Café Paloma
93 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA, 98104
Café Paloma Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Seattle for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
93 Yesler Way
Seattle, WA, 98104 - Phone (206) 405-1920
- Website https://www.cafepaloma.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:00 am - 5:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Jessica G.
Was looking for a nice place downtown for a quiet, sit down lunch date with my boyfriend. Despite what I was expecting from the other reviews, there were only a few tables filled up and we got in and out of a nice lunch in 45 minutes, no problem. The lamb was delicious and the salad on the side was a nice change of pace. The hummus at the beginning was super tasty, probably my favorite part. Service was quick and friendly, but I do have to agree with the others that the price of the plates was a little high for the amount of food on there. I didn't mind paying a wee bit more for a nice sit down lunch but honestly, I wasn't completely blown away by the food.
(3)Daniel R.
Excellent, well priced food. Great atmosphere.
(4)Hunter E.
Great food, friendly people, good music, authentic Mediterranean. Go for the fried eggplant and hummus! There was a good jazz and blues three piece band playing the night we were there that was very good. I would also suggest the rice pudding.
(4)S S.
Turkish meatballs. Enough said. Ok, a little more. The quality and portions are worth the price, and the location is good for strolling and shopping. Were I not leaving for home tomorrow, I'd take my girlfriend back here to share the tasty joy. The service can be a little slow, but I'm not sure if that's part of the atmosphere or just this restaurant. It wasn't unreasonable, so I won't deduct points, but busy diners should be aware of this. I would grab a book from one of the nearby bookstores, then head over here for a nice meal while you relax and read your book.
(4)jessica g.
Perhaps a 5-star rating is a little overzealous, but we just loved this place. This tiny cafe lured us in with its display of fresh salads and paninis, and when we entered and saw a baking dish filled with fresh baklava, we knew we had stumbled upon greatness. We started off with a mixed meze platter. Meze are Turkish appetizers, served almost tapas-style with warm pita bread. We only sampled three of the options: hummus, shepherd's salad, and red pepper dip. The red pepper dip was our favorite, a spicy-sweet blend of walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and roasted red pepper. The combination of flavors was memorable. We also ordered the red lentil soup, which was staggeringly good. It was light and healthy, and I could have easily downed another bowl - probably the best lentil soup I've ever had. Finally, my husband enjoyed the eggplant panini. It looked delicious, but I really can't comment on the taste... he inhaled it before he could share. Definitely eat here.
(5)Charlie W.
Paloma means "dove"--an allusion, perhaps, to the ancient Mediterranean legend of white doves delivering final messages sent by sailors on a sinking ship. At the point of death, the sailors tell not of their terror but of the love they have for their families. Evenings are the only times that I have been to the Café Paloma. I have dinner while listening to a jazz group that sometimes performs there. The small dining room is nicely decorated with candelabra, musical instruments (horns), and red papers lanterns. The red painted walls display an on-going exhibition of fine-art photography. When the musicians are playing, the ambiance in this place is quite beautiful. I usually order a dinner special. But the restaurant's Mediterranean-style menu lists, among other dishes: gorgonzola salad, with choice of chicken or lamb; eggplant, gorgonzola, prosciutto, or chicken Panini; an assortment of meze (inventive appetizers) such as smoked salmon, sliced pear with goat cheese, bite-sized boreks (spinach, feta cheese and caramelized onions baked in filo dough), stuffed black mussels, hand-wrapped dolmas (filled with rice, onions, currants and pine nuts), lamb kebap, fresh hummus with toasted pita bread, grilled marinated baby eggplants, havuc salata (a salad of carrot blended with yogurt, onions and pine nuts), and kisir (Turkish tabuli salad). There is also a wine menu as well as a dessert-and-coffee menu. The owner--Chef Sedat Uysal, an immigrant from Turkey--often greets customers at the door. I find him and his wait-staff to be warm and attentive. As you can see, I appreciate his effort.
(5)Andre B.
I love this restaurant. The ambiance, the service, the food, and the entertainment. I used ot work out a dance studio that was upstairs in the same building and miss the Panini, dolmas, and the hummus. The owner is a great guy, very supportive of the arts. This is without question my favorite establishment in Pioneer Square. The wine selection is really good too. Parking wise, good luck! Take the bus and spare yourself the downtown parking dilema.
(5)Erik M.
Cafe Paloma is a great little spot for fresh and relatively healthy meals. The Mediterranean inspired dishes are all flavorful and made to order, and I can see where the portions might be perceived as small, but in reality they're still on the high end of what would be considered a proper amount of food. Meals aren't supposed to be massive platters piled high with food. At least not if you spend all day in front of a computer... The ambiance in the dining room is very comfortable, featuring an elevated section that doubles as a stage for live music and rotating art installations on the walls, which are painted in rich, warm colors. The tables are smaller and spaced fairly close to each other, but it doesn't feel like you're going to be bumping elbows with your neighbor at the next table. The service can be on the slow side if they're busy, but it's usually very courteous and food prep time never seems that long. I've only ever been in for lunch, and it's an option I don't take advantage of nearly often enough. But that makes it feel like a bit of a treat when I do drop in. It does run on the more expensive side of the typical lunch range (plates start at $10), but I think you'll find that the food quality justifies the higher prices.
(4)C Y.
We enjoyed a causal dinner here last week apres 1st Thursday. I'm a bit reticent trying places in Pioneer Sq. in avoidance of tourist traps but Cafe Paloma serves some satisfying dishes and is worth visiting.
