At Ivar's Salmon House on Lake Union, the kitchen is known for alder- and cedar-smoked salmon, and the menu features wild salmon cooked over open flames with classic sides like rice pilaf or potatoes and seasonal vegetables.[1][3][11] This salmon stands out thanks to the restaurant’s longstanding focus on Northwest seafood and its use of traditional wood-fire techniques inspired by Native longhouse cooking.[1][9][11] The fish arrives with a bronzed exterior and moist interior, carrying gentle smoke and a savory seasoning that plays against the simple accompaniments. Commentary from travel and review sites consistently points to the salmon-focused plates as a core reason people visit this long-established Lake Union spot.[1][3][11]