Wendy C.

Perhaps this is an isolated incident, but my boyfriend took me to Canlis for my birthday and I ordered a New York steak, medium rare. It came out with ZERO pink, and the anxiety of being "that person" who sends my plate back overruled my disdain toward my dry cut of meat. For the cost of the place that I'm sure cooks steaks on a very regular basis, such a rookie mistake should not have happened in the first place. The sides were only ok as well, but I have to agree with everyone else that the service all around is impeccable. However, with all the wonderful restaurants that are in the Seattle area, we likely won't ever go to Canlis again.

Steven S.

Loved it. The filet mingnon was perfectly cooked and melted when the knife carved in. The truffle fries were unreal too. I'm not a big dessert fan but the homemade ice cream was fantastic. Service was good as expected. Would recommend to anyone in Seattle looking for a nice, upscale (expensive) restaurant. I wish I could afford to eat here more often. Don't forget to put on Sunday's best as it's very formal and I was quite under dressed in nice jeans and a button up.

Tracy I.

I've been to many restaurants and I must say that Canlis is on the top of my favorites list. Canlis is simply amazing. It definitely has the wow factor going on here. The staff members are simply wonderful. When you pull up the valet as well as the person that greats you addresses you by your name. The staff checks up on you, not too frequently where it's annoying. The food is delightful - the lobster bisque (seasonal) and the mahi mahi are simply to die for. Ambiance and mood are great. Con - even though there are great big windows, you cannot see out because there's no lighting, thus no view.

Ryan B.

Service is an art here. No better place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, special occasion, or anything really. I'll be a life long customer.

Mary L.

If you want a very special dinner, go to Canlis. We celebrated our 10th anniversary there last night and both the food and service were excellent! We loved it.

James M.

New to Yelp, so had to write a review on my favorite restaurant in seattle. Went to Canlis two years ago, and to date still is the finest dining experience I have ever had. The food absolutely is worth the price. It is an experience that everyone should do at least once.

Sophia S.

Yes, better food can be found elsewhere, but the service and ambience is outstanding. You just feel special being here.

Bert S.

Canlis is on my top 5 restaurants in Seattle 'list'. Many details are covered in so many other reviews, so I won't bother to repeat all that. I've eaten here a number of times over the years, and have never been disappointed. Had one of the best steaks of my life here. Always look forward to eating here!

W. R.

My husband surprised me for our anniversary. We both had medium expectations: is it worth the hype? Well, it is! The service is out of this world. They were so attentive, friendly, and welcoming. Food was excellent and perfectly proportioned. Hope we have an excuse to go back sometime!

Tim S.

Just an incredible experience at Canlis, from the moment we walked in to we walked out. Professional staff at every stop, wonderful environment and exceptional food. Truffle fries, crazy good. Any time I'm in Seattle, I will find time to get back to Canlis!!

tia p.

this was dinner #2 of our girls 2night weekend getaway to Seattle. We had a 9course pairing dinner at the infamous Rover's the night before, so we thought we'd take it easy here. Arrival: couldn't wait to experience the valet; since they are one of the world's famous valet services... what does that mean? we arrived and they knew our name! they say have a great evening....and drove away. wait; we looked at each other and said; did u get the claim ticket? no? we proceed inside and asked the maitr'de and she kindly chuckled and said; they know who you are, don't worry. ;-) we felt stupid. haha. she asked us if we wanted to sit in the lounge for a cocktail or be seated. it was already 8:30pm and so we decided to get seated. the view is awesome. however, we were seated on the far east side of the restaurant where the view is partial, but better than nothing. (when making reservations, ask to be seated in the MIDDLE of the restaurant. every table has a full view of the Lake). FOOD: awesome. presentation obviously beautiful and creative. The complimentary soup in a sake cup was delish. The entree is just shy of a moderate portion, so i recommend getting a 1st course as well. I had the popular Canlis prawns (large and give you about 4-5), and the Salmon. We shared an add on order of Truffle Fries. (how can you pass that up?) Order your Grand Marnier Souffle when you order your dinner. YUMMY!!! midway through our dinner, we overheard the Somelier tell the server that the Canlis family will be arriving shortly for the table next to us? wow! unfortunately, after that, we noticed our service was slightly delayed due all the attention for them. In the end (now 11:30pm) our waiter asked if we were interested in a tour of the restaurant. he showed us the various private rooms they had as well as their large private room up stairs that had a panoramic view of the lake. just beautiful. we said we wished we had something like this in the SF bay area. overall, a great experience. will come again! p.s. our car was ready and sitting outside as we walked out. they even turned our our heater for us! ;-)

K S.

Last week my friends and I got dressed up. Then, we all rode our vintage cruisers to Canlis. The 6 of us sat in the bar and the pianist was great. Our drinks were done perfectly. We got asked if we were a band... so clearly we kind of stuck out, but the staff was welcoming and loved that we rode our bikes. The owner even helped to valet our bikes on our way out. Great evening.

Levi W.

I was in Seattle for a long weekend after a business trip and I wanted Seattle's finest and I got it here at Canlis! It was a 9:30pm reservation on holiday weekend Saturday and we were a little late in getting seated but the servers there made sure we had a drink and an appetizer if we wanted it (and it was on them). We finally got seated around 10pm and from there it was just a great dining experience. We started with the Dungeness Crab Cake, Carrot Soup, the Pickett Salad, an all natural Nebraska Filet, Copper River Salmon and then the Chocolate Covered Chocolate. Very much on par with some of the places here in Chicago that I love so much. I will make sure to visit Canlis next time I am thru Seattle!

Keli H.

For my birthday my husband and I decided on Canlis. We have been before and had stellar experiences.... The service was top notch, but sadly the reason we came the food was sorely lacking. The bread, was so-so, and not warm or melt in your mouth delicous. The pea soup was the star of the night. The crab cake, I have had a better crab cake from Met Market The Salmon with morels, the morels were reconstitued and flavor-less. The Ravioli- lacked flavor, and the pasta was tough. The hawaiian doughnuts were good, but could have used more sauce. Overall in a city like Seattle, where restaurants are plentiful, I feel like Canlis needs to step it up and not rest on it's laurels. They need a new menu or a new chef. The menu was completely uninspired, and boring. For a restaurant of this caliber where they demand a dress code the food should WOW you, and leave you wanting more. They spent more time on their scavenger hunt for 1950s priced menus then they do on the actual food in their restaurant. So disappointing. I was very thankful I had a pre-meal snack at Daniels.

Jean M.

I had my engagement dinner here in late Dec 2009 . My fiancee rented the small private room upstairs. The room had a sound system, a nice spotting scope to enjoy the view. The dinner service was good, but in all honesty our server's knowledge wasn't up to par. The food however, was just perfect. We had the Canlis salad, scallops, and truffle fries to start, the duck for dinner. The scallop was one of the best I ever had, so tender and flavorful with a complex but beautifully balanced sauce. The service tried to give us privacy, which is nice but anticipated timing a bit poorly and never had a chance to order coffee. Would have been nice to have a center piece at the table, afterall flowers always makesa room nicer and a tab of about $500 for an evening for two is still on the high side for a young couple. Still, a beautiful night with lovely food.

Martin R.

Had a wonderful experience. My wife and I were celebrating her remission from cancer, and the staff did a great job making it a special evening.

Alexa H.

This restaurant makes you feel like you are in the mad men era. Piano playing in the background, beautiful view of the city, extremely attentive service. Its also obviously a place for special occasions- most people there were celebrating something. The food wasn't especially creative- think steaks and caesar salad- but everything was very well prepared.

Anna M.

This was the first place we went to check out a great Seattle restaurant after moving here from NYC. The service was perfect and the surroundings were gorgeous, including the great Lake Union view. The food was really amazing, and it could match up with New York dining easily. The cocktail menu was great and the wines were incredible, too. Will be back as soon as we can!

Annie L.

If there is one place to spend your G's on a meal, Canlis is your best bang for your many bucks. I'm low maintenance, but I do like a nice gourmet dish once in a blue moon. When you enter Canlis, everything is a performance and you feel like royalty. With one of the best views in Seattle, Canlis is perfect for anyone who is looking for many course meals and a good conversation. Trust me, you don't want to spend your time and money if you don't have good company. It's also one of the few places in Seattle where it is impossible to overdress. I would compare it to a prom for adults. I would recommend going early, grab a cocktail while the piano man serenades you, then begin enjoy one of the best meals of your life. Be sure to choose one of the steak (meat on crack) and seafood dishes. Finally, I'm not a sweet tooth type of person, but dessert is a must. One last thing, will someone please tell me how they manage to know which car to valet when you are done eating? They don't give you any valet numbers or tickets, yet they never fail to have your car waiting out front when you are done with your meal, and ready to enjoy the rest of your Seattle evening...

Allen A.

Interestingly my experiences at Canlis have been just average. I expected a lot given the reviews and the recommendations but i just didn't find Canlis that special. We had a great time (large group) but service was slow but professional, the food was good not great and it takes forever to order more drinks. This is probably a perfect (but expensive) date place but if you're looking for fantastic food and pairings well done this isn't what it used to be.

Halie C.

Best restaurant I've ever been to, service was great and they treat you like royalty. Family treated me to this for my sweet 16, and it was absolutely outstanding. They're menu is pretty simple, but it's so hard to choose! I got the tasting menu, and it was amazing. Definitely would come here again.

Chris O.

Amazing food. Fantastic service. Cool, distinctive location/view. The Canlis shrimp are outstanding, ala Roy's. The Canlis salad is very good, though the mint in it kept me puzzled. Overall what I like about the food is their ability to have both simple dishes done right (e.g. steak) and complex dishes with flavors that make your brain turn over for awhile evaluating what is going on (e.g. the shrimp, or the peanut butter mousse with carmelized bananas and chocolate flakes). The thing though, as other Yelpers have mentioned, is price. Canlis in my estimation is about 10% better than Daniel's (well the service is a lot better, but the food and ambience only 10% better) for about 60-70% more moolah. We just dropped $285 there tonight with only 1 alcoholic drink apiece. It was our anniversary though so ok. Dress up; you'll feel out of place without a blazer.

BR C.

Five star for the food, ambiance, and service. A very classy establishment...

Melissa S.

Yes, we both had high expectations for this landmark restaurant...and we are still stunned at how bad our visit actually was! The drinks were slow in coming....20 min! Then the main course took 55 more! And came without the side baked potato my husband craved....oops, sorry, how about mushrooms?, was the answer we got! Out of bakers?? Really? The waiter was at our table so many times I finally began to ignore him so I could actually eat! The food was just so so. What really got us was the length of time between drinks, appetizers and main course...we were there for almost two hours! When you're hungry that 's a long time! We had dessert elsewhere because our legs were asleep and we needed to walk!

Jimmy W.

I love this place. It's not just the food, although that's pretty good; I agree with everyone else that if you considered the food alone it would be incredibly overpriced. But it's the overall package: from the valet service, to the warm fireplace that greets you at the entrance, to the people at the front who act as if they've been expecting you to see you all along, it's as inviting of a restaurant as any. We happened to go during restaurant week, so experiencing this all at an incredible discount was great. Our waiter was very kind and not at all pretentious as you might expect with fine dining. The restaurant week menu is probably not too representative of all the food they serve. In any case, this remains a great place to bring someone who you would like to make an impression upon.

Tracey H.

From year one, my husband & I decided that we would celebrate each anniversary at Canlis. While the uniforms, decor and even the menus have evolved over the years the absolute delight of dining at Canlis remains constant. Our waiter this year, Jackson, was especially superb and enhanced an already wonderful evening. Every course, from the tomato bisque amuse bouche to the palate cleansing meringues at the close of the meal, was amazing and inspired oohs & ahs of pleasure throughout. We sampled both Canlis classics and seasonal offerings from the Fall '11 menu and were never disappointed. The halibut I had was cooked perfectly and the steak tartar was so good it was difficult to share. All in all, another memorable experience at Canlis.

Dean W.

For the price I was disappointed. The food was actually too salty, and when you're spending $300 on dinner for two...it shouldn't be too salty! The service was amazing, and the view was great, but again...I just had to come on and say something about the saltiness. Maybe it was a fluke, but I won't be going back for a while.

Iris M.

Canlis is definitely about the overall experience and not just the food. The customer service there was the best I have ever had in Seattle! We drove up to the restaurant where the valets were waiting for us. They were very friendly and opened the doors for us, but the strange thing was that they didn't give us a ticket. Hm. The restaurant had a Pacific Northwest style feel with the fireplace and an amazing view of Lake Union. The Hostess greeted us and escorted us to the table. When you go in a pair, you sit side by side. I thought this was romantic and intimate. Our server was very personable and friendly. Sometimes at an upscale restaurant, I feel like the servers try to teach you something or have a snooty air about them, but not at Canlis everyone was really friendly. The food was not awesome, but good. They provide you with a sample of soup presented in a sake up. It was an apple soup with a perfect piece of glazed bacon garnish. They also have a server that passes out hot fresh rolls. Yummy! We had the Peter Canlis prawns to start as well as the escargot. The prawns are a great way to start the meal. They were cooked perfectly with a citrus sauce and mircogreens salad on top. Yummy! The escargot was disappointing. The great thing was they were out of the shell! It came inside a puff pastry griddle pan. It had a layer of garlic, butter, escargot and puff pastry on top. Great idea, but it was surprisingly flavorless. :( For the entrees, I had the sablefish with a shitake mushroom and baby spinach citrus nage. It was good, but not otherworldly. My partner really enjoyed his seared ahi tuna with mushroom risotto. I had to keep stealing his food. It was really delicious. The best was the dessert course! The Grand Marnier souffle with creme anglaise, which you must order twenty-five minutes in advance, was extremely delicious. It tasted like sweet orange fluff. I definitely recommend trying this dessert. It was worth the $14. At the end of the meal, we headed out to grab our coats, but the hostess had them ready for us in advance AND the valets had the doors open and our car up front. Both my partner and I were amazed with this well-coordinated service. Their floor manager and servers, but have great communication and team work. I would definitely go back to Canlis. It would definitely be a special occasion restaurant because the prices were a little high. With two appetizers, three cocktails, two entrees, and a dessert, our bill was $160. It was definitely reasonable price for the experience. I don't recommend this restaurant for a first date because it is definitely a more intimate setting, but if you want to impress someone, go for it!

Aiza K.

Canlis is one of the most amazing restaurants I have ever been to! My boyfriend and I went for our anniversary 2 years ago (I know, it's been quite some time), but I will never forget how amazing the food was. I had the salmon and it was incredible. The service was excellent! I highly recommend this restaurant! Wish I lived in Seattle.

Jessica G.

This was my second time at Canlis. The first time was about 10 years ago, so we were ready to try it again. We no longer live in Seattle, but come visit family often, and we are spoiled by the amazing food that we have in our new hometown of San Francisco, so it takes a bit to impress us! Normally we stick to El Gaucho when we are in Seattle. Making reservations 2 weeks out, we were only able to get the 5:30 time slot, kind of a bummer, but turned out ok, since we were able to enjoy our whole dinner with the beautiful scenery. We walked in the front door, and we were kind of takin a back a little, the hostess girl just kind of smiled at as, no "Good evening" or "reservations?", so we walked up to her and said our name. Would prefer to be welcomed into a restaurant, not made to feel awkward. But the awkwardness kind of continued, from the servers to the sommelier, to the food presenters. Just kind of spacey, and awkward, maybe a little aloof....but that was all changed when Brian Canlis, brought the dessert to our table and gave us a tour of the restaurant! He was a great person, very friendly, and seemed to honestly care about his family's restaurant and its' guests. The food. We started with the pork belly (perfect!, but what is not perfect about a bacon like starter!), and the shrimp... the shrimp were a tad fishy, and the sauce was a bit blah, I would advise against the shrimp. Then we had the Canlis salad, this was also pretty good, but nothing amazing. We then split the duck for two. It was one of a few times outside of Asia that I have had duck, and it was VERY good, very flavorful, and not oily or fatty. It had a great crispy crust on the outside of it, and the peach sauces were excellent. We also had all three of the sides! The mushrooms, eh could do without, the truffle fries, everyone seems to be doing these now, but they were some of the better ones, and the twice baked potato, one of the BEST! Pretty much just a mashed potato with everything in it! (we will try and recreate this one at home!) Our other dinning guests had the halibut and said it was great, and the Wagyu and said it was also very good. We finished with the chocolate dessert.... Very good! also had some great wine and cocktails. Dress code: upon reading the reviews and the website FAQ, I was worried that we would be stuck by the kitchen or in the bar as one of the people in our party refused to wear a jacket. There was for sure a section of "with jacket" and "without", but it was still a nice area, just kind of off the bar, but still with a great view! Most of the men wearing jackets were not wearing ties though! One star off for the service, will try again and see if we just caught them on an off night!

Soo L.

I took my boyfriend to this restaurant for his 30th birthday and IT TOTALLY SUCKED!!! the food was over priced... and I ordered the filet which was cooked perfectly but super blend... crab cakes... GROSS!! I would not ever go back to this place... all you are paying for the the view... don't go here..

Sarah M.

Absolutely gorgeous restaurant. I have wanted to try Canlis since I was a little kid. My parents always told me it was too expensive. We luckily got a reservation for restaurant week. The service was phenomenal and everyone was extremely professional and courteous. The food was so-so. I was expecting blow me away food but instead it just eh. I love the restaurant for the view and the overall experience but probably wouldn't come back just for the food.

