispy chive dumplings with a molten garlic chive filling, served with Thai sweet soy sauce.
Nam Kao Tod: A crispy rice salad featuring sour pork, peanuts, onions, lime leaf, and chili, served with cabbage and betel leaf.
Pad Thai: A familiar dish made with authentic tamarind, offered at a reasonable price.
Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): Wide rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, bell peppers, tomatoes, and basil.
Mango Sticky Rice: A classic dessert featuring sweet mango and sticky rice.
Drink Options:
Thai Tea: Traditional Thai iced tea available for a refreshing beverage.
Soft Drinks: A selection of sodas and non-alcoholic beverages.
Beer and Wine: Various options to complement your meal.


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Migaku

Photo Credit: instagram.com/migaku.sushi_kaiseki.seattle/
This is a new Japanese restaurant that opened on December 23, 2024. The head chef, Migaku Inaba, is an experienced master who has even received a prestigious award from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture.
The restaurant offers two main types of dishes:
Authentic sushi prepared right in front of you at a dedicated sushi counter.
Traditional Japanese seasonal dishes, known as "kaiseki," which is a refined tasting menu where each dish is made with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Features and Equipment:
A sushi bar where diners sit directly across from the chef and watch the preparation process.
Separate tables for those ordering kaiseki.
Professional-grade kitchen equipment, including specialized fish refrigeration systems that maintain optimal temperatures.
Traditional handcrafted Japanese dinnerware for serving dishes.
The chef determines the menu for each guest (this is called "omakase," which means "I trust the chef").
All ingredients are of the highest quality, with many sourced directly from Japan.
Menu Highlights:
Kaiseki Courses
Seasonal Kaiseki Course ($130): A multi-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients served at the table.
Migaku Kaiseki Course ($170): An exclusive chef's course served at the sushi bar, showcasing premium seasonal ingredients.
Chef’s Special Kaiseki Course ($300): A luxurious dining experience with an expanded selection of dishes, also served at the sushi bar.
A La Carte Options:
Sushi: A variety of traditional sushi options available for individual order.
Sake Samplers:
3 Sake Sampler: $50
5 Sake Sampler: $80
Other Beverages: Includes wine, beer (Sapporo for $10), and soft drinks (Coke for $4).

Photo Credit: instagram.com/migaku.sushi_kaiseki.seattle/

Vivienne's Bistro

Photo Credit: instagram.com/viviennes_bistro/
Vivienne's Bistro is a modern Asian fusion restaurant that combines traditional Chinese flavors with contemporary techniques. The menu features a variety of dishes, including options like Peking pork chops and braised beef short ribs. Vivienne's Bistro offers both dine-in and takeout services. The restaurant is equipped to accommodate large groups and accepts reservations.
Menu Highlights:
Forbidden Roast Duck: A signature dish featuring roast duck served with unique accompaniments.
Squid Ink Baked Rice: A rice dish baked with squid ink for added flavor and presentation.
Nine Flavor Basil Beef: Beef marinated with a mix of nine flavors, emphasizing basil and soy sauce.
Peking Pork Chops: Tender pork chops prepared in a Peking style.
Sizzling Rice Soup with Seafood: A hearty soup featuring seafood and crispy rice.
Crispy Pork Belly: A popular dish known for its rich flavor and crispy texture.
Honey Walnut Prawns: A gluten-free dish featuring prawns in a sweet honey sauce.
Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs: Tender short ribs cooked slowly for maximum flavor.
Drink Options:
Wine and Beer Selection: A curated list of wines and local beers to complement the meal.
Cocktails: Specialty cocktails inspired by Asian flavors.
Aa Sushi

Photo Credit: instagram.com/aasushi_official
Aa Sushi is a new Japanese restaurant located at 5463 Leary Ave NW in Seattle, which recently took over the space previously occupied by Billy Beach Sushi & Bar. Known for its conveyor belt sushi concept, Aa Sushi offers a fun and interactive dining experience where customers can select from a variety of sushi and small plates as they pass by. In addition to sushi, Aa Sushi features a selection of traditional Japanese dishes.
Menu Highlights:
Sushi Rolls: A selection of rolls including popular options like the Sexy Roll, Volcano Roll, and Ninja Roll.
Sashimi Platters: Fresh sashimi available as part of various platters.
Bento Boxes: Options such as Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Katsu, and Salmon Teriyaki, each served with rice and sides.
Gunkan and Nigiri: Traditional sushi offerings featuring various fish and seafood.
Rice Bowls: A variety of rice bowls topped with different proteins and vegetables.
Drink Options:
A selection of sodas and non-alcoholic beverages.
Japanese Beers and Sake

