(Thanks to Jean Roberts and Cass Weller of the University of Washington Philosophy Department for the recommendations that inform most of this list)

In general, Seattle has very good restaurants for a city of its size. It is usually quite safe to eat in any place that looks fairly popular. In particular, just in the neighborhood of the Westin, the Pike Place Market has at least a dozen…and Belltown has many more…

Reservations are needed for dinner at almost all of the places listed —sometimes at least a day in advance. An exception is The Herbfarm, for which to be safe you need to make reservations months in advance.

Within Walking Distance of the Westin

Nikko (Westin Hotel, 1900 5th, 322-4641): One of the best Japanese restaurants in Seattle, the sushi is expensive and worth it. Great deal at lunch though.

Shiro’s (443-9844, 2401 Second Ave.): Probably the best sushi place in a city with plenty of good sushi.

Wild Ginger (623-4450, 1401 3rd): An eclectic blend of Pacific Rim cuisines, emphasizing Asian. A local favorite.

Dahlia Lounge (2001 Fourth Ave, 682-4142) Impeccable quality, from asparagus tortellini starter to coconut cream pie and strawberry-rhubarb shortcake for dessert.

Flying Fish (728-8595, 2234 1st): Excellent and wide selection of fish, Asian influence in preparation.

Marco’s Supper Club (441-7801, 2510 1st,): Northwest with Caribbean influence, the jerk chicken is addictive, very reasonable prices, popular and very noisy.

Lampreia (2400 1st, 443-3301): Confit of duck, pheasant, veal, exquisitely prepared. $$$

Campagne (Inn at the Market, 86 Pine, 728-2800): French country.

Cafe Campagne (1600 Port Alley, 728-2233): less formal and less expensive food from the Campagne kitchen. $$

Etta’s Seafood (443-6000, 2020 Western): Pacific Rim. Excellent crabcakes. A favorite for lunch and dinner during the APA’s last Seattle convention.

Chez Shea (94 Pike St. Suite 34, 467-9990) Another one that makes the national lists and deserves to, trying to find it may involve a tour of the Market. Fixed price multi-course dinner. (There is also a lounge next door with less expensive fare.)

Place Pigalle (to the left behind the fish stand behind the pig at the Pike Place market, 624-1756) small, intimate, with views of bay and mountains, Northwest French (duck, rabbit, fish, prepared with whatever is selling at the Market). If you like mussels go for lunch.

Emmet Watson’s Oyster Bar (448-7721, 1916 Pike Place) very fresh oysters with lots of varieties, try the salmon soup, relatively inexpensive.

Kosher Delight Deli (682-8140) 1509 First Avenue. Outstanding matzo ball soup, and a full repertoire, from celery soda to noodle pudding. Inexpensive.

Afrikando Restaurant (374-9714, 2904 First Ave) French-inspired cuisine of Senegal. New and unusual flavors. Vegetarian dishes as well as fish and meat. Alcohol is not served. Relatively inexpensive.

The Painted Table (624-3646, 92 Madison St., in the Alexis Hotel) Innovative dishes using the best Northwest market fare, upscale and artsy. Dishes are made by local artists and are available for purchase.

Palace Kitchen (448-2001, 2030 Fifth Ave.) Loud, large portions, and funky. Wide array of tempting appetizers. Menu nods to many cuisines. Especially recommended: lavender-crusted halibut with beet risotto, burger with green tomatoes and frites, the coconut cream pie.

Cutter’s (448-4884, 2001 Western Ave.) On Elliot Bay a block from Pike Place Market. Can’t beat the view. Crabcakes with jicama-pear slaw and halibut cheeks in a parmesan and asiago crust are recommended.

Brasa (728-4220, 2107 Third Ave.) Mediterranean. Start with duck confit with wilted cabbage, goat cheese, and pine nuts, or with squid-ink risotto, or roasted pumpkin cappelleti with brown butter and sage, go on to the signature suckling pig with chorizo and clams, and end with a selection from one of the longest dessert lists in town.

And don’t forget that the Pike Place Market abounds in stands with seafood, bakery goods, sausages, fruits and vegetables.

Too Far to Walk

The Herbfarm (784-2222, 14590 NE 145th St., WOODENVILLE): 9-course, 4-hour dinners Thursday through Sunday, fixed menu and price, showcasing local produce, very expensive but also highly lauded and much awarded. For details, and to make reservations, see website (TheHerbfarm.com). Reservations are made months in advance.

Rover’s (325-7442, 2808 East Madison): Northwest French in cozy house east of downtown, nationally renowned and not quite as expensive as The Herbfarm.

Carmelita (706-7703, 7314 Greenwood Ave. N.) vegetarians and vegans (and good enough for carnivores)

Cafe Flora (2901 E. Madison, 325-9100): a must for vegetarians. Charming atmosphere, including an enclosed porch dining area.

Ponti Seafood Grill (3014 3rd N., near Fremont Bridge, 284-3000): interesting setting on the ship canal; get the Chilean Sea Bass if they have it. $$-$$$

Monsoon (325-2111, 615 19th East): Sophisticated and elegant Vietnamese neighborhood place, superb fish. No reservations, so be prepared to wait.

Kingfish Café (320-8757, 602 19th East): Southern/soul food, justly popular and no reservations, so be prepared to wait.

Tango Tapas Restaurant and Lounge (583-0382, 1100 Pike St.)