(3)Jake W.
Relatively expensive for the quality and quantity of food that you receive (I don't expect buffet sizes, but $8 for 3 bland dolmas seems excessive). The food was decent, but certainly not the best mediterranean I've ever had. Tthe hummus was great (and large quantities) and the bread they give you with it was awesome. I'm glad to have tried it, but I don't know as though I would go back. I believe they have music some nights, which may be a good time to go (although it gets quite busy)
(3)AR S.
Awesome place for Greek/Turkish Food! When I worked in Pioneer Square I went here for lunch all the time and now I miss it! I'm a hummus connoisseur, and IMO it's the best hummus around - their Babaganoush and Red Pepper spread are delicious as well. And you can't go wrong with their hungry artist roll or the red lentil soup - incredible!
(5)Sarah L.
This was a pleasant surprise in a last minute search for lunch. I wasn't expecting much when I walked into a near-empty cafe that looked like it only consisted of a fridge and a counter upon entry. It was delightful to be whisked away to the actual seating area and be handed a simple (but varied) paper menu for lunch. Though the prices seemed a little high at first, the portions and quality of the entrees was satisfying. I only made it halfway through my chicken panini ($10) before electing to take the rest home. A decent wine list also accompanies the food menu, which offers plenty of affordable fares. The place seemed to start filling up (without being too crowded) after about noontime. Service was relaxed without being annoying, but I would expect to spend about an hour enjoying your sit-down meal.
(4)jo s.
i had the gorgonzola salad with chicken, delish!
(4)Ava S.
My first time here was amazing. I took my mom during artwalk, they had live music, it was candle-lit and our food was amazing. We had a dish with chicken and raisins in puff pastry and I vowed to come back and share this spot with my man. Unfortuately, I waited a month too long, and when we finally made it back, they didn't have the dish anymore. We settled for a dipping platter, and stuffed grape leaves, which were all amazing, but fell short of my original experience. For a quiet, intimate lunch or dinner, with fresh, tasty, healthy food, it is one of the best in the neighborhood.
(4)Jeanne L.
We happened to walk pass this restaurant just as my stomach started talking to me. Honey and I decided on a whim that this place was going to be our late lunch spot. After eating at so many different places on our vacation up until that point, it was refreshing to have something light and yummy at a low-key place. We had the roasted red pepper spread and the chicken pita. The red pepper spread was gorgeous tangy goodness. The chicken was tender and greens included had a nice vinaigrette dressing.
(4)Kristen U.
I love this place, I know the owner who is a very nice and wonderful man! I have been coming the Cafe Paloma for years now and it is always very nice. I was a little amazed that some of the customers are complaining about portion sizes, but I think that as Americans we are so use to having HUGE portion sizes that you are all missing the quality of the dishes. They are HOMEMADE! dishes, the bread is made right here in Seattle, there is no FSA truck dropping off frozen nastiness. This is a great place that promotes local artists, musicians, and good eating ;)
(5)John E.
Very disappointed. I thought "wow, this is a find!" when I arrived. Had the lamb and it was 80 percent fat. Some was simply chunks of fat, for a $10 lunch. I expected a lot better. In Seattle regularly on business, I won't come back.
(2)krisztina g.
This place serves really simple food but it really hits the spot, its a great place to go if you need to eat a meal but aren't super hungry. The hummus, kalamata olives, feta, and tomatoes are so good!
(4)Vanessa A.
Went here for lunch last week on the recommendation of a coworker who loves the hummus. Having lived in Vancouver where there is Greek food aplenty, I was not at all impressed...with anything. We ordered to go because they're known for being slow. Unfortunately getting it to go didn't make things any faster. I couldn't believe how long it took. I was already pissed off because I had ordered a chicken pita, which is a standalone item on the menu. If you wish to ADD a salad, you can ask for it and pay an extra few bucks. I clearly asked just for the pita, and when she asked for more than the cost of the pita, I called her out. She played dumb and said she assumed I wanted the salad. I pointed out that I had clearly ordered the pita only and made her cancel the charge to my credit card and charge me for what I ordered. I guess she thought she could pull a fast one on me. My coworkers found her service bitchy too. Absolutely agreed with them. The chicken pita was tasty but TINY. My coworker opened up her box and looked at it, like, really? That's all? Really, there's no reason to go back. The prices aren't great for lunch, they're slow, and the service is rude and dishonest. They get two stars because the food was edible (if only there were more to eat).
(2)Valencia D.
Aw, it was so great, we just ended up spending too much time in there talking to the owner- sweet fellow. The eggplant sandwich was delicious and the dressing on the salad was my favorite... what was on that exactly? We also had the baba/eggplant app which was great, and we ate it all. Cute spot, loved the atmosphere- so downtown Pioneer Square feeling. We spent too much money there, but really it was all the wine. :) Thanks!
(5)Andrew B.
definitely one of the best mediterranean places i've tried. great vegetarian selection and everything we ate was tasty. the falafel were wonderful; the white bean salad, roasted red peppers, and red lentil soup all had great flavors.
(5)E. Sally L.
Good turkish restaurant. Although dinner was good, it was little pricey. Lunch menu has great variety and good price.
(4)Candace O.
Food was amazing and delicious!! "life is short and delicious.......savor it!!!" had the hummus and falafel both dishes were wonderful. Did not want my meal to be over with. Would have liked the plate if I could.
