Restaurant Roundup: Take a bite of the latest Seattle food news
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City
By Ben McBee April 11, 2025
If you were to put all of Seattle’s food news on a menu, you’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant with a table big enough to fit it all. So, we’re giving the scene the tapas treatment, breaking what’s going on in the city down to bite-sized tidbits for your reading (and eating) pleasure.
Duke’s Seafood says goodbye to Alki
An iconic waterfront dining destination has gone under. Duke’s Seafood on Alki closed after 25 years in business, finally succumbing to financial strain stemming from the pandemic and the long-term West Seattle Bridge closure. Owners Duke and John Moscrip sold the building to Do Si — the Korean barbecue restaurant plans to open in the space by July 4.
Fresh fare to fest on
It’s not all doom and gloom though, as plenty of new restaurants are making their mark, from Migaku’s multi-course Japanese dinners in Ballard to Hey Bagel in University Village. See more recent openings.
Award season eyes elsewhere
Those hungry for more Seattle in the latest round of the James Beard Awards are likely to be unsatisfied with the latest announcements. Only two restaurants, Atoma and Archipelago, are finalists on the national stage, and Washington chefs almost missed out completely on any regional nods (Jay Blackinton of Houlme on Orcas Island was the sole representative).
Pidgin takes flight
Putting restaurants back in the hands of the people — that’s what Pidgin Collective aims to do with a new Kickstarter campaign. The worker-owned concept from brothers Zach and Seth Pacleb — you might remember their farmers market stand Ramen and Tacos — has its sights set on the former Highliner Public House space at Fishermen’s Terminal.
The name’s Mr. Fish
Seatown Rub Shack and Fish Fry, which has been operating in a patio-only capacity in the Pike Place Market, will soon be home to a different spot for local seafood (think Dungeness crab and fresh oysters). Called Mr. Fish, the business plans to open in May.
Family-made makgeolli
Rainbrew is bringing a new flavor to Woodinville’s wine country. The recently opened makgeolli brewery (also known as Korean rice wine) is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and only the second to open in the country. Traditionally unpasteurized, it’s best to enjoy the drink straight from the source, the way it has been for centuries.
Rollin’ on
After a several-week closure stemming from a permit issue, omakase chain Sushi by Scratch got the green light from the King County health department to reopen on April 4. Reservations for this small tasting menu restaurant ($185 per guest) are released on the first of the month at 10 a.m. for the following month’s time slots.
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