The Ballard neighborhood in Seattle is known for its blend of historic charm and modern energy. At the best restaurants in Ballard, Seattle, WA, you can find everything from izakaya-style small plates to Italian favorites and stone-oven baked pizzas at a neighborhood gem.
Settle into a hotspot where live-fire cooking takes center stage. Socialize over a Mediterranean-influenced brunch. Get top-notch sushi and cocktails at a neighborhood staple.
These popular spots fill up fast, so don’t miss out on dining at one of the best restaurants Ballard, Seattle, WA. Book a table now on OpenTable.
Read on to discover the 6 best restaurants in Ballard, Seattle, WA.
For top-notch sushi and izakaya-style small plates at one of the best restaurants in Ballard, Seattle — head to Moshi Moshi Sushi (Ballard)
A Ballard staple since 2009, Moshi Moshi Sushi is where you go for freshly made sushi and creative cocktails in a lively dining room decked with Japanese round paper lantern lighting and a two-story LED cherry tree. Start with izakaya-style small plates like house-made gyoza or crispy tempura, then move on to nigiri assortments with locally sourced fish and hot dishes like tonkatsu. Wash it all down with a sake-infused cocktail.
For a pizzeria with handmade pasta and hearth-fired pizzas — check out Stoneburner (Ballard)
Stoneburner is one of the best vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants in Ballard, Seattle and a destination for its stone-oven pizzas and welcoming atmosphere. The warm interior boasts an open kitchen, wrap-around bar, and heavy wooden furniture. The Italian-forward menu changes seasonally, but expect plenty of classic dishes starring local ingredients. Past menu items have included bucatini with braised chuck roast and vegetarian options like roasted beet salad and blistered cauliflower.
For contemporary American fare at one of the best restaurants in Ballard, Seattle, WA — grab a table at Eldr (Ballard)
Eldr is a celebration of live-fire cooking, where the crackle of wood and the glow of open flames bring bold Pacific Northwest flavors to life. With a focus on sustainably sourced seafood, premium proteins, and peak-season produce, every dish is crafted with simplicity and depth. Watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen as you dig into refined dishes like smoked scallop crudo, black cod with rich XO sauce, and housemade bread.
For Mediterranean-influenced fare at any time of the day — make a reservation at Sabine Café and Bar (Ballard)
Head to Sabine Café and Bar for crowd-pleasing dishes prepared with Middle Eastern spices and herbs in a spacious, industrial-chic space. By day, enjoy brunch favorites like shakshuka and mushroom toast with fried eggs. For dinner, dig into the made-for-sharing salatim platter with olive tapenade, house pickles, muhammarra, hummus, and two seasonal sides served with fluffy pita bread along with other Mediterranean hits. Bonus points for the charming terrace.
For a pizzeria that uses locally sourced ingredients in a laid-back setting — grab a table at Serious Pie (Ballard)
Check out the pizzeria with a bread baker’s soul, Serious Pie is one of the best restaurants in Ballard, Seattle, WA. Chef Tony Catini’s multiple-day process gives the hand-crafted dough its complexity. Experience the laid-back atmosphere as you wait while your crust is blistered until lightly browned. Toppings like fresh vegetables and herbs are sourced locally, and pizzas like the roasted pear with caramelized onions showcase the Pacific Northwest’s bounty.
For an eclectic menu spanning sushi and burgers in a swanky spot — book a table at The Ivy (Ballard)
Get ready for an indulgent atmosphere and Asian fusion cuisine at The Ivy. This innovative hotspot boasts a stylish space decked with plush pink banquettes, large black rattan fixtures, cherry blossom wall art, and a wooden accented bar. Tuck into luxe Asian-inspired dishes like Japanese A5 wagyu and caviar nigiri along with elegant mains like Italian white truffle pasta.
Ballard, Seattle’s top seven restaurants serve a mix of cuisines, from contemporary American to Japanese to Middle Eastern. Whether you are searching for a swanky spot with an eclectic Asian fusion menu or a laid-back neighborhood favorite known for hand-crafted pizzas, these restaurants serve food for every occasion and budget.
