Matt’s In The Market, Seattle

It’s one of my favorite texts, “I’m in town next week. Can you go to dinner?”  When an out of towner is visiting, it’s usually up to the resident to pick the venue. I love being the “host” and showing my city off. Even though my friend had visited many times, I still wanted to take her somewhere new. I knew my friend preferred seafood. Convenient as Seattle is best at seafood! I eventually landed on Matt’s in the Market. Matt’s is tucked away upstairs in the Pike Place Market. It’s not hard to find, but you do have to know how to find it. Matt’s is a perfect place for out of towners. Often in Seattle, you have to choose: view or food. Matt’s doesn’t have a water view, but with its location in the heart of Pike Place Market, its view of the iconic sign and some of the freshest seafood around, it hits both marks. Due to its tucked away location, it doesn’t feel touristy despite being inside the market.

A big plus for me, you can dress up for dinner here if that’s how you roll. (Caveat, I can dress up almost anywhere!) Seattle is a casual city. Matt’s is like many of the nicer restaurants in Seattle where you can get away with dressing up but don’t be surprised I you end up sitting next to a group outfitted in hoodies. But with the low lighting and romantic view of the market (even better if’s it’s lightly raining) Matt’s is good date night choice.

We started off with the steak tartare. We split the tomato and watermelon salad and I finished with the halibut for my entrée. Everything was wonderful, so fresh and tasty and it’s nice to take advantage of fresh, local ingredients just as their seasons are winding down. With so much going for it vibes wise, you could suspect the food to be subpar. Not the case at all! I’ve never had a bad meal at Matt’s.