Mandy C.

I had an absolutely beautiful meal here for a special date once. It was a surprise splurge and I think back on that dinner fondly. :) We had a table in the front area after sunset so we could see the lights on Capitol Hill and the lake. The sommelier came over and spoke to us about wine, suggesting a few bottles to us. We had a lovely white with our first course; foie gras. It was delicious. The entire meal was delightful. That's obvious. I had always heard that Canlis was one of the nicest restaurants in the city and I must agree. The wait staff was extremely attentive and when you eventually have to depart this little piece of heaven, your car is outside the door and you didn't even say anything to anyone. There was no valet ticket or anything. It was like a little magic telepathic valet man just knew who you were and what you drove there. It was a cool touch. I suggest this place for an important occasion where you want to be treated like a king or queen for a few hours. I am definitely looking for another excuse to go back.

Vanessa T.

outstanding experience! worth every penny.

Alexis P.

The best restaurant is Seattle bar none. My first meal there back in 1979 was just as fantastic as the one I had last month. Way to go Canlis family!

Bud F.

NEW YEARS EVE.... We have enjoyed the Canlis lounge in the past on New Years. We love the Canlis and go there for dinner about 2-3 times a year. And, I hate to be critical at all here...However this night was not one of the best experiences we've had at the Canlis. First off, we called and were told to get there early before 7 because the lounge was going to fill up by then. We were also told that we could eat in the lounge but there would be a 25.00 cover charge, OK fine, its New Years. Well, I rushed my wife to get ready for New Years eve..Don't ever rush you wife to get all dolled up... anyway... We got there, the lounge was literally empty and our waitress who was a bit cold and snooty (never experience that before) informed us that all we could order was a salad and fries..Having to rush for no reason and not being able to order food was a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! A salad, fries, 3 martinis, 2 glasses of great Pinot and a 25.00 glass of champagne (our waitress could have politely told us how much it was when she offered it to my wife who asked for a drink suggestion) with a forced 20 percent gratuity (our waitress wasn't worth it)... OVER 300.00 !!!!!... We left to go to a party well before midnight The band was good and the atmosphere, always spectacular but the sticker shock and the lack of food soiled our experience! I do understand that they want to keep the riff raff out to secure a good experience for their patrons... I understand the business model... Ok, its New Years and we are blessed with being able to afford it. but we did not have that experience a couple years ago when we chose to spend part of New Years ever there. We should have just had dinner there and enjoyed the lounge before and after dinner.. lesson learned....

Dan A.

This is the best restaurant in Seattle. I get the pan seared foie gras and the Kobe beef, but everything on the menu is outstanding.

Carly L.

Want to know how to wow a woman on a date, let alone a FIRST date? Take them to Canlis. Being that I love fine food and fine wine yet have the budget for Taco Bell and Boone's Farm, I was beyond elated when I got to go here for a dinner. The service from the get go is unbelievable. The valet doesn't take a name, give you a ticket, yet at the end of the night, your car magically appears at the entry. We were greeted quickly and my jacket was taken away, and we were seated at a GREAT table. At first it seemed odd to me that at this table we were sitting next to each other, leaving the other side of said table empty... but this was AWESOME for people watching, kitchen watching... view watching. We each started with a wonderful cocktail, and I had already pre-read the wine menu online and made my selection beforehand which bottle would be good. Presumptuous? Maybe, but my date knows I know my wine. So the menus were next to arrive and I chose the Prawn salad that was unbelievable. There was a nice lime sauce, and the prawns were butterflied and perfection. My date had the Canlis salad, which was good, and a staple for Canlis devotees. The wine steward then came out with the wine I chose, and he informed me: it was the LAST of that bottle in their cellar (which I could believe since I know its sold out at the winery itself) and that it was the wine he served at his wedding! I got to be the designated taster and it was magnificent. I ordered the duck which came with an orange-tangerine puree and a scalloped potato cake, and greens. It seriously took my breath away. My date went big and had the lobster, which was as big as my forearm! I had a bite, and was in heaven. YUM. We split the dessert, which was a bread pudding with a milk chocolate black pepper ice cream. It was a very great combination of flavors and paired well with my port and his brandy. During the entire meal our wine glass was never empty (except when we finished the bottle), our water was never empty and we were always well attended to without feeling smothered. After dinner we headed to the bar for a last cocktail and to enjoy the pianist. The bartender and the wine steward were in the midst of discussing mezcal, and Jose, the awesome bartender gave me a small pour, on the house! It was actually quite good. I told him what I was kind of thinking what I wanted to drink, and within minutes I had this amazing chocolate martini, that wasn't too sweet and topped with Mexican Chocolate. I was such a fan, he even wrote down the recipe for me. When we finished our drinks, we walked to the front, where my coat was waiting, and outside was his car. Wow. Canlis lived up to, if not exceeded my expectations. Canlis on a first date, what's on deck for date number two!?

Jayne A.

I went to this restaurant for my 18th birthday several years ago and I have to say, it was probably one of the most memorable restaurants I've been to! I had he 6 course meal with palette cleansers in between. Now that I look back, I think this restaurant is what got me into food as much as I am today!

Peter D.

Honestly how can anyone give anything less than 5 stars for Canlis? While someone said they pack it in so tight you have to pull the table out to get out, I found ample space in my seating. The staff did pull the table out, but only to make it easier to get in and out. The food was extremely fresh and full of flavor. My wife and I had the tasting menu which was a perfect amount of food and across a wide range of flavors and textures. The highlight of the night was the wine pairing which all went masterfully with each course. It was a journey of creativity and decadence. As other reviews have said, don't expect to get out under $100 a person and if both are drinking closer to $200, but for the view, service and food it is well worth it. Honestly if I could afford it, I'd be here at least once a month. The owner visits tables, chats about food and in general continues to keep up the Canlis name as the premier dinning experience in Seattle.

Rebecca M.

Quite simply, there is no restaurant in Seattle on par with Canlis. There are very tasty restaurants, yes, but nothing on this scale or with this level of quality and innovation. I've been dozens of times and each time has been truly memorable. I've brought guests from out of town, celebrated special occasions, and popped into the bar for a drink - every single time, the service has radiated with warmth and the food dissolved in my mouth like something out of a dream. And while it IS expensive, you'll find when you do a bit of research that is actually not even in the top ten most expensive restaurants in Seattle, and has the exact same price-points a Daniel's or Ruth's Chris. But every little thing is just so. much. better. Canlis isn't even playing the same sport as those joints. GO. You won't be disappointed!

Cindy L.

Was really surprised by the great reviews this place got. Found some truths hidden in other reviews. The service... very cold. I think they get so many of the upper crest clientele that they could sense I was not likely to be a regular. Perhaps they assumed we do not budget in a great tip like we always do. The view, yep its a good view... but we are surrounded by water, people... good views in Seattle are a dime a dozen. As someone else stated already, you are crammed in there like sardines next to your neighboring diners. They actually pull out the table and push it in to give you and idea of how they maximize their space. Wow how amazing that they have your car waiting for you when you are done dining... Not. It's not brain surgery and it's so last decade. I remember lumbardies-sp that was in Bellevue years ago doing that and not charging you $5 for it. The food was sub par and as someone else stated not memorable at all. My date had to wear a jacket they gave him so as to meet their dress code. Are you kidding me? You make him wear a crusty old blue sailor jacket with a crest on the front pocket? I would almost rather dine anywhere in Seattle before dinning here.

Katia D.

Our dear friends took us here for a special birthday dinner. The architecture and view (what bits we could see) were lovely. The food was rich and delish but not worth the price. We had some yummy little rich buttery soupy thing. A great salad and crab cakes for appetizers and then I had the Lobster and my peeps had beef. All very tasty. The service was not the best. We had to wait quite awhile for our reserved table, for drinks, for our order to be taken, for dirty plates to be cleared, etc. A mix up with wine glasses. Little things, that I would expect to be impeccable with this level of dining. The wine menu was out of control- a 10 lb book, pages and pages. The wine guy was very helpful and good with my jokes. Our waitress was friendly and informative but liked to talk about herself. My favorite part was when a group of servers would come out, each carrying a plate to be systematically, choreographically placed in front of a guest. They were like syncopated swimmers. Was a bit creepy when it was our turn. The history, pretty cool. What else?...Um, the bill...Left us feeling very very guilty.

Andrew W.

The Ultimate 50's experience in Seattle... 60 years after the fact. The food has suffered the ensuing six decades, but the service and style has not. Having grown up in Seattle a little after its heyday, I remember when this was THE restaurant in town. Like, FANCY. So, of course, we never went there. Recently, I finally made it to celebrate the myth that was Canlis at a family occasion. It was pretty much exactly as I had imagined... with the exception of the food, which was subpar. The best part of Canlis is the service and the look. If you love 50's architecture... this is your place. You can imagine Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint dining here while on the run from some shady characters in a Hitchcock film. It is virtually immaculate. It WAS, however, the second most expensive meal I've ever had (next to Wolfgang Puck's Cut in Beverly Hills, where we dined across from George Clooney). I didn't expect a celebrity sighting on Queen Anne, but I did expect more from the copper-clad kitchen. What I did love, however, was the dress code. It totally keeps the screaming, spoiled rich kids out and the riff-raff looking good. In ultra-casual Seattle, it makes people rise to the occasion. This is not a bad thing. On our non-weekend night, it was mostly younger couples (under 30), business people of all ages, and couples over 60. All looking nicely turned out. Except... one guy wasn't wearing a blazer and and one who was in shirt sleeves. Hey, guys! You made me sit in a warmish room in a blazer. That wasn't fair. We asked the friendly host and hostess for a great table, got one, had a fantastic server (Hi, Linda!) and a cute, efficient young blonde who kept filling our waterglasses and serving us rolls. The affable Mark Canlis, a third generation Canlis, stopped by and introduced himself. A nice touch. The valet parking is added to your bill... it is a reasonable $5 and you don't need a ticket... they recognize you on your way out and get your car. There is a half-empty bar by the excellent pianist which can give you the ambience (if not the view) for a far more reasonable price. We went in spring, which means it was light all throughout dinner. I think this place would really rock in the dark. SO glad I went. Not sure if I'll become a regular, but am happy they're keeping a stylish Seattle tradition alive and well and that I got to finally experience it.

tracy j.

Well..well well! I was looking for a romantic lala place for my honey and I.oh, but reservations were so needed.Well we go to the lounge,because we are sit at the bar kinda people anyway.We have a nice piano man and three people waiting on us within minutes.Oh, 'We can have a table ready for you in less then 15mins would you like to take a look' Well we must go all out now..and we did.Perhaps, it is quite pricey, but for us we love to be impulsive and it took us to a great experience!It is tar-tar with all the same looking wannabe or rich folk dolled up in straight jackets and godly jewelry..but hey I bet you when they all set there eyes on the manager making our lovely coffee drink for all to see..we just may have put them in there place..I say ..thank-you for making us little feel a little tar-tar two!Kudos to the young looking fine manager.

Bea D.

Please avoid this overly hyped restaurant. If you are a foodie and you like to get your money's worth, you will be extremely disappointed. This is one of the few restaurants in Seattle where people dress up, and that sounded like the perfect place for my birthday dinner. The Bad: The bartender lives in another century and none of their signature cocktails are updated. I special ordered a simple fresh grapefruit and vanilla vodka martini, and got a bitter concoction with Campari. It was good, but definitely not what I expected. They over cook their meat. We ordered a fillet mignon and the lamb chops both medium rare, and we got medium well, even though we took care in explaining our server that we really meant medium rare, as in RED in the center, because in the US the cooking ratings can vary so much from restaurant to restaurant. In our entire stay nobody ever asked if we were there for a special occasion, so no cake for me on my birthday :(. The dress code is not really enforced. My husband looked really sharp in his linen suit and I wore one of my favorite cocktail dresses, all to be received by customers in polo's and khakis (no jackets). That in my book is not "formal" attire, so I guess the laid back West coast attitude has triumphed over Canlis. The good: The prawn appetizer was very good, with a balance of delicate buttery and garlicky flavors. It advertised chilies in the menu, but there was no heat in ours, so maybe they forgot them and left them out. Still delicious though. The environment and decor is very nice. The wine list offered a lot of variety. Overall we left extremely disappointed having spent all that (time and money) for overcooked proteins. The server never checked that we got what we ordered. At this price point you expect better service, like in El Gaucho, where a not perfectly cooked steak will never pass your server's inspection and they will immediately have your order re-fired even without you even asking. Now that's worth it!

Myung L.

my friend and i have been on a search for sweet souffles and haven't had much luck. apparently the seattle weather doesn't permit light and fluffy souffles? but alas, we found one! the gran marnier is the grandest of the marniest! pepe the bartender was truly a mixologist, with thoughtful persistence in creating new and innovative cocktails. ask him and he will deliver! as expected, the canlis salad is all that they say and the prawns were all that i expected. surprise. but let me tell you about the service and details. we weren't sure how they knew i was having decaf. we really wondered if they were omnipotent but every server that walked by just knew. they JUST KNEW. and that's how the canlis story goes...the food's darn good but there's so much more...

John E.

Great Service, Great Atmosphere, Great Food. Why 3 stars? First off, the service was the best I've ever had. I never felt pressured, never felt rushed, and felt that everybody was there to help at every turn. I couldn't even make a trip to the bathroom without a staff member sliding my table out for easy access. I was also nice to not have to get a claim ticket from the Valet. They just recognize you and hustle to get your car. Service: A+ Atmosphere: Really warm and elegant with a great view. Lighting was perfect, place is extremely clean. It was fun watching the staff clean crumbs off the tables, and use a cordless iron to make sure the linens were looking perfect for the next group of visitors. A+ The Food: Here is why the restaurant gets 3 stars: The starter bread was really tasty, the starter soup was incredibly unique. It was cold, green colored, and served in a dish about 2x the size of a shot glass. This was one of the best tasting soups I've ever had. I'd have paid $14 for a bowl of it. We ordered the famous Canlis house salad, and both of us felt it was unique and tasted good, but we weren't falling all over ourselves about it. Our main dishes were the Halibut and Salmon. We wanted to have seafood, not steak simply because there are a handful of steakhouses we could have attended for 2/3rds the cost. Those meals were very tasty, but we both felt that the Lobster Shop in Tacoma on the water had superior tasting entree's for about half the cost. The other problem was the portions. I realize a top notch restaurant isn't going to have a claim-jumper type platter with enough food to feed a village, but the portions are too small for the price being paid. Really great food, but not the best out there, plus portion sizes that are too small yet with the highest pricetag results in 3 stars, but I'm still glad we went. If you go, do it with realistic expectations.

Peter P.

If I could afford It I would here as often as I could. I was here with a recruiter for college track and field, if I wasn't I would never have eaten here. I'm a student so that explains much. She paid for the whole 8 of us and the bill was probably large!! I didn't see it but wow. The service is so great, for the first time I thought I was someone important. It's a really great place to socialize, the environment is relaxing, very calm!

Amy H.

so what is there to say about canlis that hasn't been said before? well let's see... people make it out like the second coming of chocolate jesus, but i beg to differ. one of my cardinal rules in life is that i'll try anything twice, and there are 3 things i took away from my 2 experiences at canlis. #1: i was warned repeatedly by the staff to ensure the dress code was enforced (blazer for the gents), so WHY THE FUCK do i see a guy in a north face fleece sitting at the table next to us?? (and seriously seattle, do you think you could try to step up your fashion game *just a smidge* for a nice night out?) #2: i ordered a pricey lobster tail, because i figured "while in rome", it's "go big or go home". what i received was one of the chewiest lumps of seafood i have had to date. was i naive in making the assumption that a renowned establishment such as canlis could figure out the appropriate cooking time and temperature to produce a satisfactory $100 lobster tail?? in all honesty, i'd prefer the $8 lobster tail up-charge at the snoqualmie casino's surf & turf buffet any day. #3: after having one (or more) drinks at the equally classy establishment of a pizza mart, i settled in at canlis' bar and waited for what seemed like eternity for attention from the barkeep. so ok, i get it when someone is "in the weeds", but at least try to maintain a semblance that you aren't stressed the fuck out because frankly, it stresses me out and makes me need that drink even quicker. upon checkout, i politely asked for a glass of water to-go (perhaps an odd request, but i really needed it, and for god's sake, this is a restaurant after all, not some ill-equipped holy temple that wouldn't have any to-go containers). what i got in return was a most panicked look from the waiter. REALLY?? the one redeeming moment of my experience (and trust me, it wasn't the bill) was that the bartender poured out a large bottle of pom wonderful for use as a water transport vessel. well, at least the water was free.

M D.

Really old school, but consistently good food and excellent service. Canlis is the restaurant my husband and I use to compare all other Seattle restaurants. I really like the Canlis salad.

Frederick G.

The food here is amazing..was here for dinner saturday night and what a meal..We had the chefs menu and paired it with wine and they know what they are doing. Every item was paired with the right wine and was amazing..the wine list is 85 pages long and can be over whelming but the solmier was wonerful also...

Starkie C.

No 3 in Starkie's Top 10 Must Dine in Seattle

ian l.

We had a wonderful diner there!! I'd go there three times a week if I could afford it.

nick w.

Great service, beatiful location. I checked out the menu before we went and was pretty disappointed once I arrived that they were OUT OF KOBE. I had the scallops instead which weren't bad. And the Canlis salad lived up to the hype.

Lanette F. G.

