The Walrus and the Carpenter is a renowned oyster bar and seafood haven located in Seattle’s historic Ballard neighborhood. Since opening its doors in 2010, chef Renee Erickson and partners Jeremy Price and Chad Dale have transformed it into a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene, earning national recognition and a James Beard Foundation Award nomination for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022. Blending rustic charm with understated elegance, the restaurant features a marble-topped bar, whitewashed walls, and a striking coral-inspired chandelier sourced from a Los Angeles antique yard. The cozy, 40-seat space buzzes with energy, creating an inviting, convivial atmosphere enhanced by ample natural light streaming through oversized windows. The menu showcases the Pacific Northwest’s bounty, with a rotating selection of impeccably fresh oysters such as Hama Hama and Calm Cove. Standout dishes include cornmeal-crusted fried oysters with cilantro aioli, sea urchin custard crowned with salmon roe, and smoked trout served over lentils with crème fraîche. The seafood-centric offerings are balanced by imaginative vegetable plates and artfully crafted small plates meant for sharing. A thoughtfully curated beverage list of wines, beers, ciders, and inventive cocktails complements the vibrant, seasonal cuisine.