In 2014, Bon Appétit magazine named Westward one of the best new restaurants in the United States, but even before I had anything to eat, I had reason to love it. Located on the north shore of Seattle’s Lake Union, this rustic, wood building is hidden from the street by foliage and was difficult to find on a dark, rainy night. Shipbuilding and repair yards border the property at each end, a testament to this area’s still vibrant fishing industry, and the view from the restaurant’s outdoor patio (and most indoor seats) is of the glittering Seattle skyline on the other side of the lake.

The serene waterfront setting, with a dock and umbrella-shaded tables much coveted by diners in warmer weather, is just one aspect of Westward’s unpretentious charm. Inside the low-ceiling, nautical-themed dining room are about 10 tables, a chef’s counter facing the kitchen and, in a separate area of the room, the Little Gull, a 22-seat oyster bar serving a large variety of locally harvested Washington State oysters, along with wine and ice-cold beer.

Chef Zoi Antonitsas offers an award-winning Mediterranean-influenced menu, using Northwest fish like Idaho river trout and sockeye salmon, regionally farmed vegetables, beef, lamb and homemade desserts. The kitchen also prepares great small plates depending on what’s in season. I had an excellent octopus appetizer as well as a small plate of squid with sesame seed pistou.

Lunch, dinner and brunch menus change frequently, as what Chef Antonitsas purchases in the morning is served that day. Her Greek roots are unmistakably noticed in the marinated olives, grilled halloumi cheese, mussels served in a broth of harissa and ouzo, potatoes cooked in the apple wood-burning oven seasoned with Greek oregano and lemon and the wonderful loukoumades with lemon curd and poppy seeds for dessert. is the restaurant serves a nice selection of Greek wines, Washington State craft beer and hard cider, cocktails, excellent coffee and about 10 various aperitifs from Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece — all reasonably priced and all a perfect ending to dinner or lunch.

Westward

2501 N. Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
tel 206 552 8215