Ivar's Salmon House

401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
$$$ Seafood restaurant
(3027 Reviews)

Ivar's Salmon House: A Seafood Haven in Seattle

Located on the banks of Lake Union, Ivar's Salmon House is not just a restaurant; it's a quintessential Seattle experience that combines sumptuous seafood with stunning waterfront views. A hallmark of Pacific Northwest cuisine, this seafood restaurant embraces its local roots and is dedicated to bringing you the freshest flavors from the sea.

As you step into Ivar's, you're immediately enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a rustic lodge, complete with wooden beams and nautical decor that pays homage to the maritime history of Seattle. Whether you're dining inside or on the sprawling outdoor deck—bolstered by the gentle lapping of the lake waves—you'll find a seat that offers a view worthy of a picture postcard.

The menu at Ivar's Salmon House is a treasure trove for seafood lovers, showcasing a variety of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in the famous White Clam Chowder, available in a comforting cup for $9.00 or a hearty bowl for $10.50; it’s a creamy delight that has left many guests raving, like one customer who described it as “the best I’ve ever had.” If you're in the mood for something on the lighter side, the Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad for $20.00 combines expertly seasoned fish with crisp greens, creating a vibrant taste experience. Another highlight is the Cajun Salmon & Chips that delivers perfectly cooked salmon with a light crust, echoing the sentiments of satisfied customers who love its flavor without overpowering spice.

For those yearning for a classic Pacific Northwest experience, the Fried Northwest Platter for $23.00 offers a delightful assortment of fried seafood, while the 3 PC Fish N Chips for $21.50 delivers a crispy, golden standard that hits the nail on the head. Every dish is crafted with freshness in mind, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor and quality.

But it's not just the food that makes Ivar's a favorite. They pride themselves on their attentive service, as reflected in reviews from satisfied diners who feel welcomed and well-cared for. One guest remarked about the “super friendly” staff, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger just a bit longer. The restaurant also accommodates diners arriving by boat, with easy docking options to make your experience even more convenient and enjoyable.

Whether you're a Seattle local or visiting for the first time, Ivar's Salmon House is a must-visit destination that promises not just a meal, but a memorable experience enriched with local flavor and hospitality. So grab your friends, family, or that special someone, and sail into a dining experience that highlights the best of what Seattle has to offer. Your table awaits!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

3027 Reviews
Cosmo Wan

17 Sep 2025

Absolutely amazing. Food was delicious, especially the mussels. The red curry sauce they came in was perfect, adding spice and flavor. Add some of the sauce to my salmon on the Spicy Blackened Alaskan Sockeye Caesar Salad, and holy crap was that a great idea. My partner got the Cajun Salmon & Chips, also fantastic. Not very spicy, and the breading was nice and light compared to usual fish n' chips. Also shout out the service! Kind, helpful, and gave great recommendations when we asked. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. I recommend this location to any locals or visitors, you will not be disappointed.

james flecht

16 Sep 2025

We love eating here. The staff is super friendly. The food amazing. My favorite is the crab cakes, and maybe because I love the mash potatoes. I’ve probably eaten half the menu and loved it all. They have a dock with plenty of space to tie up your boat. In the summer on good days at peak hours it does get a bit crowded. We used to love sailing over and getting take out from the front take out window. Plenty of walk up seating on the floating dock for take out plus full menu dining. Even when they parking lot is full the restaurant is so big it Diane feel that crowded.

Matt Perrone

06 Sep 2025

Ivar's Salmon House is a seafood restaurant right on the water. You can get here by driving or by boat, as their dock is easily accessible to drop people off or even park it for a bit while you eat. They have probably more than a hundred tables here, as it's massive inside with another 2-3 dozen tables outside on the dock. Their menu is a decent size, with prices being a bit high but portions being good and taste being great. Their shrimp and oyster shooters are yummy and cheap, wonton sushi appetizer is delicious, and their salmon is super fresh (as is all of their other fish). They are busy quite often, so you may wait for a table, so I'd recommend reserving ahead of time of you can. The staff are friendly but don't come around as often as I'd hoped, and some of the bus staff were just playing around instead of cleaning tables. Overall it's a solid place to eat, especially for big groups and of you're looking for fresh seafood, this is a good choice.

takingalooksee

14 Aug 2025

Our friends invited us to have lunch here. It was good. I had the Copper River king salmon and my wife had the Copper River sockeye salmon. Having sampled the sockeye next to the king, I've determined that the king is better. That's a big middle finger to the sockeye , if you get the meaning . The calamari was also good. Their Famous white clam chowder was probably the best I've ever had. The view of lake Union was nice with the Space Needle at the far end. Lots of tables out on the deck but it was a bit too windy to sit out there today.

Jeanne S

25 Jun 2025

Went here for my last meal while visiting the city. It was a very sunny day so most customers were dining outside and enjoying the weather & view. Glad we were able to get a table by the window. We started off with some crab cakes. They were a bit sad looking, but tasted good. We also ordered the clam chowder & salad set, as well as the cajun salmon & chips. The salmon was very flavorful (and not that spicy)! My only complaint(or observation) was that the young servers weren’t so friendly and helpful compared to the others!

ar 0141

20 Jun 2025

I took the family to dinner while in Seattle and we had an excellent time. The food was amazing. Beautifully prepared and incredibly fresh. The cocktails were delicious and our server was very attentive to our needs.

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