Inside Archipelago, The Pacific Northwestern Restaurant with Filipino Soul

Taking a closer look at Seattle’s culinary offerings, Hypebeast hits up Archipelago in a new episode of Inside. At just eight years old, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant has won multiple awards and gained critical acclaim by putting contemporary Filipino flavors firmly on the map of Seattle, making it an unmissable spot during the FIFA World Cup™ 2026.

Established by Amber Manuguid and Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago’s journey began after a trip to the Philippines by the restaurateurs, who went there to discover their ancestry. They realised they were defined neither by their homeland nor their birthplace in America, but existed in an in-between space. This revelation inspired Manuguid and Verzosa decided to start up the restaurant to express this dual identity.

What came from the venture is now an experimental eatery that combines Pacific Northwest cuisine and Filipino style cooking. On a typical visit to the Archipelago, diners can enjoy a ten course tasting menu with dishes designed around seasonal American ingredients. In the summer, expect handcut fish with fresh herbs as well as fresh fruit in the form of halo halo, while in winter root vegetables and meats take over in interpretations of pinakbet and tortang talong.

Beyond influences on cuisine, the Filipino way of eating extends to the social backdrop of the restaurant. Seating just twelve at a time, Archipelago’s counter-style dining encourages guests to mingle between one another with the unique plates serving as conversation starters. The family feel can also be seen in the kitchen where young cooks are often trained alongside established chefs, in what Manuguid and Verzosa call a “Community Classroom.”

To find out more about how to spend your time in the city during the FIFA World Cup™ 2026, stay tuned to Hypebeast’s dedicated Seattle Travel Series.

You can now reserve your spot at Archipelago by heading to its website.

Archipelago
5607 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118