(5)Jen B.
This place is great- I went looking for another place & stumbled on this by accident & couldn't resist the smell. I believe this is the 1st time that I've actually tasted such fresh ingredients in a mediterranean restaurant in the area. I had the Hungry Artist's rollup which is a warm pita with hummus, cucumber, onion, tomatoes & really good creamy goat cheese. Included was a small side salad that was flavored with a light lemony oil. Very refreshing. I have been to Greece & this is similar in that it was fresh, simple, and made with good ingredients.
(5)JacnDan P.
What a fantastic little find! I've been kind of on a Greek/Mediterranean kick lately... You walk in the door and are instantly tempted with a display of panini sandwiches and wonderful aromas. The dining area is attached and it has the feel of a European cafe. We arrived at 11:45AM and it was just starting to get busy, by noon it was packed. Usually I can pick a few things out on the menu that sounds good, but honestly everything on the menu looked wonderful. We ordered the Meze platter, you can choose three selections and so we ordered the red pepper spread, the humus and the babaghanuj. It only comes with one pita, so ask for extra pita. The humus was quite good, I would have preferred it with a bit more garlic, but it was tasty. I loved the babaghanuj was sooooooooooooooo mouth watering, some of the best I ever had. The red pepper spread was a bit to oily on its own, but I put a bit on top of the babaghanuj. It was a flavor tango in my mouth... We also split the borek. It was so rich, gooey and flaky.. all good things! The ambiance is really quaint as well. It is in Pioneer Square and so there are a lot of homeless wandering around. They seem to be a bit more aggressive in this area, just be cautious. With tip, tax and everything it cost $30, and we had left overs. I will be back... great little spot!
(4)Cathy S.
We're almost afraid to write a review for this fabulous restaurant...what if everyone shows up there and we can't get a table! That's how good this little off the beaten path cafe is. We love the hummus, and the lentil soup and the chicken panini and the all of the dinners...there is nothing we haven't loved on the menu, and I think we've tried most everything. A must try if you're in the Pioneer Square area!
(5)james S.
Awesome place, Great dinner, great Price, Marc Smason played jazz and it made the evening. I will be back.
(5)Maxwell F.
Great place to enjoy a authentic mediterranean meal. It is perfect for spending time with friends and family, and intimate enough for a date. The food is excellent, and can sometimes be complemented by live music. It also helps that the owner is there making sure you have a great experience.
(5)Doug H.
Co-worker recommended this, saying they used very fresh ingredients and had a nice atmosphere. I ordered the Prosciutto Panini. It was excellent. The flavors really stood out. My wife order the Lamb Pita and was satisfied, but a little envious of my sandwich. I was tempted to give only three stars as the price seemed a bit high for the small entrées (as others have noted). But I liked my panini so much, I had to go with four.
(4)JC D.
We got our coffee here before we caught our ferry. We idled the truck in the alley while the not-it loser went inside. Coffee is okay, but the sizes are smaller than average. I thought all talls were the same. Maybe I ordered a short. *shrugging shoulders*
(3)Jason L.
I dined hear a while back, and don't remember much. Must not have been that great or bad. The only notes I made from the yelp app is: 3 stars, leisurely pace.
(3)James E.
Okay, so I was addicted to yelp on this daily basis kind of way? And now I'm all, like, it's been too long since we've seen each other! I think the recent heat wave just killed any desire for manual effort, like typing and thinking and... something... The heat pushed me out of my kitchen, so I suggested to the bf we eat at Cafe Paloma. If he were to tell the story, he originally suggested the restaurant--at this point he would reference his Turkish friend, but the truth of the matter is I was sent a list of Turkish restaurants compiled by Citysearch and chose the locations in the city against yelp. But aren't we all winners in the game of Life? I ask you. My only experience with Paloma consisted of popping in for an Americano to-go before my French classes at Washington Academy of Languages. The owner of Paloma was usually behind the counter or cooking in the kitchen, and he was always cordial. Convival, even. I was disheartened to not see him when we arrived for dinner, but his staff were just as friendly. The restaurant closes at 9pm, but our waitress told us not to feel rushed during our meal. We started with a shepherd's salad and stuffed grape leaves, both of which were delicious. I'm used to Turkish restaurants on the east coast (read: New Jersey) that are heavy on meat and dairy, but Paloma offers lighter fare which is exactly what you want when it's hot. We ordered a bottle of white wine that was chilled just a bit too much, but the notes of almond came through perfectly when its temperature came up a bit. My bf had the spinach pie, and I opted for the wrap of hummus and shepherd's salad without the feta. The desserts, while they looked delectable, contain dairy, so I wasn't able to partake of anything. Instead, we finished our bottle of wine as the last table of the evening and chatted with our waitress who's from Turkey and has only lived in the states for 18 months. She's as charming as the cafe, I tells ya.
(4)Bunneh L.
My chicken pita was good, as was the dill yogurt sauce. However, service was lacking. My server whizzed by my table at least three times before taking my order, tending to tasks (such as bussing tables) that clearly could have (and should have) waited until after I ordered. Grrr.... When I asked for more sauce, it never arrived, and I had to stand up and ask the owner for some. My meal was accompanied by an anemic looking spinach salad with a scant amount of dressing. The chicken pita was delicious, but hardly filling. I ate an hour ago, but I am still really hungry. :( Three stars becuase the food, what little I got of it anyway, WAS yummy. I just hate small meals. After shelling out over $10 for a quickie lunch, I should not be leaving hungry. Bah.
