The Whale Wins Seattle
Open kitchen dining
Among Seattle's growing list of "celebrity" chefs, Renee Erickson stands out. Her wildly-successful Walrus and the Carpenter restaurant is one of my favorite spots for oysters, but I often prefer going to The Whale Wins, another one of her establishments.
The Whale Wins is a larger space, so it's considerably easier to snag a table here. That being said, you'll have to wait on a Friday or Saturday night and they don't take reservations for small parties. It's all worth it though, because once you try the food here, everything else is forgotten.
My favorite dishes are the vegetable items including the roasted carrots with harissa and yogurt. Dessert is a knockout- the moist zucchini bread is out-of-this-world good (when I asked the waitress their secret, her response was, "butter"). I don't usually place too much importance on restaurant interiors (apart from cleanliness) but this place is an architectural gem. The bright open kitchen is on full-display, giving diners a view of the wood-cooked dishes they're about to enjoy.
After my first visit to The Whale Wins, I couldn't wait to bring back a friend and share the enjoyment of this place. I did just that and she had a great time. There's nothing more satisfying than sharing a great meal with a friend and The Whale Wins is the perfect place to do it.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Seattle guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Seattle
ETG Coffee – High quality espresso to go
"ETG Coffee" Seattle isn't the place to work for hours on your laptop. But if you want a quick, delicious espresso & a pastry for the way, look no further.
By
Aarin
Wright
Stone Way Café – Brunch, beer, burritos & more!
"Stone Way Café" Seattle truly has it all. Incredible food for cheap? Check. Local beers on tap? Check. Cozy community atmosphere? Check. Small lines, too
By
Aarin
Wright
The Neptune Theatre – Live music landmark
"The Neptune Theatre" in Seattle used to be a cinema and now is a city landmark of a multi-use art and concerts venue! I love going up to the mezzanine...
By
Aarin
Wright
Royal Grinders – True sandwich royalty
"Royal Grinders" in Seattle makes some amazing sandwiches. They're huge and come for cheap for such a hearty meal. Check out their beer 'display case'!
By
Aarin
Wright
Preserve & Gather – Sip & be hip
"Preserve & Gather" in Seattle has strong coffee, a modern/industrial atmosphere and otherworldly food. Just try their ricotta toast w/ honey. No wi-fi!
By
Aarin
Wright
Easy Street Records – Independent music institution
"Easy Street Records" in West Seattle has been named one of the best US record shops by both Rolling Stone & Time Magazine. Top notch employee curations.
By
Aarin
Wright
Seattle Pops – The fanciest ice pop ever
"Seattle Pops" makes some of the best sweets you can find around. It brings me the same joy I remember as a child. Pro-tip: have yours dipped in chocolate.
By
Aarin
Wright
Cafe Con Todo – Escape the Seattle gray
"Cafe Con Todo" in Seattle (est. mid-2018) is an extension of a salsa dance studio and has occasional dance evenings. Perfect neighborhood cafe ambience.
By
Aarin
Wright
The Octopus Bar – Yo, ho, ho & a bottle of rum
"The Octopus Bar" is by far the best watering hole in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood. The decor should be tacky (in theory), but it's effortlessly cool
By
Aarin
Wright
JarrBarr – Cocktails and Spanish tapas
"JarrBarr" has been dubbed 'the best little bar in Seattle'. It's the kind of place that a friend of a friend of a friend will recommend to you...
By
Diya
Khanna
La Marzocco – Coffee from all over the world
"La Marzocco" in Seattle is the perfect place to sip coffee, flip open your MacBook and lose yourself in your work. It's in the same space as KEXP...
By
Diya
Khanna
Just €9.99!
Heading to Restaurants?
0 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Restaurants Blog & App!
Just €9.99
Going to Restaurants?
✓ 0 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
✓ Full Access to the Restaurants City Blog & App!
