The Pacific Northwest has some of the best restaurants that serve up some of the most breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. Each city and town has its own story of the waterfront, but the one thing they all have in common is the water views, which never get old.
BLAINE & BIRCH BAY
With a rich fishing and logging history, the Peace Arch City of Blaine is a hotspot for restaurants that stand next to the water. Start your day on the tracks at The Railway Cafe, a small cafe you can’t miss because it’s actually a renovated red caboose! This caboose, installed by a local restaurant owner in the mid ‘80s, now serves up fresh pastries, soups, coffee, and more for a relaxing breakfast on their deck. Just next door is the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, a restaurant with a bar-like atmosphere and some of the best oysters around from their nearby farm, with tons of flavor options—if you’re not a big oyster fan, they also offer amazing seafood platters and fish tacos!
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company | Photograph by Kota Sato
A little further south, you’ll find more great views at restaurants across Birch Bay. The long trail that surrounds the water makes Birch Bay a great spot to stroll around, with a stop at Baywood Coffee to grab a snack and hot drink. But for one of the best water views, Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar’s second-floor balcony is at the top of the list. It opens from May to September and also offers live music on certain days. Plus, the food is great!
“I tried to add an Asian touch to classic American food,” says Manager Hun Hur. “We change our menu seasonally, so we use seasonal fresh fish and local ingredients.”
Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar | Photograph by Kota Sato
LA CONNER
La Conner is home to many antique shops, local art galleries, museums, and, of course, waterfront restaurants on the long pier that runs the length of the small downtown. To kickstart your journey, stop by a cafe to grab yourself a cup of joe—I recommend Raven’s Cup Coffee for their “Canadian Latt-eh,” but Lulu’s Espresso & Ice Cream and Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery also make delicious drinks. If you’re looking to skip the cup of coffee and go straight to wine, look no further than Hellam’s Vineyard, where you can enjoy your view with a charcuterie board and a wide selection of beers and wines—look out for their wine tasting events as well!
La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib | Photograph by Kota Sato
For a nice meal to finish your day, La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib is the place for a casual but delicious dinner. From their Cioppino to the Bacon Jam Burger, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking for the perfect date night, nothing beats the atmosphere at Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar. In this high-end bistro, you can get a taste of what La Conner is all about, and for the seafood lovers in your life, don’t miss the fresh oysters shucked to order!
ANACORTES
In the dockside city of Anacortes, you can find boatloads of spots to catch a beautiful view of the water, but (perhaps surprisingly) not many of them are restaurants. Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina and its neighboring summer-seasonal sibling restaurant, Anthony’s Cabana, both offer delicious food and stunning water views, really capturing everything Anacortes is about. And don’t miss Secret Cove. Standing right on the water and serving up elevated bar food, Secret Cove has a perfect view of the surrounding bay and the neighboring islands. Between the water, the large dog-friendly patio, and great oysters and brews, this place definitely shouldn’t be a secret to anyone!
Secret Cove | Photograph by Kota Sato
For a more casual snack while walking the docks, food truck Harbin Dumplings and micro-cafe Dockside Dogs are right next to the harbor! Or, if you’re looking for a fancier night out in the City of Smokestacks, check out 13moons at Swinomish Casino and Resort. Their menu includes ingredients from across the land and sea, and they have an outside patio with a great view of the water.
BELLINGHAM
When you’re looking for a waterfront restaurant in Bellingham, it can get a bit overwhelming—there are so many options to choose from! The Port of Bellingham is a good place to start. The Loft’s seafood-focused menu offers tons of classic American dishes with an elegant twist, and Port Fairhaven Fish N Chips in the Bellingham Cruise Terminal serves up classic casual seafood (get The Captain’s Platter for a little taste of everything or grab a dinghy size of the Whisky Crab Soup for a smaller snack).
The Loft | Photograph by Kota Sato
The Chuckanut Cracked Crab Dinner Cruise from San Juan Cruises isn’t technically a “waterfront restaurant,” but the view of the water won’t get any better than this!
“It’s really nice to have waterfront dining at a brick and mortar restaurant, but you’re gonna be looking at the same view the whole time,” says Bob Boroughs, general manager at San Juan Cruises. “We’re not just gonna see the beautiful coastline, but we’re gonna see some wildlife.”
Waterfront Seafood & Bar | Photograph by Kota Sato
For the crime junkies among us, the Waterfront Seafood & Bar, nicknamed the “killer bar” from stories of notorious serial killers visiting in the past, serves up beer and food in Old Town Bellingham. Not your vibe? Right next door is Structures Brewing, a waterfront brewery with tons of IPAs and a budget-friendly food menu.
Whatever your location and cuisine preferences, the North Sound has a meal with a water view waiting for you!
