The 38 Essential Restaurants in Seattle

"Right across the street from the Capitol Hill IHOP is another Seattle dining institution: John Sundstrom’s Lark. For more than 20 years (10 in its current location), this James Beard Award–winning restaurant has been carrying the banner for Pacific Northwest cuisine — though the menu today is more Pacific Rim than PNW thanks to a number of flourishes imported from Asian cuisines. Nam pla (Thai fish sauce) on the oysters makes the bivalves extra fishy and briny; chili crisp on top of ricotta and pepper ravioli transforms what could have been a routine dish. And though years ago Lark was known for pioneering the idea of “small plates,” these days the entrees are big and hearty by the standards of high-end restaurants; no one is walking away from the $120 four-course tasting menu hungry. (You can also order a la carte.)" - Eater Staff