Seattle is known as the birthplace of grunge, Starbucks, and, now, our latest Saatva Viewing Room. In a city as iconic as this, we can’t wait to make our mark in the northeast neighborhood of Ravenna.
Not to be confused with its Italian namesake, this relaxed residential area is known for its towering cedars, charming bungalows, and the renowned University Village shopping center. Here are our picks for the best places to shop, eat, and explore around University Village and Ravenna, Seattle.
Where to shop
Saatva Viewing Room
Thanks to our latest Viewing Room, feeling sleepless in Seattle is a thing of the past. Handcrafted in the US, our mattresses inspire peaceful dreams and restful nights. Stop into our new location and try our luxury mattresses in a pressure-free space. Once you pick your perfect sleeper, we’ll hand deliver your mattress to you—for free.
Saatva Seattle: 4715 25th Ave NE
University Village
Known throughout the city as U-Village, this open-air shopping mall has over 70 shops and restaurants to peruse. Located 10 minutes from the heart of the city, it’s a mix of locally-owned boutiques selling Seattle-made goods and household names like Levi’s and Pottery Barn.
University Village: NE University Village St
Fireworks
A Seattle institution, Fireworks is a go-to for quirky and creative gifts made by more than 300 different small artisans around the country. Whether you’re looking for an oyster-shaped necklace or a candle that smells like the pine forests of Washington, Fireworks has it in stock.
Fireworks: 2617 NE University Village St
Oiselle
Made for women by women, Oiselle specializes in activewear perfect for traversing those Washington hiking trails. From the perfect pair of running shorts to a stylish puffy jacket, it’s a one-stop shop for everything outdoorsy.
Oiselle: 2632 NE University Village St
Fran’s Chocolates
Just like San Francisco has See’s Candies, Seattle has Fran’s. Crafting cocoa concoctions since 1982, Fran Bigelow is a beloved local chocolatier. Save extra room in your luggage for her artisan creations, especially her assorted truffles and hot chocolate mix.
Fran’s Chocolates: 2626 NE University Village St
Where to eat and drink
Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe
In Seattle, a daily cup of coffee is practically mandatory. So, skip Starbucks and head to this neighborhood favorite. Inspired by the owner’s Hawaiian roots, this coffee shop brews the good stuff using 100% Kona coffee. Located inside a century-old bungalow, it’s a cozy place to stop for a brew and a homemade pastry.
Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe: 2007 NE Ravenna Blvd
Ba Bar
A Vietnamese mainstay, the brother and sister duo behind Ba Bar has been serving up piping hot bowls of phở since 1999. The focus here is Vietnamese street food with classic regional noodle dishes like Bún Bò Huế and Cơm Gà Hội An gracing the menu. Plus, its midnight closing time makes it a great late-night haunt.
Ba Bar: 2685 NE 46th St #2503
Ravenna Brewing
Near the University of Washington campus, this family-owned brewery specializes in craft sours and unique flavors. Its spacious outdoor patio and rotation of food trucks make it perfect for that rare sunny day in Seattle. Try the Sleek Robot Pilsner or the pomegranate-flavored Gemstone Forager Sour Ale.
Ravenna Brewing: 5408 26th Ave NE
Din Tai Fung
Internationally renowned for some of the best dim sum in the world, this Taiwan-based chain has made its way to Seattle. Just like in Taipei, you’ll need to wait for a table at this dumpling depot. Once you sit down, order as much food as your table can fit, and be sure to order extra servings of their signature xiao long bao.
Din Tai Fung: 2621 NE 46th St
Frank’s Oyster House & Champagne Parlor
A New York steakhouse mixed with a Nantucket oyster shack, this is a classic date night spot. Crowd-pleasing comfort foods include a cheeseburger, fried chicken, and oysters prepared every which way. And while surf and turf is the main draw, don’t skimp out on the desserts, especially the Cracker Jack ice cream sundae.
Frank’s Oyster House & Champagne Parlor: 2616 NE 55th St
Where else to spend time
Pike Place Market
A trip to Seattle without a stop at Pike Place is like visiting New York and not eating a slice of pizza. Basically, it’s a must. Watch mongers fling fish, sample some local produce, and peruse more than 500 businesses. Deciding which to stop at can be overwhelming, but companies like ToursByLocals will make sure you experience the best of the best.
Pike Place Market: 85 Pike St
Burke-Gilman Trail
Nature lovers flock to this lengthy trail for a dose of calm inside city limits. Cutting through Ravenna and spanning over 20 miles, this scenic route is beloved by runners, hikers, cyclists, and daily commuters.
FAQs
Is Ravenna, Seattle a good neighborhood?
Ravenna strikes that perfect blend of relaxed residential charm with city conveniences located mere minutes away.
What is in University Village Seattle?
University Village Seattle is a large open-air shopping complex in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle.
How big is University Village Seattle?
University Village spans two floors and hundreds of thousands of square feet. It houses more than 70 stores, both brand name and boutique, as well as restaurants.
Check out our additional travel guides for advice on how to spend the day near our other Viewing Rooms:
- Washington, DC’s Logan Circle
- San Francisco’s Union Square
- West Hollywood, Los Angeles
- New York City’s Upper East Side
- Chicago’s Lincoln Park
- Dallas’s Uptown
- Charlotte’s South Park
- Portland’s Pearl District
- Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square
