Ray's Food Place
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Ray's Food Place
Ray's seafood restaurant in Seattle serves the freshest seafood prepared with classic technique and global inspiration. Situated on the shores of Ballard overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, Ray's iconic seafood restaurant and bar believes in offering sea to plate fare while supporting sustainability and our local hard-working fishermen and purveyors!

Shorter days are coming and with it brings Winter Wedding Specials at Ray's Northwest Room! See offers below. Experience a Winter waterfront wedding with gorgeous views, fresh local. Ray's Boathouse elevates local, sustainable seafood with global flavors and Northwest inspiration nightly. Classic seafood dishes with seasonal preparations in our upstairs Caf overlooking Puget Sound.
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Located at the water's edge, critically acclaimed Ray's Boathouse echoes the sleek lines and crisp corners of a vintage Chris-Craft. One of the most iconic restaurants in Seattle, Ray's Boathouse elevates fresh Northwest seafood delivering artfully composed plates with precision. Everything we do is tied to the water.
Located upstairs from Ray's Boathouse, our casual waterfront restaurant and bar shows off the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy local, fresh seafood and a beautiful sunset on the Seattle waterfront!

Seasonal fresh dishes await including wild Northwest salmon, true cod fish and chips, our signature clam chowder, house-smoked wild salmon, local shellfish and our renowned Pacific Sablefish in Sake Kasu.Order a Ballard microbrew on tap, local and international wines and handcrafted cocktails. And don't miss our seasonal Caf deck!
Reviews (24)
Crystal H.
Crystal H.
Jan 17, 2022
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Picturesque restaurant right next to the water for a perfect view. It can get a little expensive so going during happy hour can be helpful. Their Bloody Mary, which isn't a part of the happy hour menu, was delicious. We asked for it to be super spicy, and our waiter Jason made sure it was well followed through. I also quite like the clam chowder, it was very flavorful and hearty.
Jeremy S.
Jeremy S.
Jan 06, 2022
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I've been here twice now and both times have been great. This time my partner called and a really friendly man (maybe the manager?) picked up the phone. He took his time answering all the questions around the snow conditions and even was able to reserve us a table the day of. His kindness really stood out to me compared to other restaurants.

We ordered a good amount of food there. We ordered a dozen oysters, bread, chowder, steak, clams, brownie with ice cream, and creme brulee. Highlights for me were the clams and creme brulee. There was a good amount of clams (enough for me as an entree
Bridgette M.
Bridgette M.
Dec 27, 2021
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The girl who brought our water had a dirty apron on...kinda gross. The fish dish and the crabs cakes were amazing! First time I've tried raw oysters..yea I'd do it again. The burger was small and underwhelming.
Jinrong Chen
Jinrong Chen
Dec 17, 2021
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Peaceful ambience. A nice place to hang out with families and friends. All servers are friendly and warming. The food is decent! I really recommend their special of sable fish, good on both cooking ways! We went for dinner so not much outside scene we could see.
Deepa G.
Deepa G.
Dec 05, 2021
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The views were absolutely stunning!! I honestly would keep coming back here for the views alone if my wallet could manage it! Food wise, very fresh and local. Their menu is based on what is in season, which I truly appreciate. I would say very average in terms of the dishes themselves, but the freshness of it all truly allows this place to shine!
Patricia Harris
Patricia Harris
Nov 02, 2021
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Beautiful location of a local favorite spot that has been serving the community for decades. Stunning views from outside on the deck or upstairs inside near the windows or outside by the water. Friendly & helpful staff. Go for lunch, happy hour, dinner or just drinks. Fun atmosphere & delicious food! Would definitely go back!
Lawrencia L.
Lawrencia L.
Oct 31, 2021
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My friend and I came here for her birthday and we’re super excited and the food was nothing exciting. The best thing on the menu was the steak, which was cooked to perfection. In addition to the steak being delicious, the entire plate was swimming in the sauce which can be an issue if you don’t like your foods to touch. My friend and I shared our meals. I ordered the grilled salmon and while it tasted fresh it was unseasoned. The bread served for the table was cold and we had to request for it to be warmed up. The best thing about this place was the view of the water; however, it was raining
Doug H.
Doug H.
Oct 27, 2021
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Went to Rays for happy hour. Had the crab cakes and clam chowder. Both fantastic. Going back soon for whole dinner. Great food, great service and a view to die for.
T. F. Sakolsky
T. F. Sakolsky
Oct 14, 2021
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We love this restaurant! We like to go about an hour before sunset and sit near the window. The food was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. (Sable and salmon) all the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. We will definitely be back when we are in town.
Rod Estrabo
Rod Estrabo
Sep 19, 2021
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There was about a forty minute wait for us to be seated. We strolled and hung out by the adjacent board dock. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. We sat on the deck outside on a beautiful day. I would recommend at least a light jacket even in the middle of August. The calamari was crispy and delightful. We enjoyed the flavorful ahi poke bowl.
Tcpudpatm Ports
Tcpudpatm Ports
Aug 26, 2021
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Nice place with gorgeous views and good food! We were here for dinner and enjoyed our experience. The staff was amazing, and we even received a blanket since it can get a little chilly when seated outside.
This is a good spot to go on a date, or to celebrate something with family.
Danny Kirby
Danny Kirby
Aug 18, 2021
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Great view of the boats and water. Extremely helpful waitress and best of all was the halibut with roasted new potatoes with asparagus, roasted carrots and corn. Will be going back for lunch. They open up at 11 am when a lot of others open at 4 pm.
Lancealot
Lancealot
Jul 30, 2021
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I love the History..
I've definitely had better Halibut not too bad. Mussels were amazing though. The customer service I'd say was great as well. Being from out of town and right by the water I thought the fish would've been better. Maybe it was just the choice of food. Thanks to Peter for the customer service and way to go on making things around me make sense and where to go to have a nice stroll.
Suman Chakrabarti
Suman Chakrabarti
Jul 30, 2021
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Everything was delicious and service was fantastic. I got the negroni, which didn’t disappoint and scallops for dinner. The fried oysters and pork belly were delicious as was the octopus. The view at the water was breathtaking. Truly a wonderful date night place (it was our anniversary). Enjoy!
Addison S.
Addison S.
Jul 24, 2021
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When we arrived, it was very busy but they were able to seat us immediately outside next to the water. The view was 10/10 and the food was just as amazing. By far my favorite restaurant and the service was great! Will for sure return sometime!
Nicole Solano
Nicole Solano
Jul 23, 2021
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Came here when my parents were in town because we wanted to treat them to a super nice seafood dinner. Ray's did not disappoint! Service was super diligent, friendly and the staff were very knowledgeable about the dishes and the fish. Everyone enjoyed their meal, we went around 7pm and watching the sunset over the water was an extra special treat! Beautiful location and memorable dinner.
Nina B.
Nina B.
Jun 26, 2021
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We enjoyed a nice meal at Ray's but be prepared for a longgggg wait (ours was over 1.5 hours for inside). They take your number so you can go wait somewhere else which is nice, there's a beach close by. The food was pretty good but the view is really what makes it worth it.

