Seattle has a wealth of good restaurants, with especially fine Asian, Italian, and seafood establishments. Many restaurants use fresh regional ingredients, feature Northwest wines and serve local micro brews on tap. The following list of dining suggestions is somewhat idiosyncratic and is by no means complete, but it does include a variety of ethnic choices and highlights some of the best downtown eateries. Remember that the restaurant business can be rather changeable; these recommendations were current as of September 1997. Please note that many Seattle restaurants do not permit smoking, and that some pubs are also smoke-free. The area code for all telephone numbers is 206. Starred restaurants are personal favorites.

Downtown and Waterfront

Andaluca Restaurant & Bar, 4th and Olive Way, 382-6999, moderate to expensive; Mediterranean cuisine

Assaggio Ristorante, 2010 4th Ave., 441- 1399, moderate; bustling place recently voted best Italian restaurant by Seattle Weekly readers

*Athenian Inn, 1517 Pike Place Market, 624-7166, moderate; breakfast, lunch, dinner until 6:30 p.m., dozens of seafood specials; 16 beers on tap, overlooks waterfront

B & O Espresso, 204 Belmont E. (on Capitol Hill), 322-5028; muffins, pastries

Benihana, 5th and University, 682-4682, moderate; Japanese cooking as performance art, fun for large groups

Betay Avone, 113 Blanchard, 448-5597, moderate; kosher

Blowfish Asian Cafe, 722 Pine St., 467-7777, inexpensive; flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine, open until 1 a.m., busy after 5 p.m.

*Briazz, 1400 5th Ave., 343-3099, inexpensive; breakfast and lunch, creative menu, mostly take-out with some counter space available

*Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House, 1212 2nd Ave., 224-7000, moderate; popular lunch and dinner spot, serves good selection of micro brews

Bruegger's Bagels, 701 5th Ave., 682- 6722, in the Columbia Center

Cafe Campagne, 1600 Post Alley, 728- 2233, expensive; French bistro with view of the Market

Campagne Restaurant, 86 Pine St., 782- 2800, expensive; country French, dinner only, rabbit stew and cassoulets

Cutter's Bayhouse, 2001 Western, 448- 4884, moderate; eclectic seafood menu, nice views of Elliott Bay

Dahlia Lounge, 1904 4th Ave., 682-4142, expensive; exotic Northwest cuisine

El Puerco Lloron, 1501 Western (on the hill climb at Pike Place Market), inexpensive; authentic Mexican in the Market, nofrills atmosphere features card tables and folding chairs, good spot for lunch

*Elliott's Oyster House, Pier 56, 623- 4340, moderate; unpretentious and very good seafood restaurant on the waterfront, fine for lunch or dinner

*Etta's Seafood, 220 Western Ave., 2020 Western Ave., expensive; seafood expertly prepared with great menu variety, Asian influences

Flying Fish, 2234 1st Ave., 728-8595, expensive; trendy seafood place

Frank & Bernie's City Deli, 2007 4th Ave., 269-0959, breakfast and lunch

Fuller's, 1400 6th Ave. at the Sheraton, 447-5544, very expensive; innovative Northwest cuisine, decor features the work of regional artists

The Georgian Room, 411 University (Four Seasons Olympic Hotel), 621-7889, expensive; fine dining in an elegant setting

Gravity Bar, 113 Virginia St., 448-8826, moderate; fresh-squeezed vegetable juice, vegetables over rice, salads, sandwiches, organic wines, hip decor

Hoopla Restaurant, 916 3rd Ave., and 1101 4th Ave., 464-4111; breakfast and lunch

Ivar's Acres of Clams, Pier 54, 624-6852, moderate; waterfront fish and chowder house, a favorite with tourists

Ivar's Fish Bar, Pier 54, 467-8063; inexpensive; chowder, fish and chips

Jackrabbit, A Gourmet Cafeteria, 910 2nd Ave., 292-6922; breakfast and lunch, open 7a.m.

