Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
as 12 lb.) that now is so highly prized in Asia that it rarely ever shows up on Seat-
tle menus.
You'll find restaurants on the shores of virtually every body of water in the
area, so be sure to plan some waterfront dining while you're in town. Views at
these restaurants take in not only water, but also everything from marinas to
Mount Rainier, the Space Needle to the Olympic Mountains.
DOWNTOWN & FIRST HILL
EXPENSIVE
The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak, & Oyster House
SEAFOOD This
classic seafood restaurant looks as if it's been here since the great Seattle fire and
is, in fact, housed in one of the city's oldest buildings. The specialty here is def-
initely oysters, with close to a dozen different types piled up at the oyster bar on
any given night. If oysters on the half shell don't appeal to you, there are plenty
of other tempting appetizers, ranging from cilantro-battered calamari to Dun-
geness crab cakes with wasabi aioli. For a classic Northwest dish, try the alder-
planked king salmon (roasted on a slab of alder wood), or, for something a bit
more unusual, try the grilled black tiger prawns with morel mushrooms and
brandy cream sauce.
1212 Second Ave.
&
206/224-7000.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $10-$15 at lunch, $16-$35
at dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11am-3pm and 5-10pm; Fri 11am-3pm and 5-10:30pm; Sat
4:30-10:30pm; Sun 4-10pm (oyster bar open later every night).
Metropolitan Grill
STEAK Fronted by massive granite columns that
make it look more like a bank than a restaurant, the Metropolitan Grill is a very
traditional steakhouse that attracts a well-heeled clientele, primarily men in
suits. When you walk in the front door, you'll immediately encounter a case full
of meat that ranges from filet mignon to triple-cut lamb chops (with the occa-
sional giant lobster tail tossed in). Perfectly cooked 28-day-aged steaks are the
primary attraction, and a baked potato and a pile of thick-cut onion rings com-
plete the ultimate carnivore's dinner. Financial matters are a frequent topic of
discussion here, and the bar even has a “Guess the Dow” contest. I hope you sold
high, since it'll take some capital gains to finance a dinner for two here.
820 Second Ave.
&
206/624-3287.
www.themetropolitangrill.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses
$8-$31 at lunch, $22-$60 at dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm and 5-10:30pm; Sat 4-11pm; Sun
4-10pm.
MODERATE
Andaluca
NORTHWEST/MEDITERRANEAN Located in the
Mayflower Park Hotel, this sumptuous restaurant mixes the traditional and the
contemporary like no other place in town. To step through its doors is to enter
a world of vibrant artistry, in both decor and cuisine. Specialties include such
dishes as traditional Spanish
zarzuela
(shellfish stew) and beef tenderloin crusted
with
cabrales
(Spanish blue cheese) and served with grilled pears. The menu is
divided into small and large plates, so you'll find something to satisfy your
appetite regardless of its size. Don't miss the Dungeness crab tower, made with
avocado, palm hearts, and gazpacho salsa—it's a work of art. Keep in mind that
you can assemble a meal of small plates here and get away with a lighter bill.
In the Mayflower Park Hotel, 407 Olive Way.
&
206/382-6999.
Reservations recommended. Main courses
$18-$28, small plates $6-$9.25. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 6:30-11am, 11:30am-2:30pm, and
5-10pm; Fri 6:30-11am, 11:30am-2:30pm, and 5-11pm; Sat 7am-noon and 5-11pm; Sun 7am-noon and
5-9pm.