(Updated October 2023): this post originally was published in 2017, and it’s been on my list to refresh & update it. Today is the day! A guide for those of you who love Seattle, are planning to visit, or want to try some new spots!
It’s time for a very special round-up today of my absolute favorites in Seattle. That’s right, a little hometown guide, from a born-and-raised Seattle girl.
Combining the best of all things in a healthy life:
Food. Travel. Wine. Neighborhoods. Best cocktails. Restaurants. Ambiance. Sunsets. Healthy spots. Hipster Coffee Bars. Cute Shopping. Fun Workouts. GF Treats (GFT’s).
And the best areas in Seattle to hang out, visit and stay.
Also, did I say, ambiance? Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m an ambiance freak.
It’s true: I always make Kyle circle the block a few times, just to find the perfect spot: relaxing and gorgeous, easy on the eyes, but never too fancy or fussy.
It has to make me feel something. You know, with a few good options on the menu for this gluten-free lady.
So many of you have asked for recommendations– both from those of you that live here too, and those of you that come here to visit.
So I thought, why not put it all in ONE PLACE that will always exist?
But, before we jump in, just to note: this is not at all an exhaustive list– there are always new places, restaurants & things to try in this beautiful city (which I always love to try), but instead, this is a little medley of my tried and true favorites. The hidden gems, and special spots I’ve found over the years, and the places I so dearly love– for their quality, the people behind them, the food, the ambiance and overall experience, and the ones that we go back to, over and over again.
The Simply Real Health Seattle Travel Guide
best healthy spots for breakfast, brunch, lunch & lighter dins:
deru market (kirkland)
ben’s bread (not gf but locally owned & family business run)
best coffee shops:
caffe fiore (for organic cold brew that tastes like a dark chocolate bar)
miir (the best peppermint tea of my life, also kombucha and rose on tap)
cafe vita at KEXP (very seattle, eclectic vibe)
Mr. West
best artisan cocktails:
essex (& don’t miss delancy pizza next door if you’re not gf)
best & favorite date night spots:
the pink door (patio)
como (kirkland)
casual restaurants/fun with groups:
mioposto (also a great date night, and GF pizzas, multiple locations)
pancita
real-food dessert/GFT’s (gluten-free treats):
macrina (gf cranberry current scone, gf raspberry jam biscuit & gf blueberry muffin)
nuflours (they have everything gf: special cakes to order, breads savory and sweet, cookies, brownies, muffins, scones, etc)
wildflour baking company (bellevue)
hello robin (multiple locations)
natural wine shops:
Bellevue Wine Co (bellevue)
gluten-free hot spots & supplies
nu-flours (the best gf crostini & cookies)
razzi’s pizzeria (cauliflower crust, gluten-free, egg-free and/or dairy free pizza options for everyone)
flying apron bakery (a vegan GF bakery for those people that can’t do either!)
a/stir (entire menu is gluten and nut-free)
umi sake house (gf sushi)
bamboo sushi (gf sushi & entire menu can be gf)
ghostfish brewing (gf brewery)
cute shops & boutiques owned by amazing seattle women:
queen anne book co (look for the Simply Real Health Cookbooks here!)
book larder (an entire specialty shop dedicated to only cookbooks, look for the Simply Real Health Cookbooks here!)
best walks:
olympic sculpture park
greenlake
golden gardens
discovery park
volunteer park & planatarium
burke gilman bike ride
alki beach
ballard farmers market
university district farmers market
fremont sunday flea market
uw horticulture center
best picnics:
gasworks park
golden gardens
olympic sculpture garden
Other Simply Real Health Healthy Travel Guides:
The Greek Islands Travel Guide
17 Ways To Stay Healthy While Vacationing
What other spots are so worth trying? Leave a comment below and let me know!