As the crown jewel of Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is a lively and historic community well known for its waterfront views and active music scene. When searching for Anacortes real estate, buyers are right next to culinary talents that reimagine the wealth of local seafood in exciting and delicious ways. Be sure to try these restaurants while in town.

At Swinomish Casino & Lodge, residents will find the highly acclaimed 13moons. The fine dining here melds Northwestern favorites and seasonally available ingredients into dishes fit for refined palates. Chef Daniel Van Norman is skilled at preparing indigenous ingredients with top culinary practices he learned across the globe. Guests can enjoy these artful dishes within the lodge-like venue, its comforting atmosphere decorated with Swinomish tribal art. Patio seating is open seasonally, while the intimate lounge is the best place to sample local craft beers and the extensive wine list.

For the first course, guests are presented with Pacific coast plates like the white truffle sea scallops. This jumbo portion is served with a side of marsala-glazed mushrooms for a warm and buttery bite. Local seafood takes center stage as the most popular dish of the restaurant is the Adler wood-grilled salmon. 13moons offers plenty of meat dishes for guests who prefer a prime cut, such as filet mignon medallions with garlic mashed potatoes.

Anacortes real estate within the city’s historic downtown is a walk away from rustic restaurants like A’Town Bistro. The owners here prioritize locally sourced ingredients from Anacortes’ own farmers, anglers, and foragers. The floor-to-ceiling windows making up the front of the restaurant are lined with fenced-in alcoves of outdoor seating for an intimate dining experience. Guests eating inside appreciate a convivial atmosphere from the table and bar seating.

The menu offers elevated appetizers like squid karaage. This dish is delicately plated with the sweet tang of a soy maple gastrique and squid ink aioli. Like at 13moons, seafood dishes dominate the menu, featuring a Nerka-caught Alaskan king salmon and an aromantic paella. The compact Cornish game hen is a rich entrée cooked in honey and served with smoked crème fraiche. A’Town Bistro also celebrates the nuances of flavor in its streamlined cocktail menu.

The Majestic Inn and Spa offers a tableau of luxury amenities, including the masterful daylong dishes at 5th Street Bistro. You can enjoy refined American dishes from the sleek dark wood bar, the warm-toned dining room, or on the open-air rooftop lounge. The San Juan Islands at sunset are a stunning backdrop for guests dining on farm-to-table cuisine. Whether joining for a weekday breakfast or a weekend happy hour, this is one of the best spots to eat near Anacortes real estate.

Breakfast goers can indulge with the Dungeness crab cake benedict, the toasted muffin providing a complimentary crunch to the sweet shellfish. To start an evening meal, the cured meats and artisan cheeses displayed on a charcuterie board are easy to share with the whole table. Follow up a starter with a pepper-crusted filet mignon in a red wine demi-glace. Guests can also order from the prix fixe menu for a more refined selection or sample the menu exclusive to the rooftop lounge.

The local craft brews at Rockfish Grill are an unbeatable selection created at the neighboring Anacortes Brewery. The more than 30 styles created annually entice guests to try out new flavors and order their favorites before they’re gone. Rockfish Grill is also an active music venue featuring talent from top regional and national jazz, blues, and Americana musicians. Anacortes residents are invited in with open arms to listen to live music or enjoy an excellent draft in the heated outdoor beer garden.

The traditional Northwest cuisine doesn’t disappoint with appetizers like the coconut prawns. These crispy snacks are served with an addictive orange jalapeño sauce. Rockfish Grill presents an impressive selection of wood-fired pizzas roasted in their brick oven, refreshing salads, and heaping sandwiches. Main entrée dishes are equally varied and generous. Try out the Florentine, a pan-seared rockfish topped with a spicy green sauce browned to perfection in their wood-fired oven.

Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina reflects the best parts of Anacortes, highlighting the Pacific shore’s breathtaking sights and delicious cuisine. Indoor seating next to floor-to-ceiling windows looks out onto the surrounding hills, dock, and walkways bordered by thriving plant life. Colorful outdoor chairs are also available for guests to bask in the warm summer sun. Customers are welcome to visit for Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner all days of the week or can reserve a time for a three-course sunset dinner on weekdays.

Whether you’re early to rise or late to roll out of bed, brunch-goers love favorites like the New Orleans bowl with its Cajun prawn spice and rich yolky flavor. All diners need to try the award-winning clam chowder. The creamy soup satisfies with bacon bits and potatoes that soak up the bold flavors. The seafood entrees on the dinner menu change according to local supply, although Anthony’s also serves steak dishes like the Snake River Farms Wagyu top sirloin. The oyster festival menu gives dinner guests all the oysters they can eat prepared in every way imaginable.

 

Be sure to check out our article on Summer Activities in Anacortes

Anacortes’ culinary scene celebrates its prime access to fresh seafood in a range of venues and styles. Upscale dining at 13moons takes dishes to the next level, while local favorites like Rockfish Grill keep things exciting with its live music. There are plenty more restaurants in the city for visitors and residents to explore. When searching for Anacortes real estate near these tasty restaurants, partner with a local island expert like Mike Konopik to get you started.