We had calamari to start which was good but a bit pricy for the quantity. I had fish and chips which was fine but nothing special, the fish was a little dry and the breading was different, not a beer batter. The cole slaw was good and usually I don't like restaurant cole slaws.

The smoked scallops are amazing
Stacie S.
Stacie S.
Jun 22, 2021
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We've been to Rays Boat House and had a great experience. Well Rays boathouse cafe was a serious birthday disappointment! We had six people ( all family ) and an infant. I called ahead and was only told we would have to wait longer with a larger party on the outside deck.
We were ok with the hour and a half wait. Even did my COVID homework. Their website said they are adhering to city of Seattle covid guidelines. Which June 21, 2021 said parties of 10 no family restrictions are allowed to dine. When we were seated after 11/2 wait we were lead to two tables far apart with two different servers
Nikki B.
Nikki B.
May 03, 2021
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Such a perfect place to have lunch on a sunny day. Especially when youre dining out on the patio with the waterfront view.

For appetizer we ordered Crispy Calamari, Ray's Chowder, and the Dungeness crab dip. The crispy calamari with that lemon aioli was yummy. Rays chowder was kind of bland, i was expecting it to be good with all the reviews I saw. The Dungeness crab dip was good but the portions of the dip was small. You also get a free side of bread and butter but kind of wish the bread was a lil warm or hot because it was cold and hard but maybe thats how they serve it i guess lol.

I
Remembrance J.
Remembrance J.
May 03, 2021
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We spent the afternoon tide-pooling at Golden Garden Park and swung by Ray's on the way home. We sat on the upper deck facing the water. We enjoyed the food and atmosphere. The halibut was a solid choice but the pan seared scallops were a table favorite. We would eat here again if in the area. Also, seals were fun to watch off the boardwalk. We didn't see a trash can on the way in so we had cups of juice from the cafe at the park and the host acted like we were trying to take in outside drinks. A simple, "Oh, can I take those for you?" Instead of a policy lecture would have
Phil G.
Phil G.
Nov 14, 2020
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I enjoyed Ray's on a chilly and wet November day. Lunch was very pleasant, if not a bit touristy. Service was warm and certainly passionate about oysters.
Fish all tasted fresh and good. The table had mixed opinions about Ray's Clam Chowder, several claiming it was bland with little clam flavor. I liked it. "Different strokes for different folks." Perhaps unfairly, I have an inclination to compare Ray's to Chinooks at Fisherman's Terminal. The view is better at Ray's, but the food is a very close call. My wife favors Chinook's, while I may favor Ray
MyAnne K.
MyAnne K.
Oct 18, 2020
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Ray's is so special to me. I had my wedding reception here and will forever have a connection to this wonderful restaurant. The freshest seafood, best views, and service are consistent. When it comes to fine dining, Ray's does it best! My favorites are seafood salad, catch of the day, king crab legs, clam chowder and the cocktails are GREAT!!!

COVID UPDATE- staff adhere to strict cleaning protocols. Tables are distanced by more than 6 feet. Reservations are not taken at this time walk-in only.
Viktoriya M.
Viktoriya M.
Sep 12, 2020
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Always a good time here. Different dining experience each time. Always pleasantly surprised to see what happens out on the water. The food and service here are always top notch as well :)
Today I dined upstairs out on the deck, due to COVID restrictions downstairs was closed completely. But super glad dining in is open here.
Aj H.
Aj H.
Jul 21, 2020
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Ray's Cafe is an absolute must experience restaurant in Seattle.

First of all, make sure to get a table outside on the deck. The view over the Sound with the mountains in the background is unmatched in the Seattle area. There is a relaxing vibe with paddleboarders scooting by, yachts slowly trolling, and if you're lucky (and we were), you'll even see the occasional dolphin jumping or slapping it's tail on the water.

The cocktails were superb. We tried the special of the night, a summer-feeling vacation drink called "Euro Trip" along with a margarita and a gin-based