Canlis absolutely lives up to its reputation. My bf made reservations at Canlis for Valentine's Day and from the moment we walked in every little detail made our experience spectacular. Dining at Canlis is definitely an EXPERIENCE. Between having drinks and great conversation in the lounge to dessert, we were there for about 3 hours. We were seated right near the large windows and enjoyed the view and ambiance of the restaurant. All of the crisp, white tablecloths are ironed on the spot. They actually have a portable iron and use it every time a new table is set--a nice little touch. The service was fantastic, the knowledgeable wait staff made great wine suggestions from their extensive wine list. My expectations were set a little too high regarding the food. Don't get me wrong, the food was delicious, but as I said, I had overly high expectations. All in all, we enjoyed our dinner and would totally go back.

Ann M.

absolutely the best NW cuisine and service

jenny w.

This place has a great view. the ambiance is nice. The food however is not that special . The portions are so small, I was starving afterwards. I really like the lighting and table settings. But the portions are not a happy ending

Loretta S.

Be careful which table you get, as this restaurant is all about the view. Although I made my reservation weeks and weeks in advance, and mentioned that it was a special occasion, our party of six was given the only table in the restaurant without a view. I called the day before and reminded them that I requested a full view table over a month before. Three of the six of us faced a wall. One faced a pole and staircase and the other two had a side view of the water. We each cruised the restaurant after dinner and all agreed that we had the worst table, and the only no view table. The oysters are not worth it. They were quite a disappointment. The famous double baked potato was so salty that the one we bought to share was left mostly uneaten. Ditto the pureed potatoes served with the salmon. The salmon, however, was exquisite. The best I've ever had. The Grand Marnier souffle was a 4 out of 5. The donuts they also claim to be famous for are no big deal. Canlis should send the pastry chef to Bouchon in Napa or Vegas to learn how to make great gourmet donuts. We were told that men must wear jackets or they would not be seated in the dining room. My husbands and sons all dutifully packed appropriate attire, only to see several men throughout the restaurant without jackets. Overall this very expensive restaurant was a big disappointment and I won't be back.

Kate P.

If you want to treat your special lady to a super romantic night, reserve the cache at Canlis. My boyfriend and I took a weekend trip out from Chicago, and he arranged our private dining experience which totally impressed me. We went with the tasting menu paired with wine, I will concede that I've had food that was better, but presentation was nice and it definitely tasted great. The wait staff was very cool, I got Sven, our great waiter to tell me some sketchy stories about lusty couples in the cache (helpful hint: don't touch the window because someone once had sex up against it). He was professional but was up for my wack topics of conversation: we gossipped about some lady crying downstairs, and also talked about Biodome and Pauly Shore. Anyway I'm going off on a tangent, bottom line is that the food was good and the waiter was nice, plus the cache was a great touch. Nice view, your own couch, and absolutely no rush to finish your meal- you can hang out until they close, and if you're lame like me, you can fall asleep on said couch until your cab arrives.

Marie M.

i had been wanting to go here for quite some after hearing such wonderful experiences. to my surprise- i was taken for my birthday- and what a lovely surprise it was!! the service is so warm and accommodating, the staff takes the time to really make things comfortable and all about you. we had sat at the table closest to the window- which in my opinion was the best area of the restaurant. it was nice to have the beautiful view and enjoy the ambiance around, it really makes for a great dinner. i love the piano bar area as well, the pianist was playing covers of newer songs- which i doubt the older crowd that was around caught on to, but it made it fun and interesting. for dinner we had ordered the Prix Fixe so we could have a taste of everything, the portions were small and perfect to enjoy every last bit. each plate was of such creative presentation and flavor. i loved the uniqueness of the menu and i can definitely say i would go back for the food alone. but as a whole- this is so far the best dining experience i have yet to have in the Seattle area. Very romantic and all together a special occasion type of place.

Tod B.

I think that this is the best restaurant in Seattle. This is not a cheap place to go, but they get everything right. In classic Seattle tradition, it is hard to find. You could drive past this place every day and never see it. When you go there you will find that they have their own exit lane on 99/Aurora Ave. You pull in to park and a valet takes your keys - no ticket is given. You walk inside and a coat check person takes your coat - no ticket is given. You sit down and there is a waiter for every couple of tables. They are extremely professional. They never hover or annoy, they are just telepathic. Then you order and the seafood is unbelievable. The view is of Lake Union. The single malt scotch selection is without equal. When you leave your coat is mysteriously produced and your car is waiting for you outside and it is pointed at the exit. You pull out and they have their own merging lane. The entire experience is excellent.

Niall K.

Canlis still probably the best in fine dining in Seattle. The service and food are outstanding. Arrived a little early to have a drink in the bar and unwind a little from the work day before tucking in for dinner. Siri was our server and she was very knowledgeable about the food and preperation. They took good care of us and helped us pair starters with mains and wine. We had the Foie Gras and Crab Cakes as starters both of which were beautifully presented and had amazing flavor. For mains we had surf and turf or to be more accurate she had the steak and I had the lobster - the steak turned out to be a little over done so we had to send that back. The lobster was huge - and was delicious. Dessert - Chocolate by Chocalate is just too good to pass us. The new addition of the salted caramel covered chocolate pop is a wonderful contrast. Wrapped up with pot of Kona coffee that closed the evening perfectly. Canlis still amazing!

Mary K.

Took my hubby here for his bday but it emptied out my wallet quite easily... over $200 for two. *Service was impeccable with a very knowledgable waitstaff. *Ambiance was nice although our table was a tad bit too close to our neighbors. *Food, depending on the dish, was very good...but not too memorable for me...so I can't recall what I had really, except for this one fresh shrimp dish (cold appetizer was it?) that was awesome. *Price...expect to pay dearly at this fine dining establishment. *Interesting - your car magically appears at the entrance when you are ready to leave! I'd only go there again if someone else were paying.

Matt B.

I visited Canlis twice now, both times in the lounge upstairs. This is a fantastic venue for any event with amazing views and very nice aesthetic. The staff were very accommodating to me and amazingly the valet even remembered my car on sight even with so many people at the event. I only had hors d'oeuvres here, but they were all fantastic. Next on my list is to visit for dinner, for which I am extremely excited!

Courtney D.

Amazing restaurant! I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. Everything was impeccable from the view, the service, the food, atmosphere...I loved it!

Trevor B.

Canlis is a once in a Blue Moon type of restaurant. A great view with excellent service. The Modern NW cuisine with a hint of Asian influence is a must try. If money is just a piece paper give it to them.

shelley l.

wow what I spent last night I could have flown to NYC and back! Over rated, overstaffed, I was so unimpressed they took 2 items off the bill. Mushrooms very very SALTY. The famous salad was 16 bucks, my salads are twice as good their dressing is olive oil and lemon juice. Salmon was fishy had to take it back. 3 oz halibut was good BUT not worth 38 bucks! Oh and if you want the scallops for an appetizer you only get ONE! for 18 bucks if you want the crab cakes you only get ONE for 18 bucks! Twice baked potato famous for what?? If you have never eaten in a fine restaurant you might be impressed. Many regrets!

Ashley O.

PRIVATE (GROUP) DINING REVIEW It bums me out to write this review! I have dined at Canlis many times over the past few years and have never had a bad experience... until now. I was conducting a dinner meeting with a colleague in the private dining room. We had 40 people in attendance. This was my fourth dinner meeting in this room over the last 12 months, and my company has always used Canlis to woo clients. On this evening, our event was at full capacity. Mr. Canlis himself came in to greet me, and assist with the table configurations, as it was a packed house. However, my colleague and I were embarrassed to hear the staff complaining about our guests (all physicians + surgeons) within ear range. I understand that accomodating 40 people is no small chore, but I also expect a level of professionalism to come with the job. I actually had to pull aside the head server to ask him to speak with his staff about this. He was mortified. I also noticed that during our dinner program, there was a large table of 20 or so guests dining in the main dining room. The rest of the dining room was fairly open~ it was a wednesday night, and the restaurant was not full. Anyway, our program ran smoothly, the bill was paid, and I thought that was the end of it. But the next day, my colleague received a scathing message from the group dining coordinator, telling him how our group ruined service for the rest of the restaurant. Now, we had booked this room 2 months in advance. Our party put in their (set menu) orders when asked, and if I'm not mistaken, Canlis made over $5000 on our group~ on a wednesday night, when the private rooms usually can't be given away. I would take full responsibility if our group was over capacity, or if 20 of our guests showed up late, and pushed service back for the rest of the diners. But this was not the case. We were on a strict time schedule and we met it. The dining coordinator wasn't even in attendance on the evening of our program~ so I was shocked that she called with such anger. If Canlis would like us to take our business elsewhere, we are happy to. And pharmaceutical reps take note~ this happened to us, it could happen to you. We don't want your physicians to be as offended as ours were on this evening!

Amy K.

I did it, I finally it did. After 11 years in Seattle I finally ate at Canlis. Trust me, it hasn't taken me this long because I haven't wanted to, I just had a tough time justifying spending so much money on one meal. But when the hubs made a reservation for my birthday how could I say no?! Black dress...check Sharp suit and tie...check Bottle of wine NOT on their 100 page wine list...check We were ready to embark upon our Canlis dining experience. I don't think I've ever had so many people unknown to me wish me a happy birthday in one evening...the staff and service was everything I expected. When we arrived for our 8:30 reservation we were told a fantastic table was just paying their bill if we wanted to grab a drink in the lounge or linger by the fireplace. We chose the former. The bar area (or lounge as Canlis likes to refer to it) is small, but the bartender was extremely gracious. I ordered a glass of wine while JP ordered a bourbon. JP had the better seat and could survey the room behind us which was filled with some characters, including an older gentleman wearing a blue silk suit complete with blue suede shoes! Oh...the people watching...from the silk suit to the trophy wives there was a lot to look at....oh yea...and the view from our table! We had an unobstructed view from our window-side table of Lake Union and the skyline. The decor is very traditional Northwest with wood, stone and candles and pine cone decorations. It did have a bit of a dated feel to it, but I think a lot of the traditional PNW architecture does. The menu isn't huge, but everything we ordered was good (although a bit salty in some cases). JP decided to order the Tasting Menu which I was super excited about (the caviar and hamachi were excellent!! The Poussin was really salty, the venison was okay and the carrot cake for dessert was delish). I started with the scallops which were melt in your mouth good. For my entree I ordered the Wagyu Tenderloin which is saying a lot because I am not a big beef eater and I never order meat in a restaurant but I figured this would be a good place to do it. The beef was excellent! I ordered the twice baked potato as my side...cheesy, creamy goodness. Since it was my birthday I felt like I should order a dessert. I opted for the cinnamon doughnuts...yum! Two come to the plate along with a sorbet (or ice cream, I can't recall which). I was only able to eat half of one but it was worth it. All in all I feel Canlis was a solid dining experience, but our bill probably could feed a family for a month in a developing country (and we even brought our own wine so only had to pay corkage) so I don't think we'll be back any time soon, but it was great to splurge and have a great night with my honey!

Quynh-An P.

The boyfriend and I came here to celebrate my new job, our life in Seattle, and our upcoming move to San Francisco. We were placed at "Table 1" the famous Peter Canlis table. Fun, but we didn't get as nice of a view as we'd prefer. The service was amazing. When we got there, there were only a few other couples, so everyone had their own waiter/waitress to take care of them. We had Jackson. Now Jackson seemed a bit nervous when we started, but quickly got in the groove of things and was fantastic. He made sure that we were well taken care of throughout the night. We started the evening with cocktails. I'm not usually a cocktail girl, I enjoy wine more...but we opted for cocktails and I'm glad we did! I ordered some drink with bourbon and lots of juices (pineapple, orange, grenadine) and it was so tasty. The boyfriend got the Waggner Remix (scotch and orange, I think) and enjoyed it so much he ordered another one for "dessert." The boyfriend, on a suggestion, ordered the Peter Canlis prawns. We'd heard a lot of hype about it, so he wasn't sure what to think of it. We've been sorely disappointed by hype in the past. He took one bite of that and I asked him "so, is it as good as everyone says?" His response, "Actually....yes." He proceeded to declare it was the best prawns he's ever had, as it was cooked to perfection and you could just taste the quality. I'm allergic to prawns, so he rarely gets to eat them...so I was glad that he enjoyed them so much. He ordered the NY Strip and found it to be fantastic. It was delicious...however, I ordered the Wagyu Tenderloin and really there's no comparison. Best, melt in your mouth, steak ever...even with the foie gras butter on top. We also got a side of the twice baked potato and thought it was fantastic. Dessert consisted of the chocolate covered chocolate. So good, but so overwhelming full by the end of the evening! The best part of the evening? The telephone. One of the hosts came to greet us in our meal to make sure things were going well. Since we were sitting at Peter Canlis' table, there's a phone next to it. He dialed the front desk and had me talk to the hostess from my table. Later, the phone rings, and it's the front desk again checking in with us. It was silly and simple, but it definitely made the evening memorable and fun for us. Thanks Canlis for a fantastic Seattle sendoff. We'll be back to visit.

Richard N.

We went there for our anniversary. The service was excellent and the food was very good. Nothing amazing though, but very good. We ended up paying $130 per person. We will go back, maybe in 10 years for our next big anniversary.

Louise R.

After being very excited about dining here based on all of the reviews I booked a reservation for four. We were two couples, each celebrating the husband's birthday. Having never been, I really didn't know what to expect. Overall, I think the place is kind of tired - both in the atmosphere and the food. I know it's been around a long time and it's a fixture, but it really feels outdated. The food was unfortunately very average. For a restaurant with this type of reputation and especially based on the prices they dare to charge, I expect to be wowed. Not one of the four of us was at all impressed, which was kind of a bummer for a double birthday celebration.

Max R.

Best service I have ever had. Favorites are: the duck, wagyu, yellow fin and smoked salmon. Truffle fried and twice baked are sinful yet heavenly. You will not be disappointed.

Karen Y.

This restuarant does have amazing food. Alas some people think the place is only good because of the view. Yes it has a great view however it also has amazing service. Great service is the expected norm when you are stumping up this kind of cash. Yes all the cocktails and pre dinner drinks are lovely.Food portions are European side but the food is rich so be careful you might not need the appetisers. Something to consider is the Prix Fixe (the meal of the day) and you can have wine paired with it and this can be very very tasty.. Yes if you can splash the cash get the Kobe-style beef, naturally raised from Japanese sires and Angus cows - they call it American Wagyu I call it to die for. The desserts are great but I am a main course girl. You can spend a small fortune at Canalis as the drinks do pile up - consider this a treat for a special one or a celebration time.

Lor B.

My dining experience tonight at Canlis was a solid 3. One star for the ambiance & spectacular view. Two for the dessert. and last but not least - three for the...Piano player -- I'm serious he was really freaking good! I'm sad to say that the actual food was just OK - nothing mind blowing that I'd crave coming back for -- with the exception of the dessert of course (chocolate covered chocolate - aka molten lava cake with banana icecream popsicle - out of this world!) The rest of our dishes: Braised short rib with beets & roasted squash, canlis salad, lobster w/gnocchi & wild mushroom ravioli was just mediocre. Everything was edible - I was just hoping for something great. The wine list was extensive and after dinner coffee was supreme. Came for our wedding anniversary - servers put a little candle in our dessert to help us celebrate (twas a nice touch). Canlis is the swanky, fancy, smancy place that you go to for special occasions. I personally think that it would be an awesome place for drinks or vino. They have a mini lounge where the oh-so-good piano player works his magic. (He even played Lady Gaga's Papparazzi but gave it a classical music feel.. seriously cool!) Anyway, I'd probably forego dinner and have some HH here before dining somewhere else... PS - on a positive note, service was good - (some servers better than others -- you practically have 4 people waiting on you!)

Koriann B.

My boyfriend and I went here for the New Year's Eve dinner (featuring the best meals of the year) and the food was absolutely AMAZING. I haven't eaten there on a night where they weren't showcasing the best of, so I can't say what I'd review overall, but if you're going to pay a ridiculous amount of money for dinner one night a year, NYE is definitely worth it. This was my boyfriend's second time for the NYE dinner and he was a little weary as the first time he went he claimed it was the best meal he'd ever eaten. This year's topped the last time he went. And as for me? Definitely one of the- possibly THE- best meal I've ever eaten. The service was great, the waiter was funny, the food was delicious. Highly recommended.

Starla S.

I expected this to be over-rated. I expected frills... gimmicks... attitudes. I expected old white people wearing shiny brown loafers. Apparently I'm very closed minded. But now I see the light... as well as Gasworks Park and Capitol Hill and the crew of nudies basting each other in sunblock. Everyone was having fun here... the staff, the old white people, the young gay double daters, the large cornucopia family with the baby... It was a melting pot. We had escargot, oysters on the halvsies, wagyu beef, and some taters. Didn't miss a beat! I wanna go back right now.

Lola M.

I like this place, but with some misgivings. It's very old school and stuffy, unnecessarily so in my opinion. We've eaten at more expensive restaurants that have had a more relaxed feel. The stuffiness makes you feel on edge here. The waitstaff were quite extensive. It felt like we were served by thirty different people -- four different people filled our water glasses alone! A ridiculous amount of staff, especially since this was a Valentine's Day dinner and I had hoped for something more romantic and intimate. We were constantly being interrupted by someone new. I swear, there are probably well-dressed homeless people who just wander in off the street and unobtrusively join the waitstaff -- that's what it felt like. It's like we were assailed by an army of servers. By the end of the evening I felt like I was clinging to our main server, because she was a familiar face and one of our only servers who remained constant throughout the evening. Hoards of waitstaff were very distracting. It felt like being attacked by shoe salesmen during Nordstrom's semi-annual sales. On the plus side, the drinks were unique and just strong enough. My salad was excellent, and my main course was good too though for that price it should have been spectacular.

