Kirkland boasts some of the best waterfront real estate in Washington, offering diners many choices for exceptional meals with stunning views. Restaurants range from upscale to casual, featuring diverse cuisines and iconic settings like Carillon Point and Kirkland Homeport Marina. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best waterfront dining experiences Kirkland has to offer.
Anthony's HomePort Kirkland
Anthony's HomePort is a Pacific Northwest staple, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase panoramic views of Lake Washington. Known for its fresh seafood, Anthony's serves up classics like Dungeness crab cakes, clam chowder, and their famous Penn Cove mussels. The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that diners only enjoy the freshest catches of the day.
Ivar's Seafood Bar
Ivar's is a beloved local institution that brings a casual, family-friendly vibe to the Kirkland waterfront. With outdoor seating right by the water, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back meal while watching boats glide across Lake Washington.
Ivar's is famous for its clam chowder and fish 'n' chips, made with thick pieces of sustainably sourced cod. There are plenty of options on this menu though – try their Cod Beach Tacos or the Seafood Cocktail, which comes with dungeness crab, prawns, baby shrimp, avocado, and cocktail sauce.
The BeachHouse Bar + Grill
Located just steps from the water, the BeachHouse Bar + Grill offers a cozy, beachy vibe with its rustic decor and outdoor fire pits. It’s a great spot for happy hour or a casual dinner with friends.
Their menu features fresh and local ingredients served up in gourmet burgers, oversized sandwiches, fresh salads, and Northwest seafood dishes. Guests rave about the spicy prawns with Cajun cream sauce, the sliders, and the barbeque quesadillas. To complement your meal, try a handcrafted cocktail or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.
Various Restaurants at The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa
Carillon Kitchen
Carillon Kitchen is a charming café nestled at scenic Carillon Point. With its cozy indoor seating and outdoor patio, it’s a great spot for a leisurely breakfast or lunch with views of the nearby marina.
The chefs take pride in using locally sourced ingredients and serving Seattle-based brands such as Fonte coffee and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. The emphasis here is on healthy, homemade fare. Be sure to try their signature Chicken Panini, the flavorful Ahi Poke Grain Bowl, or one of their delicious homemade pastries.
COMO
COMO brings the flavors of Italy and its namesake, Lake Como, to life. With its homey atmosphere, dining here feels like a relaxing meal in a lakeside villa. The menu highlights handmade pasta and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Because it is seasonal, the menu changes regularly, but guests in the past have highly recommended the clams, fried artichokes, and tajarin pasta. Recognized as an OpenTable Diners’ Choice for 2025, Como is a local favorite for authentic Italian cuisine.
El Encanto
El Encanto offers elevated Mexican cuisine with unbeatable views of Lake Washington. This spot is perfect for sipping homemade margaritas while enjoying creative takes on Mexican classics. Try their four unique styles of guacamole or tacos made with traditional fillings like barbacoa and tinga de pollo. If you go for brunch, consider pairing your meal with their bottomless mimosas.
Le Grand Bistro Americain
Le Grand is a French-inspired bistro with an American twist that combines elegance with a relaxed waterfront setting. The restaurant has a charming patio and cozy, sophisticated interior with booths offering views of the water. The menu features French classics like escargot, steak frites, and French Onion Soup. Of course, being Kirkland, diners should also try their seafood options, which are delicious and sustainably sourced.
Kirkland’s waterfront dining scene is a true reflection of the city’s charm, offering a mix of casual and upscale options with stunning lake views. These Kirkland, WA, restaurants on the water are just a taste of what the city has to offer—take a look at all of the other hidden gems awaiting you. So, grab a seat, savor the flavors, and enjoy the beauty of Kirkland, WA!
