By Jim McCausland, Molly Watson, Sunset Magazine

1 Ray's Cafe. Kick back with the richest clam chowder in the West (with a swirl of basil oil on top) and take in the sweeping nothing-but-water-between-you-and-the-Olympic-Mountains view at Ray's Cafe. There are plenty of simple seafood preparations for those who can resist the clam-laden chowder, and the signature Smokin' Joey mocktail (lime, ginger ale, sugar, and bitters) cools off the summer's heat.

2 Pink Door. A cozy and eclectic atmosphere is just a flight of stairs down from the Post Alley entrance marked only by the eponymous Pink Door. The patio beckons diners with views of Elliott Bay and oodles of charm. A pasta dish, a bottle of vino, and an adoring sweetheart should complete the picture at this bit of Italy in Pike Place Market.

3 Elliott's Oyster House. Don't miss the staggering variety of oysters served with clever frozen champagne mignonette. The patio is perfect for soaking in the sights of Elliott Bay. Progressive happy hour starts at 3 p.m. Monday-Friday with chef's choice oysters for 50 cents each. The price increases 20 cents every half-hour, but you'll be too content to notice.

4 Little Chinook's. This is Seattle, after all, where not just any fish will do. At Little Chinook's you can choose between salmon, cod, and halibut (prawns and clam strips are also available) to accompany the crispy seasoned fries and poppy seed-studded coleslaw. The patio furniture overlooking Fishermen's Terminal leaves something to be desired, but kids love watching the boats.

5 35th Street Bistro. Salads and seafood stand out on the ever-changing menu at the pretty 35th Street Bistro. Cool down with a cucumber martini while absorbing the Fremont scene.

6 Maggie Bluff's Marina Grill. Nestled among the boats at Elliott Bay Marina, Maggie Bluff's Marina Grill has perspective-enhancing water-level views of downtown. Arm yourself with a burger and a beer and while away a summer's day, or indulge in a buckets o' clams and crab bites during happy hour.

7 Madison Park Café. Great brunch. Baked eggs and homemade scones and coffee cake are served on the charming brick patio. Well-behaved dogs and cats are welcome.

8 Lola. Considering that so many months of the year in Seattle demand indoor dining, a surprising number of restaurants here bother to store a few tables to pull out to the sidewalk once summer arrives. Tom Douglas's take on a Greek diner serves up season-perfect grilled food and a Greek martini (made with feta-stuffed olives).

9 Le Pichet. Experience a bit of Paris while grabbing a meal or simply an espresso and watching the town walk by.

10 Anthony's HomePort Shilshole. Located at the entrance to the Hiram Chittenden Locks on Lake Union, so you can watch the boats and enjoy the view west across the Sound as the sun goes down over the Olympics. And the seafood? Perfect.

Related Links:

• Sunset Magazine: Open To The Outdoors
• Sunset Magazine: Build Your Dream Backyard
• Sunset Magazine: Low Key Fun In West Seattle
• Sunset Magazine: Top 10 Seafood Spots By The Sea