Kyle N.

Now that the wedding and honeymoon are over I finally have time to extend my accolades surrounding the rehearsal dinner that my wife, our families and our friends had at Canlis. My wife and I had each been to Canlis prior to our celebration dinner so we knew that we were in for impeccable service and delicious cuisine (and amazing valets). After being greeted by Mark Canlis in the Executive Room we mingled, enjoyed the great view and the indulgence was soon underway! Although I was a little indecisive about some of the hors d'oeuvres and entree ideas, Kellie (our banquet coordinator) made some fantastic and delicious recommendations. Her guidance was spot on and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their experience. As far as the "delicious recommendations" are concerned, I highly recommend the spinach & pecorino filo cups, crostini as well as the Dungeness crab legs. I think everyone agreed that had we ordered thirty dozen we would have been happy making meals out them! If you are not a fan of hors d'oeuvres, order a Maker's Manhattan and I promise you won't be displeased. Mine was the best I have had anywhere! Once everyone was good and happy with drinks in hand, they were given their choice of the Canlis salad or the butternut squash bisque with caramelized onions, crushed pistachios and a hint of duck confit for a first course. I had the bisque and it was simply delicious. We then provided three entrée options consisting of the Australian lobster tail, scallop risotto or Wagu tenderloin and prawns. As we expected, our guests had difficulty choosing, which only signified that we had chosen well! I opted for the tenderloin and I agree with Toan (one of our ushers) that it was the best steak we had ever had! I also sampled the lobster and was equally impressed. I can't vouch for the risotto, but I know Mother-in-law thoroughly enjoyed it! To finish the evening everyone chose between the chocolate lava cake, vanilla bean crème brulee or the chocolate & orange. I enjoy new and exciting culinary creations, so I opted for the chocolate & orange. Pastry chef Neil Robertson's creation consisting of Satsuma sorbet and espresso-soaked flourless chocolate cake was a perfect way to end a memorable meal and experience.As the wonderful hosts that my parent's are, they didn't stop with desert, but instead offered our guests flutes of 2006 Coppo "Moncalvina" Moscato D'Asti, which was definitely a crowd pleaser followed by boxes of Theo confections. Seriously, what's not to love...! It is obvious that Canlis is one of the premier dining establishments in the Seattle area and well deserve every "five star" review they have every received. What's beautiful is their ability to maintain the characteristics that make them great to large parties! When looking for a perfect venue with impeccable service and delectable cuisine head to 2576 Aurora Avenue North and let them make your event truly memorable! Mise en Place Seattle culinarykyle.blogspot.com

Chris S.

The space was cool but for the price, I would have MUCH rather spent the extra $100 to go to the Herbfarm. Just seemed like a bunch of people pretending they had a bunch of money. The food left A LOT to be desired. I was overall very disappointed.

Andy P.

It's my favorite restaurant in the world and where I had my wedding reception, so I guess I have to give it a 5. Maybe you could say it's overpriced, fine... if that's true, then so is the Mona Lisa; Canlis is definitive. It's hard to get a restaurant to be definitive. If you want to connect with the best of what Seattle was 35 years ago and still is, Canlis is the place to do it. Great service, wonderful salads, fantastic drinks, great beef, the Grand Marnier souffle (wow!), seafood that is top notch, interesting (but not over-thought) preparations: Canlis has all of these things. Fine, many places have these things, but what makes it a 5, to me, is the atmosphere. It's special. It's old-school, but because it's in Seattle, it has that 'just-right' feel of not stuffy or snobby, just very pleasant--with a view that can make you forget that the rest of the world exists. There is nothing better in Seattle in August than a dinner at Canlis at 8:00pm. Nothing.

Ben F.

I always question how to rate this type of restaurant. Food:Price - 2 stars. The apps were good, but the dishes were underwhelming for such a famous spot. I had the king salmon. It wasn't good. Also, I would have expected a daily menu, it appears to be standard. Service: 4 stars. Excellent, but slow. It took 2 hours to eat a 3 course meal and we told the guy we were in a rush.

Megalina C.

Canlis is simply the best. The service, atmoshphere, presentation, menu, and the FOOD are all spot on. I don't go to restaurants of this calibur often, and when I do I'm usually disappointed, can't quite justify the price. (My husband and I laughed our way through last year's anniversary dinner at Crush, saying "Man, we shoulda gone to Canlis!") It's a very special occasion when we do go, and that makes it even more wonderful. I. love. Canlis!

Mags L.

I love the ambience of this place. We went for an early dinner, and were seated by the window. The restuarant is located on the top of a hill overlooking Lake Union, so there's a gorgeous view of the water. I had the seared ahi (special of the day) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't enjoy that I *had* to valet park my car, even though there was ample parking spaces.

Keith S.

My wife and I went to the Canlis and had our best Seattle dining experience to date and one of our best anywhere. The food was excellent (we had the Muscovy duck for two), the service was gracious and flawless, the price was comparable to any of the other supposed Seattle elites, and the atmosphere was stunning. We are in our early thirties and often find ourselves annoyed with Seattle's hippie hangover, especially in regard to dining apparel. If we spend two to three hundred on dinner, we want to dress up and dine like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers--and that's hard to do when you're surrounded by short pants and mom-jeans or tourists with fanny packs (not an uncommon sight at Anthony's, Salty's, or Ray's). We found the Canlis to be an oasis of Northwest elegance in a too-often class-parched town.

Anne P.

I love Canlis. The atmosphere and the ambiance is amazing. The food and the service always outstanding. Their wine selection is as thick as a yellow phone book! I can't wait to go back!

Yoko R.

I probably don't have too much to add given that this place is amazing and yelpers know it :) The ambiance...is amazing. They have a gorgeous view, and the decor is classy & subtle. I think some of the artwork is Japanese-inspired, looked like it anyway. The lighting is just the right brightness - has that 'romantic' feel without you having to grope your way around. The service..also, impeccable. To the point of scariness, sometimes. I don't have much insulating fat on my body so I tend to be cold..anywhere..but our server noticed I was cold without me saying a word! All she did was bring over a nice shawl (100% wool) - really made me feel at home. Also, the server is at your table the minute you have finished your dish, to take it away. The sommelier is also very friendly, and will give you the perfect recommendation. He's easy to talk to, so you can ask all kinds of questions about the types of wine you like. The food...I saved this for last, because well, it is just spectacular. I suppose I have eaten higher quality cuisine at restaurants in Tokyo, but for a US restaurant, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's as good as it gets. (In fact I think the quality of food in Seattle in general is much much better than the rest of the continent. But I digress. ) Everything I've ordered here has been wonderful, especially the canlis salad, canlis prawns, lamb, and truffle fries. The amuse bouche is also delectable. (sorry for lack of details, i haven't been in a while and my memory fails me) But the one thing that really REALLY impressed me - they serve Mariage Freres tea!!! Have you ever been to really nice restaurants and was really happy with the food, until when you ordered your after-dinner coffee with that telling spot in the middle of the milk foam (automatic espresso machine-made) or tea-bag tea? Well, I get that disappointment all the time, but Canlis did not fail! When I requested tea for my after-dinner drink, our server brought a box full of leaf teas to our table - all Mariage Freres. If I remember correctly they were mostly green tea variants instead of the staple Mariage Freres flavors such as Marco Polo, but I was ecstatic nonetheless. My only complaint was that they used boiling water to brew my green tea so it tasted a bit on the bitter side (you need to use 90degree celsius water for green tea, otherwise the leaves get scalded and you end up with muddy, bitter tea). Oh, and the chocolate souffle for dessert was fantastic. So gentlemen, if you want to impress your ladies (or your gentlemen), do take them here. The dress code is dressy, but no jacket requirement, and casual chic is acceptable too. Did I mention the price is very reasonable? Bon apetit!

Shari d.

Fortunate enough to be seated by windows, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary dinner at Canlis. This was our first experience with Foie Gras and while I do not condone the practice of how the Foie Gras got to my plate I could not help but love the flavor. Both of our dishes were prepared with the utmost care and the flavors all worked harmoniously. The staff was attentive and took care of whatever we asked for. Overall, a great experience that will keep up coming back for more.

Charene M.

Wonderful food, great service. I did not expect it to meet my expectations - but it did! The food was delicious and wonderfully presented. We both had the Canlis salad and it did not disappoint. In fact, we spent some time, trying to figure out how to replicate it. We also had the steak tartare - very flavorful and we finished every morsel. For the main course, we split the Sea Bass with cannelli beans. It was crisp on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside. We finished with Spanish coffee. And, it is true! Our cars were waiting for us when we exited the restaurant (no tags or receipts) like Cinderella's coach. The view was lovely as it was dusk and lights illuminated the hillsides and the water. I have to say that I thought that the staff would be a bit distant but they were efficient and very friendly. I recommend this pillar of the Seattle restaurant community very highly.

Susan K.

This place is absolutely amazing! Read a bunch of reviews on Yelp and decided to check the place out while on another visit to Seattle. Coming from SF, there are an abundance of great restaurants to be had, but Canlis definitely lived up to all the hype. Beautiful architecture and décor was very elegant, yet cozy. Food was very good and wine selection was just ok, but then again, I think this is definitely a place you come more for the atmosphere. It's a great spot to hit if you're coming from out of town and want a memorable spot to talk about once you're back home. They also have a great pianist here, many of the songs are recognizable Top 40s hits. My husband and I had a fun time seeing who would be the first to guess the next. All in all, we had a great time and would definitely come back for more.

Nick G.

I came to Canlis with high expectations and rightly so. Canlis is known as one of the top restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. Any time you spend over $200 for a meal (excluding wine) you should have the highest quality customer service and that's exactly what Canlis offered. Their food was spectacular ranging from their starter salad to some of the best King Salmon that I've ever had. After our meal we were given a tour of the restaurant to include their wine cellar downstairs which was quite the experience. Hands down you're not going to find a more romantic venue in Seattle to spend with your significant other. You will be getting what you pay for!

Jesse R.

I realized I had never tried what is supposed to be the best restaurant in Seattle, so when proposed with a date I called to see if I could make a reservation for Saturday evening on Friday. Suprisingly, they had an opening at 6pm. The valets do in fact park your car without a ticket (a first for me) and the staff from the door to the table is professional and fun. We started out with a bread and butter plate that looked like a fancy cracker, and then had a pre-dinner treat of cheve' and breading with a jam like topping, all good. The appetizer was an ahi poke and kona kampachi sashimi, which was silky smooth and delicious. The only problem with it was that we had actually ordered the smoked salmon carpaccio. Not a big deal though, as we had been torn between the two choices anyway. Main course for my date was the filet mignon while I chose the tenderloin. Both were cooked to perfection, both ordered medium rare. We agreed that the tenderloin was the definate winner between the two, but as Canlis bills this steak as better than prime, and the price difference was $43 vs $70, that was probably to be expected. For a side I chose the goat cheese potato cake, also delicious. For dessert we ordered the chocolate lava cake, and the waiter brought out the sunday to make up for the app mistake. Of the two the hot fudge of the lava cake was the clear winner. Dinner for two, with an appetizer, dessert and three glasses of wine came to exactly $250 with tip. Spendy, but in this case I think it was worth it. I'll definately be back.

Brian K.

wow, this place was pretty amazing. we had a great view of the gasworks park and the piano player was playing awesome music. the service was phenomenal. we started with a plate of canlis shrimp which was in a lemony butter sauce, and a plate of pork belly. the sauce on the shrimp was great. the pork belly tasted like an extremely high end hot dog which was awesome, though its the first time i ever tried pork belly and dont have a frame of reference. we had a couple glasses of champagne with our appetizers. we ordered a really nice bottle of chardonnay from southern france for our entree of lobster, which we never order but thought a good chardonnay would pair nicely with the lobster. glad we did that because it was really great. the wine was called "clocher de preusse-chardonnay, la cuvee du president, limoux, 2006. the lobster came pre shelled so it wasnt messy. it had a nice buttery sauce with little mushrooms in it and there were about 10 pieces of gnocchi mixed in. the gnocchi was cooked perfectly. all in all, one of the best meals we have ever had.

Ly P.

If not the best, this is one of the best places to eat in Seattle. The views are amazing, great live piano music, and magical valets =). When you get there it is valet parking only, and they just park your car with out even giving you a ticket or taking your name. When you are done eating your car is just out there waiting for you, crazy. The food was sooo good. It is the only place in the Seattle area I have seen Waygu steak on the menu and in my opinion is by far better than any other type of steak. I can't even compare the steak houses I have eaten Waygu at with other steakhouses because it just wouldn't be fair. Also the service was great.

Michelle B.

Maybe they take your keys, valet your car and keep your coat because they are afraid you are going to do a dine-and-dash once you see the bill! Seriously, this place is spendy! Like Eleven!!One!oneOne spendy. Sure, sure, the oh-so-famous Canlis salad was divine (I think the secret was mint and lemon) the Canlis prawns were exquisite, and the crab cake (yes, singular) was very tasty. All things I would expect from a restaurant of this caliber, but nothing that blew me away, as a matter of fact everything was so good here because it is so safe - Making this the perfect crowd pleaser restaurant for those with fake ID's and stolen credit cards (kidding, don't break the law people) and folks in from out of town. You know how everyone keeps talking about how gorgeous the restaurant is and how grand the view is? Well, they are wrong. The building needs a bit of an upgrade to keep it from feeling stuffy. I'm not talking low-lights, trendy modern chairs, and down-tempo electronica, just maybe a bit of a face lift to keep it relevant. And the view? I was so curious about that because the restaurant is perched on Hwy 99 and from what I could tell you simply get a view of I-5, which could be lovely, I suppose, but not my idea of a "view." And the fantastic Canlis service? Ok, yes, that is totally true and definitely world class. Peter Canlis himself will greet you and introduce you to his Grandson who will seat you. They valet your car, take your coat, and sprinkle both with a bit of fairy dust instead of giving you claim tickets, because once you are ready to leave everything magically reappears. But not before you are waited on hand and foot by a server who seems to have trained at the wait-staff equivalent of West Point. True story: My "date" that night ended up laughing so hard at my story of almost choking to death on a communion wafer (and that is why you should fill your cup full of wine on Sundays, for safety sake) that when the waiter walked by he saw that she wasn't ready to compose herself and instead of butting in on our conversation he silently brought her a folded tissue on a small plate. Wow, they clearly cater to all kinds here at Canlis. All in all a great Seattle experience but next time I'm letting someone else pay my bill.

D.R. W.

Great tasting menu. These people not only know how to cook, they create art you can eat. Met the Canlis grandsons, one of which gave us a nice tour of the restaurant after dinner. Keep up the great work guys, we will be back.

Mason M.

I've had so many hits and misses at this place throughout the years--but my last visit was uh-mazing. The views are uh-mazing. The foi was uh-mazing. I don't know if they got a new chef or what, but the menu seemed re-vamped and I was all over it.

Kay L.

Not a favorite even though somehow they know what car you drive when ur ready to leave. We have been here several times and each time we get set either upstairs in an awful corner or back by the kitchen. The food is overrated and it must be that you have to be from Seattle to get good service and great food. Never feels like they really want our business. Our salads were good but the rest of the food was just marginal for all the reviews we had read about. Maybe it was an off night for the staff but even the delivery of our food was off. Appetizers came out too early and they seemed to be rushing all of our food. We probably will not be going back even though the views are awesome here. Next time if there is a next time we will rent a Maserati and see if that gets us anywhere.

Gina C.

My husband and I recently went for our 2 year anniversary. I tried to make a reservation a couple weeks in advance, but no go. So we decided to go and see if we could get lounge seeting as I had been here before and it was just as nice. We got there and the valet servi9ce great, front door opened and welcomed in. Talked to the host and told them we would like to dine in the lounge. She said there was a little wait and offered for us to sit by the fire. Didn't ask our names and other people were waiting for the lounge as well, but they had it all under control. So far so good. Was seated in the lounge about 5 minutes later and thats when the great service stopped! The waitress dropped off a couple of bar menus and ran off. Ok, so we look at the bar menues, but are really there for dinner. It took the waitress 15 minutes to come back to our table. We asked for a couple dinner menus which she brought us and dropped them off never asking if we wanted something to drink!?!? So we wait another 10 minutes and she returnes and we asked if we could see the beer selection. She brought us the enormus menu and left, ok................. another 10 minutes go by and she comes back and asked us if we were done looking at the menus and starts to take them away at that point I say we are ready to order, she seemes surprised! We ordered the prawns a glass of white whine and a beer to start. Then I ordered the sea bass and my hubby ordered the NY steak with 2 "famous" 2X baked potatoe". As we waited for the prawns they brought us the soup and it was very good, prawns came about 20 minutes later and they were amazing! I wanted more! As we waited for our food the waitress never once came to see how we were doing. The person who brought the food was awsome pointing out every detail of what we were about to eat. The food was top notch, but I would have liked another glass of wine to go with it.......... oh well. The waitress came back after our plates were taken away and asked if we wanted dessert, hell yes! she brought the menu and we pondered for a bit. when she came back we ordered the crem brule' and spanish coffee, yummy. All in all the food was superb, but one thing I have heard is that the service is impecable, well I have to disagree. The service from the support staff was great. The service from the waitress was very uncomfortable and akward almost unwelcoming. I'm not even sure if she actually speeks! I went there looking for the best service in Seattle and I am still looking. Upon leaving I think the best of the night were the valets, they remember your car and were super friendly. All in all I was hopeing for better service from such an expensive dinning experience.

