Matt's in the Market sits on the third floor of the Corner Market Building at Pike Place, up a narrow staircase that most tourists miss. The dining room is small and has the feeling of a private club: a few tables, a small bar, and views across the market stalls to the Sound. The menu changes daily based on what the market has that morning, which means the fish and produce are as fresh as anywhere in the city.
This is elevated Pacific Northwest cooking — properly seasoned, thoughtfully composed, considerably better than the location in a tourist market might suggest. The Caesar salad is excellent; the salmon and halibut preparations are reliable; the desserts are made in-house. Reservations are strongly recommended. Prices are moderate to high.