Jazz Alley, 2037 6th Ave., 441-9729; moderate, entertainment cover charge (varies with performer); premier jazz performers in a nice room, dinner is served with the first set, catch the second set for the music

Kell's Irish Restaurant and Pub, 1916 Post Alley, 728-1916, moderate; lunch and dinner, live Irish music Wednesday-Sunday

Kosher Delight, 1509 1st Ave., 682-8140, at Pike Place Market

McCormick's Fish House and Bar, 722 4th Ave., 682-3900, popular with local business clientele, happy hour (3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-closing) features great inexpensive bar food

*McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, 1103 1st Ave., 623-5500, moderate lunches, expensive dinners; grilled and baked fish

*Metropolitan Grill, 820 2nd Ave., 624- 3287, moderate lunches, expensive dinners; best steaks in Seattle, corn-fed, dry-aged beef cooked over a mesquite grill, rated among the top 10 U.S. steak houses

Nikko, 1900 5th Ave. at the Westin, 322- 4641, moderate; excellent Japanese food, good sushi bar

Noodle Ranch, 2228 2nd Ave., 728-0463, inexpensive; Asian noodle place

ObaChine, 1518 6th Ave., 749-9653, expensive; Pan Asian menu, interesting artwork, save room for dessert

Palace Kitchen, 2030 5th Ave., moderate; upscale urban, retro 1950s restaurant, informal atmosphere with open kitchen, great appetizers, interesting entrees, delicious desserts, open 5 p.m.-l a.m.

Palomino Bistro, 1420 5th Ave., 623- 1300, moderate; good pizza, alder-fired oven bakes smoky fish and roasted chicken, trendy Euro-Italian ambiance

The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley (behind the pink door, of course), 443-3241, moderate; plentiful Italian food cheerfully served amidst kitschy décor

*Place Pigalle Restaurant and Bar, 81 Pike St., 624-1756, expensive; premier Northwest cuisine, view of Puget Sound from an intimate Pike Place Market setting, great drinks and wine list

Poor Italian Cafe, 214 Virginia St., 441- 4313, moderate; pasta and chicken

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits, Pier 55, 623-1942, and 1100 4th Ave., 447- 1909, moderate; a local upscale burger chain

Reiner's, 1106 8th Ave. (worth finding), 624-2222, expensive; dinner only, intimate dining room, wonderful continental cuisine, fantastic apple strudel

Roy's Seattle, 1900 5th Ave. at the Westin, 256-7697, expensive; Pan-Pacific cuisine featuring creative grilled seafood

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, 800 5th Ave., 624-8524, expensive; second best steaks in Seattle

Salute In Citta Ristorante Italiano, 616 Stewart, 728-1611, moderate; good pizza, live jazz Thursday-Sunday

Seattle Bagel Bakery, 1302 Western, 624- 2187, two blocks south of Pike Place Market

Seattle’s Best Coffee, Pike Place Market, Westlake Mall, 500 Union 51., 1110 4th Ave., 1321 2nd Ave.; up-and-coming Seattle coffee chain

Sisters European Snacks, 1530 Post Alley, Pike Place Market, 623-6723, breakfast and lunch, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Space Needle Restaurant, 443-2100 (reservations recommended), expensive; free elevator ride to the top for restaurant patrons, restaurant revolves slowly as you dine for a 360 degree view

Starbucks Coffee, too many downtown locations to list, the very first Starbucks is located at 1912 Pike Place Market

Steamer's Seafood Cafe, Pier 56, 623- 2066, and Pier 59, 624-0312, inexpensive; clams, fish and chips

Subway Sandwiches & Salads, 1620 4th Ave., and at the Convention Center

Taco Del Mar, 1st & Union, and at the Convention Center; fast food

Theoz Restaurant, 1523 6th Ave., 749- 9660, moderate; exceptional and eclectic Pacific Rim menu, wonderful salads, hot and sour crab chowder

Three Girls Bakery, 1514 Pike Place, 622-1045; breakfast and lunch

Todo Wraps, several downtown locations, inexpensive; interesting burritos

Tulio Ristorante, 1100 5th Ave. (at the Vintage Park Hotel), 624-5500, moderate; features pastas

