Seattle city guide
Restaurants
Seattle Food Designer: Renée Erickson - Sea Creatures
Renée Erickson is the doyenne of Seattle food designers. A James Beard award winner, Renée has a design background, so it’s only natural that she has redefined Seattle cuisine and set a new bar for inventiveness and sheer joy. Presenting sponsor Amazon has selected Renée’s Sea Creatures as an in-house caterer, and she just opened up two spots in the Amazon Spheres. If you want to experience world class food design at it’s local, seasonal, and fresh peak, try one of the following Sea Creatures restaurants during your stay in Seattle.
IxD19 Team Favorite
Walrus & The Carpenter & Barnacle
Restaurants Ballard
Oysters & other seafood plus American plates & specialty cocktails in a small, simple space.
Location: 4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
IxD19 Team Favorite
General Porpoise
Coffee Shops & Cafes Restaurants Amazon Campus Ballard Capitol Hill Denny Regrade
Every city has its hallowed doughnut institutions but this one is a step above any other doughnut shop. The selection of filled doughnuts here is something you must try. Get here early though as they disappear fast!
Location: 1020 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122
IxD19 Team Favorite
Westward
Restaurants Wallingford
An IxDA Board retreat dinner will be here before the conference, so they must know something... Renée Erickson purchased this gem from another restaurant group last year, and vowed to pretty much leave it intact. That's great, because Westward has one of the freshest seafood menus and most well-curated oyster selections in the city. And that view tho! Sit outside with a blanket (yes! even in February!) on an Adirondack chair as you pregame with cocktails or bubbles and local oysters and take in the glittering skyline as it hovers above Lake Union.
Location: 2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
Bateau & Bar Melusine
Restaurants Capitol Hill
Large slabs of beef can be spied through the window of this powerhouse of steak awesomeness. Rene did not disappoint when she unleashed Bateau upon Seattle a few years back. Bateau now offers a tasting menu as well which is well worth it. Some of the best craft cocktails in th city can be had here as well. Bar Melusine is quite reminiscent of the Walrus and the Carpenter. Most dishes are raw or served chilled even if cooked. The usual fine craft cocktails found at every Erickson establishment and some subtle stylish decor.
Location: 1060 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98109
IxD19 Team Favorite
Willmott's Ghost
Restaurants Amazon Campus Denny Regrade
One of the newest jewels in Renée Erickson's crown, Willmott's Ghost puts an Italian spin on her signature Pacific Northwest style with pizzas and antipasti. Located in the Amazon Spheres, this one is hard to get in to.
Near IxD19 Design Dinner Host
Location: 2100 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
IxD19 Team Favorite
Deep Dive
Restaurants Amazon Campus Denny Regrade
Stunningly beautiful underwater-themed bar at the Amazon Spheres in South Lake Union. Excellent cocktails and fancy small plates, including a Renee Erickson–style hot dog.
Near IxD19 Design Dinner Host
IxD19 Team Favorite
The Whale Wins
Restaurants Fremont
This is the classic that really propelled Renee Erickson to the top of the coterie of Seattle restauranteurs. It's still the great dining experience its always been. Bookish decor and a homey atmosphere make you feel like you're cuddling up with a classic. Spoiler alert: The Whale really does Win!
