No matter what neighborhood you shop in, you are sure to find tons of small interesting restaurants mixed in. You can check the restaurant reviews to help you find some student favorites, or do some experimenting of your own.
Local cuisine tends to be light.
You won't find a lot of steak and potatoes. It is usually at its best when it is combining local ingredients, such as fruit and seafood, with flavors and techniques from local immigrant communities, whether from the American South to Nepal. The cheapest eateries in town are mostly found right along University Way. The fanciest are centered around the downtown core. But Seattle's tastiest restaurants tend to be scattered in Seattle's eclectic neighborhoods.