The meetings business is booming in Seattle. With a world-class airport, the arrival of Washington State Summit Building in 2022, and many new and upcoming hotel openings, it’s likely to top the destinations list of meeting planners for years to come. But do you know where to eat?
We tried four of the most surprising, impressive, diverse—and of course, delicious—restaurants in the city during our most recent FAM trip to Seattle, hosted by the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Ranging from a private gourmet chef’s tasting to fast, casual hidden gems, these restaurants cater to every setting and always serve memorable group experiences.
Chef Pivar’s Tasting Room at Hyatt Regency Seattle
808 Howell St.
We thought we'd start with dessert first. Welcome to the private dining experience at Hyatt Regency Seattle.
The making of: meringue-topped ice cream served in pistachio- and chocolate-dipped waffle bowls.
All the major food groups for the main course.
Le appetizer: Rum-soaked watermelon steak.
Three flavorful oysters from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.
And, of course, a spectacular Seattle view.
Is this Seattle’s best kept secret? The recently opened Hyatt Regency Seattle is the largest hotel in the Northwest, with 1,260 guest rooms and 103,000 sq. ft. of meeting space—but what you don’t know is that it holds a super-exclusive private dining room tucked away behind a back-of-the-house kitchen on the fourth floor.
The table seats 12–14 for a private tasting room experience with in-house chef Pivar, whose focus on local, sustainable cuisine comes through in each course, from the compressed watermelon appetizer to the fall-off-the-bone filet mignon and corn pudding main course. Of course, there are local wine pairings for each dish. Contact the Hyatt Regency to book your gourmet experience.
PS, for a more casual but equally exciting touch, you can get local Hama Hama Oyster Company to come shuck oysters at your Hyatt Regency Seattle event.
Seattle Eats
Aerlume
One of two private dining rooms at Aerlume, which overlooks the Puget Sound and Seattle Waterfront.
Marinated beets with lemon thyme chevre, pistachio, watercress and horseradish.
Crispy cauliflower with golden raisin-caper salsa verde, red curry yogurt and fresh herbs.
Matts at the Market
Grab a window seat at Matt's at the Market to people watch over Pike Place.
House-made chips with bacon-caramelized onion dip at Matt's at the Market.
Andare Kitchen & Bar
The Andare salad with pistachio, ricotta and lemon vinaigrette.
Andare chicken.
Andare cannoli.
Aerlume
2003 Western Ave. | (206) 539-2200
This modern downtown eatery combines local, seasonal fare with floor-to-ceiling views over Elliott Bay; a large, indoor fireplace; and the creations of James Beard award-winning chef Jason Wilson. Two glass-enclosed private dining rooms can seat groups ranging from 16 to 100, or you can rent the entire space out for up to 250 guests.
Plates we love: The crispy cauliflower and marinated beets to share, as well as the beef short rib to keep all for yourself.
Matt’s in the Market
94 Pike St. | (206) 467-7909
Since 1996, this small-but-mighty local favorite has been sitting right across from Pike Place Market, offering fresh fish, oysters and other delectable dishes incorporating ingredients sold right next door. Surprise your attendees with a sit-down meal after a tour of the market to rest their feet and fill their bellies. The restaurant accommodates a group of up to 14, and buyouts are available for groups of 30 to 45 people.
Plates we love: The chef-selected assortment of deviled eggs and rotating fishwich.
Andare Kitchen and Bar
808 Howell St. | (206) 859-6777
This fast, casual Italian eatery on the main floor of Hyatt Regency Seattle offers private dining options and some of the best pasta and pizza dishes in the city, just steps from Washington State Convention Center and the upcoming Summit Building. If you’re hosting an event upstairs at the hotel, take a group down for a special hands-on experience, where attendees can go behind the kitchen line to make their own wood-fired pizza.
Plates we love: The classic margherita pizza to share, and the signature cavatelli with tomato and whipped ricotta to keep for yourself.
Read more about Seattle’s new and improved meeting scene in Allison Fazio’s, “New Views for Seattle Meetings,” in our September issue of Smart Meetings.
