Seattle's fusion mascot sustains its loyal following with a commitment to consistently tasty and beautifully presented Pan-Asian cuisine.

The Scene
Everyone--from hotel doormen to longtime locals--considers this the definitive Seattle restaurant. Walls of windows and plenty of space between tables create an open-air feeling, while oversize wicker chairs keep folks comfortably settled for a long meal. Servers are often too busy to be especially helpful, but most can offer clear menu guidance if necessary.

The Food
Park at the famous Satay Bar and watch as chefs take turns racing plump scallops over hot coals or charring bite-size hunks of marinated boar for a dip in sweet pineapple-peanut sauce. For the money, stools at the Satay are the best in the house. Soups should not be missed. Best are the tangy, layered hot-and-sour soup with mint, and laksa, a coconut-based bouillabaisse buoying tender chunks of scallops and seafood. Among the entrees, the fragrant duck is the house specialty, though daily specials--like mango-braised pork--can be better bets.