Ray’s Cafe Restaurant, Bar & Deck

Perched above the water, Ray’s Cafe delivers a lively, casual dining experience with fresh Northwest seafood and stunning panoramic waterfront views. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch, happy hour with friends, date night dinner, or simply soaking up the sun on Seattle’s best outdoor dining patio, the Cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere where great food and great company come together.

Located upstairs from Ray’s Boathouse, our casual restaurant and bar shows off the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy local, fresh seafood and a beautiful sunset on the Ballard waterfront at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant.

Seasonal fresh dishes and Seattle must eats await using high quality ingredients, including wild Northwest salmon, crispy true cod fish and chips, our signature clam chowder, local shellfish, our guest-favorite Pacific Sablefish in Sake Kasu, fresh salads and more. Order a Ballard microbrew on tap, local and international wines, handcrafted cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks at a renowned Seattle waterfront bar.

And don’t miss our seasonal Café deck for the best outdoor dining in Seattle! Located atop the water, it’s the perfect setting to soak up the sun from spring to early fall. Enjoy a casual dinner, waterfront lunch, or happy hour with friends at one of the best restaurants in Seattle.

Seattle Restaurant Reservations

We currently accept walk-ins only for indoor and outdoor dining. We accept reservations on select holidays via RESY. Any outdoor patio dining is taken on a walk in basis. Located just seven miles from Downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay and Pike Place Market.

For unbeatable views and fresh local seafood, Ray’s Café is a top spot for casual dining and one of the most famous places to eat in Seattle.

Looking for Large Group Dining in Seattle?

Our 2nd floor Café accepts walk ins only and can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 12 at a single table inside, or up to 6 people at a single table outside. Larger groups would be split up into multiple tables and added to the waitlist separately.

Semi-private Seattle group dining reservations are available in our Cafe Fireside Room Monday – Thursday for groups of up to 30 with a food and beverage minimum spending requirement. Please review our Fireside Room FAQ for all the details.Inquiries for our Fireside Room can be made at [email protected]

Parking on the Seattle Waterfront

Rest easy knowing you have complimentary parking in our large private lot.

Our Award-Winning Casual Lunch and Dinner Escape

Browse some of our James Beard Award-winning dishes and experiences at Ray’s Cafe and we’ll see you soon!

Recent Awards

Seattle’s Best Seafood Restaurant 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 – Seattle Magazine

Seattle’s Best Outdoor Dining 2021, 2022, 2024 – Seattle Magazine

Seattle’s Best Restaurant 2022 – Seattle Magazine

Looking for More?

Visit Ray’s Boathouse located downstairs from Ray’s Cafe, for an elegant dinner menu of small and shareable plates, fresh seafood, housemate pasta, and happy hour daily.