Danielle C.

They don't lie - this really is a special dining experience. Read the menu and you will find important symbolism in the Japanese inspired door that is intended to protect the precious life inside. Canlis goes far beyond protecting life; life is celebrated here as something from a novel, something special, a moment worth capturing and holding in your mind as a cherished memory. There are many nice restaurants in Seattle, but the experience here will not blend with the rest. From the complimentary tasting of a small item from the chef, to the silent filling of water glasses that is not even noticed by the patrons, to the exquisite execution of classic American and fusion fare - this is a great experience. The cost is not a prohibitive as you might think and the ambiance is above and beyond anything else in Seattle. The valet parking is also incredible - they never issue a parking claim number but always have your car waiting when you are ready to go. When you think of the aesthetic of Seattle it is only appropriate to dine in a home perched above Lake Union - but you could be anywhere, it is truly a world apart.

Rick H.

I was originally going to write a 3 star review of this place because my first visit had numerous lapses in timing and inattentive service. The food was quite good, but I felt like I was held hostage for about three and a half hours, the majority of it waiting while staring at the window. I wrote them and received a personal response from the owner with a small incentive included to give them another chance. I visited again, and the service this time was quite prompt. The food is always quite good here, especially the presentation, which is superlative. However it is quite pricey. I would like to give them 5 stars based on the quality of the main courses and the service in my second visit, however first impressions do count and my first visit was somewhat disappointing. Overall though, you can expect to be treated very well here.

Josh C.

Elegant french fries? Yep, with that there truffle stuff. Don't ask for ketchup.

Nicole P.

wow. we live 10 min from canlis and have never been in. my boyfriend took me here for my birthday and it was AWESOME. amazing views. perfect service. amazing wine pairings from the wine staff... and the food... oh my god, the food... we eat out a lot, in seattle and pretty much anywhere else our lives take us. canlis is now one of my favorite restaurants here or anywhere. we had 11 menu items between the two of us and everything was absolutly perfectly seasoned, thoughtfully plated and well put together. chef jason is the man! thank you, thank you, thank you for making this one of the best, and most memorable birthdays i have ever had. we can't wait to see what is new the next time we are in. i love your restaurant.

Phillip S.

Simply put, this is probably the ultimate restaurant for special occasions like anniversaries or important birthdays. Of course, the place isn't cheap so it is important to "relish the experience" when one goes there, but you won't be disappointed. The views are spectacular, the service extraordinary, and of course the food is superb. Pricey, but worth it everyone once in awhile. Oh, and the sommalier (wine-expert) there is AMAZING. I had some of the best wine I have ever tasted there, perfectly paired with our food of course!

M B.

What can be said about Canlis that hasn't already been said? No clue. Food was great, everything was expensive, and the service is impeccable. You can find better food at lower prices elsewhere, but when it comes to service, they are top notch.

Suzanne M.

Impeccable service-except the valet did something really strange to our parking brake. Went here for our anniversary, the view was the best part. Food great too, and couldn't have been treated better. It just wasn't the most amazing meal of my life. I'd rather go to Serafina or one of the other amazing restaurants in town.

Kathryn C.

At first, I wanted to give Canlis 4 stars. But I've been thinking about it some more and considering what I paid for my meal and comparing it to my other experiences, I just can't give Canlis more than 3 stars. The location is everything - absolutely beautiful. However, we were not lucky enough to get a window seat, even though I made a reservation well in advance and requested a window seat. I really didn't understand why either. I saw some tables by the window that were empty and no one sat in them the entire night! We ordered three appetizers (Canlis prawns, oysters, and pork belly) and two entrees (lamb chops and American Wagyu beef). The Canlis prawns and oysters were delicious! The pork belly was ok - the fat was still a little too gelatinous - perfectly cooked pork belly should melt in your mouth. We decided to spend extra on the Wagyu beef, but I don't think it was worth it. In retrospect, I would have much rather saved $20 by ordering the dry-aged Nebraskas instead. My lamb chops were a disaster since there was so much fat! Please chefs, use the knife and trim off the fat - lamb chops are NOT supposed to have that much fat! We were ready to leave at this point, but were shown the dessert menu. We just couldn't pass up the doughnuts and mango creme brulee. I loved the doughnuts a lot more than the mango creme brulee. Canlis was described to me as "the best restaurant in Seattle" from locals! While I don't think Canlis has the best food, they do have awesome service. I was pleasantly surprised when we walked outside after our meal to find our car waiting for us.

Tom L.

Back in the days when I used to travel to Seattle every 2 months, I would always make sure to visit Canlis. I had the pleasure to take my gf, back then, to this restaurant multiple times. It was our favorite place. Pricey but well deserved. Make sure to order the Grand Marnier Souffle ahead of time since it takes time to make. Superb deserts, tasty entrees that don't leave you empty, and great cocktails. The view is absolutely wonderful. The little touches like having your car ready when you leave is a huge thing on my list. Also, the bathrooms were beautifully decorated. Their attention to details is superb. For example, we went there on our 1 year anniversary which happened to coincide with Canlis's own anniversary where they offered a special menu with prices from back in their early days, meaning things were more then half off the cost of the regular items. You had to be lucky enough to sit at a table with a special candle to be able to receive this anniversary menu. They were so nice that they actually placed us at this special table. Needless to say, we ate like king and queen. This was around 2000 or 2001, can't quite remember. I had an opportunity to go back to Canlis again after 7 years and the service and food were exceptional as before. I shall definitely return on every visit back to Seattle. They still entice me to return with their occasional newsletter sent to my home. Sign up for their newsletter and try them out, it's an experience that you won't regret. I did notice that it's better to come during the weekdays when it's not as crowded, so that you'll receive the best service possible by having the most attention given to you. If you are going for a special occasion, anniversary or whatever else, call ahead and tell them.

Smar t.

This is a much better choice for an upscale night out than the downtown hotel corporations (Four Seasons, I'm looking at you) and is cheaper to boot. The food is better, the service doesn't suck, and the prices are relatively acceptable. ...relatively. That said, there's much better food in this area if your ego is small enough that name recognition from a reservation list doesn't impress you, and you're mature enough to not confuse absurd gimmicks like ticket-free valet (especially for a space so small it really doesn't even need valet) with good service. This place is like the Space Needle. The location and view is what keeps this restaurant in business. Sure, the food is much better at Canlis, but that isn't saying much.

Tony G.

When I came here for my 25th birthday, I was piss drunk, and still had a great time. I dont remember too much from that night, except the wonderful view and that mighty fine piece of steak (porterhouse of course!). I loved the outlay of the resturant. When I get some more scratch, I will make another trip there for a special occasion. Rock!

martin s.

Stellar, classic, timeless, and yes pricey but that's part of the allure and the orthodoxy of Canlis now and always. The cocktail lounge is classic (!) and I had the best Old Fashion ever! and yes, they make it with Rye! *For guys out there- take it from me, don't waste your money on a date here unless your date appreciates the place!

Courtnee P.

Great stuff. The lamb was better than the lobster, which was a touch overcooked. Unfortunately, they also failed to produce my leftovers when I asked them to pack said lamb, so I only ate a small portion of it and was crestfallen the next day when I realized the doggie bag never got put in the car. The experience was wonderful, great wine, Brian was very charming and likable. One star missing because... I still want my lamb, dammit!

eats a.

i would say four stars for food, and about 2 stars for service. this place has not evolved with seattle culture, and it will surely pay for it. i just don't get it. yes, this is seattle and we don't like to dress up to go out, but telling someone to put their jacket back on, when they have taken it off during the meal because they are hot? that's not good service, that's snobbery. our waiter, who was much younger than us just oozed white trash but i talk "fancy" to make up for it, made us cringe in embarrassment (for him). i've eaten in many nice restaurants, and it doesn't have to be snooty or regimented to be fabulous. also, i was underwhelmed by the food. everything on the menu was a staple...salmon, lobster, and steak. the wagyu was frickin fantastic, and the best steak i've had to boot, but the lack of creativity/interesting/novel foods on the menu was straight up boring. it seems like a great place to take your grandparents, or conservative parents for a fancy meal - and probably a great representative of what a fancy restaurant was long ago. but food, and food culture has evolved in this town and i would much prefer a genuine crowd/waiter, and more creative fare.

Jill R.

I haven't been to Canlis in 20 years and I kept hearing "it's still great!" from people so I thought it was time to try it out again. Beautiful atmosphere and good service (although quite slow to get us our drinks at the beginning even tho no one was in the restaurant) but I have to say that the food was not great. I tasted a bit most everything that came to our table and here is the rundown....the crab cake was fishy and dry (I did like the sauce) the artichoke ravioli was a tiny portion for 36$ had no sauce and was edible but not delicious. The teriyaki tenderloin appetizer was obviously the grisly bits that were cut off the edges of the entree steaks and very over-cooked. The pork belly appetizer which is sous vide (basically boiled) tasted like you would expect a boiled piece of fat to taste - flavorless and rubbery. I've never heard of cooking pork belly sous vide and not searing it off afterwards to get at least some carmelization. The filet mignon were decent but nothing special for the price. Fois gras appetizer was pretty DELISH and so were the shrimp. Overall it was a fun visit but pretty disappointing in the food department. I hope you figure it out Canlis - we want you to be around in 20 years!

B T.

I took my wife here for our anniversary. It was my first time there. Yes, the food is to die for but so is El Gaucho, the Herb Farm, Cafe Juanita etc. The view is nice, but if you aren't a top client (they track all their customers) you don't get the best service. We had a reservation and waited a full 80 minutes to be seated. We had wine at the bar and that was fine, but when the bar bill came I was shocked to see all 4 glasses of wine we ordered on the bill. Now a free glass of $18 wine on a $400 bill is negligible, but coming it's the thought that counts or in this case, did not count.

Brian K.

Nothing but a place where snobs can gorge on overpriced and overrated food. The view is also overrated. 2 stars for service.

MamaRed P.

my oh my! this is my third visit this year to Canlis, and each times I went the staff treat us like royalty. The food was fresh and delicious.and the desserts are wonderful.

Megan G.

What I loved best about me trip to Canlis was how carefully planned each detail of every dish was. For a starter I had the pork belly. It was perfectly cooked, and served with three quail eggs. High end bacon and eggs, but easily the best bacon and eggs I ever ate. My main was the hamachi, which was cooked rare and served on a bed of farro and chantrelles. The fish was smooth, bright, buttery, and perfectly complimented. For dessert the doughnuts did not dissapoint. It is the first time I have eaten one that I would qualify as better than Top Pot. I will remember this meal for quite a while.

Samantha G.

Beautiful view, friendly, never pushy staff, delicious food and yummy drinks (alcoholic and non). I had the vegetarian tasting menu and was totally blown away by how they made veggies I usually wouldn't eat (like beets, which I normally hate) taste like heaven. A-m-a-z-i-n-g! If I lived in Seattle, I would definitely come back for more.

Deborah H.

We made reservations fairly late so we could only secure the 5:00-but-you-have-to-leave-by-7:00 meal time. Nonetheless it was enjoyable; we got prime seating by the window and could appreciate the view since it was still light outside. There's free valet parking only, which was a bit of a snafu since I was inappropriately dressed and planned to change in the car... No matter, I ran through the lobby into the bathroom in my Target sweatpants and jogging shoes without attracting too much attention. I hope. Our server was very sweet; she didn't make us feel stupid (or poor) about asking for a "less expensive wine." They have a good selection of half bottles for you lighter drinkers out there. I'm extremely picky about my salmon (Wild Alaskan. Rare. RARE. NOT MEDIUM. GAH.) but they executed it perfectly here. And, *gasp*, they let us stay until 7:30 without being pushy or rude at all.

Jacob B.

Canlis is definitely a good restaurant. The food is top notch. And very rich. I often don't feel like eating much in following days after a meal at Canlis. Reservations are a must. The service is the real star in my opinion. Absolutely phenomenal. If you don't pay close attention, you won't notice your empty plates and silverware as they disappear and/or are replaced. The valet service is perhaps the best I've ever encountered. The women's restroom has a reputation all it's own. Not to be missed! I count myself lucky to have gotten a tour (I'm male). Reserve earlier in the evening if you want to get a window seat with an amazing view of Lake Union. And, guys, a suit or at least a sports coat is a really good idea if you don't want to look out of place.

Sean M.

What can I say that hasn't been said... Two of my favorite things about this restaurant: 1. If you ask your waiter where the restroom is he or she will take you there. Its like your own personal restroom Sherpa. 2. As you leave the restaurant your car is waiting for you right there with the engine running. Its like a magic valet service. If you include the food, the view and the service this place is Amazing with a capital A.

Kiran C.

First off, I think this place is overpriced. I was here for a wedding dinner which was great time. The view is amazing so get a seat next to a window. The clientele is a bit too old and rich for my taste. The food is ok. I had the steak which I wasn't impressed with. My friend had the salmon which was nicer. Another friend got a pasta dish. The vegetarian food here is actually pretty good by the way. Overall, it is a nice place but I would not recommend it. The most unique thing about the place is the speed of the valet system. I guess they have to do something since they are right on Aurora and there is only so much parking...

J Y.

Great view, great service, high standards, good food, average steaks, small portions, and unreasonable price on some items. Getting liittle better. Check out booth sittings on lower section with great view... Usually, you will see older guys with their young attractive prizes dining in that section. I envy those guys...

Andrew E.

As has been said before, the service and setting are extraordinary, the food is not particularly special. Slightly burnt foie gras and dry Ono, but a really exceptional risotto and fantastic wine list. Food can be ignored, however, as you look out upon all of Lake Union from this hillside perch. For those needing privacy and intimacy, they also have 3 private rooms, 2 meant for groups and the "Cache", a private treetop view for 2 to 4 that I can only imagine has hosted its share of proposals. I wouldn't dare give such a Seattle institution 3 stars, simply because it is a very nice evening out in a city where blue jeans are dressing up and the only restaurants with lake views end in "ooters". I was, however, incredibly disappointed with my reservation. I explicitly told them this was a business dinner, because I've been burned in the past with a romantic setting for my colleague and I. This was far more tragic than romance, however. You see, Canlis has an entire fleet of tables where both parties sit on the same side of the table. And, despite my pleadings, they would not sit me elsewhere. It was very late, my colleague had just gotten off a plane, and there was nothing we could do but give in or starve. So there I sat with my much older, grey haired broker, looking like his play toy and he like my sugar daddy. I believe he managed to mention his heterosexuality every time the very attractive waitress approached. Quite an evening. I would never try and dissuade you from going to Canlis. You can find better food in the city, but you can't find a better atmosphere or service for a fancy evening out. Just beware the business dinner.

Melinda K.

For me Canlis is the ultimate special occasion restaurant. Even if it's not a special occasion, the staff makes you feel as if it is. I made reservations for our 16th anniversary 3 weeks in advance. We arrived at 8:00 and were greeted and told that our table would be ready shortly and offered us a seat in the bar while we waited. No problem, a pre dinner cocktail sounds lovely. We were seating at a table in the upper tier of the restaurant that offered a great view. We started with the pork belly & Canlis prawns. No matter what you think you want on the menu, the prawns are a must. The sauce is amazing. I seriously had to fight the urge to lick the plate. Next we both ordered salads. The classic Canlis salad and the arugula melon salad, which consisted of a grilled piece of watermelon with arugula and goat cheese....yum. Our main courses were the lamb chops and the waygu beef. Lightly, yet perfectly seasoned & cooked. Just luscious. As if the food isn't enough, the service is what really shines here. Attentive without being overbearing. We were wished a happy anniversary by not only our server, but the owner, the sommelier, the hostess ect. We were not rushed in any way. Which is how a truly dining experience should be. I will be back to Canlis whenever I get a chance.

Liz H.

We visited Seattle for the first time in the spring of 2008 and Canlis was suggested to us as the best restaurant in Seattle. Not only were the wine list and food first rate, the service couldn't have been better. We asked to get a menu signed by the chef (we collect them) and they went out of their way to get the entire kitchen staff to sign the menu. They gave us a table with a fantastic view and generally made our dining experience one of the best we have ever had. And the truffle fries are to die for.........!

Andréa B.

I've been to Canlis several times and this was the first time I actually had to wait to be seated. I was surprised, but not upset by any means. Our group of 6 sat in the waiting area close to the fire and had drinks served to us until our table was ready. I wonder if they were understaffed this evening. In any case, if it wasn't for Nelson, the Wine Director, I think the group might have grumbled for the wait. Nelson is fabulous; genuinely welcoming and accommodating. Who can complain, our wine glasses were constantly full with a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon, Volker Eisele 2005, from Napa Valley. Great recommendation Nelson! As for the food, I started with the Parsnip Véloute. I am not a food connoisseur YET, so I had to ask what a véloute is exactly. It's basically the French word for velvety soup generally made with soup stock, butter and flour. This véloute was made with parsnip, and delicious I might add, definitely velvety and smooth. Next on my menu was Mahi Mahi which was sesame crusted and accompanied with spiced mango coulis and smoked shiitake mushrooms. It was cooked perfect and the portion size was larger than I imagined as they are generally on the lighter side. The sauce was delightful but I definitely wanted more of the shiitake mushrooms. They melted in my mouth. I was expecting them to be chewy, but not the case. They were tender and light; a great match with the Mahi Mahi. For dessert I had the banana and caramel filled doughnuts, molten milk chocolate, and peanut butter ice cream. I wish I could have eaten all of them, but I had to share. They were heaven. I would go back tomorrow just for the doughnuts. My meal was not cheap by any means. You get what you pay for. The service is pleasant, accommodating and attentive. The view is lovely. The food is top of the line in my book and the wine is picked and served by one of the finest Sommeliers in the Northwest, which is a plus. When you have the extra cash, I definitely recommend Canlis as a choice for a pleasant dining experience with good friends and/or your S.O.

