seattle: lunch near the westin + dinner recs

[asarwate]

I'm at a conference at the Westin this week and was looking for some good lunch recs under $15 that are within walking distance. Local places are better -- I had an abysmal Cheesecake Factory experience last night that I'd rather not repeat.

For dinner I can go a bit farther afield, and spend more too. Are there good places to go with a group (tapas maybe?).

Thanks so much in advance!

[laurahutch]

If Cheesecake Factory isn't too far away for you then I'd recommend Dragonfish at 7th and Pike in the Paramount Hotel. The service can be a little dicey (friendly just kind of erratic) but the food is fantastic. Soooo tasty which is generally my gripe with the whole Asian fusion phenomenon. The wilted Asian greens and duck spring rolls merit special mention.

[hungrymom]

I used to work at the 6th and Stewart building right across the street from the Westin and always thought the best lunch in the are could be found at Pamela's right across the street. On Stewart, just a few doors east of 6th on the south side. They used to make amazing turkey and havarti stuffed brioche on Wednesday and we'd get over there early to make sure we snagged some before they sold out. They also serve breakfast and note that seating is limited.

[jimctgc]

Palace Kitchen is a solid recommendation, but I'd actually suggest another of Douglas's spots, Lola at 4th and Virginia for a yummy lunch or dinner.

For dinner, Campagne at 1st and Pine is always great as is the more casual Cafe Campagne downstairs.

[maggie]

Closer to the Westin and giving you more time (4 blocks up and one over), Two Bells (4th and Bell), a tavern with great sandwiches and local beers by the Schooner. Straight down Virginia, all the way to the market, hand a left for Turkish delight and eat with a view.

[terrier]

With a group, Palace Kitchen for dinner, hands down. They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more.

Matt's in the Market is a great lunch spot - give them a call ahead, though. It's one of the few places worth making a lunch reservation.

[purefog]

Also, the Buffalo Deli's chicken soup (they may even call it matzoh ball soup) is excellent. Very close to the Westin, for dinner, is Douglas's Palace Kitchen, which many have called the best of his restaurants (I haven't been, myself). If you didn't like the Cheesecake Factory, you probably won't like the Icon Grill; though it is more upscale, within that Chihuly decor beats a Cheesecake Factory heart (which is not to say that there aren't some good things there, it's just that you can do so much better nearby that you should skip it). Shiro for sushi is also a winner, on 2d a bit north-ish of you but eminently walkable, as is Saito (on 1st (?)), not as fab as Shiro, but quite serviceable. For a better breakfast than you are getting at the Westin, try Macrina Bakery and Cafe on 1st in Belltown.

[luswei]

wild ginger and the dahlia lounge!

[christy319]

Fyi, Zaina closed.
You can walk to the PP Market, where your inexpensive options are almost limitless. Market Grill, Pike Place Chowder, Mr. D's Greek Deli, Piroshky Piroshky, Mee Sum Pastry (humbows), La Buona Tavola, Beecher's...I'm sure I've leaving out some other good places. THe Dahlia Bakery is very close to the Westin and has a small but good selection of sandwiches, soups, etc, and terrific baked goods.
Brasa happy hour is great.

[hertzdonut]

I used to work on third and Lenora, and I'm a cheapskate. Here goes:
The sandwiches and salads at Buffalo deli are great (first between Blanchard and Lenora) and the counter staff is very nice. Whole sandwiches (try the sub roll) are about $8.
For dinner, the steak frites at happy hour at Brasa (Third between Blanchard and Lenora) are more than serviceable. They have great wine and cocktails, and it's a good room for a crowd.
Tango (1100 Pike St. - on the way up to capitol hill near the convention center) was great the last time I was there (which was a few years ago). They have very good bar tapas and wine, and happy hour is crowded and fun. It's more expensive and most of the time it's worth it. I went here for my birthday one year and it was one of the best meals I've ever had.
That's all I can think of off hand - hope you find something great!