Seattle, the Emerald City, is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of culinary delights to suit every taste and budget. Among the many seafood options available, lobster stands out as a prized delicacy, prized for its succulent flavor and tender texture. But where can you find the best lobster in Seattle? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to discover the top spots to indulge in this luxurious seafood treat.
History of Lobster in Seattle
Lobster has been a staple in Seattle’s seafood scene for decades, with the city’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean providing an abundance of fresh seafood. The early days of Seattle’s lobster industry date back to the late 19th century, when local fishermen would catch and sell lobster to restaurants and markets. As the city’s culinary scene evolved, so did the demand for lobster, with high-end restaurants and seafood markets popping up throughout the city.
Today, Seattle’s lobster scene is more vibrant than ever, with a range of options to suit every budget and taste. From casual seafood joints to upscale fine dining restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to indulge in this delicious seafood treat.
Types of Lobster
When it comes to lobster, there are several types to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Here are some of the most popular types of lobster:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| North Atlantic Lobster | Also known as American lobster, this type is prized for its sweet flavor and firm texture. |
| Caribbean Lobster | Native to the Caribbean, this type is known for its rich flavor and tender texture. |
| Alaskan King Crab | While not technically a lobster, this type is often referred to as a “king” of crustaceans due to its massive size and rich flavor. |
Where to Eat Lobster in Seattle
Seattle is home to a diverse range of restaurants and seafood markets, each offering its own unique take on lobster. Here are some of the top spots to try:
The Walrus and the Carpenter
This cozy seafood restaurant in Ballard is a must-visit for lobster lovers. Their menu features a range of lobster dishes, including a decadent lobster roll and a lobster mac and cheese.
- Address: 4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
- Phone: (206) 782-0363
- Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Ray’s Cafe
This upscale restaurant in Ballard offers a range of seafood options, including a mouth-watering lobster thermidor. Their menu is constantly changing, so be sure to check their website for the latest offerings. (See Also: Where to Eat in Gamcheon Culture Village? Culinary Delights)
- Address: 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
- Phone: (206) 789-3770
- Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
The Crab Pot
This casual seafood restaurant in Pike Place Market offers a range of seafood options, including a delicious lobster roll. Their menu is simple, but their food is always fresh and flavorful.
- Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
- Phone: (206) 623-4484
- Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Etta’s
This upscale restaurant in Capitol Hill offers a range of seafood options, including a decadent lobster risotto. Their menu is constantly changing, so be sure to check their website for the latest offerings.
- Address: 2020 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Phone: (206) 623-3181
- Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Anthony’s
This upscale restaurant in several locations throughout Seattle offers a range of seafood options, including a mouth-watering lobster bisque. Their menu is constantly changing, so be sure to check their website for the latest offerings.
- Address: Multiple locations throughout Seattle
- Phone: (206) 623-3181
- Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Seafood Markets
If you’re looking to buy lobster to cook at home, there are several seafood markets throughout Seattle that offer a range of options. Here are some of the top spots:
Pike Place Fish Co.
This iconic seafood market in Pike Place Market offers a range of seafood options, including fresh lobster. Their staff is knowledgeable and happy to help you choose the perfect lobster for your needs.
- Address: 86 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Phone: (206) 623-4484
- Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Metropolitan Market
This upscale grocery store in several locations throughout Seattle offers a range of seafood options, including fresh lobster. Their staff is knowledgeable and happy to help you choose the perfect lobster for your needs.
- Address: Multiple locations throughout Seattle
- Phone: (206) 623-3181
- Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm
How to Cook Lobster
Cooking lobster can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. Here are some basic steps to follow: (See Also: Where to Eat in Ucluelet? Top Local Favorites)
Steaming Lobster
Steaming is a great way to cook lobster, as it helps to preserve the delicate flavor and texture of the meat. Here’s how to steam lobster:
- Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water.
- Add 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Place the lobster in a steamer basket over the water.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster is cooked through.
Boiling Lobster
Boiling is another great way to cook lobster, as it helps to cook the meat quickly and evenly. Here’s how to boil lobster:
- FIl a large pot with enough water to cover the lobster.
- Add 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Place the lobster in the pot.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the lobster is cooked through.
Conclusion
Seattle is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of culinary delights to suit every taste and budget. When it comes to lobster, the city offers a range of options to suit every budget and taste. From casual seafood joints to upscale fine dining restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to indulge in this delicious seafood treat. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just looking to try something new, Seattle’s lobster scene is sure to impress.
Recap
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the history of lobster in Seattle, the different types of lobster available, and the top spots to eat lobster in the city. We’ve also covered how to cook lobster, including steaming and boiling methods. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, Seattle’s lobster scene is sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to cook lobster?
A: The best way to cook lobster is by steaming or boiling. Steaming helps to preserve the delicate flavor and texture of the meat, while boiling cooks the meat quickly and evenly.
Q: How long does it take to cook lobster?
A: The cooking time for lobster will depend on the method and the size of the lobster. Steaming typically takes 8-10 minutes, while boiling takes 5-7 minutes. (See Also: Where to Eat in Florida? Culinary Delights Await)
Q: What is the best type of lobster to eat?
A: The best type of lobster to eat is North Atlantic lobster, also known as American lobster. This type is prized for its sweet flavor and firm texture.
Q: Can I buy lobster at a seafood market?
A: Yes, you can buy lobster at a seafood market. Many seafood markets in Seattle offer a range of lobster options, including fresh and frozen.
Q: How much does lobster cost?
A: The cost of lobster will depend on the type, size, and location. On average, a pound of lobster can cost anywhere from $20 to $50.
