Hey, Stranger: Communal Dining
By Whitney Ricketts, Seattle Editor
It's the latest trend in restaurant design: communal seating. While breaking bread at a table of strangers may bring back not-so-fond memories of school lunchrooms for some, it can take culinary adventures to new levels for those brave enough to try it. Head straight to the shared tables at these local hot spots where you're guaranteed to enjoy both the cuisine and the camaraderie of fellow foodies.
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Sitka & Spruce
2238 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA
Feast on Chef Matt Dillon's award-winning fare, such as the fiddle head fern salad or roasted whole bronzino, at this Eastlake hole-in-the-wall. -
La Carta de Oaxaca
5431 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA
Start with one house margarita; add plantain chips and guacamole, then top with the crispy perfection of entomatadas or the rich velvety mole. The festive food, margaritas and communal seating make for one delicious fiesta. -
Smith
332 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA
This Linda Derschang-run rustic pub is complete with antlers on the walls, a jukebox and two 10-foot communal tables for meeting new friends over chef Tyler Palagi's lauded pork shank. -
Elemental
3309 Wallingford Ave N, Seattle, WA
Discover the place foodies all over Seattle are raving about for its simple, creative menu--but go early: Elemental only has 14 (communal) seats. -
Salumi
309 Third Ave S, Seattle, WA
Order the special and delight in the art of cured meats as you sit elbow-to elbow with newfound friends in this family-run Sodo sandwich shack. Famed New York chef Mario Batali, son of the owner, is known to drop by when he's in town. -
Tavolata
2323 Second Ave, Seattle, WA
Octopus salad and house-made gnocchi are the favorites at this Belltown hot spot, which also boasts the longest (hand-carved) communal table in town. -
Pair
5501 30th Ave NE, Seattle, WA
Nestle into this friendly neighborhood enclave for a dinner of small plates paired with wines from their voluminous list.
