Hey, Stranger: Communal Dining

by Whitney Ricketts - Citysearch Contributor - 30 Reviews - 63 Lists

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Updated: June 12, 2008

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.

Editor's Picks

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Elemental At Gasworks
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    3309 Wallingford Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 (map)

    It's a small little place near Gasworks, with just 14 seats and a menu dictated by the chef. Some would say this is a right of passage to deep foodie status.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average Sitka & Spruce
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    2238 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102 (map)

    Matt Dillon's little lime-green-walled powerhouse is now a Seattle culinary mecca. Nosh on chef Nick Castleberry's flavor-rich seasonal fare while you make new friends at the 8 seat communal table in the middle of the dining room.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Smith
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    332 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98103 (map)

    Linda Derschang's taxidermy-filled pub serves up Chef Eliot Guthrie's delicious comfort food. Not to miss: pitchers of mimosas at brunch, and the jukebox.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Tavolata
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    2323 Second Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (map)

    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.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Pair
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    5501 30th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    Nestle into this friendly neighborhood enclave for a dinner of small plates paired with wines from their voluminous list.

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended La Carta De Oaxaca
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    5431 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (map)

    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.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Armandino's Salumi
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    309 Third Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 (map)

    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.