Hi All- I am going to Seattle next week and staying in the southern Seattle area. I would love to have some great restaurant recommendations. Some great authentic Italian is a must as well as killer Chinese. I am staying for 6 days/5 nights.

Thanks, Dawn

Hi Dawn!
Gosh, I really don't know South Seattle that well. The only places I've eaten are chain type restaurants like Bahama Breeze near the Southcenter Mall. How far south will you be? Near the airport? Here's a few that I found on City Search in the Sea-Tac area.

Will you be in the City at all? If so, I can give you lots of recommendations. Of course, our International District (ID) has wonderful Chinese restaurants.

Hi Dawn

I can't think of any great Italian restaurants off the top of my head (I'm sure I'll remember by the end of the day), but for great Seattle dining I would recommend Salty's on Alkai beach. It has great views from across the sound of the skyline and the food has always been teriffic. It's a bit pricey, but worth it if you don't mind paying for the atmosphere. If you're staying in the Sea-Tac area, there are quite a few good restaurants downtown Renton that are smaller and locally owned.

If you could be a bit more specific about where exactly in S. Seattle you're staying I'm sure I could be of a bit more help (lived there 18 years).

I live north of Seattle so I don't get a chance to dine in South Seattle much. There has been a recent resurgence in restaurants in the Columbia City area which is on Rainier Valley Avenue. I like La Medusa for Southern Italian. Also in the area is Tutta Bella Pizzeria. It is a certified Neapolian Pizzeria. Very thin crusts but great flavor. I've been to the Wallingford branch several times. Another Italian that I've heard recommended is Filbertos in Des Moines. Here is another review.

If you are staying closer to the airport, I second the recommendation to check out what is in Renton. Armondos is not bad. As far as Chinese, I've heard good things about Imperial Garden in Kent. They are supposed to have great dim sum. It's located in the Great Wall shopping mall. Hong's garden near the renton Airport has been recommended as above average chinese. Thai is popular also. Bai Tong near the airport is supposed to be good.

For fish, a tried and true chain here in the Seattle Area is Anthony's. They have a branch in Des moines. Salty's also has a branch in Redondo Beach which is closer to the airport.

For Mexican, I highly recommend Tacos Guyamas. They have several branches in the area including White Center and Renton. They are mainly a burrito, taqueria place. There are also several taco trucks that are very good in the White Center area.

Thanks everyone for your great ideas and recommendations. I guess I should have been more specific but at the time, I was deciding between staying at a hotel (with the rest of my son's soccer team) or at a bed and breakfast. The B&B won out and I am staying at the Villa B&B in Tacoma. I think I will have to drive a bit but I think in the long run, it will be worth it.

Dawn