Tully's Coffee, 415 Pike, and 1st and Virginia; another locallatte-Iand favorite

Union Square Grill, 621 Union, 224- 4321, moderate; informal continental atmosphere, nice Bouillabaisse

Virazon, 1329 1st Ave. (south end of Pike Place Market), 233-0123, moderate; sophisticated French cuisine featuring seafood and game

*Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant & Satay Bar, 1400 Western Ave., 623-4450 (dinner reservations recommended), moderate; excellent Pan-Asian and Northwest cuisine, fea turing curries and seafood, open late, popular

Dessert and Espresso Places

Cafe Paradiso, 1005 E. Pike St., 322-69/j'i; Capitol Hill coffeehouse with acous~ music

Dilettante Chocolates, 416 Broadway E. (on Capitol Hill), 329-6463

Garden Court, 411 University (Four Seasons Olympic Hotel), 621-1700, expensive; lovely setting, elegant desserts, live swing music and dancing

Macrina Bakery, 2408 1st Ave., 448-4032; small bakery/cafe in Belltown bakes great bread

Pacific Desserts, locations on Capitol Hill at 516 Broadway Ave. and Queen Anne Hill at 127 Mercer 51.

Pubs and Breweries

*Big Time Brewing Company, 4133 University Way NE, 545-4509; a real "micro" brewery in the heart of the university district, pizza and sandwiches

Dad Watson's Restaurant and Brewery, 3601 Fremont Ave. N., 632-6505; located in the hip Fremont neighborhood, part of the Portland-based McMenamins brew pu1 chain

Elysian Brewing Co., 1221 E. Pike, 86r 1920; Capitol Hill micro brewery that serves Mexican fare

*Hale's Ales Brew Pub and Restaurant, 4301 Leary Way NW, 782-0737; one of Seattle's first micro breweries, serves good food and fine ales in Ballard

*Pike Pub and Brewery, 1415 1st Ave, 622-6044; a new pub on the south end of the Pike Place Market, features spent grain pizza crust with unusual toppings like garam masala sauce with tiger prawns (perfect with their India Pale Ale), also includes a brewing museum and cigar room

Pyramid Breweries, 1201 1st Ave. S., 682-3377; across from the new Mariner’s ballpark, brews fine ales and root beers

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 1333 5th Ave., 623-3070, new downtown brew pub

Pioneer Square

Al Boccalino, 1 Yesler Way, 622-7688, moderate to expensive; one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants, great antipasti, fish, pasta, lamb

*Bakeman's Restaurant, 122 Cherry St., 622-3375; inexpensive cafeteria, great sandwiches (try the meatloaf sandwich for comfort food), homemade soups, crowded at lunch time but the sandwich line moves quickly

Bruegger's Bagels, 107 1st Ave. S., 621-8933

Cafe Hue, 312 2nd Ave. S. (near Kingdome), 625-9833, moderate; contemporary Vietnamese restaurant and bakery with French influences

Elliott Bay Book Cafe, 1st South and S. Main, 682-6664, inexpensive; good lunch spot in the basement of popular independent bookstore

F. X. McRory's Steak Chop & Oyster House, 419 Occidental S., 623-4800; boisterous bar near the Kingdome, huge variety of liquor, wine, and beer

Il Terrazzo Carmine, 4111st Ave. S., 467- 7797, moderate to expensive; upscale Italian, intimate, crowded on weekends

Los Gauchos Argentinean Steakhouse, 122 S. Jackson St., 621-0550, moderate; good steaks near the Kingdome.