Photo Credit: instagram.com/aasushi_official

Cheers! Hong Kong
Cheers! Hong Kong is a restaurant specializing in Hong Kong-style cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes dumplings, noodles, and signature dishes. Opened in November 2024 in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, the restaurant also emphasizes customer engagement with promotions such as complimentary drinks during lunch hours.
Menu Highlights:
Soup Noodles: A selection of noodle soups reflecting traditional Hong Kong flavors.
Fried Rice: Various fried rice options available, including classic combinations.
Cantonese Chow Fun: Stir-fried wide rice noodles with vegetables and protein.
Dim Sum: Includes items like shrimp dumplings and pork siu mai.
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings: Crispy wings seasoned with salt and pepper, noted for their size and flavor.
Baked Spaghetti: A unique dish topped with cheese for a rich flavor.
Drink Options:
Cocktails: Creative drinks such as lychee old fashioneds and a Hong Kong-style Long Island iced tea.
Beer Selection: A variety of beers available to complement the food.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/cheers_hongkong

Soufend Cafe & Eatery

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Soufend Cafe & Eatery is a modern Vietnamese café located at 6059 Martin Luther King Jr Way S in Seattle's Rainier Valley neighborhood. The café features vibrant décor and offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including fried chicken wings and special Vietnamese salads. In addition to its food offerings, Soufend Cafe provides an extensive selection of matcha, milk tea, and coffee beverages. The café operates from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays (except Tuesdays when it is closed), and from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends. Catering services are also available.
Menu Highlights:
Banh Uot Rice Roll Tower: A visually appealing dish featuring rice rolls served with various meats and fresh vegetables.
Duck Vermicelli Soup: A flavorful soup featuring duck and vermicelli noodles, available as a special.
Shaken Beef (Bo Luc Lac): Tender beef stir-fried with vegetables, served over rice.
Fried Chicken Wings: Crispy wings served with fish sauce, noted for their flavor and generous portion.
Bun Bo Hue Tacos: A fusion dish combining traditional bun bo hue flavors in taco form.
Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls served as an appetizer.
Avocado Toast: A modern take on a classic dish, offered as part of the brunch menu.
Drink Options:
Vietnamese Coffee: Traditional coffee options available.
Specialty Drinks: Including matcha lattes and fruit-infused teas.

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Kajiken

Photo Credit: instagram.com/kajikenwestcoast
Kajiken is a Japanese restaurant specializing in abura soba, a unique style of ramen served without broth, allowing for a focus on rich flavors derived from a proprietary sauce and oils imported from Japan. The restaurant offers diners a choice of 15 to 20 different toppings that can vary seasonally, creating a personalized dining experience with each visit. Kajiken originated in Nagoya, Japan, and has expanded to various locations in the United States, including Seattle, where it occupies a space next to Hugo House in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Menu Highlights:
Abura Soba: A signature offering that allows diners to customize their noodles with various toppings. Popular variations include:
Homura: Noodles topped with spicy minced pork, poached egg, menma (bamboo shoots), scallions, and nori.
Sukiyaki: Noodles with sliced marinated beef, onion, and scallion.
Roast Beef Abura Soba: Thinly sliced roast beef served over noodles.
Appetizers:
Takoyaki: Deep-fried octopus balls served with sauce.
Karaage: Crispy fried chicken pieces.
Gyoza: Pan-fried pork dumplings.
Other Dishes:
Chicken Curry Noodle: Noodles served with flavorful chicken curry.
Vegan Noodle Option: Featuring vegetables and tofu.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/kajikenwestcoast

