My husband and I will be in Seattle next month, but only for the afternoon and evening
prior to leaving for Alaskan cruise. I have read lots about Seattle and it is a pity that
we have such limited time. Would appreciate
restaurant suggestions.

I'm definitely not an expert on Seattle restaurants, but I love Cafe Campagne, just across the street from Pike's Market, in the same complex as the Inn at the Market. I haven't eaten in the more formal Campagne restaurant, but both dinner and breakfast at the cafe were extraordinary--very simply prepared, very fresh, and very elegant food.

Thanks, Chris. Our hotel is in that area, so it will be convenient for us.

Janice, where will you stay in Seattle? We will probably be there for a few days next year. Maybe you can pass on some impressions when you return. Have a great cruise!

doru, since we are to be there only one night, I booked through Hotwire. I
received a good rate for the Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers downtown. Of course, I had no idea which hotel I had booked until after booking. There seem
to be some charming hotels in Seattle. The "W" receives rave reviews, but was
out of my price range for this trip. My husband and I splurged and booked a cabin with a balcony for the cruise, so I tried to find a good deal in the city.

I know I will love Seattle and will be glad to pass on any information I can,
although it is sure to be limited.

I recognize you from the Italy section, which I read daily. I can't believe
it has taken me this long to check out the North America boards.

The Inn at the Market is the hotel we stay at in Seattle - and we love the restaurant Wild Ginger. They used to be on Western, down from the market, but moved last year so they are more in the regular downtown. Very good, upscale, Asian food.

Seattle is a great town - lots of good restaurants, good hotels too!! Nordstrom and two great knitting stores!!

Pauline from Slow Travelers

There are a lot of great restaurants in the Seattle area. Is there anything in particular that you are looking for? Price range? Cuisine? View?

Campagne and Wild Ginger are both excellent restaurants. The 'hot' area in downtown for food is Belltown (AKA Denny Regrade). It is between Downtown and the Seattle Center.

Our local celebrity chef is Tom Douglas and he has three very good restaurants. Etta's Seafood is in the Pike Place Market, Dahlia Lounge on 4th Ave and Palace Kitchen on 5th. Dahlia is lots of fresh NW foods. The Palace has a bit more emphasis on meat.

A local chain but good food and view is Anthony's on Pier 66. It might be right next to the cruise ship pier. There are two piers for the cruise liners now in Seattle, Pier 60 and Pier 30. The upstairs formal restaurant has the best food and a great view. You might checkout Seattle Citysearch. Their reviews and top restaurants are pretty good.

The Sheraton is a good hotel. I haven't been in W, Elliott Grand Hyatt or the Monaco yet which are our latest trendy hotels.

We have eaten at Campagne also and it was FABULOUS!!!! MAKE reservations ahead of time.

We normally stay at the Monaco Hotel as I am crazy about the funky decor!

Be sure to walk around Pike Place Market during the day and see all the fabulous seafood and fresh flowers!!

Sure do miss that place!

Thanks to all for the great suggestions. We are meeting two friends from Santa Fe for the cruise - one we met in Umbria in the autumn of 2001. They will be in town for two nights and I am envious due to all the great sounding
restaurants.

We will probably remain downtown so that my husband can shop. He's the shopper in the family and especially loves bookstores. Many thanks and I am
sure we will have a memorable evening in Seattle.

[This message was edited by Janice in AL on 20 June 2003 at 10:47 AM.]

Check out Elliott Bay Bookstore. It is one of the great independent bookstores in the Seattle area. It is in Pioneer Square. The buses are free in the downtown area and it is easy to take a bus to Pioneer Square. Pioneer Square and Belltown are really the downtown area.

There's Campagne and Cafe Campagne. Both use same kitchen,but the Cafe is more casual (less expensive)and their menu reflects it.Both are excellent. You might try Priceline and go for a 4 star in that region. Go to Bidding for travel's website for help.