Where to Eat Near Greenlake Guest House

Updated July, 2025

We are fortunate to be located in a very walkable neighborhood here at Greenlake Guest House. Green Lake's 2.8 mile walking path is just steps away.  The Green Lake neighborhood has 2 small business districts within a few blocks of our property in each direction. Our guests enjoy being able to walk to local shops and restaurants rather than having to get in the car and drive. The neighborhood offers a variety of food cuisines including both casual and fine dining options, all independent and locally owned. Here are some of our favorite local spots!

 

Duke’s Seafood: is the hands-down guest favorite in the neighborhood and is only about 5 minutes’ walk from Greenlake Guest House. The menu is large and with plenty of wild, freshly caught salmon, halibut, and shellfish like Dungeness crab, prawns, and scallops. The burgers are also great and feature grass-fed beef and organic buns. Many of their items, including their famous clam chowder, can be ordered gluten-free. In warm weather, the spacious patio is perfect for enjoying views of Green Lake and people watching.

 

Noi Thai Cuisine opened in spring of 2022 and quickly become a neighborhood favorite. The atmosphere is light and airy with views of the lake and park. Our guests rave about this Thai restaurant's wow factor. The food and cocktails are creative and the presentation delightfully unexpected.

Layers Green Lake is a wildly popular sandwich shop that started out as a much loved local food truck. This darling of Instagram offers delicious, handcrafted sandwiches and pastries made with top-quality ingredients.  Layers also serves beer and wine in a cute, nautically themed space with indoor and outdoor seating. Order at the counter. We recommend arriving early because they sometimes sell out.

Nell’s: Nells is a small, chef-driven restaurant and is the most formal option here at Greenlake. Owner Phillip Mihalski offers European-inspired cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients and a menu that change weekly. Julie and Blayne recommend the five-course tasting menu, which is an excellent value. With white linens and cozy tables for 2-4, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing but not stuffy. Note: Nell’s is one of the few neighborhood restaurants with an actual parking lot.

Wooden City Tavern (formerly Shelter Lounge) offers creative pub-style food in a light and airy building with large timbers, tall ceilings, and big windows that open up wide on warm days. This restaurant enjoys some good views of the lake and park across the street. Julie likes the hearty salads but the burgers are also great. Every December, the restaurant is transformed into a holiday wonderland with festive Santa-themed cocktails and over-the-top decorations.

 

Rosita’s Mexican Grill: This family-run restaurant has been a neighborhood staple for over 40 years. The restaurant has affordable prices, especially for Seattle. It is always busy with families and locals from the neighborhood. Try the famous margaritas and homemade tortillas and salsa. This is Blayne and Julie’s “home away from home” and we eat there at least every couple weeks.

Pacha is a very cute all day health and wellness cafe featuring an organic menu with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options along with coffee, smoothies, and cocktails, all made from scratch. Nearly all of their menu items can be modified to be vegan or gluten-free. This cafe has a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options, and you can even sit in their sought-after VW Van, parked in the middle of the restaurant!

Retreat is the perfect spot to grab a quick and healthy lunch, smoothie, or espresso after walking the lake. The bright and airy location has a great vibe with indoor and outdoor seating right across the street from Green Lake. The cafe also offers wine and cocktails in the afternoon and evening.

This list of neighborhood favorite restaurants is just a start. There are many more good, locally-owned options near Greenlake Guest House. Some additonal recommendations include Greenlake Grill, Chocolati, Toast Mi, Urban Bakery, Zeek's Pizza, and St. Andrew's Pub. Ballard is another "foodie" neighborhood nearby with dozens of great options. Let us know your food preferences and we’ll be happy to make recommendations or get you a reservation. Want more ideas? Check out our perfect 3-Day Itineray to make the most of your stay in Seattle. Don't forget to make a stop at a local winery to complete your foodie journey!