(3)Jennifer S.
I LIKE their hummus! Baba ghanouj a little too sweet for my taste. Lentil soup was yummy. Busy place during weekday lunch, the tables are barely a foot apart, so we found it a little hard to have a conversation. Nice cafe feel, though, and good people watching from the big windows. Will definitely be back to try more, though the menu's not too extensive. Wish they were open later!
(3)Maria Cristina B.
The service is a bit slow when it's full but the hummus with warm pita's is the best I have ever had. It's creamy and flavorful it make you want to get another order to take home. This place is done best as a tapas bar style. Share! Then you can try more. I don't dare to try and spell the dishes, but do try them all. I found this place a nice place to hang out. PS They have a great line up of music. Get on their e-mail list and get first hand information!
(5)Anna A.
I never go to Pioneer Sq but If you must or have out of towners you need to show around do take them to this delicious lunch/dinner spot. Its pretty cheap and big portions.Quick. Nice staff and cozy decor.
(4)Angela M.
I absolutely LOVE this place. Great food, great atmosphere, and SUPER-friendly staff. The owner always has a kind word and jovial banter for the customers. My friend and I go there often and the woman who's usually there always remembers us and even what we order! Definitely check it out!
(5)Christy L.
Fantastic beet salad, yummy lentil soup, chicken pita was so tasty and really friendly service. Great lunch spot!
(5)Brad H.
Great atmosphere, very cozy. Our server was very nice, but she was the only one for the entire place. We had to stop her a number of times to ask for things. Had the Lamb pita and it was real fatty. I'd go back again and have the hummus and red pepper spread, they were amazing.
(3)j b.
The food here was pretty good, but they could really use more than one server for the lunch rush. It was a full fifteen minutes before she could take my order! When I got the check, my sandwich that was listed in the menu for $8.75 was billed at $11.00, but I was so late getting back to work that I just threw the money down that they asked for. I won't bother to go back.
(2)Jess L.
The food was so-so; not great, not horrible. If I worked nearby I'd probably grab lunch here from time to time but it wouldn't be my first choice. Minus a star for serving us something with chicken in it when we had ordered something vegetarian - and bringing it half an hour late to the table to boot. =(
(2)Laura P.
I went for the meze platter which lets you choose a combo of three items. I opted for the Kisir (Turkish tabuli), carrot salad (soft and creamy- kind of unexpected), and their hummus. The other options were Coban Salatasi (shepherd salad of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs & feta) or the Barbadian. This cafe is super cute with dark read walls and a huge chandelier. I was unable to sample anything else but their panini sandwiches look awesome. They are in the glass case as soon as you walk in. Their baklava is house-made, as is everything there.
(4)Dan P.
I went for a bike ride this afternoon, and such adventures typically are an exercise in applying brakes continuously for some time while dreading the inevitable return trip. I live on a peak of Seattle, and Paloma is at the bottom. So.. yeah.. it was worth the ride!
(4)Hanna W.
When you walk into Cafe Paloma you are immediately greeted by a friendly face. Everyone who works there makes you feel like you have been coming there for years even if it is your first time. The tables may be a little cramped in but the service is quick and efficient. To start you have to get the hummus. It is so creamy and always served with warm pita that is usually gone within minutes of when we order. Don't worry about not getting enough food because the panini sandwiches are huge and overflowing with chicken, eggplant or other Mediterranean vegetables. I recommend the chicken panini. My favorite dish is the chicken pita. It is a nice blend of spices and tzatziki sauce without being too oily. Overall the food just tastes really fresh to me. My friends and I always walk out of there satisfied but not so loaded down that we need a nap. It is definitely one of the best lunch restaurants in Pioneer Square.
(4)Hama L.
Excellent food and quick service. We started out with red lentil soup and pita which was very delicious. We then followed this with lamb pitas which had good chunks of tasty lamb and a nice side of salad with a very lemony dressing. We ended with a Turkish rice pudding which was quite good. We'll be back!
(4)M C.
Be adventurous! Kid friendly if your kid likes unusual flavors. otherwise, leave them at home. Loved the hummus and zucchini pancakes. The chicken bohca was really different. It's a slow pace as each course is individually prepared. Avoid if you're in a rush. Better yet, linger and chat and enjoy the smells from the kitchen and the dishes passing by to other tables. Three of us ate for $44 though we did eat light and shared three items - two appetizers and one entree. Columbia Crest is the house white. Only $6 for a glass, which ain't half bad when you consider most markups.
(3)Brett M.
Best hummus in Seattle. I go every other week just for that reason alone.. They also have great Red Lentil soup. Every time we get a new person at my office, I use it as an excuse to go to this place! The service is good considering they have, at most, 4 people on staff, at any time (cook, waitress, food prep and the owner on the register). Not a long wait time for a table (seat yourself), but crowded around 12pm-1pm...and long wait time on food. There's not much elbow room to eat, but if you bring good company, you probably won't mind. Also, they can only split a bill between 2 or 3 credit/debit cards.
(4)Liz O.
