Ray’s Boathouse is a beloved dockside gem serving fresh Pacific NW seafood, complete with breathtaking views of Shilshole Bay, perfect for special occasions.
"Every kingdom has a king. And in this case, go ahead and bow down to Ray’s Boathouse. This apex of touristy waterfront seafood in Ballard is unironically wonderful in both taste and location. They serve one of the best crab cakes in town, every brick of fish is seared with laser-sharp precision, and the interior design has no trace of aquatic kitsch. Get the grilled sablefish in sake kasu with a glass of ice-cold white wine and be thankful you’re nowhere near Pier 55." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente, kayla sager riley
"Let’s say you want to keep the celebrations simple, with something on the water that serves a few variations on a nice piece of fish with a carb and a vegetable. Skip all of Seattle’s other mediocre waterfront seafood restaurants and prioritize Ray’s Boathouse. Sure, dishes like grilled king salmon with mashed potatoes and buerre blanc tastes like something you’d eat at a gala, but it all just works. Especially if you time things out to have dessert as the sun sets behind Shilshole Bay. " - aimee rizzo
"Let’s say you’re planning a celebration and want to keep things simple, with something on the water that serves a few variations on a nice piece of fish with a carb and a vegetable. Skip all of Seattle’s other mediocre waterfront seafood restaurants and prioritize Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard. Sure, dishes like grilled king salmon with mashed potatoes and buerre blanc tastes like something you’d eat at a gala, but it all just works. Especially if you time things out to have dessert as the sun sets behind Shilshole Bay." - Aimee Rizzo
"Ray’s hosts weddings (including ceremonies) year-round in its private Northwest Room right next to the Boathouse and Cafe. Views off the deck overlook Shilshole Bay, and there’s an indoor space just in case the weather turns. Ray’s culinary team offers full bar and dining menus with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. The Northwest Room also has a dance floor, built-in sound system and screen. Find out more at Ray’s official wedding page." - Mark Van Streefkerk, Harry Cheadle
"Ray’s Boathouse is closing temporarily due to the hazardous air conditions." - Gabe Guarente
