Downtown has a vast selection of dining is superior to gay Capitol Hill. While these establishments are mostly straight Seattle’s gay population is very integrated so you will most likely feel very comfortable in any of the places listed here. Many detailed reviews of the places mentioned are available online from other websites.
Three worth mentioning for your consideration from award winning chef and current owner Tom Douglas are DAHLIA LOUNGE, PALACE KITCHEN, and SERIOUS PIE (where you can get some pretty fancy individual pizzas ranging from $12 – $15).
BRASA is very nice and favorite restaurant in Seattle serving Mediterranean cuisine.
QUEEN CITY GRILL or FLYING FISH in the Belltown neighborhood of downtown is worth a trip.
EL GAUCHO, located near Belltown, is a fine steakhouse institution with its dark old-school décor and piano entertainment nightly from 7 p.m. The bar was noticeably gay friendly when I visited. Ask about their food specials only available at the bar that won’t appear on any menu. The service received in their dining room is quite an experience.
WILD GINGER is the nicest and most respected fusion-Asian restaurant in town. There is a nice satay bar if you are traveling alone. Below them is the TRIPLE DOOR which has an excellent happy hour, giant fish tank, hip bar and regular live jazz music (sometimes they have a cover so check their website for special events).
TOI is a very hip Thai lounge-style restaurant and on Monday they have happy hour all day including the dining room.
PALOMINO may fit the bill if you are looking for a upscale place for lunch while shopping downtown. However, it is a nationwide chain.
WASABI BISTRO is one of my favorite places for lunch on weekdays only. The lunch bento for $9.50+ is of excellent quality, interesting, and filling.
If you happen to be staying at either The W Hotel or Hotel Monaco downtown both the EARTH & OCEAN or SAZERAC, located in those hotels respectively, are worth a visit.
Also check out the restaurants near the Pike Place Market.
