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combinations of vibrant flavors demanded by the city's well-traveled palates, but
the hip Belltown restaurant serves dinner until 1am every night, keeping late-
night partiers from going hungry. Every dish here is a work of art, and with small
plates, large plates, and platters for sharing, diners are encouraged to sample a
wide variety of the kitchen's creations. The menu changes daily, but keep an eye
out for the smoked rock shrimp spring rolls, which are positively sculptural. The
festive desserts are almost a mini party on the plate. There's also a huge wine list.
2234 First Ave.
&
206/728-8595.
www.flyingfishseattle.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses
$15-$20. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 5pm-1am.
Icon Grill
AMERICAN With colorful art glass hanging from chandeliers,
overflowing giant vases, and every inch of wall space covered with framed art-
work, this place goes way overboard with its decor, but that's exactly what makes
it so fun. Basically, it's an over-the-top rendition of a Victorian setting gone 21st
century. The food is a mix of basic comfort food (including a molasses-glazed
meatloaf that locals swear by) and more inventive dishes such as grilled pear
salad, merlot-glazed lamb shank, and lamb tenderloin stuffed with prosciutto,
arugula, and goat cheese. Unfortunately, the food can be unpredictable, so don't
come here just for a culinary experience, but rather for a Seattle experience.
1933 Fifth Ave.
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206/441-6330.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $14-$33. AE, MC, V. Mon
11:30am-2pm and 5:30-9pm; Tues-Thurs 11:30am-2pm and 5:30-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm and 5:30-11pm;
Sat 5:30-11pm; Sun 5-9pm.
Matt's in the Market
AMERICAN REGIONAL/INTERNA-
TIONAL Quite possibly the smallest gourmet restaurant in Seattle, Matt's is
a tiny cubbyhole of a place in the Corner Market Building, directly across the
street from the market information booth at First and Pike. The restaurant has
only a handful of tables and a few stools at the counter, and the kitchen takes up
almost half the restaurant, giving the cooks little more than the space of a walk-
in closet in which to work their culinary magic. The menu changes regularly,
with an emphasis on fresh ingredients from the market stalls only steps away,
and there's a good selection of reasonably priced wines. The menu pulls in what-
ever influences and styles happen to appeal to the chef at that moment, perhaps
Moroccan, perhaps Southern. This is a real Pike Place Market experience. If you
spot anything with smoked catfish on the menu, try it.
94 Pike St.
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206/467-7909.
Dinner reservations accepted for first seating and highly recommended. Main
courses $9-$9.25 at lunch, $16-$18 at dinner. MC, V. Mon 11:30am-2:30pm; Tues-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm and
5:30-9:30pm.
Palace Kitchen
AMERICAN REGIONAL/LATE-NIGHT/MEDITER-
RANEAN This is the most casual of chef Tom Douglas's three Seattle estab-
lishments, with a bar that attracts nearly as many customers as the restaurant. The
atmosphere is urban chic, with cement pillars, simple wood booths, and a few
tables in the front window, which overlooks the monorail tracks. The menu is
short and features a nightly selection of unusual cheeses and different prepara-
tions from the apple-wood grill. To begin a meal, we like the creamy goat-cheese
fondue. Entrees are usually simple and delicious and range from the Palace burger
royale (a strong contender for best burger in Seattle) to Southern-influenced
dishes such as pork loin with grits and greens. For dessert, the coconut cream pie
is an absolute must.
2030 Fifth Ave.
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206/448-2001.
www.tomdouglas.com. Reservations only for parties of 6 or more. Main
courses $11-$26. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 5pm-1am.
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