Oh, don't you just get down when you have high hopes for a place and leave thinking it could have been better? It could have been. Not that it was such a negative experience, it just seemed the place had more potential. We were seated pretty quickly, and I think there were a total of 2 other customers being waited on. We immediately ordered the Yaprak Sarma (grape leaves, stuffed), Kofte, and Falafel plates. While waiting for what seemed to be far too long, we decided to pass on the wine because nothing on the menu seemed appealing, and then we got to sniff the wonderful scent of... burnt bread? Eh. The food finally came out and I was slightly disappointed that the falafel plate didn't come with any pita bread + hummus, but came with a salad. Granted, the salad was VERY good - as was the falafel. It just seemed like a lot of money for fried beans and a side house salad. But I digress. The grape leaves were tasty and the boyfriend loved his Kofte. Server was very personable too, which I'm a fan of. I'm just not sure I'd keep Paloma at the top of my list for Mediterrean eat-outs.
(3)Courtney W.
Cute place in Pioneer Square but my experience left a lot to be desired. The management is highly unorganized and their operational execution is flawed. I think one woman was in charge of serving the dining room, taking to-go orders, answering phones, etc. It took 15 minutes from the time I walked in to the time I placed a to-go order (3 people in front of me) and less than 5 minutes to actually get my food. At one point, the lady behind me said, "Do you have any idea what's going on here?" None. As for the food, to be a real-deal Mediterranean restaurant, I appreciate the uniqueness of their hummus but I have to say, though edible, I didn't find it to be very good. The prosciutto panini thing was fine. Maybe I just visited on an off-day but three stars for the recognized potential of this cafe.
(3)Emily B.
Food was delicious service was blah. We had the hummus for an app which was very fresh and yummy, and the eggplant panini and chicken pita for dinner which were both also delicious. Service was just slow and we felt like we were forgotten throughout the meal which brought it down to a 4 for me.
(4)Svetlanko I.
Nice food for the lunch and not expensive.
(3)Dan L.
I was impressed with the attention to presentation and the first thing that jumped out at me was the salad dressing. It is hand made and uniquely tart but not too tart with a little bit of sweetness. I had the borek which had an amazingly flaky shell with a perfect blend of spinach and other vegetables. This is a very classy place to dine.
(4)Nicolás M.
The food was great. I had a prosciutto sandwich, and I recommend it. Friendly service, but very few waiters. Overall, a great place for lunch.
(5)Melanie M.
Great atmosphere. Authentic food. Excellent wine selection. Musical entertainment. What else do you need. Will return!
(4)Doug S.
Just happened to drop in for lunch with no idea what to expect. What a great find! Fast and very friendly service. Delicious food! It's small and intimate, but a great little spot for lunch.
(5)Stephanie B.
Loved the Eggplant Panini and also the Gorgonzola Panini! Lemony dressing on the salad was lovely. All good, I'd love to comeback and I recommend to others!
(5)Antonious W.
Eggplant sandwich and hummus was delicious. Pita bread tasted fresh. Staff was very friendly.
(5)Sierra L.
Really enjoyed this place! Servers were nice and the food was delicious. Good portion sizes too
(4)Micah K.
This place was okay. The dining room is very close quarters which I don't care for. The food was decent. I got the lamb burger which tasted good but gave me wicked burps for the rest of the day. My wife did not care for that. She said it smelled like I was farting out my mouth I thought it was hilarious. We ate here while on a weekend trip to the area and wanted to try different places. If you're into this type of food then I guess it's okay but it's not necessarily my cup of tea.The place is clean, the people are nice, and the food was decent.
(3)Logan J.
I have been in a half dozen times and the food is always great. the food is quality and not greasy which is rare in this area. I recommend the lamb pita, its the best.
(5)Sean D.
We had a last minute party reservation for a birthday get together. They set aside a section just for us! They took really good care of us the whole night. Food and drinks were great and everyone had a really good time. The entire staff was accommodating and we did not feel rushed at all. Thank You Cafe Paloma for a wonderful night! ~Sean & Mateo
(5)Carol S.
Just went there on a whim with a friend. Went in and saw cheap menu. Feared the borek would be some heated frozen thing from Costco but it was good. Prices are high for what it is, you're mosty paying for the location. Waiter ignored us for several minutes although only 2 people in restaurant besides us. He gave us glasses and forgot to give us water til we asked. He forgot most of my friend's order and her beer, too. Comically bad. Food was okay. Restaurant was cold and kind of dark. Not a place to go again.
(2)M B.
Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. Soups, salads, and appetizers are great as well. Worth adding to your list.
(4)Adwinnie B.
Very good place! Went there to have lunch with a friend that I didn't see in decades. I had the Borek as entree and the homemade baklava for dessert. Both was extremely delicious and very well made. My friend had a lentil soup and she said it was also delicious. She is very fan of the place and kinda regular there. The ambiance is very comfortable and cozy. There were two people serving us: a very friendly woman and a man that also seems nice. After having our lunch we ordered some coffee and stayed there talking for a very good while (maybe 3 hours). There was only a couple more costumers, and plenty available tables, so I didn't think we were making any difference. However, after some while the man started to give us some looks as if we were bothering him somehow. I'm not taking any star for that, as overall the place it's very good, but I think it worth to mention.
(5)K B.
Great for vegans & vegetarians! So impressed by the great selection---there are probably more veg than meat options! Food is very fresh, clean tasting. Note on service--please write down my order. Coming back to clarify it does not inspire confidence in your patron! Decor could use some serious updating. Looks a little dusty. Fortunately, the food is really terrific & will most definitely be back....
(4)Rob S.
