Unearth The Voyage
Ready to bask in a warm holiday glow with a fork in hand and twinkle lights all around you? These Washington favorites dial up the romance and seasonal sparkle with candlelit tables, winter flavors, and views that feel like postcards. You will want to make reservations early because December books fast. Let this list guide you to your coziest, most delicious nights of the season.
1. Canlis – Seattle
Candles shimmer against Lake Union as Canlis leans into December with timeless grace. You settle into a curved banquette, watch the city lights flicker, and let the tasting menu unfold like a holiday story. Service anticipates everything, from a warm blanket for drafty nights to perfect wine pairings.
Expect Pacific Northwest luxury with heart. Smoked sablefish, foraged mushrooms, and a soufflé that whispers nostalgia arrive in thoughtful cadence. The piano hums, conversations soften, and you feel perfectly present. Book early, dress up, and treat yourself to the balcony view.
2. The Pink Door – Seattle
Slip behind the unmarked door and into a rosy glow where candles and string lights set a dreamy tone. The Pink Door serves Italian comfort with flair, and in December the room hums with festive warmth. You twirl silky tagliatelle, sip an amarone, and steal glances at the bay.
On certain evenings, live music adds a soft sparkle without stealing the scene. Order the lasagna and a bitter greens salad, then linger over tiramisu. Service is friendly, pacing is relaxed, and the ambiance feels like a secret you are thrilled to share.
3. The Herbfarm – Woodinville
At The Herbfarm, candlelight dances across copper pots and herb wreaths as a seasonal feast arrives course by course. December menus celebrate mushrooms, truffles, and pastured meats, with wines poured from nearby cellars. You listen to stories about farmers and fields that shaped each bite.
The experience unfolds leisurely, perfect for a special night. Servers present ingredients like beloved characters, and the hearthlike glow invites conversation. Expect generous hospitality, tour-worthy gardens, and pairings that sing. Dress warmly and plan a ride home after the finale of petite desserts and tea.
4. Six Seven Restaurant – Seattle (Edgewater Hotel)
Six Seven glows against Elliott Bay, where candles mirror the city lights across dark water. You settle in by the windows and hear waves nudge the pilings while a seafood centric menu brings Dungeness crab, halibut, and buttery sides. The room feels polished yet relaxed.
December adds greenery, ornaments, and a sense of celebration. Share oysters, then move to cedar-planked salmon or a rich pasta with spot prawns. Cocktails lean wintry with citrus and spice. Service is smooth, pacing unhurried, and the view turns every toast into a postcard moment.
5. Aerlume – Seattle
Aerlume sets a golden scene with candles, wood, and sweeping Sound views. You catch the scent of char and citrus from the open kitchen as servers float by with glistening vegetables and hearth-kissed proteins. The room feels modern, airy, and quietly romantic.
December menus highlight local produce, honeyed carrots, smoked fish, and plush desserts. Shareable plates encourage lingering, and the wine list favors Northwest stars. Ask for a window table at sunset to watch the sky burn then fade. It is upscale but not stiff, perfect for celebratory nights.
6. Restaurant Christine – Everett
Restaurant Christine feels like a love letter to neighborhood dining, lit by candles and generous hospitality. You settle into a small table and watch the kitchen compose seasonal plates that balance comfort and finesse. The playlist is low, the lighting warm, the pacing gracious.
December brings velvety soups, roasted meats, and thoughtful vegetarian options. Desserts lean classic with a twist, perfect for sharing. The wine list spotlights Washington bottles that feel celebratory without breaking the bank. Reservations help, but walk-ins sometimes score luck. It is an easy favorite for date night.
7. El Gaucho Tacoma – Tacoma
At El Gaucho Tacoma, candles bounce off dark wood and the room hums with old-school glamour. You will get tuxedoed service, plush booths, and tableside flourishes that turn dinner into theater. Steaks arrive sizzling, sides come family style, and martinis feel mandatory.
December ups the sparkle with garlands and a festive buzz. Order the Chateaubriand to share, creamed spinach, and crisp potatoes. Live music softens the edges, and the wine list spans celebratory bubbles to deep cabernets. It is indulgent, confident, and ideal when you want to go big.
8. Driftwood – West Seattle (Alki Point)
Driftwood offers candlelit serenity with Alki Point waves just beyond the glass. You can watch ferries slide by as servers bring briny oysters, grilled fish, and coastal vegetables with clever accents. The room blends maritime ease with modern polish.
December sunsets paint the water while warm bread and sea-salty butter keep you lingering. Cocktails lean crisp and citrusy, ideal with seafood. Leave time for a stroll along the beach afterward. Ask for a corner table to feel tucked away from the world, even on chilly nights.
9. Brix 25 – Gig Harbor
In Gig Harbor, Brix 25 glows with candlelight and brick warmed charm. You settle into a snug table and let the menu deliver Northwest comfort with polish, from seared scallops to braised short ribs. The staff knows the list and guides with friendly precision.
December brings evergreen touches and celebratory specials. Start with a seasonal soup, then dive into something slow braised and soulful. Cocktails feature barrel notes and spice, made for long conversations. Save space for dessert and a walk by the water, where the boats twinkle like ornaments.
10. The Oyster Bar – Bow (Chuckanut Drive)
The Oyster Bar perches above Chuckanut Bay, candles flickering against glass as tide and sky trade colors. You start with a chilled oyster flight, then move to butter-basted fish and delicate vegetables. The dining room feels timeless, with crisp linens and attentive pacing.
December mist wraps the trees while the room stays warm and unhurried. Pair briny plates with Alsatian whites or local bubbly. Expect thoughtful touches, from warm bread to perfectly timed courses. It is a destination worth the drive, especially on clear nights.
11. The Dining Room at Salish Lodge – Snoqualmie
Perched above Snoqualmie Falls, the Salish Lodge dining room glows with candles and a crackling hearth. You can hear the distant rush of water while savoring honey from onsite hives, cedar-scented salmon, and plush potato sides. The vibe is mountain luxe and deeply soothing.
December brings mist, twinkle lights, and warm cocktails. Ask for a window table if available, then linger over dessert as the falls steam below. Service is gracious without fuss, perfect for a slow, restorative night. It feels like a winter postcard you stepped inside.
12. Lark – Seattle
Lark glows softly, every shelf and wooden surface catching candlelight. The menu is a mosaic of seasonal small plates, so you share and explore at your own pace. Charcuterie, vegetables, and handmade pastas highlight the region with an elegant touch.
December adds cozy energy and a few celebratory dishes. Order a spread and let the staff guide pairings from their smart wine list. The room feels social yet intimate, perfect for friends or a date. Save room for a not-to-miss dessert that tastes like winter comfort.
13. Bateau – Seattle
Bateau is for steak lovers who crave nuance. Candlelight strikes marble, and a chalkboard lists cuts from in-house aging, each with character and depth. You pick a cut, choose sauces, and share sides that honor vegetables as much as beef.
December invites richer pours and slower pacing. The staff talks flavor and texture like poetry, guiding you toward the right pairing. Expect a quiet hum, confident cooking, and a finale of silky custard or chocolate. It is refined without pretense, ideal for celebratory nights.
14. Le Pichet – Seattle
Le Pichet channels a tiny Paris bistro, all candles, marble, and chalkboard charm. You settle into a close table, sip a glass of Beaujolais, and snack on rustic pâté with cornichons. The room hums with conversation and cozy confidence.
December means hearty braises, onion soup, and a perfect roast chicken. Nothing tries too hard, which feels exactly right. Share a simple salad, split frites, and linger over crème caramel. It is an easy, romantic stop before a Pike Place stroll under holiday lights.
