Where to Eat Near Port of Seattle

World-famous mac and cheese made fresh at Pike Place Market — kids go crazy for it

Order: The 'World's Best' mac and cheese lives up to the hype. Grilled cheese sandwiches are simple and perfect for picky eaters. Their tomato soup is a great pairing.

Pro tip: Kids love watching the cheese being made through the glass windows. It's a mini science lesson before a meal. Order at the counter and grab a seat if one opens up.

Waterfront seafood feast where you eat off the table with mallets — dinner and a show

Order: The SeaFeast is the experience — a bucket of crab, shrimp, clams, and corn dumped right on your table. Kids get mallets and bibs. Fish and chips for the less adventurous.

Pro tip: Sit by the windows for water views. The SeaFeast is messy and fun — perfect for kids who like getting their hands dirty. There's a carousel and arcade on the pier right outside.

Seattle's iconic waterfront fish and chips since 1938 — feed the seagulls while you eat

Order: Classic fish and chips with a side of clam chowder. The fish tacos are surprisingly great. Corn dogs for the kids who refuse seafood.

Pro tip: This is the walk-up counter on the pier, not the sit-down restaurant upstairs. Way cheaper and more fun. Kids love tossing fries to the seagulls (it's a Seattle tradition).

Hidden pizza spot in Post Alley near the gum wall — brick-oven pies the whole family loves

Order: Brick-oven pizzas are the star — simple Margherita or pepperoni for kids, more adventurous toppings for adults. Salads are fresh and generous.

Pro tip: Kids love the adventure of finding this hidden spot down Post Alley. Walk past the famous gum wall on the way. Family-friendly until 9 PM. Pizza takes about 15 minutes.

Three floors of Pike Place Market views — classic breakfast with a panoramic twist

Order: Pancakes and eggs on the top floor with water views. Their Eggs Benedict is a staple. Simple breakfast plates that even picky eaters approve of.

Pro tip: Ask for the third floor — it has the best views of Elliott Bay and the ferries. Breakfast served all day. Gets crowded by 10 AM on weekends so arrive early.

Tom Douglas's artisan pizza spot — wood-fired pies with local ingredients in a cozy space

Order: The mushroom pizza with truffle cheese is a parent favorite. Margherita and pepperoni for kids. Their salads use local greens and are surprisingly kid-approved.

Pro tip: Walk-in only, no reservations. Go at an off-peak time (before noon or after 2 PM) with kids to avoid the wait. Pizzas come out fast once you're seated.

Build-your-own pizza assembly line — everyone gets exactly what they want

Order: Custom pizzas — kids pick their own toppings Subway-style. The Calexico (spicy chicken) is a parent favorite. Unlimited toppings at no extra charge.

Pro tip: Born in Seattle, so this is the original. Fast-casual format means you're in and out in 20 minutes. Perfect for families who can't agree on toppings.

Family-friendly waterfront chain with reliable seafood and great lake views

Order: Award-winning clam chowder, fish and chips, and wild salmon. Kids menu has grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and mini fish and chips.

Pro tip: The South Lake Union location has the best views and the most space for families. Less crowded than downtown spots. Crayons and coloring pages keep little ones busy.

Award-winning chowder in the heart of Pike Place Market — the line moves fast

Order: The New England clam chowder has won national awards. The Dungeness crab bisque is the sleeper hit. Get a bread bowl — you won't regret it.

Pro tip: The line at the Post Alley location looks long but moves quickly. Go before 11:30 AM to beat the lunch rush. They also have a less-crowded location in Pacific Place mall.

Authentic French bakery right at Pike Place — croissants that rival Paris

Order: Almond croissant is legendary. Their quiche Lorraine and ham and cheese croissant are perfect for a quick pre-cruise breakfast. Grab a macaron for the road.

Pro tip: Opens at 7 AM. Get here early if you want the full selection — the almond croissants sell out by late morning. Order at the counter, eat outside overlooking Elliott Bay.

Panoramic Elliott Bay views and fresh Northwest seafood — the pre-cruise splurge

Order: Dungeness crab cakes, pan-seared wild salmon, and the seafood tower for the table. The brunch menu is excellent — bloody marys with a view.

Pro tip: Request a window seat for unobstructed views of the ferries crossing Elliott Bay. Weekend brunch reservations are a must. The happy hour has great value on oysters.

Belltown's buzziest seafood spot — inventive Pacific Northwest plates in a sleek setting

Order: The whole roasted Dungeness crab is the star. Wood-grilled octopus and the daily fish specials never disappoint. Craft cocktails are worth the splurge.

Pro tip: Located inside the Palladian Hotel in Belltown. Walk here from Pike Place Market in 10 minutes. The bar scene is vibrant if you're looking for a last-night-on-land cocktail.

Hidden Italian gem tucked below Pike Place — romantic candlelit dinners since 1981

Order: Handmade pasta is the move — the rack of lamb is a long-running favorite. Their wine list is deep and reasonably priced for the quality.

Pro tip: No sign outside — look for the stairs going down in Post Alley near the gum wall. Perfect for a special pre-cruise dinner. Make a reservation, especially on weekends.

Irreverent biscuit joint with massive portions — Seattle breakfast with attitude

Order: The Hot Mess Bitch — a biscuit smothered in sausage gravy with a fried egg. Gritty Scramble is loaded with cheese. Wash it down with a coffee from their in-house espresso bar.

Pro tip: Long lines on weekends but they move. There are multiple locations — the Belltown spot on 1st Ave is closest to the terminals. Portions are huge, so split if you're not starving.

Craft brewery in Pike Place Market with waterfront views — local beer and wood-fired pizza

Order: Their IPAs are some of the best in the PNW. Wood-fired pizzas pair perfectly. The fish and chips use fresh-caught local fish. Pretzels with beer cheese are a solid starter.

Pro tip: Grab a seat on the outdoor patio overlooking Elliott Bay and the Great Wheel. It's the best view in Pike Place Market. Gets crowded after noon — arrive early for the best seats.

Seattle's finest sushi — omakase from a James Beard-nominated master at Pike Place

Order: The omakase (chef's choice) at the sushi bar is the experience — multi-course parade of the day's best fish. If the bar is full, the a la carte menu in the dining room is still exceptional.

Pro tip: Omakase seats are extremely limited — book weeks in advance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime meal. If you can't get a reservation, try walking in right at opening for the a la carte dining room.