Restaurants in Seattle

Chef Tom Douglas has lost none of his culinary edge and the Dahlia Lounge remains a gastronomic institution. Red walls, low-lit paper lanterns and touches of Eastern artwork create a cosy ambience. Appetisers lean to Japanese-inspired seafood specialities, while the mains highlight juicy meats from the grill and rotisserie as well as Dungeness crab cakes, grilled Alaskan salmon and other fresh seafood. Desserts, made in the restaurants own bakery, are legendary.

This small, colourfully decorated cafe and cyber joint specializes in vegetarian meat-free hot dogs. The Bohemian ambiance is matched by the wild hot dog menu - with toppings much tastier than they sound; try the Greek Goddess (hummus with avocado, veggies and fresh parmesan) or the Laika Dog (topped with eggplant caviar and zucchini paste). Rock 'n' roll plays overhead, and you can surf the net or just stop in for coffee, wine or beer.

Hand-painted murals, mahogany details and low lighting set the scene for a sophisticated dining experience at this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Using fresh Northwest ingredients, chef Wayne Johnson prepares mouth-watering dishes like Spanish paella, Cabrales crusted beef tenderloin and perfect-for-sharing pintxos (small plates). Andaluca also offers a selection of fine sherries and Spanish and local wines.

One of Seattle's best California-Mexican restaurants and also one of the cheapest, Mama's Mexican Kitchen has a lazy, bustling atmosphere that attracts the hip and the business suits alike. Fajitas and chicken burritos are recommended - diners should be sure to pick up a big dish of the super house-made salsa. Wash it down with one of their classic margaritas.

This young, artsy spot attracts film industry wannabes and has a view of the Puget Sound sunset. Décor and ambience are laid-back New York, with low-budget lounge lizard effects in its darkly painted, dimly lit interior. Diners can linger over the hummus or brie and apple plate starters before digging into excellent pizzas. Script readings, film screenings or live music occur some evenings.

This restaurant is as popular with the locals as it is with the tourists. The friendly pizza parlour has stone tile walls, communal tables and wood-beamed ceilings. Mouth-watering scents waft from the open kitchen, where pizzas are pulled piping hot from the wood-burning oven. Gourmet ingredients make for superb dining; try the pie with Penn cove clams, house pancetta and lemon thyme. For dessert, there's highly addictive cannoli.