Westward

Westward is just one of many restaurants under chef Renee Erickson’s Sea Creatures group. To me, it wins best in class purely because of location (though they are all top notch): sitting right on the water's edge in Northlake, this is the kind of place where you lounge out on the deck overlooking a bunch of boats, and maybe pretend one of them is yours. Like her other spots, the menu is very seafood-focused, but this one is a bit more mediterranean-inspired than, say, The Whale Wins, or Walrus and the Carpenter.

This waterfront institution is an excellent place to slurp briny oysters with a view that reminds you where oysters come from. Their small plates are marginally better than the entrees, so consider Westward an A+ spot for sipping sparkling wine while snacking on potato chips with spicy clam dip, scallop tostadas, and baked oysters with 'nduja butter and melty beef lardo (courtesy of Bateau). Bonus points if you do all your seafood snacking while sitting in a water-facing Adirondack chair.

Westward singularly nails the dream of Seattle visitors and locals alike: serving high-quality, fresh local seafood from a waterfront location with a view. Lake Union laps at the rocky shore just feet from where diners look out toward Downtown as just-shucked oysters gleam from seafood towers. Owned by Seattle's seafood queen, Renee Erickson, Westward takes its mission to present pristine seafood in a simple fashion very seriously, starting with the splurge-worthy shellfish tower.

Sitting on the north end of Lake Union, Westward offers “imaginative water-inspired Northwest fare.” The menu frequently changes to accommodate the freshest seasonal and local ingredients. Dining is available inside or outside on the large deck, near the fire pit, or in the beach area; all seats offer uniquely captivating views of the lake and city behind it. Guests arriving by water can pull kayaks up to the beach or park at Westward’s 100-foot dock.

Two rows of wooden communal tables stand ready for sun worshippers: Half sit inside a glass roll-up door that allows for proper Lake Union viewing, rain or shine, while the other half sit dockside under strings of party lights. Adjacent to the tables, a fire pit constructed from oyster shells keeps an army of Adirondack chair-campers cozy. Warning: When it’s sunny out, the line to grab a seat outside is already 20+ deep by 5pm.

With Lake Union lapping at your feet and the city skyline as a backdrop, it’s no surprise that Westward is a favorite local haunt. The menu combines bold…

One of the city's favorite warm weather "hot spots," Westward is a water-inspired, full-service restaurant and bar that first opened its sails in the fall of 2013 on the north shore of Lake Union. The talented culinary team sends out delectable, innovative dishes that balance contemporary Northwest and Mediterranean flavors with an approach called "natural and continually evolving, reflecting the simplicity of great products, fresh ingredients and the changing seasons." A wood-burning oven anchors the kitchen, and each seat in the restaurant boasts stunning views of the lake and cityscape. Outside, a large deck, fire pit and beach area provide the ideal vantage point for sipping cocktails in the warmer months or for snuggling under wool blankets (provided by the venue) in the winter.

Sail away to seafood paradise from the shores of Lake Union: when Renee Erickson added this waterfront gem to her Sea Creatures restaurant group, she got rid of the Wes Anderson-esque boat behind the bar but kept the Mediterranean and seafood theme on the menu and the waterfront fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Go big with a seafood tower featuring pristine shellfish and a flight of house-made hot sauces or stick to simple snacks like the spicy clam dip and marinated mussels before moving onto mains, such as crispy duck leg with aioli, chickpea fritters, and saffron clams. In case you missed it, Westward—a waterfront institution—was purchased by the team behind The Walrus And The Carpenter back in 2018.

Seattle’s 200-plus miles of shoreline make for the ultimate seafood city. An excellent place to experience the region’s marine bounty is at one of James Beard award-winning chef Renee Erickson’s restaurants. Although the The Walrus and the Carpenter inspired American celebrity chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain to deem the restaurant’s oysters and Muscadet combo as ‘perfect happiness’ during his Seattle visit in 2012 – launching the beloved Seattle chef to national fame – Erickson’s Westward, on the shores of Lake Union, gets our vote for the best bivalve-slurping waterfront spot in the city.

Located at the northern end of Lake Union, Westward is a nautically-styled restaurant where you can even arrive by paddling your kayak right to the door. From the outdoor patio, complete with tables that have heated tents, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of a small beach, the water, and the Seattle skyline, illuminated after dark. It has a casual atmosphere, with the menu focused on New American fare that includes many fresh seafood dishes, including local oysters and seared halibut that can be enjoyed with inventive cocktails and followed up with an amazing dessert.

