Amazon’s foothold in South Lake Union leaves the neighborhood abuzz during lunch hours. The need for quick, mostly healthful eats produces epic lines at spots like Evergreens Salad, mamnoon street, and the dozen or so food trucks that camp out in SLU. While most food trucks hit the road after the lunch rush dies down, many of the busy lunch spots (especially those at The Regrade) remain open for dinner. Dining in SLU after dark and on weekends not only means shorter lines and wait times, but affordable parking, too. Nine different garages offer 10-hour parking for just $2.45 after 5pm on weekdays and on weekends.
Newer restaurants have made the finding lunchtime grub a cinch, but don’t skip on SLU for dinner. Maine lobster tail with pancetta truffle gnocchi. Steak tasting flights. Miso marinated opah with baby bock choy. Those are just a few items that dot dinner menus at restaurants in the neighborhood. Look beyond lunch hour in SLU and you’ll find refined flavors, dinner experiences, and special occasion spots.
Below are seven picks for great dinners in South Lake Union.
The Butcher’s Table
Why go: Culinary chops—Proprietor Kurt Dammeier (Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, Pasta and Company, etc.) and executive chef Morgan Mueller (former executive chef at San Francisco’s James Beard award-winning Jardiniere) team up to serve up U.S.-bred wagyu and more.
What to order: You can go big with a tomahawk ribeye or porterhouse, but butcher cuts like Coulotte and flatiron are flavor-packed and more affordable options.
Cinque Terre Ristorante
Why go: Freshly made pastas inspired by the Italian Riviera, house-made bread, extensive local sourcing.
What to order: Fettuccine con gamberi al limone (fettuccine, gulf prawns, lemon zest, crema, ikura, microgreens); or splurge on an order sustainable white sturgeon caviar.
Chandler’s Crabhouse
Why go: Lakeside dining, fresh seafood, and classic service.
What to order: Something from the seasonal crab menu; watch for Alaskan king, Alaskan bairdi, and live local Dungeness.