Voodoo Doughnut

Photo Credit: instagram.com/voodoodoughnut/
Voodoo Doughnut, a popular doughnut chain, opened its first Seattle location on December 10, 2024. This shop is situated in Capitol Hill and operates 24 hours a day. The brand is recognized for its signature pink boxes and unique offerings, such as the Voodoo Doll, a raspberry-filled doughnut topped with chocolate frosting, and the Old Dirty Bastard, featuring chocolate frosting, Oreo crumbles, and peanut butter drizzle. In addition to its menu, Voodoo Doughnut emphasizes community engagement by donating 20% of its opening day sales to FareStart, a nonprofit focused on addressing homelessness and hunger. The restaurant also offers vegan options among its more than 40 artisan doughnuts.
Menu Highlights:
Bacon Maple Bar: A raised yeast doughnut topped with maple frosting and crispy bacon.
Voodoo Doll: A raised yeast doughnut filled with raspberry jelly and topped with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake.
Memphis Mafia: A rich doughnut filled with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate frosting.
Old Dirty Bastard: A raised yeast doughnut topped with chocolate frosting, Oreos, and peanut butter drizzle.
Blueberry Lemon Fritter: Fried dough filled with blueberry and topped with lemon cream cheese.
Butterfingering: Devil’s food cake doughnut topped with vanilla frosting and Butterfinger crumbles.
Sweet Cream Cannolo: A doughnut filled with sweet cream and rolled in sugar.
Vegan Options:
Voodoo Doughnut offers a selection of vegan-friendly doughnuts, including:
Vegan Voodoo Dozen: A dozen assorted vegan doughnuts featuring flavors like Chocolate Ring and Dirt.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/voodoodoughnut/

Smoking Monkey Pizza
Smoking Monkey Pizza in Seattle's Magnolia district stands out for its distinctive wood-fired pizzas. Their brick oven creates a signature smoky flavor and perfectly crispy crust that's hard to replicate in conventional ovens. Customers can build their own pizzas, choosing from different crusts (thin, medium, whole wheat), sauces (from classic tomato to spicy garlic), and fresh toppings from local suppliers. Orders available online for home delivery.
RELATED: A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Seattle
Menu Highlights:
Signature Pizzas:
Spicy Monkey: A pizza featuring spicy toppings for those who enjoy heat.
Tarzan BBQ Chicken Pizza: Topped with BBQ sauce, chicken, and other flavorful ingredients.
Monkey King's Feast (Barbarian): A hearty pizza loaded with various toppings.
Goatsmary: A unique pizza option that includes goat cheese and other savory ingredients.
Build Your Own Pizza: Customers can create their own pizza with a variety of crusts, sauces, and toppings.
Appetizers:
Mischievous Monkey Mozzarella Sticks: Classic cheesy appetizer.
Jungle Heat Buffalo Wings: Spicy wings for those looking for a kick.
Garlic Bread Canopy: A tasty side option.
Pasta and Calzones: The menu also features pasta dishes and calzones for those looking for alternatives to pizza.
Desserts:
New York Jungle Cheesecake: A sweet finish to your meal.
Drink Options:
Craft Beer and Wine: A selection of local craft beers and wines to pair with your meal.
Soft Drinks: Various non-alcoholic beverages available.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/smokingmonkeypizzaseattle/, google.com

HOW Pot

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HOW Pot is a unique dining establishment in Seattle that specializes in all-you-can-eat (AYCE) hot pot and barbecue, combining elements of both cuisines. The restaurant features a variety of fresh ingredients, allowing guests to customize their meals according to personal preferences. HOW Pot is designed to accommodate groups, making it an ideal spot for gatherings and celebrations.
Menu Highlights:
Teriyaki Chicken: Juicy chicken cooked in teriyaki sauce, served with rice and vegetables.
Grilled Salmon: Fresh salmon grilled and served with lemon sauce and a side of seasonal vegetables.
Vegetarian Ramen: Noodles in broth with assorted vegetables, suitable for vegetarians.
Miso Soup with Tofu: Traditional soup made with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed.
Hot Pot (Shabu-Shabu): Thinly sliced meat and vegetables cooked in broth at the table.
Potato Dumplings: Dumplings filled with potato, served with a dipping sauce.
Drink Options:
Japanese Beer: A variety of Japanese beer options.
Sake: Traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A selection of juices and sodas.
Green Tea: Hot or cold green tea available.

Photo Credit: google.com
