While it may come as a surprise to first time visitors, Seattle has become one of the top dining scenes in the country. It is diverse and focused on quality ingredients, frequently organic or sustainable. You can also eat well in many restaurants at lower prices than in other major cities. However, many newer restaurants are located outside downtown and require a car or taxi to be reached.

The diversity of the dining scene is impressive as is the consistent devotion of restaurants to local products. Top of the list, though a bit off the beaten path, is Lark (926 12^th Ave, 206-323-5275, website) The seasonal small plates menu is consistently terrific and the restaurant well worth the trek from downtown. For Italian, the popular Tavolata (2323 Second Avenue, 206-838-8008, website) on the edge of Belltown has long communal tables and solid rustic Italian food. Handmade pastas (none more than $16) are the stars here. The winelist is all-Italian and reasonably priced. Another small plates local favorite is Sitka & Spruce (2238 Eastlake Avenue East, 206-324-0662, website). Be warned, it’s very small and does not take reservations except for groups of 5 or more at the single communal table. Go early and be prepared to wait, likely outside since the bar is too tiny to handle the hordes who descend upon it.

Another option, especially for later at night, is Tom Douglas’ Dahlia Lounge (2001 Fourth Ave, 206-682-4142, website) where almost all the entrees are in the mid $20s. Next door is the Dahlia Bakery where you can pick up pastries, bread, salads and sandwiches during the day. Another perpetually jammed hotspot is Basque tapas joint Harvest Vine (2701 Madison St East, 206-320-9771, website) where no dish is over $21.

If you are near the International District, try Green Leaf (418 8^th Avenue, 206-340-1388, website) a usually packed Vietnamese eatery with the added plus of being BYOB. Fresh herbs and good quality ingredients put this place far above the pack. The green mango salad is highly recommended as is the Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake).

Near Pioneer Square, Seattle’s most famous sandwich shop, Salumi Artisan Cured Meats (309 3^rd Ave South, 206-621-8772, website) is open for lunch only (special dinners are held occasionally). Owned by foodie giant Mario Batali’s father, this terrific spot cures its own meats and serves giant sandwiches, ranging from porchetta to meatballs and more (selections change daily). Cured meats can also be ordered online as well at. Hours are limited (Tues – Fri, 11am – 4pm) and the lines can be long so get there early or expect a wait.

With Seattle’s proximity to the water, seafood is also a must. Try Flying Fish (2234 First Ave, 206-728-8595, website) for a top notch selection of fish and seafood. The restaurant is known for its platters of fish tacos and Dungeness crab. Entrees are all reasonably priced. If you’re near the Pike Place Market, Matt’s In the Market is a great option for lunch or dinner. Located on the second floor of the Corner Market Building (94 Pike Street, no elevator, 206-467-7909, website), it was expanded in 2007 and is a gem beloved by the locals. Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar (1916 Pike Place Suite 16, 206-448-7721) is another seafood option in the market. Try to get a table in the courtyard and expect to wait for your food - it will most likely be fried but it’s better than the sketchy service or paper bag menus will lead you to expect.

If you are in town in March or November, 30 restaurants offer $15 lunches and $30 dinners (food only) each month as part of Dine Around Seattle. Check the list here.

Washington State in general is a mecca for all sorts of liquid refreshments. The epicenter of the coffee boom thanks to Starbucks, the city still has funky little coffee shops and other chains to compete with that behemoth.

Wine production in the state trails only California in the U.S. and the breadth of choices is impressive. Many producers are small but well represented in Seattle’s restaurants. Try wines from Walla Walla, Washington, which are often very hard to find outside of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle was also at the forefront of the microbrew movement and locally brewed beers are easily found. Try beers from Pyramid or Red Hook.

For drinks, Vessel (1312 5^th Ave, 206-652-0521, website) is well located downtown and serves innovative cocktails. Zig Zag café (1501 Western Ave, 206-625-1146, website) is a hideaway downstairs from the avenue and a great spot for the classics.