This is the last of the Seattle recaps. But, this may be the best of them all - because another highly recommended restaurant in Seattle is Matt’s in the Market. No one verbally told me about it, but every where I read, Matt's was listed. Located in the best location a restaurant could be in, it is located within the Pike Place Market, immediately across the street of the famous flying fish of Pike Place Fish on the third floor of Corner Market Building. After we perused the market, we made our way upstairs for some delectable delights.
Even though it was a Friday at the end of a busy lunch time, we only had to wait a few minutes for a table. And I couldn't have asked for a better spot as it was a window overlooking the Market. The sun was shining, and it made the restaurant that much more comfortable.
I was pleased with the simplicity of the restaurant - it felt like I was visiting a friend's kitchen. From the open kitchen to the simplistic counter bar where people could dine, the whole feel of the restaurant was home with a twist. Being across the street from some of the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen, they did not disappoint with simple sunflower blooms on the table.
Our server greeted us with a smile and explanation of the menu. She was utterly fantastic, friendly and spot on with her recommendations when I asked her opinion between a few options (she is in the photo above, all the way to the right in the blue shirt and some fantastic earrings!) I ordered a glass of 2009 Leyda Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy during my meal. At this point, I was expecting to get some sort of seafood so I wanted wine that was light, crisp and refreshing to accompany it.Hubs ordered some of the most succulent crab I have ever seen. He surprised me by ordering a salad, but when I saw it presented, it all made sense. Baby arugula was lightly dressed in a citrus vinaigrette, presented with slices of orange and avocado. But the star of his meal was the dungeness crab, and there was a lot of it! It was absolutely delicious and simple. I was able to take a nibble (with hubs permission of course!) and knew that he had a stellar dish on his hands. I wouldn't have been surprised if they picked it up from across the street when he ordered it - that is how fresh it was. It was meaty (in a crab sense of course) and savory.
I do have to comment on the fantastic side as well - a garbanzo bean-sultana salad. It was crunchy and earthy, with hints of delicious grain mustard. I loved the texture, and I'm not normally a garbanzo bean lover so I was surprised to be eating it up. It was quite a large serving, but that could have been because I was having a love affair with my burger.
My Seattle recommendation: take a stroll through the Market with a cup of original Starbuck's love, buy some great food and try to not nibble (at least for that day) because you should be dining at Matt's. Dinner or lunch - it is reasonably priced with a great view, fantastic service and some unforgettable nosh.
Matt's in the Market
Corner of Pike & First
94 Pike Place Street, Suite 32
Seattle, WA 98101
206.467.7909