When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Matt's in the Market
Why Matt's in the Market is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Matt's in the Market is a standout dining destination nestled within Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market. This restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere that balances stylish yet casual elegance, making it an excellent place to meet with friends for lunch, dinner, or brunch. One of the most attractive features is its location on the third floor of the Corner Market Building, providing window-side seats that overlook the bustling market below and shimmering views of Elliott Bay. The menu is skillfully crafted around the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from Pike Place Market itself, reflecting authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine. Diners can enjoy a range of dishes from fresh seafood, organic meats, to innovative culinary creations such as seafood paella filled with clams, mussels, octopus, and prawns, as well as unique starters like deviled eggs with local touches. The ever-changing menu ensures a new experience with each visit, capturing the vibrant local flavors and culinary expertise headed by dedicated chefs. Whether savoring the food or enjoying the romantic waterfront setting, Matt's in the Market promises a memorable gathering spot for friends to relax and explore the best of Seattle's market offerings.
Here's what people think of Matt's in the Market
As of recent, Matt's in the Market holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1187 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Matt's in the Market for its exceptional quality of food and the unique waterfront views, which combine to offer a quintessential Seattle dining experience. Many reviewers appreciate the freshness and seasonality of the menu, highlighting standout dishes inspired by locally sourced seafood and produce. The knowledgeable and friendly staff receive positive notes for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. Additionally, the curative wine list and full bar add to the restaurant’s appeal, satisfying a diverse range of tastes. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues such as longer wait times or inconsistency in service, which can slightly detract from the otherwise high-quality experience. A few guests noted that the prices can be on the higher side, which might not suit all budgets. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the consensus is that Matt's in the Market provides delightful food, stunning views, and a well-crafted ambiance, making it a top choice for those looking to enjoy the best of Seattle's culinary scene. Overall, reviews affirm that the restaurant delivers on its promise of fresh, seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine in a charming setting that encourages guests to return.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mark Jensen
I’m changing my review since March (when we ate two 5-star lunches here) because we ate dinner here tonight, and it was disappointing! The dinner menu food options were limited, over-priced, not as savory and fresh, the restaurant was less busy than lunch, but the service was worse and the food took a long time to make and receive (20 minutes for two starters/salad and 50 minutes for two entrees)! The Pork Confit was okay, but not for that price! The cheese plate was the best thing we ordered! The lunch menu food was fresh, done well, with amazing combinations of texture, temperature, flavors, etc. We tried the fried fish sandwich, the pork sandwich, and sides of clam chowder and potato salad. They were each incredible! The service was friendly and complete. The space was cool and clean! Thank you for an amazing experience today!
K M
I started coming here 10 years ago on my first trip to Seattle. My partner and I were desperately hunting for a later reservation near the market and we tried Matt’s on a whim. It was one of the most memorable meals of my life. Cut to today, I’m back in town with my best friends in tow and here we are again. The quality and craftsmanship hasn’t changed in all the years I’ve been coming. The food is consistently delicious, seasonal, local. The ambience a little bustling but not obtrusive. A gentle hum. The service is always warm but not cloying. Will continue to be the only restaurant I recommend to everyone and I will keep coming back as long as they will have me.
Shannon Mueller
The view and atmosphere were lovely! I don’t eat seafood, but my friends raved about the seafood stew and heirloom salad as they ate it. They will be full until tomorrow morning. I had a great time, the waiter was exceptionally friendly, and I left with a free cranberry juice. It was such a treat, and there was even ice! :)
Sarah Munger
Great location, delicious food, good service. The roasted beet salad with pitachios was our favorite. The crab roll tasted like a tuna fish sandwich (probably because of the mayo). Nice view of Pike's Place Market if you sit at the window.
Natalie Gotko
The food here was great! The fishwich was our fav! And the view was phenomenal of the market. Would recommend! Had to wait about an hour during rush hour, so would also probably have been better with a reservation.
How to reach Matt's in the Market
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Why Matt's in the Market may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Matt's in the Market with your friends?
If you're searching for the ideal spot to gather with your friends or family in Seattle, Matt's in the Market offers a compelling combination of scenic views, delicious cuisine, and a warm atmosphere that makes it the perfect rally point. Situated right within the iconic Pike Place Market, this restaurant provides the unique experience of dining with large, arched windows overlooking the vibrant market below. This setting brings a fresh ambiance of energy and authenticity, allowing your group to soak in the bustling life of Seattle's historic market while enjoying a relaxed meal. With a solid rating of 4.5 from over a thousand reviews, it's clear that many guests appreciate the quality, service, and atmosphere offered here. Whether you want to catch up over fine seafood or simply enjoy the casual charm of a local gem, Matt's strikes a balance between fine dining and comfort. Plus, the intimate yet bright setting makes it suitable for any type of meet-up, whether it's a casual catch-up or a special occasion.