Jonathan B.

I hate to read reviews that mix up quantity with quality. There is no way anyone should be giving Canlis less than 4-5 stars? Canlis is an institution, and you know very well what you can expect when you enter...if you are surprised you may have turned a little early off of Aurora and meant to turn into a Denny's. They have a world class Sommelier and the peppercorn steak I had there I still crave. I was so full by the time I left I actually had food to take home. Keep in mind there are probably somethings that you should never order in a restaurant in the same genre of Canlis...especially if you are hungry. i.e. Ravioli which is guaranteed to be 3 ravioli about the size of a quarter each. I love Canlis. I love the food. I love the view. I also love the cheesy Playboy 70's feel. Please don't mix Canlis up with an all you can eat buffet, or a hefty serving of Moons over My Hammy.

Thea L.

I've been to Canlis 5 times since 2001 and must say that each experience has been exceptional (anything with seafood is your best here). Other than the seafood recommendation, the only thing that I would suggest is to go on a weeknight. Something about going on the weekends takes away from the experience. During the week it's busy enough, but on the weekend you don't feel the same sort of individualized attention that you would expect for the cost and reputation of Canlis.

Rob S.

I was incredibly disappointed with Canlis, especially since I had heard such great things about it. The food was OK, not exceptional, but on par with what you would expect at a higher end restaurant. The building itself is very cool, very architecturally interesting. The service was pretty much awful. I am talking 45 minutes between our salads/appetizers and our main course, and ZERO explanation/apology as to why. Besides that, the service was just kind of cold, I didn't feel like they really wanted me there. Not the impression you are looking for when you know you are going to be dishing out $150+ a person. To top it off, on the bill was a $5 charge for valet parking. I found that insulting. It's not like this is a downtown restaurant where the guys have to hunt for a place to park, or they have to rent a garage for you. Or that you had a choice to self-park. I mean, I was planning on tipping the valets anyway, no need to slap a $5 charge on a $400 bill. Cheesy.

alex b.

This place really is as good as it gets. I've eaten at some pretty fancy places around the world and this competes with the best of them. From the perfect valet service and coat check to the quiet elegance, wonderful view, pleasant piano and delicious food Canlis nails it in ever aspect. The crowd is a bit older, the conversations a bit hushed. It's very romantic but also good for a small family gathering but probably better to leave your kids at home. Did I say the view is spectacular? Great wine list too, if that's your thing. Plan to spend a couple hundred bucks but it's well worth it. You can check out the menu online. I can't wait to go back.

Rachel P.

This place is so wonderful!! I loved everything about this place - atmosphere, food and service. Oh, actually I'm not sure about the view haha. I had oysters and fries for appetizer with cocktail, they were good. And I got the chef's tasting menu with wine pairing - it was absolutely amazing! I never knew that each dish could go wonderfully well with different wine like this. I loved it! I liked wine before but fell in love with wine more afterward. My boyfriend and I wanted to go there for the Valentine's day but the reservations were all full, so we had to try for 13th, and it was at 930pm. We basically started eating around that time and were done eating at exactly 1am. Seemed like everyone was drunk when they left and that was funny. It's still mysterious how they remember who took what cars and which jackets we wore.. Well I'm pretty sure they write down somewhere on a paper or computer but still, that was cool. If you don't know what to get, get this menu then you'll know what Canlis is all about.

Yuri S.

For the price the food is under par, the service has little or no inspiration. The view is the only thing worth the time (not the money). You can get some delicious Paseo and sit in a park with the exact same view 6th ave N on queen anne hill. Try something with originality place was four stars back in the 80's when the no competition existed.

David P.

I took my wife to Canlis a number of years ago for our anniversary, it was a top notch experience all around. The view was spectacular!I I got the surf and turf and it was quite tasty. Also impressed with the swiftness of the valet. Pretty pricey though, so for me it loses one star because of the QPR, not quite impressive enough for me to shell out another $300 for dinner for 2 there again any time soon. Still very good though.

Amie M.

This review is a bit tardy. I dined at Canlis back in April for restaurant week but forgot to review them here. My first dining experience at Canlis was the perfect culmination to 2 weeks of Restaurant Week dining. I'd been to How to Cook a Wolf, Etta's Seafood, Tilth, Barolo, Mistral Kitchen.... and all paled in comparison to the Canlis experience. My original reservation was for 5:45, but I couldn't bring myself to eat dinner that early so I called to cancel (I only gave a couple of hours notice - sorry guys). I fully expected that they wouldn't have any reservations for later the same night, but Heather said 'no problem' and got me in at 7:30! When I arrived the valet said I didn't need a ticket; they just know. Being a party of one I was very surprised when I was shown to a table that could seat 4, and with a gorgeous view of the Cascades. (Although I don't think there's a bad seat in the entire place.) I was given a little sample of soup (chilled strawberry/rhubarb) and it was so good I really wanted to scoop out the last drop with my finger, but resisted because it's a classy place. :) The English pea soup was delicious, the house-made pappardelle divine and the molten chocolate cake the best I've ever had - seriously. Even the milk and honey rolls were fantastic. And while the food is stellar, I think it's the service and sincerity that sets Canlis apart. Canlis thinks of everything. My server John asked if I would like a magazine or newspaper - the first time of many dining alone that I've ever been offered something to read. I had brought a book, but found myself not wanting to read it because the atmosphere and view are so relaxing. I ordered a non-alcoholic cocktail that had as much thought put into it as the real cocktails. This is also a rarity in fine dining. They iron the tablecloths and splash guard as they pour your water. All the servers (not waiters - another important distinction) wear suit and tie. A server checked after every course to see how I was enjoying the meal, and two of them chatted with me for a few minutes. At the end of the meal John brought out a dollop of espresso mousse, but when I explained that despite growing up in Seattle I can't stand coffee he said 'let me fix that' and brought back a little scoop of rhubarb sorbet. Brian Canlis sought me out and thanked me for coming in to dine and for all my contributions to their Facebook community. Then he took me on a one-on-one tour of the restaurant and it is simply beautiful. They have a private dining space for two for those truly special occasions. He pointed out a tree on the grounds below the upstairs dining area and said it's the same one that used to be a little bonsai in a pot when they first opened. (!!!) I've lived in NYC and dined at some of the best restaurants (I really miss my expense account) and Canlis is easily in the top 3. But what makes it truly the best, is that all of this service and attention to detail comes without one iota of pretension or insincerity. And it's *so* refreshing to find a place in Seattle where class is required. I'm so tired of going to The Met or other highly rated restaurants only to be surrounded by people in fleece and khakis. Dining out should be a treat not an afterthought.

Savory S.

nothing but love for this place, where i've celebrated birthdays and valentines, in the grandest of style. amazing service, great architecture, astounding views...the food is fine, but who cares. the drinks are perfect. they make you feel like royalty. nothing is a problem. edit 5/18/13: while i found the above to be true for many years, i'm now forced to reevaluate canlis based on a very mediocre dinner we had there in the past year. the service is still excellent, and the prices still exorbitant, but the food, alas, falls flat. we sampled several dishes at the table, including mushroom ravioli and some sort of fish, but nothing stands out in my recollection. big plates, small food, bland flavors and high prices are not a winning combination. canlis has seen better days, and will have to try much harder to earn back my respect, and the two stars i removed from my initial review.

Celia H.

I honestly had low expectations. I have found that restaurants which boast an amazing view usually lack in the food department. I was very impressed by everything canlis had to offer. the cocktails were great! the staff was polite and helpful. everything was beautifully choreographed down to setting entree plates for all five of our party at the exact same moment. the food was amazing, nothing too over the top. portions were perfect, not too much. all in all i was very happy.

T C.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. When you arrive, get ready to be pampered from the valet to coat check to an escort to the bathroom. After enjoying multiple courses and you are ready to make your exit, your coat is ready for you and so is your car... amazing really considering they don't give you a claim ticket for either yet they magically know.

Eatosaurus R.

The New York Times calls Canlis Seattle's fanciest and most expensive restaurant. That sounds pretty accurate and is one of the primary reasons I made a reservation. Because I'm fancy, see? And rich. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with architecture combining modern and natural elements, and a hilltop view overlooking Seattle. The view of the city from the floor to ceiling windows is peppered with trees and nature in a way you'd never experience in Los Angeles. If I rated restaurants on atmosphere alone, this place would get five stars. But I don't. I think food matters when it comes to a restaurant because I'm a rebel. I ate here in 2013, but apparently Chef Jason Franey left at the end of 2014 so who knows what the food is like now. It was amazing when I dined there, but maybe they replaced their head chef with a child. Or a dog who wears glasses and a tie. Maybe if you eat there today they put a bone on your plate and give you a dog treat for dessert. I don't know. Chef's Tasting Menu $125 Canlis offers a three and four course menu, but why would you get those when you can get a seven course tasting menu? I guess maybe if you don't eat a lot? Or if you're poor? Obviously neither of those apply to me, so I opted for the tasting menu. Does that make me better than you? Obviously.

Robert D.

My wife and I were thrilled to experience Canlis. I appreciated that they saved a table with a view for us. It's definitely a special occasion place, but it delivered 5 stars on ambience, service (our waiter was outstanding with his recommendations) and the food.

B M.

What a Snobby Pretensious New York wannabe restaurant...! I went to Canlis last night to have drinks and appetizers at the bar - They turned me away when I refused to wear the jacket they asked me to wear...! What planet do they live on...!? No one wears suit and tie anymore on the west coast - That is such a snobby east coast mentality...! People on the west coast dress down when going out - seems like they are only out to service tourist - and old farts who don't realize the younger generation does't wear suit and tie anymore... So, all I have to say is good luck to Canlis in @10-20 years when your clientelle dies off...!

Lakota M.

Nailed it! This iconic restaurant has lived up to it's name and reputation in our book! We came here to celebrate my Husbands birthday and we were blown away by the service and attention to detail. We ordered all of the classics: Filet Mignon. House salad and the cod dinner.. was it exceptional ? Yes... Was it worth the wait?.. Yes.. Will we be back again? .. Definitely ! Canlis lived up to all of our expectations and more! We even had the( #1 table ) with the historic rotary dial telephone ! The mystique of the waiting car as soon as we left was true.. Car waiting and ready to go.. amazing

Jamie P.

Canlis has been among my favorite restaurants in Seattle for most of my life. me and my family dined there frequently during my childhood years, which was always a pleasure. the tradition has continued as I have grown into adulthood, and I continue to return for the same reasons my parents did: the management team makes it a point to remember their "regulars," which is a fundamental aspect of a great dining experience, in my opinion; the food is consistently delicious and the offerings are well paired. every time I go, the chef offers me at least 3-4 new samplings to try and provide feedback on. I love this gesture, as it keeps things interesting and demonstrates the restaurant's vested interest in its clientele and their overall dining experience. also important to note is that the food is consistently good; I've probably had dinner at Canlis over 200 times, and only once in over 25 years, I had a bad meal. Other bonus points: Servers are attentive, I love the location and the views are top notch. my one recommendation to management is to improve the quality/overall disposition(s) of your busers. I always notice the bemused expressions and apparent flat affect smeared across the faces of these staff members in particular. my educated guess as to why this is the case is that management encourages expos to be as unobtrusive as possible; as in, do your job while ensuring you "get in and out quickly" without bothering and/or disturbing the customers, which is logical and appreciated -- to a point. personally, i do not want to be bombarded by any staff members while enjoying the company of, and conversations with, my dinner guests whilst enjoying vino, appetizers, entrees and desserts over the course of the evening. in fact, the worst restaurants are those with servers/staff whom seem to never go away or leave you alone long enough to finish one conversation. whether it's rushing you to place your order, ill-timed delivery of your drink(s) as it relates to your food [as in entrees arrive five minutes after your drink(s)], or "checking in on you" every couple of minutes to the point of absolute ridiculousness. so I get it, Canlis, and appreciate your efforts. however, it's now time for management to take notice of this issue, as it's been the same way for years, which ultimately negatively effects the reputation of Canlis as a whole. i would encourage more training for the busers/expos, particularly in the areas of attitude, pleasantness and overall disposition, as I have heard the same complaints from other longtime patrons such as myself, as well as first-timers and newcomers to Canlis. if you remedy this issue then you'll be at 5/5 stars! (;

Mekhala E.

Oh Canlis, you fancy thing, how I loved dining with you. We had the best time on a particularly stressful Wednesday evening. Going to Canlis was like to going to a spa, but with amazing food and wine. Service - Impeccable, start to finish. We had to call and change our reservations a few times and were late by 20 minutes, but the lady on the phone was so accommodating and nice. Try doing this in San Francisco. (Heads up: you will see a lot of "try doing/getting this in San Francisco references in this review since I live there). Our Server was very nice and took the time to explain various options to us. They have stopped doing the seven course menu temporarily and currently offer three and four courses but she said that you could always build it any way you want. Everything seemed very customizable in that way. Same with the wine, we did the wine pairing for the four course menu and that was very well tailored as well. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a cute sommelier suggesting and serving wine ;) Some people in our party had backpacks since we went directly from work and they were nice enough to tuck those in and get them out when we were ready to leave without us asking. They have valet as you would expect for this type of a restaurant, but I mention this because - try getting this in San Francisco. Our car was also ready for us at the valet when we left, again without us asking for it (also, try getting this in San Francisco) Ambiance - I hear it's the best view in Seattle, I don't know about that since I am not from here but the view is divine. We went around 6pm, so we were lucky enough to see the view in daylight and the transition to dusk and then into the night. We got a corner table which was perfect. Food - I don't think there was a dish on the table that was not liked. We had some amuse bouche to start things off, three small bites. I had the scallops as my first course - the scallops are salt cured (not cooked if you are wondering). They come with shaved fresh vegetables. I have never had a scallop preparation like this before and really liked it; it was soft and succulent, almost like a sashimi but better. My second dish was the foie gras with the warm brioche - all I want to say is take my money and give me more. Then came the sea bass with quinoa and parsnip puree -the sea bass was seared to perfection. Lastly, I had the crème brule with raspberry sorbet, the crème brule itself was great, I felt like I could have done without the raspberry sorbet. Others in our party got the duck for two, its quite a show, they first bring the entire duck to show you, so can take pictures and all and then they take it back, cut it up and bring it back nicely plated. My colleagues really liked their duck, one of them said, it's the best duck they have had. Other favorites at the table were the shrimp, and chocolate fondant dessert. We also did the wine pairing with each course and were very happy with the pairings for each course. Some of us opted for half glass and some of full. We also got the complimentary macarons with our check. Price Point - Ok, so now this restaurant has $$$$ on yelp, which is accurate. It was the four of us, all of us did the four course menu, we got two sides for the table and three of us did the wine pairing. The total for this was $800ish. That said, even though it was a tasting menu, it was a lot of food for a tasting menu (try getting this amount of food in San Francisco - my last SF reference. Btw did I tell you I love San Francisco). I'm used to tiny portions when it comes to tasting menu, this was anything but tiny. The duck portion itself was pretty generous. You could also do the three course menu without the wine pairing and leave satisfied, since the portions are a good size.

Tony L.

When you take the entire dining experience into account, Canlis is a 5 for me. The food is really good, but what sets Canlis apart for me is the gracious, unpretentious service that you get. My wife and I recently got married, and I wanted a nice place to celebrate. The two of us were seated at a great table in the corner, with windows on two sides. It is interesting to see everyone dressed up (if you want to sit near the windows, then the guys have to wear a jacket) in laid-back Seattle. After looking at the menu, we both got the tasting menu: Amuse: three little bites of a mushroom tart, a Japanese cracker with wasabi, and the infamous tater tot. While all three were good, I could eat the tots all night. Soup of escarole, with small bits of olives and anchovies: the olives and fish provided the saltiness for the soup. Scallops: raw scallops with a really good crème fraiche sauce. Fluke: I was surprised how well the strawberry sauce worked with the fish. The nori added some good saltiness as well. Black cod: probably my favorite dish. It is buttery, and is served with a piece of its crispy skin. Pork three ways: this was also high on the list. You can't go wrong with pork belly, and the tenderloin piece was so moist and flavorful. Dessert amuse: strawberry sorbet. This was a good way to start the desserts: we were so full at this point that we were glad that we got a light dish. Apricots and chocolate: it was a nice touch that they wrote congrats and had a candle (with edible fig holder) to make the cell phone photo better :) Again, we were so stuffed at this point, but I really liked the ice cream with what seemed like a malted milk ball crumble. At this point, I think that we were both close to being in food coma status. I did the wine pairing, and towards the end, I was just taking sips to make it through the nearly 4 hour epic meal. After the meal, they brought out a box filled with macarons: after seeing our faces (thinking about the prospect of more food), the server was nice enough to box a few of them for us to take home, along with a peanut butter and jelly chocolate bar. As I said earlier, the food is great, but with makes the experience great is the service. Everyone seemed genuinely friendly and wished us congratulations. It is a pricey and high-end restaurant, but you won't get any snobby attitude here. With the ticketless valet, the great views, the really good food, the great service, and more importantly, the smiles and well wishes at every turn, it is hard to imagine a better dining experience in Seattle.

