13 Must-Try Seattle Restaurants for World Cup Visitors (Local Favorites)
Whether you’re here for the goals or the vibes, one thing’s for sure—you’re gonna get hungry. And lucky for you, Seattle’s food scene is wildly underrated.
From waterfront oysters to spicy noodles and late-night comfort food, here are 13 local-loved spots where you can eat well between World Cup matches—without falling into the tourist trap.
🍔 1. Taurus Ox (Capitol Hill)
What to get: Lao sausage burger, sticky rice, papaya salad
Bold, spicy, and packed with flavor. This Lao street food-inspired gem serves up some of the most interesting bites in the city—and it’s open late.
🍣 2. Maneki (International District)
What to get: Sashimi sampler, black cod collar
A Seattle institution since 1904. Historic Japanese restaurant with warm vibes and big portions. Call ahead—it books up fast.
🥯 3. Dingfelder’s Delicatessen (Capitol Hill)
What to get: Pastrami Reuben, matzo ball soup
A killer Jewish deli that feels like NYC dropped onto Pike Street. Great for a heavy pre-game lunch or hangover fix.
🐟 4. The Walrus and the Carpenter (Ballard)
What to get: Oysters, smoked trout, wine
Stylish, sea-salty, and extremely Pacific Northwest. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon snack and a glass of something cold.
🌮 5. Tacos Chukis (Multiple locations)
What to get: House taco (with pineapple), mulitas
Unpretentious, fast, cheap, and delicious. Seattle’s go-to street taco—perfect for a quick refuel between matches.
🍜 6. Kedai Makan (Capitol Hill)
What to get: Nasi goreng, spicy noodles, teh tarik
Malaysian soul food in a rowdy space with banging music and zero pretense. Great takeout option too.
🍔 7. Un Bien (Ballard & Shilshole)
What to get: Caribbean roast pork sandwich
Possibly Seattle’s best sandwich. Period. If the sun’s out, grab it to go and head to Golden Gardens beach.
🍝 8. Il Nido (West Seattle)
What to get: Fresh pasta, focaccia, whatever’s seasonal
Upscale but cozy Italian spot tucked into an old house. Great date night or group dinner before an evening match.
🧇 9. The London Plane (Pioneer Square)
What to get: Smoked salmon tartine, housemade yogurt
Light, elegant, and right near the stadium. Also doubles as a bakery, wine bar, and flower shop. Perfect for brunchy vibes.
🥟 10. Din Tai Fung (University Village or Bellevue)
What to get: Soup dumplings, green beans, pork buns
Yes, it’s a chain. But a world-class one. Watch the dumpling crew do their thing behind glass while you carbo-load in style.
🍗 11. Fat’s Chicken and Waffles (Central District)
What to get: Fried chicken + waffle, shrimp & grits
Southern comfort food meets PNW chill. Great patio, even better hot sauce.
🍕 12. Big Mario’s Pizza (Capitol Hill or Queen Anne)
What to get: Pepperoni or white pie by the slice
Grimy, glorious pizza. Open late. Feels like where you end the night before stumbling back to your Airbnb.
🍛 13. Marination Ma Kai (West Seattle – on the water)
What to get: Kalua pork sliders, kimchi fried rice
Hawaiian-Korean fusion with stunning views of downtown Seattle across the bay. Bonus: You can take the Water Taxi there from the stadium.
🔥 Local Tip: Make Reservations Early
Seattle restaurants get packed—especially in summer. Use Resy, OpenTable, or call ahead if you’re going with a group. For cheap eats, most taco, pho, and dumpling spots don’t take reservations.
✨ Eat Like a Local, Cheer Like a Fan
Seattle’s culinary scene isn’t about flash—it’s about bold flavors, cultural mashups, and neighborhoods that take pride in their food. Skip the chains and tourist traps. These spots will fuel your fandom right.
