Seattle, Washington

We asked Chef Concierge Heather Holmes at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle to gather the savviest sightseeing suggestions she could find—not just her own but also those of other local connoisseurs, including some she works with every day at the Hotel. Seattle has one of the most beautiful natural environments of any major city in the world, with water and mountains surrounding it. In addition to the plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation, the city boasts thriving art, culinary and music scenes.

Cutting-Edge Restaurants

The Capitol Hill neighbourhood offers guests some of the best dining in Seattle. Depending on what type of cuisine guests are interested in, from uber-trendy gastropubs to truly authentic Italian dining, Capitol Hill has something for everyone. Tavern Law is a speakeasy featuring prohibition-style cocktails and a seasonal New American menu of small plates that change weekly. Spinasse, an authentic trattoria featuring Northern Italian fare, is truly special. The incredible pastas are handmade in-house every morning, and meats are superb. Try to get a seat at the Chef’s counter, where you can watch your meal being lovingly prepared while you sip on a glass of wine from the all-Northern Italian wine list. Crush, which is in a renovated arts-and-crafts home, presents local ingredients in a modern and innovative way, with small plates of many courses.

Another great option is to dine at the Hotel. Chef Kerry Sear has created a vibrant menu for ART Restaurant featuring eclectic, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the Pacific Northwest. The superb cuisine is only rivalled by the stunning views of Elliot Bay. Diners can watch ferries and cargo ships slowly pass through the bay as they dine on perfect sea scallops. ART Restaurant also offers more than 160 wines, including the finest Pacific Northwest vintages.

Best Coffee

In a city known for its coffee, the number of distinctive coffee houses is truly impressive.

The owners of Espresso Vivace spent years studying the art of espresso in Rome. Baristas at Vivace must apprentice for at least two years before refining their artistic craft. Not only does the espresso have incredible flavour, but the baristas create elaborate rosetta designs with the foam. They are true artists at Vivace.

Caffe Ladro is just a crosswalk away from the Hotel, and it is the perfect way to start the day. All of the drinks are unique, including its brewed-to-perfection organic fair-trade coffee and tea. The best part about Ladro is the baked goods to complement your tasty beverage.

Seattle Coffee Works is an active roastery, where coffee for purchase is often roasted the same day. This Seattle spot is a favourite among locals and is known for strong, full-bodied espresso drinks.

Best Local Beer

Redhook Ale Brewery, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Seattle in Woodinville, is the perfect Northwest brewery if you are in the mood for a high-quality, handcrafted pint of “delicious goodness.” Commonly described as “Washington’s Wine Country,” Woodinville houses this innovative brewery that helped to drive the microbrew trend in the Northwest.

The Pike Brewing Company pub and brewery, located across the street from the Hotel, has an incredible selection of award-winning beers brewed on-site. Tours of the brewery are available and visitors can order a sampler board that features tastings of all Pike Pub’s brews.

Fremont Brewing Company, just a 15-minute drive from the Hotel, has an “Urban Beer Garden” set up right on the brewery floor where you can taste the brewmasters’ weekly picks. They are a small but dedicated group who believe in producing a truly sustainable local product.