Chris P.

If you're from Seattle or even visiting, you've probably heard of Canlis and it's reputation as one of Seattle's best (or at least expensive) restaurants. After having it on my list of places to eat for awhile, I finally had the pleasure of visiting Canlis for some drinks and appetizers to see what all the hype was about. I have to commend Canlis for some of the BEST service that I have ever received at a restaurant. From the valet to the hostess to our server, everyone was nothing short of courteous and helpful. Even though we were just sitting down in the lounge area, we were met w/ tremendous hospitality from the moment we arrived. We started the night with a few appetizers (Peter Canlis prawns, teriyaki tenderloin, truffle fries) all of which were delicious, especially the Peter Canlis prawns! Enjoyed some finely made wines and cocktails. And then we topped it all off w/ a delectable banana mousse for dessert. I can now see why Canlis has remained a staple of fine dining in Seattle over the years. From my record, Canlis lived up to its hype and I can't wait to come again (hopefully for the full menu this time)!

Liz O.

Canlis, you're mighty special. I was fortunate enough to be someone's date for a night out at Canlis. It's a privilege, no doubt. Canlis oozes classiness from the entrance, to the decor, to the food and service, and to its guests. Come here dressed your best! Just enough lighting for a hint of romanticism, Canlis somehow has a warm and inviting feel to it. Maybe it was the fireplace that I stood by for a quick minute before being motioned to the lounge for some cocktails. I held onto my coat throughout the night, and glad that I did because I was not the only one that had gotten cold through the night - I could see other women scarving up also. It's no surprise that Canlis' food is exceptional. We had the scallops, beets, oysters, and Wagyu New York Strip + filet mignon. The scallops are hands down the best we have ever had, and the beets were impressively prepared - some were of a puree consistency, others traditionally hard - served with blue cheese and candied walnuts. The meat had so much flavor and was extremely tender - though I preferred the New York Strip as it was less salty compared to the filet. Twice baked potato = spoonfuls of deliciousness. The souffle - I'll pass on this when I come back to Canlis; I learned I'm not a souffle girl. But I did take advantage of the macaroons they served along with the skittles for Seahawks spirit! Where things were a wee bit awkward was with the service from our server - yes, Canlis is a fine establishment. where you expect to have exceptional service, however there was a level of professionalism that was so monotonous and less personable which we weren't big fans of. Maybe Canlis guests like to put their noses in the air and be treated as Kings n Queens and so some waiters meet that expectation, but I like to have conversation with people and in turn, like them to have conversation with me. After all, we're all humans! When I'm eating my bread, please don't take it away from me so that you can place the dish in its etiquette-appropriate spot... I like it right in front of me, thank you! Howeverrrr, our server later took us on a post-dinner tour of the restaurant and its history which we were very grateful for, as this was a special night for me and my date. So needless to say, that turned everything around (and of course, we tipped accordingly!). We had plenty of food to take home - and the meat was even better as left-overs! I was bummed that the leftover potatoes weren't included... but can't complain since they gave me chocolate!

Chris B.

One of the top ten best meals I've had, but unfortunately not the best. It's like they were trying to be the best, but one cannot confuse efforts with results. They forgot one of my side dishes and couldn't answer all my questions about the meal. One should expect to get what you ordered no matter the venue, let alone here. I had been told that the wait staff took pride in their knowledge of the menu, but it proved imperfect.

Latifa S.

Perfect 10 dining experience! A perfect 10. What can I say about Canlis that hasn't been said already. It's a Seattle landmark. It's kind of been around for a while. It's classy, majestic and comes with everything you can ever want from a restaurant and dining experience. It is a perfect 10. Maybe more but no less. I've been here a few times but I'm going to based this perfect 10 on latest visit- my last birthday dinner. It was a perfect 10. Let's start shall we?- Valet. As soon as you pulled in, they take your keys and know who you are. Direct you to your destination. In my case, it was the penthouse room upstairs. The Valet actually waited for us way past their closing time and they all know which car we drove without any tickets and fuss. It was flawless really. Private dining- *The Cache- perfect for a date! Room for two with your own butler. Who doesn't love this. It's quaint, cute and magical. You can rent it for $150! * Executive room - 10- 30 people. Mahogany walls, fireplace. Just beautiful and you can get this room for $250. * The Penthouse- 100 guests!!!! ( My birthday dinner for 8 people!!) You can rent this for $350) Absolutely stunning. 85' floor to ceiling windows, grand piano, sitting lounge, full bar and the view of Lake Union. This room is beyond stunning. Beyond!! If you think about how many people you can fit in, the price is a major steal!!! And this is where I had my surprise birthday dinner. Talk about a good way to surprise a girl. Eight very special best friends in my life got together and pulled of one amazing surprise dinner for me. Canlis tables seat 7 people. No more, no less. There were total of 7 coming but last minute, my friend flew in from Palo Alto, CA to surprise me @ the Penthouse!!! Ahhhh such a stunning room!!!!! To back track- The Penthouse is more for corporate events and big parties. And they require at least minimum 30 people to be in the room. Considering there were only 9 of us, they wouldn't let us get this room. SO they did what any best friends would do. They email Brian and Mark Canlis. 3 people managed to pulled this off flawlessly. And Canlis being gracious place that they are, they gave us the room for my birthday. (Obviously, I found out about all of this later.) Fast forward to my birthday- Walking into the most beautiful room upstairs filled with people I love the most was truly a great surprise. I don't think I can forget that feeling. Eight butlers standing, a grand piano, our own bartender in that stunning room. Fireplace was lit, our seating area was super cozy. It was like a princess moment walking into this beauty. My bubbly giddy self was over the top giddy that day. Service- Flawless!!! Did I mention that we have eight butlers waiting on us? It's like we are in someone's living room. Super intimate table with amazing food arriving to the table left and right. They even got a special menu created for us. Of course, it was filled with all things seafood and things that I love. Here are some of the dishes I recall having- Spot prawns- super delicious, tasty and fantastic. These were fabulous. Dungeness crab - again, magical! Oysters on half shells- the mignonette was fantastic. English pea soup- super fresh and tasty. Filet Mignon- all natural Washington beef with carrot puree, roasted shallots and yummy potatoes! Lamb chops -with couscous, piquillo peppers and terragon + potato puree. Yummmm!!! Halibut - with sun chokes, quinoa and olives. Again, so tasty!!! I love how light and fluffy the halibut was. Chocolate fondant- molten chocolate with cocoa nibs and chocolate covered vanilla ice cream. Perfect bite size treat. Creme Brulee with market fruit- tasty again! We ate, sipped on the best Bourbon, scotch and champagne filled cocktails. Our food came and went on a perfect symphony of plates. Service was fantastic as well as the food. After spending a good long several hours in the Penthouse, we went downstairs to continue our celebrations at the bar. There were few toasts, cheers and more champagne. And the best part- they waited for us beyond their closing time. We left around 1 am that night. Yet, we never felt any pressure to leave at any point. Ever! I'm a big foodie and a major photo-buff. I take pictures of any and everything. I'm not a good story teller but I do like to tell my stories via pictures. Picture is worth a thousand words after all. I take pictures of everything on the table, my surrounding and blogging/posting them right then and there. It's always been my thing. But that night- a night of perfect food, perfect company and fantastic surrounding. I cared for neither. I was enjoying everything so much that I didn't care to pick up my phone or camera once. I wish I did to share the beauty of that evening but that's what memories are for! Easily a perfect 10 evening. Easily! No amount of michelin stars can top this experience for me. Thanks Canlis. Thanks for the most memorable birthday meal ever

Christine G.

Service: 5 BRILLANT STARS. Best overall service I have had at a fine dining establish EVER. Canlis really just knocks it out of the park here (ie. pulling out the entire table so the person on the inside doesn't have to slide in, UNLIMITED MACARONS, water, drinks, bread, anything you could ever wish for fulfilled...okay not really but PRETTY DAMN CLOSE) Our waitress Stephani was extremely warm yet polite and such a PRO at what she does. There were a few other staff members that made our experience fun but I did not catch there names unfortunately but from what I experienced the staff at Canlis really work as a team and are all incredible. Anyways Mo couldn't decide between the first and second course options so we went with the four course. Eats Oysters - Super clean & fresh, full of flavor, red wine mignonette was perfection. Peter Canlis Prawns - Tender, perfectly cooked, rich. Steak Tartare - Bright, balance textures, great flavor. Scallops - Amazingly tender and sweet. The salt-curing really brings out the pure and natural sweetness of the scallops. Main- Muscovy Duck for 2. - Mouthwateringly good. So tender, skin was super crispy and flavorful beyond belief. The fennel puree cut the richness of the duck wonderfully. Only thing that was a little off putting was the duck confit "ball" it had absolutely no texture and was just mushy and had no flavor. I tried to have mine with the puree or even a piece of duck but nothing could save it. I found it strange that something like that would be put on a plate with such high caliber quality food. Dessert: Canlis Souffle - Sweet, airy, and eggy. The creme anglais made this dish though. It was rich, with so much of that great vanilla bean flavor but not so heavy that it was cloying. Creme Brulee - Great texture (creamy smooth custard but crisp top), not my favorite but Mo really enjoyed it. Overall though the good out-weighed the bad by so much that such a small mishap with the confit ball was not a big deal. Mo and I definitely had a wonderful night. The staff at Canlis definitely go out of their way to make your experience special.

Kent D.

Let me preface my review with the definition of Canlis: Comfort Geek: [kuhm-fert geek] adj. DEFINITION 1. as or pertaining to a style of cuisine, namely, that which uses modern technique without drawing too much attention to itself or alienating the diner. Perched atop a hill overlooking beautiful Lake Union, this charming restaurant welcomed me with its natural warmth and relaxed elegance. In fact, from the moment I set foot inside it's dimly lit space, there was a roaring fire burning inside a large stone fireplace, which only added to the log cabin inspired environs of this contemporary restaurant with a rustic flair. The hostess greeted me and my guest and guided us to our seats, which was overlooking the lake from the lush rolling hills of Westlake. On that note, our server was very friendly and quite accommodating in regards to the menu. He offered many adjustments and even split our plates so that we could sample more dishes, which I appreciated. We decided to go with the four course meal and I had to order a bottle of the very rare Opus One Overture, which is only available exclusively at the vineyard in Napa. We started with a trio of amuse buches. These whimsical little gems were a pleasant surprise on the palate as they were a sheer joy to taste. The Signuture Canlis salad followed and it was a vibrant salad with bright acidity from the cherry tomatoes and house vinaigrette. The crumbled bacon added just the right amount of earthy crunch to this light and citrusy salad The foie gras was served au torchon with a velvety smooth texture. Served with chilled apples chunks and a fragrant toasted cinnamon brioche, each decadent spread on the warm buttery brioche made my eyes roll back further behind my head in sheer foodgasmic delight. Ever since foie gras was banned in California I've been pining for it ever since. This treat made the long wait well worth it! A splendid dish in every way. The Canlis prawns were plump juicy and the mouthfeel was perfect. Subtle in flavor yet infinitely satisfying. The final dish was a split of the Wagyu Filet served medium rare and Sea Bass, which our server kindly offered without us asking. Ohmygahh, the bass was outstanding! A lightly crunchy buttery sear on the outside locked in all the soft and supple texture inside that simply flaked away with the nudge of my fork. The steak was a substantially think cut with a supple and soft flesh. It exhibited a fantastic sear to it as well, which made each bite all the more buttery soft and smooth. We enjoyed a crunchy chocolate Mille Feuille and a fluffy and fragrantly enticing grand marnier soufflé following our exhilarating meal. A multitude of bite sized treats and mignardises followed, which only added to the sweet experience I was already enjoying. As I savored my beautiful desserts with a cup of coffee, I gazed out into the pale moonlight and simply took in the sheer beauty of the calm lake. With the bright twinkling lights of the harbor cascading against the still waters below, I could not have felt more at peace and satisfied with my dining experience. Service was obsequious yet warm & inviting. The cuisine was masterfully prepared and impeccably plated. That being said, I would gladly return to Seattle simply just to dine here. It was an inspiring experience that I'd hope to enjoy again in the near future. Happy Eats!

Kitty 2.

This place is AMAZING! If there's any fine dining I would plan on going back this is the place. Experience, service, staff and ambience not to mention food, PRICELESS! Highly recommend.

Starving Student P.

Besides the nice view as that seems to be what lures most people who aren't epicureans to Canlis, the food is generally solid. Also, the service is still some of the warmest out there except for the mishap I'll explain soon. I also have great faith in Canlis for taking my review as constructive in a mature manner. It seems that most of the people that go to Canlis are simply going to the restaurant solely that it has the reputation of being the nicest restaurant in town without caring much for the food, which by the way is very sad. Also, some of the snobbish individuals while also seeming to not have actual taste come off to be too demanding of the staff which is why most of the other servers (i.e. the ones who bring the bread and dishes over) seemed to have worn, uninterested deadpan expressions on their faces during my visit later in the day. However, the two main servers we've had really made up for that part. There was one waitress who was very comfortable to be around and easy going by suggesting which bars to go in Seattle and her opinions of them which was awesome, while retaining her formal composure in order to be consistent with the service standards of Canlis. The other was a gentleman who seemed to cover the rest of the floor well while not letting anything faze him as he kept up his interest of interacting with the customers and his enthusiasm of what the menu has to offer. In that sense, one can immediately tell that not only is he quite the professional, but he clearly is the star of the front of the house. When it comes to the food, I definitely say that it's all very delicious. There was no bad dish at all. However even with all of that being said, I do feel like the food's too restrained, in a sense of not wanting to alienate those who solely come for the atmosphere for a special occasion without caring much for the food. If you look on Instagram with #Canlis, you'll see lots of people with selfies or pictures of themselves taken by the waitstaff instead of the food. In addition to those type of people not being excited over the food, I also do hear comments from other people of how they say the food's overrated which saddens me to hear; I'm not even an employee. With that being said and building a case for the following: the restraint of their food needs to go. My advice is for their chef who comes from a 2 Michelin starred restaurant in Brooklyn and also specializes in molecular gastronomy to have more autonomy over the menu while retaining some of the classics for the other loyal patrons who've been dining at Canlis before the days of Chef Franey. Immediately if they haven't done so, they should get rid of their tasting menu showcasing the classical items of Canlis using molecular gastronomy and modern cooking techniques. A tasting menu should highlight primarily the capabilities of the Chef de Cuisine. Along with what was just said of using his abilities, the menu should also utilize the best local ingredients while only importing specialty ingredients in order to not only show the highlights of PNW cuisine as it's based in Seattle, but also utilize what I've just said to truly become the best high-end restaurant in all of Seattle. I'd imagine the staff of Canlis has dined in the following restaurants but I do wish they take a bunch of cues from Sitka & Spruce and The Walrus & The Carpenter. Not only do they use the best local ingredients, but their strength is that they don't compromise their food in order serve truly good food in their own vision. That's what keeps customers going back to their restaurants over and over as they're willing to wait in line for an hour plus without reservations. Unlike the people that only come to Canlis solely cause it's the nicest place in town but won't come again for years, Canlis should definitely place more emphasis on the food being not only delicious but also revelating with innovation in order for the epicureans to keep coming back. They're certainly capable of it not only with their top of the line service staff, but they've got a chef that was from a two-starred Michelin restaurant (for those that don't know: one star mean you're pretty good, two stars mean that the restaurant has some of the greatest cuisine in the region, and the highest three stars mean it's worth making a trip solely for visiting the restaurant as that's just how good it is) along with him being talented in molecular gastronomy. As more people are moving into Seattle with the growing tech sector, there will be a growing demand for high end food to which I hope Canlis will be there to satisfy that demand. So please, let your chef go guns blazing (in regards to his cooking, of course)! In depth blog: themetropolitanlounge.bl…

Phoenix A.

If only every restaurant experience could be creme de la creme like this... And I've only been to less than a handful of places that strive to achieve this level of service in addition to offering an exquisite dining experience...AND a view! Those that I am counting in my palm cannot touch the fact that I didn't have to ask anyone at Canlis for anything without them thinking and accommodating me first. "Would you prefer a potato, grain, or fruit vodka?" Well, I never thought about it, sir? What would you recommend for a classy buzz that would accompany these delicious-sounding shoestring truffle fries? We were a party of 8 that sat smack in the middle of the beautiful and relaxingly lit dining room. We had a couple dairy and animal restrictive members of our party (yeah, basically people missing out on the good things in life). After being served a trio of amuse bouches on these cute little plexi-glass pedastals, the adventure into my 4-course meal ensued. For my cold starter, I took the controversial liberty of enjoying the foie gras en torchon, with apples, cinnamon, and warm brioche. The seamless combination of flavors made for a uniquely lovely foie gras experience. My second course was the pork collar served with polenta, chorizo, pumpkin, and chanetrelle. I love a place that cooks pork collar with the right amount of tenderness and juiciness. For my main course, I opted for the rosemary-grilled lamb loin served with potato rösti and thumbelina carrots. The rosemary was delicate enough to let the flavor of the lamb shine through and the accompaniments were lightly flavored as well. For the most important course, I chose the creme brulee flanked with fruit and sorbet. Not too rich, the fresh vanilla flavor was a nice finish to the perfect dinner experience. Our table had ordered a red wine that we drank throughout our courses but I can't remember what it was. All in all, our dinner service was flawless, every single bit and bite of it. And as we walked out the door, the valet handed us the keys to our truck with the door open. It was like magic. I have a small handful of restaurants that I consistently recommend. Canlis makes its way to the top living up to its reputation and by far exceeding my expectations. I really really can't wait to come back here again and perhaps take a seat by the window. Amazing!

