Best Special Occasion Restaurant: Canlis
By Seattle Mag November 10, 2025
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2025 issue of Seattle magazine.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Canlis is a Seattle classic. From its perch above Lake Union to its unmatched service, every moment in this restaurant feels special, which is why so many people choose it to mark life’s important moments. Lately, Canlis has undergone some transitions, with one of the namesake brothers leaving for new ventures in Tennessee, and, more recently, the appointment of a new executive chef, Seattle-area native, James Huffman. With Huffman leading the kitchen, Canlis is turning to its Washington roots and doubling down on local sourcing, while keeping consistent quality and respect for tradition a top priority. (Don’t worry. The infamous Canlis salad isn’t going anywhere.) Even an evening in the lounge feels unique, with live piano music, bites as impressive as the full dinner, and a crowd dressed to enjoy the festive atmosphere at one of the city’s most legendary reservations.
2576 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle | (206) 283-3313 | canlis.com
About Best of the Best
Everyone loves a winner. And when it comes to Seattle favorites, there’s no shortage of opinions on which places, spaces, and bites deserve top honors. This year, we did things a little differently—our staff weighed in, debating and voting to determine the best of the best across the city. We also ran our annual Readers’ Choice poll for comparison (and yes, there was overlap in just one category). Here’s to celebrating all the winners, no matter who cast the vote.
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