New Orleans Restaurant, 1141stAve. S., 622-2563, moderate; Creole and Cajun food, live jazz and blues

Trattoria Mitchelli, 84 Yesler Way, inexpensive; fun Italian place, serves breakfast, jazz on Monday nights and second Thursday of the month

Zaina Food, Drinks & Friends, 108 Cherry St., 624-5687, inexpensive; Middle Eastern urban cafeteria serving good falafel and gyros

Capitol Hill

Broadway New American Grill, 314 Broadway Ave. E., 328-7000, inexpensive; burgers, cheery bar, live jazz

Chutney's Grille on the Hill, 605 15th Ave. E., 726-1000, moderate; Indian cuisine, curries, naan, tandoori chicken

Coastal Kitchen, 429 15th Ave. E., 322- 1145, moderate; changing seafood menu, good breakfast/brunch, crowded on weekends

El Greco, 219 Broadway E., 328-4604, inexpensive; Greek, outstanding pastas and salads, fine freshly-made desserts.

Gallerias, 210 Broadway Ave. E., 322- 5757, moderate; gourmet Mexican

Kingfish Cafe, 602 19th Ave. E., 320- 8757, inexpensive; contemporary southern cuisine, fried chicken, catfish, grits, open 11:30-2 p.m., 6-9 p.m.

Kokeb Ethiopian Restaurant, 926 12th Ave., 322-0485, inexpensive; superb

Siam, 616 Broadway E., 324-0892, inexpensive; small but good Thai restaurant

Z-Ritz, 720 E. Pike St., 329-6448, moderate; Italian/Mediterranean, upscale romantic bistro, features grilled lamb and crab bisque

International District

Bush Garden, 614 Maynard Ave. S., 682- 6830, moderate; Japanese, private rooms available, Karaoke nightly at 9:30 p.m.

Ga Ga Lok, 424 Maynard Ave. S., 521- 8933, inexpensive; sizzling hot pots and good Singapore chicken

Green Village Restaurant, 721 S. King St., 614-3632, inexpensive; Sichuan menu

Han Il Garden Restaurant, 409 Maynard Ave. S., 597-0464, inexpensive; Korean

Saigon Bistro, 1032 S. Jackson St. (second floor), 329-4939, inexpensive; Vietnamese

Sea Garden Restaurant, 509 7th Ave. S., 623-2100, inexpensive; Cantonese menu

Neighborhood Restaurants

Adriatica, 1107 Dexter Ave. N., 285-5000; delicious eclectic pastas, overlooking Lake Union

Bamboo Garden Vegetarian Cuisine, 364 Roy, 282-6616; vegan/kosher Chinese restaurant near the Seattle Center (take the monorail or city bus)

Cafe Flora, 2901 E. Madison St., 325- 9100; elegant vegetarian restaurant with indoor fountain and plants, in Madison Park area

Chandler's Crabhouse & Fresh Fish Market, 901 Fairview N., 223-2722, expensive; on Lake Union, featuring crab and salmon specials and exotic grilled fish

Chinook's at Salmon Bay, Fisherman's Terminal, 283-4665, moderate; seafood, great family/group restaurant on a working waterfront

India House, 4737 Roosevelt Way NE, 632-5072, moderate; good Indian food in the university district, charcoal-fired tandoor ovens, lamb specials

Ponti Seafood Grill, 3014 3rd Ave. N. in Fremont, 284-3000, moderate; Italian seafood, view of the Lake Washington ship canal

*Ray's Boathouse, 6049 Seaview Ave. NW, 789-3770, expensive; fine seafood and a great view from this Seattle institution on Shilshole Bay in Ballard

Restaurant Shilla, 2300 8th Ave., 623- 9996, moderate; the most authentic Korean restaurant in Seattle (try the "fire beef"), also serves Japanese cuisine, very comfortable

Saleh al Lego, 6804 E. Greenlake Way N., 534-4044, expensive; exquisite Italian food expertly served in a cozy restaurant across from Green Lake

Siam, 1880 Fairview E., 323-8101, moderate; Thai food near Lake Union

Szmania's, 3321 W. McGraw St. (in Magnolia), 284-7305, moderate; intimate neighborhood restaurant, open kitchen, Continental seafood

Tup Tim Thai, 118 W. Mercer, 281-8833, inexpensive; Thai, at the foot of Queen Anne Hill, generous portions, busy atmosphere.