Food lovers! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds. Seattle’s University District is a gastronomic playground offering diverse food at affordable prices. From hidden gems dishing out lip-smacking Asian and Mediterranean flavors to fancy Bubble Tea spots, there’s something for every craving. So why settle for mediocre meals when you can sink your teeth into the delectable food scene at U-District?
Whether searching for a quick bowl of Pho or a leisurely Hot Pot meal, U-District has you covered. As a seasoned foodie, I’ve tried and approved of these must-visit eateries. So when you find yourself in the U-District, make sure to give my personal favorites a try. Moreover, check out my detailed spring guide to make the most of your visit to Seattle by exploring all the exciting things to do.
Pho Than Brother
Vietnamese | Vegan-friendly | $$ | 4207 University Way NE
Pho Than Brother is a beloved eatery in the University District of Seattle, serving delicious Pho and other popular Vietnamese dishes. Their Pho contains fresh ingredients and bold flavors, from savory broth to tender meats and fresh herbs. Every bite is a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The menu also features a range of other specialties, like crispy spring rolls and stir-fried noodles. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with minimal decor.
Boba Smoothies
Bubble Tea Store | Vegan-friendly | $ | 1409 NE 45th St
Boba Smoothies is one of my regular hangout spots in the U-District. It is the only restaurant in U-District that offers Falooda, a drink very close to my heart, and inexpensive yet delicious food. The ambiance is casual and fun. They also have a foosball table, making it a perfect spot to hang out with friends. The menu boasts a variety of flavors ranging from classic Boba Teas to unique Falooda-style drinks and reasonably priced combos and snacks. Kulfi Falooda is one of their best drinks that we highly recommend trying and pairs well with Jalapeno poppers and Chicken popcorn.
Xi’an Noodles
Chinese | $$ | 5259 University Way NE
Xi’an Noodles offers authentic western Chinese cuisine. They’re famous for their hand-pulled noodles and flavorful dishes from the Shaanxi province, like the “biang biang” noodles. The Spicy Cumin Lamb Biang Noodle is the most popular and the best-tasting noodle dish. However, don’t stop there! They also got appetizers like dumplings, spicy chicken wings, and entrees like lamb skewers and braised pork belly that are totally worth trying. The vibe is super chill and welcoming and makes you feel at home. If you love hand-pulled noodles, I highly recommend visiting Biang Biang noodles in Capitol Hill and trying the Curry Chicken Dry Mix Noodles.
Fat Ducks Deli & Bakery
Deli & Bakery | Vegan-friendly | $ | 5509 University Way NE
Fat Ducks is a casual eatery known for its delicious sandwiches. It’s a perfect spot for a quick bite, catching up with friends, or grabbing a meal to-go. They offer a range of sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. The bagels are some of the best in town, with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center. Plus, the best part is that everything is made fresh daily. The interior is simple, and the friendly staff makes it a great place to visit for a casual dining experience.
Korean Tofu House Express
Korean | Vegan-friendly | $ | 4520 University Way NE
KTH Express is a popular restaurant known for its delicious tofu stews and soups. The restaurant offers a variety of stews, including the classic soon dubu jjigae, a spicy tofu stew topped with various meat or seafood (optional). Moreover, to make our dining experience interactive and enjoyable, the broth is cooked right at the table. They also offer other Korean favorites like bulgogi, bibimbap, etc. The menu is diverse and includes plenty of vegan options. It’s an excellent spot for a casual lunch or dinner with friends or family.
Persepolis Grill
Persian | Vegetarian-friendly | $$ | 5517 University Way NE
If you love spicy grilled delights, Persepolis Grill is a must-visit. It is one of the best places in Seattle to enjoy authentic Persian food. The interior is not too impressive, but the food will make you forget everything. Every dish is seasoned to perfection and tastes delectable. The staff is friendly and attentive, and a special mention of their choice of music transported us straight to the Middle East. Kabobs and Lamb Shank are a must-have and will surely blow your mind.
Aladdin Gyro-Cery & Deli
Mediterranean | Vegan-friendly | $ | 4139 University Way NE
Aladdin Gyro-Cery & Deli is a no-frills Mediterranean restaurant that offers hearty gyros, falafel, shawarma, and Turkish coffee. The ambiance is cozy, with interior decor inspired by Mediterranean colors and handicrafts. The service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. Additionally, the melt-in-your-mouth gyros are absolutely delicious and filling. If you’re in the mood for tasty and authentic Mediterranean cuisine that won’t break the bank, Aladdin Gyro-Cery & Deli is definitely worth a visit.
Araya’s Place
Thai | Vegan | $$ | 5240 University Way NE
Araya’s Place is a Vegan Thai restaurant that is everyone’s favorite thanks to its excellent food and ambiance. The menu offers a variety of staple Thai dishes, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavor. The Pad See Ew and Tom Yum are two of our favorites that we highly recommend trying. Nevertheless, all their dishes are perfectly balanced and packed with complex flavors. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff is very attentive. This restaurant is a perfect choice for vegans and non-vegans looking for delicious food that will leave them happy and satisfied.
U-District is a gastronome paradise where you can indulge in delicious eats without breaking the bank! Whether you’re a Seattle local or just passing through for a few days, you won’t regret checking out this incredible spot. So come over and treat your taste buds to some mouthwatering food in U-District!
Be sure to check out our Seattle page, which offers plenty of food recommendations and other fun activities to explore so that you don’t miss out on all the exciting things and make the most of your visit to Seattle.
Sweet Alchemy
Ice Creamery | Vegan-friendly | $$ | 4301 University Way NE
Sweet Alchemy is one of my favorite ice creameries in Seattle, founded by a UW Art graduate Lois Ko. She decided to follow her passion for making small-batch, homemade ice cream. The U-District location is the first outlet, with sustainability as one of its core brand values. The UW Honey is my all-time favorite flavor which I highly recommend trying.
Looking for more ice cream recommendations in Seattle? Check out this blog post.
Guanaco’s Tacos Pupuseria
Salvadoran | Vegetarian-friendly | $ | 4106 Brooklyn Ave NE #12-A
Guanaco’s Tacos Pupuseria is a hole-in-the-wall classic Salvadoran restaurant offering authentic dishes. The ambiance is warm, and the staff is friendly. Pupusas are their house specialty, made with thick handmade corn tortillas, filled with cheese, beans, and meat, and served with a traditional cabbage slaw complementing the dish perfectly. You can also try other Salvadoran classics like tamales, yuca frita, and platanos fritos. Each dish tastes incredible and is cooked to perfection. Moreover, if you love Latin American cuisine, here’s an excellent Mexican restaurant that we highly recommend.
Relish the Delicious Blast of Mexican Flavors @Los Chilangos in Redmond
