Puget Sound puts on a free show almost every clear evening, and the best seats are often at a dinner table. The sun drops behind the Olympic Mountains, ferries slide across the water, and sailboats drift back to the marina.
These five waterfront restaurants, from Mukilteo down to Tacoma, let you catch that view with a plate of local seafood in front of you. Each one has its own reason to make the list, so save it for your next date night, family dinner, or out-of-town guest.
1. Anthony’s HomePort Edmonds, Edmonds, WA
Edmonds has one of the prettiest marinas north of Seattle, and Anthony’s HomePort sits right on it at 456 Admiral Way. The restaurant faces west across the water, which is exactly where you want to be looking around dinnertime.
The patio overlooks the boats with the Olympic Mountains rising behind them. If you are near the Port of Edmonds or heading out on a Puget Sound cruise, it makes an easy stop.
The menu leans on hearty Northwest catches. Pan Fried Willapa Bay Oysters and the Cioppino and Caesar combo are solid picks, and the crab cakes and fresh fish get plenty of attention too.
Save room for Anthony’s Burnt Cream, the house take on a classic custard dessert. There is also a full vegetarian menu, including an Impossible Burger.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Hours run until 8:30 PM most nights and 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan around sunset in summer.
2. Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, Mukilteo, WA
Watching the Mukilteo ferry glide across the Sound while you dig into clam chowder is a very Washington way to spend an evening.
Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing sits at 710 Front Street, right near the ferry terminal. Big windows and outdoor seating put the water and the boat traffic front and center.
Fish and chips with fresh cod and creamy clam chowder are the classics here. Halibut, salmon, crab, shrimp, and clams round out the seafood side, and calamari works well for sharing.
Inside, a fireplace gives the dining room a warm feel on cooler nights. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, which is a nice bonus for pet owners.
Dessert fans can look for Ranka’s Carrot Cake or the Chocolate Flourless Torte. Dinner reservations are smart on weekends, when afternoons and evenings fill up quickly.
3. Ray’s Boathouse, Seattle, WA
Ask Seattleites where to take visitors for a sunset dinner, and Ray’s Boathouse comes up fast. This long-standing dockside spot on Seaview Avenue NW in Ballard looks straight out over Shilshole Bay.
Window seats show boats heading in and out near the ship canal. The downstairs patio overlooks the water, where kayaks and paddleboards often pass by.
I would save this one for a special night out. The Grilled Wild Alaskan Ivory King Salmon and Ray’s Pacific Northwest Sablefish are standout plates, and Dungeness Crab Cakes and Penn Cove Mussels keep things local.
Ray’s Pacific Northwest Chowder is a good starter if you cannot decide. The restaurant also has a fireplace and occasional live music.
It is open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM. Book dinner ahead, since Friday through Sunday evenings are the busiest.
4. Boathouse 19, Tacoma, WA
Harbor seals sometimes swim by while diners eat at Boathouse 19, which tells you how close to the water this place sits.
Located at 9001 S 19th Street in Tacoma, it has a deck overlooking Puget Sound plus boat docking and a dock area to stroll. It is one of the go-to spots in town for a sunset meal.
The vibe is more relaxed than some places on this list, and prices are friendlier at about $20 to $30 per person. The menu mixes local seafood with burgers and other American favorites.
Try the Steamed Clams, Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos, or Halibut Fish and Chips. The Boathouse Prime Rib Dip is a hearty pick for anyone skipping seafood.
The Triple Chocolate Brownie Sundae and Boathouse Banana Split make a fun finish. Free parking is usually easy to find.
5. Anthony’s HomePort, Des Moines, WA
Dessert might be the sneaky star in Des Moines. Burnt cream, seasonal treats, and affogato floats give this Anthony’s location a sweet reputation.
The restaurant overlooks the Des Moines Marina and Puget Sound from 421 S 227th Street. An upstairs patio decorated with flowers looks out over the boats and water.
Anthony’s Award-Winning Clam Chowder is a solid opener. Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Northwest Manila Clams, and Chargrilled Fresh Pacific Halibut cover the seafood basics well.
The space has a fireplace for cooler evenings and sometimes hosts live music. Sunday brunch starts at 10 AM, and dinner runs until 9 PM every night.
For South Sound folks, it is an easy way to catch the sunset without heading into Seattle. Reserve ahead for weekend evenings.
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