This place was a life-saver. My wife and I were visiting the city from out of town and staying downtown on 3rd & Cherry. Because our stomachs were on Eastern Time, we didn't start looking for a dinner spot until about 8:30, at which point, apparently, all the restaurants in downtown Seattle all close down simultaneously. Lucky for us, Cafe Paloma was still open and was very accommodating. Had the Köfte and a light Turkish beer--both excellent. My wife got the Meze plate with olives, hummus (excellent), carrot spread, and what are called "dalma" or "dalmati" everywhere else I've been. All good. Service was attentive and efficient. Thanks for saving our night!
(5)Bruce W.
I had a wonderful time here during a recent business trip to Seattle. I had the lamb kebab and it was done right. One of my companions had the falafel and also said it was good. The place was extremely full, and I saw one table a bit frustrated that it took too long to get their order in. I'll likely go back next time I'm in town.
(4)A C.
Great ambience. It was my first time at this cafe and the waitress even gave me some complimentary appetizers. Would come again.
(5)George I.
Had the meatballs entree. It was amazing. Their chilled sauvignon blanc from Chile was a nice pick after a hot day
(5)Hailey Z.
Great find!! The lentil soup was amazing and the chicken pita was lovely. Cute cozy atmosphere, freindly staff and wonderfully fresh and tasty food.
(5)Nate S.
A friendly server merits a star, but there is little cause to recommend the coffee here. I ordered a cappuccino, which arrived in a cup twice as large as my companion's latte, so I'm not even sure the right drink was made. The milk was not foamed much (which a cappuccino is supposed to be), and had little flavor and a watery consistency. Additionally, the milk was scorchingly hot. What type of milk had she used? Nonfat! Huh? If you're going to try to poison me, just use soy milk and get it over with. She remade it with whole milk (as it should be), but it was still torched, with little foam. The coffee in both drinks tasted burnt and lacked character. Seattle may be a coffee Mecca, but this encounter served as a reminder that it's still possible to find lousy coffee here.
(2)Jill Z.
We tried Cafe Paloma tonight while visiting with some out-of-town friends. It's a very small place but we had reservations, so there was no waiting. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, but also classy. The service was friendly without smothering (which I hate). The menu had a nice variety of dishes, though I wish they'd had more than 1 Turkish red wine. The portions were nicely sized - meaning I didn't stuff myself or have a ton of leftovers. I thought the prices were pretty reasonable. I highly recommend this place for a family dinner or first date. I would, however, suggest calling ahead or checking their live music schedule so you know what you're in for before you go. I'm definitely going here again, the next time I'm in Pioneer Square.
(4)Emily W.
Had the chicken kabobs. Delicious. With onions from on the grill, a Greek type salad, and the most delicious white rice I've ever had. Fresh squeezed lemonade was good also! No refills on drinks. We were skeptical about this place but it turned about perfect.
(5)King C.
Had the Turkish salad. If you are craving something light or Mediterranean, this is a good choice!
(5)Vanessa M.
This place was great. I was staying down the street and wanted something nearby, and it more than did the job! I recommend the gorgonzola salad with lamb (which was moist and wonderful and ultra-tasty). I would go out of my way to eat here again.
(5)Ezra D.
Not good for dinner poor selection, slow, expensive appetizers. Might actually prefer one of the touristy restaurants over this place at dinner time.
(2)Michael C.
Came in at 6pm on a Friday and immediately knew Paloma had that "something special" I hoped for. The atmosphere was easy going with only a few patrons. I was kindly greeted at the door and offered a menu upon request. They have both quick eats (side dishes of different sorts and panini sandwiches) if you're looking for a delicious lunch on the go, but also a nice sitting area if you're looking for a sit down dinner. I wanted a quick bite so I went with the "turkish version of tabuli" called Kisir. An extremely flavorful and refreshing salad that hit the spot. With many more dishes on the menu and full bar, I'll definitely be returning. The authentic atmosphere and service only sweetens the savory and makes Cafe Paloma a solid bookmark in my Yelp.
(4)John S.
Good location and friendly staff. However the prices are really high for what is offered. Food portion are really small, I ordered 2 sandwich and spend 30 dollars and was still hungry. All I ask is you give me what I paid for and don't be cheap while charging premium.
(2)Marizsa D.
I want to give a two-star review, but since I've only eaten here once I won't go that low. I had the Kofte plate, which consisted of 4 meat patties, a salad three table spoons of jasmine rice, yogurt and a salad. The Kofte itself was overly greasy and bloody when I cut into it (I didn't have the chance to tell my server since she never came to check on me) Traditionally when I eat Kofte it is served with some herbs and this was not, and it lacked serious flavor. The yogurt had a tiny pinch of mint on top, and there was maybe two tablespoons in the serving dish -- it was warm which I didn't expect. The salad was a salad, not much to say and the rice was jasmine rice, and I feel basmati would enhance the flavors in the dish much more. I am going to give this spot another chance though, maybe they had a rough day?
(3)Brian D.
Small confined space typical of a Pioneer Square eatery. Very busy Friday lunch crowd. Full bar is a plus. Mediterranean smells abound everywhere as plates of fresh humus, olives, pita, tomatoes, feta, and the like are distributed in a pretty efficient manner in spite of what should be not enough staff for the space (1 server for about 12 tables that I saw). Ordered my staple of a lamb pita and was very nice. Would have like a little more yogurt, but nice mix of charred and zesty lamb with grilled pita.
(4)Luba K.
