Beautiful and delicious Dungeness crab at Cutter’s Crabhouse. Photo source
Although you have to watch out for the sides, Dungeness crab is one of my favorite gluten-free dishes to enjoy for a special treat or celebratory meal. It’s expensive, but definitely worth it for a special occasion! Seattle is a great spot for seafood of all kinds, and Dungeness is no exception. These spots are at the top of my list for Dungeness crab - steamed whole and as an ingredient with other dishes.
Cutter's Crabhouse | 2001 Western Avenue | 206-448-4884
An excellent place to get crab is… at a crabhouse! Cutter’s is one of the best in town, and has quite the offering on their menu. Add Dungeness crab to your clam chowder, snack on a Dungeness crab cocktail, dig into Cutter’s signature Louie salad topped with Dungeness crab, or enjoy a whole steamed crab (made to order and served with drawn butter and parmesan risotto).
Duke's Chowder House | Multiple Locations
Duke’s may specialize in chowders, but their Dungeness crab “un” cakes are nothing to turn one’s nose up at. However, these babies are not gluten-free, so if you have that dietary restrictions, be aware. Served with homemade lime aioli for dipping. Enjoy them as an appetizer, or as a meal with baby red potatoes and a seasonal vegetable. Duke’s also has a yummy Dungeness Crab Lover’s Club sandwich, which you can get on a gluten free Manini’s bun. It’s piled with fresh crab, avocado, tomato and Jarlsberg cheese.
Flying Fish | 300 Westlake Ave N | 206-728-8595
Enjoy your Dungeness with a twist of Asian-inspired cuisine at Flying Fish! Their Salt & Pepper Dungeness Crab is served with a carrot daikon salad, sesame soba noodles and a chili lime dipping sauce.
McCormick & Schmick’s | 1200 Westlake Ave N | 206-270-9052
For those who aren’t limited to gluten-free, the Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Cake at McCormick & Schmick’s is really yummy. Their Dungeness Crab Bisque is also amazing! But the steamed whole crab is the main event by far. It’s served with roasted potato, a fresh vegetable, lemon and drawn butter.
Photo credit: Stephanie Forrer
Place Pigalle | 81 Pike Street | 206-624-1756
One of the top French restaurants in Seattle, Place Pigalle, is a prime spot to indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of a steamed whole Dungeness crab. It's not always offered on their regular menu, so be sure to give them a call and check on whether it's available when you plan to drop by.
Taylor Shellfish | Multiple Locations
Sure, they’re known for their oysters, but that doesn’t mean Taylor Shellfish can’t handle their crab. If you’re crabbing alone, their cooked, chilled and cracked Dungeness crab is ready to eat with pickled ginger slaw and a house cocktail sauce for dipping. Make it a date with the Crab Dinner for Two, with a whole Dungeness, shucker’s dozen oysters, house salad, Macrina baguette and vega cava for two.