Perched on the north shore of Lake Union, Westward offers one of Seattle’s most picturesque dining settings—think Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and skyline views that practically beg for a glass of wine in hand. The Mediterranean-leaning menu highlights Pacific Northwest seafood, with standout dishes like baked oysters with ’nduja butter (these are amazing), clam dip with housemade chips, and gigante beans with tomato and feta. It’s especially perfect for small plates and summer evenings on the deck.

Not only is the patio perfect for outdoor dining but it also happens to be a Renee Erickson restaurant. So that means you’ll get an amazing menu and experience to match those stunning views. Where: 2501 N Northlake WayHours: Dinner Monday-Thursday 4 pm-9 pm, Friday & Sunday 4 pm-9 pm, Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 4 pm-5 pm, Friday Lunch 12 pm-2 pm, Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10 am-2 pm, Limited Bar Menu Friday-Sunday 2 pm-4 pm

When her Sea Creatures restaurant group took over this restaurant on Lake Union’s northern shore, it imported its oyster-loving sensibilities to a food menu that spans the length of the Pacific coast. Now, on most days, Westward’s oyster selection is even bigger than the one at Walrus and the Carpenter. They come raw and perfect, or as mezcal shooters, paired with agave spirits, or as part of a resplendent seafood tower.

(We await Lake Union's Westward, from celeb chef Josh Henderson.) What management at these places demands of its kitchens, and generally gets, is a predictably high level of execution: ingredients of good quality properly prepared. But in the prime locations, to justify the high prices, there must also be drama, and the drama must come from the presentation. So you get towers, you get careful plating, you get sizzle.

If throwing back oysters and bubbly while basking in the late-day sunlight of those perfect Seattle summer evenings on the water sounds like your idea of a good time, there's no better place to do it than Westward, Renee Erickson's seafood spot tucked into a cove in north Lake Union. (That deck is the perfect place to take in the fourth of July fireworks, though the cove nearby works if you can't nab a spot.)

Westward on North Lake Union serves a Mediterranean menu for brunch and dinner in a stunning location with a lakeside view. Executive Chef Zoi Antonitsas balances Mediterranean and Northwest flavors, and many of his dishes are prepared in a wood-burning oven. The approach of those who run this water-inspired restaurant is natural and casual, with a focus on fresh ingredients and high-quality produce.

We've rounded up some of the best seafood specials in town, including extravagant seafood towers at L'Oursin Like Add to a List and Westward Like Add to a List , delightfully messy seafood boils at Crawfish King Like Add to a List , and luxurious Dungeness crab rolls at Local Tide Like Add to a List . Read on to learn about all of those and more. For more ideas, check out our food and drink guide.

As most locals will tell you, Westward is a must-visit spot in the Seattle area at pretty much any hour of the day. But come happy hourーwhich is hosted Monday through Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m.ーvisitors can enjoy deals on draft brews, cocktails and even oyster dishes, which are a specialty of the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. For more information, visit www.westwardseattle.com.

While we’re on the topic of views from the water, I’m drawn to images of aidarondeck chairs circled around a fire pit stacked upon oyster shells set on the northern bank of busy Lake Union. This restaurant and bar serves up tasty local fare with a focus on seafood items and delicious craft cocktails. Enjoy brunch while the maritime world of Seattle goes about without a care.

Set on the stunning Seattle waterfront and featuring local seafood daily, Westward offers a cozy boathouse feel while serving up an incredible spread. Brunch and dinner menus are broken up by portion sizes, making it easy to know which dishes to share and which plates are great for younger diners. Regardless which dish you try, you won’t be disappointed.

Westward offers a unique dining experience with its stunning waterfront views and laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant combines a relaxed, nautical-inspired interior with a menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dishes often highlight local seafood and other Pacific Northwest specialties, providing a flavorful and satisfying dining experience.

To experience one of the most scenic restaurants in Seattle that also has a lively hot setting and great food check out Westward & Little Gull. I visited on a Thursday evening around happy hour and it was bumping. The food uses locally sourced ingredients showcasing the freshest most seasonal ingredients from local purveyors whenever possible.

I love bringing friends to Westward, especially on a sunny day. Situated on the north shore of Lake Union, it offers stunning water views, complete with seaplanes landing nearby. The Mediterranean-inspired Pacific Northwest menu features amazing oysters, roasted fish, and well-crafted cocktails—perfect for a relaxed yet sophisticated outing.