Let me preface this review by saying I go to this place 2-3 times a week on average and often bring coworkers to try out this place as well. I always rave about the food, the amazing owner, and the European atmosphere. Today, this restaurant lost many customers. We came in for a team lunch (around 12 people) and called ahead to reserve the space. The food took a longer than usual and didn't arrive at the same time, as we anticipated. Not only did the food arrive staggered, but it also arrived lukewarm, and even cold in some cases. We didn't say a word. The real challenge happened at the end of the meal. I politely asked the waitress if we could just go up to the cashier and close out individually with cards. Four of us were regulars so I assumed it would be no problem to honor that request. She immediately said no. I asked her to ask the owner since it would truly simplify and expedite the checkout process. The owner came out and started yelling at us so loudly that everyone in the restaurant stopped talking and stared at our table. The regulars at the table were even more appalled and embarrassed than the rest of the group because in my wildest dreams, I did not consider this as a possible reaction. Rest assured that none of this party of 12 will be returning to this restaurant ever again. There are many competitive and incredible restaurants in the area to give our money to. The worst part is that they included an 18% tip for service that deserved no tip at all. If this is how they choose to do business, we want no part in it. Mind you, our lunch was over $250 and we were being treated with less respect that one gets at a McDonald's.
(1)Mert Emin K.
Last week I went there with friends. We had all different types of side dishes which we call `meze`. All tasted good. Then, we had a mixed grill of meat and chicken. It was OK (I guess you really need to go to Turkey to have a top-notch grill). Finally, we ate `baklava` and it was delicious. I asked them whether they cook the baklava themselves or get it from somewhere else. They said that was an homemade baklava. You should totally try their baklava. Besides the place was nice, you get to listen Turkish music.
(4)Sara F.
Yummi, i am fan! I love this small family cafe/restaurant. The decoration is very charming, the staff is super friendly and the food is really good. I love the falafel Salad, it's a great and healthy alternative for the sandwich and it's tastes really good. I think they have the best Falafel in town (and i have tried quiet a few Mediterranean restaurants). Will definitely be coming back!
(4)Carol H.
I needed a quick place to grab a healthy dinner for the Wooden O's Shakespeare performance on Mercer Island, and this fit the bill. I got an eggplant panini that had with a generous amount of eggplant, and it came with a little salad that had light dressing on it. I can't comment about anything else since I just swooped in and got my food, but it was quick, efficient service. They only have big paper bags with no handles which was unideal for traveling, so minus one star for that. How far can you really carry to-go food in a brown sack?
(4)Cat C.
Very tasty, but the waitress missed our order if hummus. And I really wanted to try the hummus!! We would definitely come back.
(4)Dan L.
Don't go there on a Friday night when there is a sucky jazz tree playing because they will make you pay cover in addition to your overpriced dinner.
(1)Jenni D.
We went here after doing the tourist thing with people visiting from out of town and I had the falafel and shared a couple of amazing appetizers with the rest of the party. It was OUTSTANDING. The dressing, the greens, the falafel and the service was really great. I'll definitely be back since I work right up on 5th and this will be a place I'll stop on lunch.
(5)Carrie O.
We had breakfast here while in Seattle, and it was the perfect choice! I love Mediterranean food and Cafe Paloma was delicious. I had the beet salad and hummus. Both were amazing, the hummus was especially good--the pita was super fresh and authentic. I also enjoyed the ambience, very cozy. Coffee was also very good, made with a french press. Both gals working were extremely welcoming and sweet:)
(5)Miranda S.
This rating is specifically for the lamb burger. I could go back daily for that burger. So much flavor, cooked appropriately, oh-so good!!! I also had the humus, the pita bread was nice and soft, the hummus was done well.
(5)Kristina B.
I was drooling the entire time everyone's plate looked amazing! perfect for breakfast and small and homey place. definitely remembering this for my next trip!
(5)Geno T.
Delicious! Ate here while visiting from out of town and it totally hit the spot. Good food, friendly service. People in our party had the kofte, the chicken kebab, and several of the salads with sides of lamb - all very flavorful.
(5)Allyza L.
I was only in Seattle for a week but I went to Cafe Paloma twice for lunch. The lamb burger was AMAZING and it comes with fries and a small salad - all for $13. Can't beat that price. The lamb burger was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. The second time I got the gorgonzola salad. It was good - I added the lamb otherwise I don't think it would have been as satisfying. It came with walnuts, currants, pear and pomegranate molasses - the flavors mixed together really well. I would definitely recommend this place - esp the lamb burger!!
(5)Neil W.
Amazing Mediterranean food. Has the Meza plate with four amazing appetizers. The main course at our table was the kebabs and the ground lamb balls. Both were tender and flavorful and amazing. Nice to see dishes served with a side of salad and no fries!
(5)Kathryn E.
Meh. Had lunch there today. Ordered soup and the lamb meatballs with salad and yogurt. Soup was ok but the meatballs were bland and gristly and the salad was so salty it was inedible. Not impressed.
(2)Patrick A.
Maybe the best hummus I've ever had. Everything was really good. Even my kids ate everything
(5)Jessica H.
It was so empty when were there but I enjoyed the quite time and the good food. The service was great, however there wasn't a lot of patrons there. I hope this place does well other times because I would hate for such a cute spot to fade away. Good clean fresh food made with a heart. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Natalie A.
Very nice staff. All we had was a glass of water and a laté, and we were treated like guests, what a pleasant surprise. I am definitely coming back to try the food.
(5)K S.