All these qualities combine to create an inviting space that encourages connection, conversation, and shared delight with your friends. The restaurant's reputation for thoughtful service and high-quality Pacific Northwest cuisine ensures that your group will feel well-cared for and satisfied. When you want a place that encourages relaxed socializing but with a dash of refined taste, Matt's in the Market is an excellent choice to rally your friends around a memorable meal.
What activities are available at Matt's in the Market that make it perfect for group meetups?
Although Matt's in the Market is primarily a restaurant, the overall experience it offers goes beyond just dining, making it great for group gatherings. The first and most prominent activity is enjoying the thoughtfully prepared dishes that represent some of the best of Seattle’s seafood and local cuisine. With specialties like a phenomenal seafood stew featuring salmon, mussels, clams, scallops, and halibut, and popular sandwiches such as the honkin' hot tuna sandwich, your group can explore a variety of tastes and share dishes for a truly communal meal experience.
The restaurant’s location on the third floor of the Corner Market Building inside Pike Place Market also invites your group to explore before or after your meal. Friends can wander the lively stalls of the market, enjoy fresh produce, artisan goods, and the street performances that often animate this historic area. The vibrant market atmosphere adds a dynamic layer to your visit, creating opportunities for spontaneous fun and shared discoveries.
Additionally, the seating arrangement with large windows overlooking the market provides a relaxed ambiance that is conducive to long conversations and socializing. This makes Matt's not just a place to eat but a venue where your group can linger comfortably and savor the moment. The staff’s attentive service further encourages a welcoming environment for groups, enhancing the overall experience without rush or distraction.
What makes Matt's in the Market a great place to eat with a group?
Matt's in the Market shines in its ability to accommodate groups with a thoughtful menu, attentive service, and flexible atmosphere. The menu is well-curated, focusing on quality over quantity, offering distinctive Pacific Northwest cuisine made with fresh, market-sourced ingredients. This focus allows groups to enjoy sophisticated yet approachable dishes that appeal to a range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Critically, the portions are described as satisfying without being overly large, which means your group can comfortably order multiple shared plates without worrying about waste or expense while sampling a range of dishes. This is ideal for groups who enjoy sharing and trying new flavors together. The beverage selection, including excellent drinks and cocktails, complements the meals, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for social diners.
Service at Matt's is widely praised for being professional and friendly with a team-oriented approach, helping to manage the needs of groups efficiently. This ensures that your meetup flows smoothly from start to finish, with staff attentive to timing, special requests, and the overall comfort of each guest.
Finally, the restaurant’s ambiance — a blend of elegant design and casual warmth, thanks to the bright, airy space with mountain or market views — creates a delightful backdrop for any group event, whether it’s a casual lunch, celebratory dinner, or a friendly gathering after a day exploring Seattle.
How accessible and convenient is Matt's in the Market for group visits?
The convenience of Matt's in the Market does much to support its appeal for groups. Its location in Pike Place Market places it at the heart of Seattle’s most popular and historic neighborhood, surrounded by public transportation options, hotels, and other attractions, making it easy to coordinate meetups without complicated logistics. Being on the third floor of the Corner Market Building, it is fairly accessible while offering a nice retreat from the busier street level, where your group can enjoy a quieter, elevated perspective.
Reserving a table is recommended given its popularity, especially for larger parties, which assures that your group will have a dedicated space upon arrival. The restaurant’s layout comfortably handles mid-sized groups without feeling cramped, and the staff are accustomed to serving parties, ensuring your needs are well attended.
Near important landmarks like the waterfront and famous market stalls, Matt's is ideal for integrating your meal with other social outings such as a market stroll or waterfront walk, adding extra activities to your gathering. The blend of accessibility and atmosphere makes it an excellent hub for groups aiming to experience Seattle’s charm fully while enjoying excellent food and company.
What sets Matt's in the Market apart from other Seattle restaurants for group dining?
Several factors make Matt's in the Market stand out distinctly as a group dining destination in Seattle. First and foremost, its reputation for quality food rooted in the Pacific Northwest culinary tradition helps it maintain a loyal following. The dishes combine local, fresh ingredients with creative preparation, providing authentic, memorable flavors that are hard to find elsewhere.
Secondly, the setting itself is uniquely captivating. The restaurant offers sweeping views of Pike Place Market with huge arched windows that invite in natural light and a lively street scene, making dining here a visually rich and immersive experience. This connection to Seattle’s iconic market is something many other restaurants cannot match.
Moreover, the balance between a refined dining experience and a casual, welcoming environment means it suits various group moods—from a laid-back lunch to a more upscale dinner event. The commitment to excellent service, attention to detail, and the ability to manage the flow and pace of the meal contribute to a seamless group experience, which is often a challenge in busy market neighborhoods.
Lastly, the consistent positive reviews highlight the reliability of the experience, which is crucial when planning group events. Guests commend the friendly ambiance, thoughtful menu, and the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere that makes everyone feel special without pretense.
In sum, Matt's in the Market combines location, cuisine, ambiance, and service into a harmonious whole that makes it an outstanding choice for hosting your next meetup with friends or family in Seattle.