A hidden gem, Westward, is literally located directly on the banks of Lake Union. Showcasing picnic style seating for a more ‘refined’ style of eating – you can relax and unwind in one of their Adirondack chairs that line the shore. The views of the city will reflect in your cocktails as you chat and chow in this magical bistro.

Seattleites, you are in for a treat with the north bank of Lake Union, which opens for waterfront dining, with an outdoor fire pit, bright beachfront seating, sustainable seafood, including a range of fresh, local oysters. Grab a bite to eat and head to Westward. This seafood restaurant offers a wide variety of shellfish dishes.

With Westward’s sandy banks and beach umbrellas, you’ll have a hard time believing you’re still in Seattle. Credit: Stephanie Forrer. Located directly on the north shores of Lake Union, Westward is an ideal spot for outdoor dining with imaginative seafood-centric fare complemented by an unbeatable waterfront view.

Are you looking for a quiet dining experience with sweeping lakeside views?. If yes, then Westward is the restaurant you are looking for. Located at Northlake, Westward offers its customers breathtaking views of the surrounding lake and its delectable Mediterranean cuisine away from hassles of Downtown Seattle.

As Washington state fully opens, you can enjoy the gorgeous outdoor ambiance and delicious food, starting with this fantastic restaurant located on the northern shore of Lake Union. It’s impeccably designed and focused on seafood. It has a boat-shaped bar and a light-colored dining room perched on a pier.

website | 2501 N Northlake Way ( get directions) | neighborhood: Northlake | cuisine: seafood. Westward is another one of the Instagram-worthy restaurants in Seattle that’s owned by Renee Erickson. Thanks to its Lake Union location, it offers visitors seriously impressive views from every angle.

The north shore of Lake Union is where you will find Westward. More than a restaurant, Westward even offers oyster shucking classes!. Menu options change daily to keep things fresh, but some offerings include Blue Prawn Crudo, Local Sockeye Salmon, Crispy Octopus Salad, and so much more.

Westward takes its culinary inspiration from the great and storied land of the Mediterranean. Which, in case you didn't know, is pretty dang famous for its seafood. Though their menu changes daily, you can head in confident in both the high quality of the food and the waterside views.

Westward is a waterfront dining experience offering guests spectacular views of Lake Union. You find all the typical American dishes at Westward, as well as exotic menu items like crispy shallots, piparra peppers, polenta fritters, Hama Hama manila clams, and whole roasted poussin.

At this gorgeous gathering spot by the sea, weddings take on a mellow, conversational vibe. With unique views of the lake and the city, this picturesque restaurant has your back. Lounge and toast on the massive deck, at the firepit, or on the beach, and eat well the whole time.

After Josh Henderson sold Westward to Renee Erickson’s restaurant group, Westward got a Sea Creatures makeover. What did not change is Westward’s outdoor seating with beachside views and fire pits. “Arrive by foot, vehicle, boat, kayak or tie up to our dock,” its website says.

Summer in Seattle isn’t complete without a visit to Westward. This lakeside dining spot always manages to give you a holiday feel, helped along by cheery beachside seating, a crisp drink, and a fried oyster sandwich in hand. What else do you need for an enjoyable afternoon?

Westward serves up seafood and Mediterranean/new American cuisine in a charming lakeside location on the north shore of Lake Union. The atmosphere inside is casual and cool, done up in a fresh and modern maritime theme. In good weather, however, the place to be is outside.

Grab fresh oysters and drinks at this gorgeous waterfront location overlooking Lake Union. Snag a seat inside if the weather’s not ideal, or relax in the Adirondack chairs facing the lake on a sunny afternoon for the perfect view of Seattle from Westward.

2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, United States (206) 552-8215. You can go and enjoy a romantic time at the restaurant while enjoying the Mediterranean menu. It has a lake-side view that is pretty magical, especially with the evening sun.

(Be forewarned: They do not take reservations.) Another spot for top-notch seafood (and views) is Westward (westwardseattle.com), by chef and restauranteer Renee Erickson.

On the north shore of Lake Union, this is the perfect spot to eat the best food (newly a part of Sea Creatures) and then literally sail off into the sunset.

2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103Phone: 206-552-8215 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by WESTWARD (@westwardseattle)

Westward is a great spot by the shimmering waters of Lake Union; lounge on their outdoor patio with tables, fire pits and heated tents.