It's good, but people who think this place is incredible haven't had incredible Mediterranean food. Menu says they have the best hummus in the world or the country - it's good, but suffice to say they may be a little overly proud. In short, it's good, but likely won't leave you craving for a return visit.
(3)Chris C.
Absolutely fabulous! That is how I would describe the meal we just had at Café Paloma. Staff was extremely friendly and the dishes were flavor-full and amply sized. In Pioneer Sq skip the pubs and " American" fare and take an adventure to La Paloma!
(5)Jayme D.
Cafe Paloma has the best falafels in town! I don't know much about the rest of their menu because I only order the falafels. It is a great lunch spot and the staff is friendly! The falafels cost $10 for four pieces, but they are delicious!
(5)Jaswant A. S.
So I met a relative here who suggested this place for an early dinner. The place has a quaint sidewalk cafe type feel and you can eat outside and people watch if you want. We chose to sit inside. Place is quiet and great for a date or any type of dinner where you want to hear your partner's conversation. I had the eggplant panini with salad. My dining partner had the falafel. They have a small but decent selection of foreign beers to go with your meal. This would be a great place if you're a vegetarian as there are a lot of non-meat dishes on the menu. Service was very nice and friendly and non-intrusive. Being that it is Pioneer Square, my dining partner had to park about 5 blocks away.
(4)Angel A.
About 5 minutes from work and home, somewhere I'be been meaning to go and I finally had the chance when I met a friend for a light late lunch recently. Why haven't I come here before! The cafe itself is darling, the decor is beautifully simple, warm and inviting. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and I arrived first so I ordered a glass of rose while I waited for my friend. Sitting at the little bar that looks out into the street, I got a bit of sun while avoiding the slight wind. Wine was delicious and when my friend arrived she tried mine and ordered the same. I ate the Cafe Paloma platter. AMAZING. Perfect slices of cucumber and tomato, tasty olives and cubes of feta to top onto grilled pita. The perfect amount of food, left me feeling satisfied and clean. Paired well with the wine. I tried my friend's stuffed grape leaves, which I've never had before. So tasty, love that they're meatless. Definitely coming back, maybe I can get my bf to join me. He loves lamb pitas. Oh, my server was super nice as well. A slight language barrier that led to confusion with the bill, but still nice and present but not too much so.
(4)Julian H.
Delicious food, attentive, friendly service, a charming location and decent prices make this cafe a winner. I enjoyed every dish we ordered. The tea was properly served in a tea pot. The salad dressing was to die for. My only complaint is the lack of sound-absorbing textiles made it rather loud.
(5)Ben L.
Rude, unprofessional, cramped seating. You can find better Mediterranean food elsewhere.
(1)M. C.
We will be living right around the corner in a couple of weeks so we thought we would try it. We loved everything about it, especially the food.
(4)Nita M.
Cafe Paloma serves good food, but in far too tiny of portions and far too slow. I ordered the Gorgonzola Salad and asked the waitress for extra greens (my go to move to make salads a little bigger). She informed me that the salad already had lots of greens & was quite large....she lied. My $10 salad was appetizer sized. The taste of the salad was good - small pieces of walnuts, currants/raisans, juicy pear, right amount of gorgonzola to balance the sweet ingredients but not too much to be overwhelmed by stinky cheese, and a delicious salad dressing (light, fresh, solid garlic herby flavors), but I easily needed another order. Cafe Paloma is not nice enough of a restaurant for me to be paying $20 for a regular sized lunch. My coworker had an order of the chicken wrap and while he really enjoyed the flavors, he had the same complaint about portion sizes. Though I have no complaints about the flavors, I probably won't be coming back to Cafe Paloma because it just isn't nice enough of a place to warrant the high prices/small portions.
(3)Laura A.
Loved the food, the music and the people
(5)Daren D.
Take-out review: The Lamb Pita was tasty - I didn't know it wasn't in an actual gyro, though, then again, pita /=/ gyro... yeah... Sufficient and good yogurt alongside; the salad was nice, too. The owner(?) was funny while I waited for him prior; he appeared to be talking to a lady in the back and she was subtly laughing as he was making wild arm movements while talking.
(4)Sugar B.
Delicious food! I loved both my veggie sandwich and lamb meatballs. The salad was also a great surprise: an oil-lemon-salt combination that was very tasty (I don't like sweet dressings). Staff was very friendly and good with our child. We went before the Sounders game and will do so again.
(5)Joyce J.
I visited this place again and tried their Kofte (Turkish meatballs) and it tasted very Mediterranean. The place was pretty packed with the lunch crowd so the service was a little slow. I would recommend coming here after 2pm or after one has done the Underground Tour so that you won't be in a rush.
(4)Rowena D.
I have wanted to try Cafe Paloma for a while now and finally had my chance when I came here for the first time this last week to pick up lunch to go. I have to say I was a little disappointed. I ordered the Chicken PIta and paid $11 (with tax). The quality of the dish was just okay and the portions were really small. This dish comes with some chicken pieces, a side salad and pita slices. I liked the incorporation of sauteed tomatoes and herbs with the chicken but thought it lacked salt. The side salad that comes on the side had a nice vinaigrette dressing but the portion size was really small...maybe a half cup of greens? And, finally the dish comes with about 6 small triangular shaped pita slices which help fill you up but seemed underwhelming. Overall, I felt I overpaid for my meal and was disappointed. I (unfortunately) will probably not be returning.
(2)