Woo K.

I can't go into too much detail here as others have already spoken on my behalf (thanks fellow yelpers). All I can say is that if you're looking for a special night out, this place is beautiful and will make you feel like you're worth a million bucks. Everything is SO good, and when I say everything- I even grabbed the little pieces of cute cilantro and ate it like a little bunny. That is all.

Arial W.

Canlis rocked my world. I celebrated my birthday here this past weekends and was so pleased with every little detail that I haven't been able to shut up about it since. We arrived a bit before our actual reservation so we took a seat in the lounge to have a drink. I ordered a glass of pinot grigio and my SO ordered a bourbon on the rocks. The drinks were nice and when our table was ready, our server delivered our drinks for us. I thought that was a nice touch but we were only getting started. Our main server was excellent and so accomodating. She was able to make wonderful suggestions and and was a real pleasure to talk to. She let us know that we were able to make up our own rules as far as ordering went. There were two options; either a 3 course or a 4 course meal. (We ended up ordering 4 but canceled the 4th) 1st we were brought a 3 piece each, complimentary horderves. I mentioned at the beginning that i was gluten intolerant and they made the necessary substitutions as needed. 1. A chickpea pastry (almost like savory cheesecake) with a red pepper puree 2. a grape with an outer coat of goat cheese covered in slivered almonds 3. a potato crisp with smoked salmon puree For my 1st course, I ordered the scallops. I don't have very much experience with scallops but let me tell you, these were insanely good! They were so smooth and buttery. 2nd course, I had the pork collar. It was perfectly slow cooked and delicious. 3rd course, I ordered the sea bass. IT was perfectly pan seared with a golden crust, was thick and juicy, and flaked away with a fork. So great! I was so full at this point that I decided to opt out of dessert. Once we let our server know we were finished, she brought over a chest of complimentary maccarons made of almond flour! Even though I was so full, I couldn't help myself. They were perfect and I ate 4 of them! Finally, we were brought a complimentary chocolate bar that was just divine. I ate it the next day and was so glad I waited until I was hungry enough to really enjoy it. As soon as we stood up from the table, the hostess was already standing and waiting for me with my jacket. Our car had already pulled around and was waiting for us without any words being exchanged. This really was the most excellent service I have ever received and I just can't wait until I get to visit again! Keep up all the great work, Canlis. We will be seeing you again soon.

Matt W.

5 star all the way. Got last minute reservations when we were there for the weekend. We were a little concerned with the dress code as a jacket is highly recommended for men and I did not have one with me. Anyway, once we got there, I realized it wasn't an issue. There were multiple guys in jeans and no jacket. Service top notch. First ever valet that I've never gotten a ticket from. Just pull up and get out. Then as soon as dinner is done, your car is waiting. The wait staff is second to none. On top of their game, well-versed on everything on the menu. Non-pretentious, friendly, service with a smile. Food: flavors were incredible. Standout items were the prawns, halibut, twice baked potato and chocolate molten cake. But what stole the show was the truffle garlic fries. Wow. You wouldn't expect these to be the star of the show at a five star restaurant but you cannot leave Canlis without having them. Overall, one of the top three meals of my life. If I'm ever back in Seattle, I will be making a return visit, even with the high price tag.

Devina G.

This, my fellow Seattleites, should be special occasions-go-to. Classy and exclusive, Canlis is a very romantic place. I was struck by its grandeur the moment I arrived. A beautiful baby grand, beautiful view of the bay surrounding the restaurant; very intimate and mood setting. Also, the food is up to par with its stellar presentation. You have the option to choose a three-course dinner or a four course. We opted for the three-course dinner. . To start, we were given the chef's trio of Amuse Bouche. We then had the foie gras garnished with apple, cinnamon, and warm brioche followed by the steak tartare with Wagyu tenderloin. Our main entrée was the Muscovy Duck . A 14-day dry aged duck breast. Probably the fanciest duck I've ever had. A very (much) different twist than my usual BBQ duck, I tell ya. Anyhow,we also had the Wagyu filet mignon with a side of mushroom. For dessert, we were given a PbnJ chocolate and macarons. I enjoyed every course so much! We also ordered truffle fries and they were the best fries ever. Service was impeccable and dining there was a delight! Incredible dining experience!

W H.

Canlis is still an excellent "special occasion" dining experience; or a great option when you want to drop some $$ on an outstanding meal. We dined there last week, and had not been there since the most recent menu change. Now, you basically order three items for one price or four items for a little more. There is also a more expensive "Prix Fixe" option that pertains to Canlis classics in an updated mode. The service was good, and the food was excellent. We all had the Canlis salad, which was prepared tableside. It was very good, and surprisingly, the portions for this were huge. It is nice to have it tossed tableside and see the ingredients and quantities that go into it. We had various appetizers, and some oysters. All were very good. The true stars off the evening were the steaks and souffles. The Filets were perfectly prepared, and perfectly seasoned. Of all the steaks I've had in town, this was the best. We all had the Grand Marnier souffles for dessert. They are stupendous. Light, fluffy, flavorful, and decadent. This is an iconic dessert and I am very happy that it has not gone away. As I mentioned, the meal and the experience were excellent. Service was good, although we felt there was some minor timing issue. You do feel very well taken care of. The wine list is daunting and expensive, but it expected in this environment. The parking valet will still have your car waiting when you walk out of the restaurant. If you have been going to Canlis for a long time, you will note (with sadness) that they no longer have onion rings (they were thin and well seasoned--very, very tasty) or those coffee candies you would grab on the way out. In spite of the changes, I would have to say that a dinner at Canlis is well worth the cost, and they are still the best fine dining option in our area.

Emily L.

We came here yesterday for a birthday celebration. We got a nice corner table which made me very happy. (for the view!) we ordered the 8 courses tasting meal and our favorites were the beef tartar, salmon and self cook beef, and deserts. My least favorite dish were the lamb and pigeon meat.. Just... Not a fan of the taste.. Our server was very nice, but some other server weren't as nice also the valet people. Just got back from NYC and dined at a Michelin 3 star restaurant, Canlis is pretty close to Michelin level, maybe it's a long day and we left around 11:20 pm, but..services is something they need to keep in mind. Overall, food presentation is great, it is def worth to experience for. Next time, if there is, we will order the 4 course meal so we can pick our own entrée.

Gisselle L.

Loved this place. Came here for my birthday and had an amazing time. We did the four course menu and I recommend doing just three as these are healthy portion sizes. What my husband and I had: SCALLOPS: I really liked it but my husband wasn't a huge fan PORK COLLAR: Delicious- somewhat fatty so my husband wasn't a fan of this but I thought it was a highlight for the night FOIE GRAS: Really good- both of us enjoyed it STEAK TARTARE: Good - both of us enjoyed it MUSCOVY DUCK FOR TWO: Def. recommend getting this- I was pretty full by this time so had a few pieces and asked them to give me a doggy bag for the rest CANLIS SOUFFLÉ: Good but I was so full at this point that I only had a couple of spoonfuls CHOCOLATE FONDANT: asked them to pack and tasted great the next day Note that if you are getting the foie gras or steak tartare then don't eat the bread they initially give you for the table (or eat very little of it) as both dishes come with a healthy portion of bread that will fill you up quickly

Jen M.

Canlis is still 5 stars to me in terms of their food and now their customer service. They were more than gracious to respond to my feedback and offer to help rectify the situation I had described in my previous review.. Thank you Canlis! I look forward to a chance to return again someday!

Megan K.

Holy Copper River Salmon! This restaurant is unbelievable! This was our second visit to Canlis and the second visit left our jaws dropping even more than the first. We enjoyed a tasting menu our first visit and nothing disappointed. Tonight's visit was a special menu for a wine dinner and my oh my. The smoked salmon melted in our mouths like smooth butter melting softly over a pancake. The service is impeccable. How can the staff be so discreet yet I felt like I wanted to invite each one over for thanksgiving dinner by the end of our meal?! Canlis (the experience...it's more than just a name) is a perfect balance of unbelievable cuisine, class, comfort and sophistication. I might just be their new groupie.

Monsieur N.

Great steak. Came here for a wedding reception and I must admit the steak was great. Sure, the stunning view overlooking the lake and gasworks was amazing but not as amazing as the steak!

Jerome B.

Blown away. "Gone with the wind fabulous!!" (lol did anyone get my reference!?) If you want to impress someone with fine dining and impeccable service, definitely come to Canlis. I've heard so much about this place prior to coming here, so the expectations and the hype were at an all time high. And my God, they delivered! I was celebrating my birthday early with another person and dined the evening of December 2nd, 2014. The evening started off being greeted by the valet as you approach the restaurant. No tickets were given, just a friendly smile as we left our car and walked towards the door. Walking into the restaurant I was impressed by how inviting and cozy the space was whilst also being classy and not pretentious. From my prior research I read that Canlis is a family owned restaurant since 1950--so much history! Since my date and I were 15 minutes early for our reservation we were escorted to the lounge to enjoy a cocktail before we could get seated. I got the Lusca which had plantation 3 Star rum, yellow Chartreuse, lemon, orange, and maple syrup. My date had the Vermilion which had tequila, cocchi americano rosa, lime, cucumber, rose water. Both drinks were very good! Midway through our drinks we were greeted by someone to take us to our seats. We didn't have to lift a finger--he had a tray ready to whisk our drinks to us as we walked to our dining table. We saw next to the window, and I was stoked! The views were amazing, AND I was told that the only let the best dressed people sit in the window (lol, i'm not sure if that's true but I'd like to think so... I was wearing my sparkly bowtie for this event!!) We sat down and started off with a 3 part amuse bouche which included grape with goat cheese and almonds, a rice cracker with edamame puree and a tater tot with saffron aioli! Probably the most expensive tator tot I've had, but was elegant and tasted divine! My date and I were a little disappointed that their 7 course tasting menu was not available during the month of December, but were assured that the 4 course menu was just as good! We went with that option and it left us impressed, to say the least! The 1st course came and my date and I both got the scallops with thinly sliced persimmon. Wow, the seafood tasted so damn good! This definitely was caught that morning and was not frozen at all. So fresh! My 2nd course was the Peter Canlis Prawns with dry vermouth, garlic, and lime! So tasty and it was de-shelled and de-tailed! Delicious and buttery, but not too heavy. Delightful! The main course my date and I got the Muscovy Duck which is a 14-day dry-aged duck breast with orange marmalade, fennel purée and pearl onion brûlée. They brought over the whole duck before it was carved. This particular dish is only available for 2 people. It was delicious and the skin was crispy and seasoned perfectly! The last course was dessert and oh my it was probably one of the best desserts I've ever had. I had the Mille-Feuille which was a thoughtful arrangement of milk chocolate, bananas, ice cream, caramel, and peanut butter. It had everything I wanted in a dessert--flavor, crunch, texture. So good! They even had in handwritten chocolate, "happy birthday" -- a special and elegant touch! To end the evening we were brought over mini macarons to enjoy as we finished our evening. The mini macarons were coffee and red velvet with cream cheese! So good! We even got to take home a chocolate bar. While the food was spectacular I think the service was just as impressive. Everything was timed so perfectly and the teamwork with the Canlis' staff was seamless. Water glasses were always filled, crumbs were always expelled from the table, and the progression throughout dinner was so thoughtful. They called our party by our names. It all felt so personalized. Leaving the restaurant as we were walking towards the restaurant's driveway our car was just pulling up ready for us to depart from this special dining experience. This restaurant is special. A place to have memorable experiences. A pretty penny but well worth it. I'm definitely coming again!!

Joann U.

Oh. My. God. Probably the best food I had in a while! My hubby took me here for dinner for my birthday. We left super early from home because we didn't know what to expect for traffic, since our reservations was at 5:45 pm. The first time we drove by, we passed by the place (it's on a very busy road), and it took a while for us to go back around to get to the entrance. We were greeted by the valet upon arrival as valet is the only parking option available. They were still setting up the dining room and preparing for service. We were seated at our table, and oh my god we were handed a binder of all their wines. lots of wine, holy Moley. We ended up getting a bottle of Riesling from Germany - so good! You order by courses - 3 or 4 courses. The food here is so good, that you can't make a bad decision. I believe that if you choose the duck as the main choice, i think at least 2 people have to order it as their main course. Also, make sure that you save some room in your tummy because they'll come by with the a box of mini macaroons and you can eat as much as you want! I would love to come here all the time, but it is very pricey - so going here would be best on a special occasion.

Shereen A.

Ok ok OKAY I know what you're thinking... "two stars?!" Before you gasp and cover your mouth in shock that I just rated this place so meh, let me explain (because it's not for the food). I hate to be the bad apple, but my review is point blank honest. Excitedly made reservations to bring my mom and brother here for their birthdays for 8pm. Got here and was seated a few minutes after arriving. Food itself was not impressive, flavorful, or unique AT all. I'd give it 2 stars because I've had better, WAY better. Flavor execution just wasn't there. However, presentation was. It's unfortunate that flavor lacked in almost every dish. I was extremely disappointed, to the point where I was just sad. What irritated me the most about my experience was we waited an HOUR+ for each course. an HOUR. We were hungry between each course because we were sitting for so long. By 11pm (2 courses plus dessert wait time) I was so tired (because I wake up at 5am to get to work by 6:45am) I didn't even want to wait for dessert. The souffle that took an hour wasn't even "worth the wait" like the waiter convinced us it would be. Literally, I've just had better. The food was an overall disappointment and I felt annoyed. Honestly, the best part of our meal was the amuse-bouche, bread, and the macaron at the end. No: -Salad was overly salty like someone double salted it, practically inedible. -Medium rare steak was tough -Prawns lacked flavor I could go on and on and on. Yes: -I appreciated the effort to make our happy birthday dessert beautiful. -Side of mushrooms were delicious. Why shouldn't my expectations be high? It's Canlis, where men can't show up in less than a suit. Unfortunately, it was lackluster and overhyped to the max. +1 Now, yes, the service is impeccable, insanely impressive. But that's their job, I'm not paying to eat service. +1 Presentation is beautiful. View was beautiful from other people's seats. Should have gone to Herbfarm. At close to $500 price point, you get a better deal on a flight to SF and an amazingly indescribable meal at Gary Danko. *sigh*

Charlee S.

This is my first time going here with my date, whom insist on wanting to try out the experience. The whole atmosphere was super nice and breath taking, the view is a winner! From the beginning to the end, the service is spectacular and magnificent. They acknowledge you by name, what you order, identity, where you're sitting, what is suggested and even the vallet is memory based. Everyone there are well dressed and suited in jacket and tie, while the ladies are in their best attire as well. My date was SUPER impressed with the whole ambiance and its service. The food was alter properly by the chef, and the table cloth is properly iron after each service turned, at the table as its getting set up. Their baguette were serve warm, that came by # of guests, and handed onto your bread plate with a compliment of soft rolled butter and topped with sea salt. In the end, they surprise you with a compliment of a 2 type macaroons, that we thought was a box of tea bags. But, when the sever present the plate in front of the box and opened the box, we were both surprised with the aftetmath. These folks are properly trained, because the matré-d accidentally dropped the macaroons off of the plate. Rather by putting it back on the plate, he took it away and served us another one out of the box! Knocked that service out of the park, and call it 10 stars! As for me, being a critical food blogger, I do suggest you come prepare to be pampered from the minute you park, til all the way you're out the lot! What I'm mostly surprised by, everyone working at the front of the house is Caucasian, and only 1 minority. Even my date noticed that! #equality to every #race & #ethnicities will be nice. I can't rate on unequally of the group race, but, I just want to prepare you for your own experience! #foodporn #food #thankyou #goodcompany #goodfood #awesomeness #Happy #romantic #loveit

Sara Q.

Their service is on another level. For real, they were so attentive without being over bearing. Drink refills were always happening and they were doing it so much I couldn't keep up with the, "thank you's" anymore. I had the Canlis salad.. This has been a staple on menu since the beginning I heard and it def lived up to the hype. Idk how they do it, but the dressing was soo light.. Yet so flavorful at the same time. I loved that it wasn't creamy/mayo based. It was dressed perfectly and the bacon, cherry tomatoes and croutons just added to its perfection. I had the filet and apparently they cook it medium rare, but I requested for medium.. That thing straight up melted in my mouth. Sooo good. The shiitake mushrooms and potatoe cubes were also delicious as they all paired up well with the cream sauce on the plate. Creme brûlée had the perfect creaminess to it.. Only thing that I didn't particularly love was that I was a little too warm for my taste. I felt like it would have been better chilled longer. Sugar crust and fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberry were the perfect tartness balance to the decadent and creamy dessert. Can't wait to come back and bring b!

Abigail R.

I think I booked this reservation about 14 seconds after I booked my flight. I have been dying to go to Canlis ever since I saw it on Top Chef and was jealous that my sister has already been. I was so excited and certainly not disappointed. First of all - the restaurant sits high above Lake Union with a scenic view. This is fine fine fine dining at its best. They iron the napkins and the table cloth (that is after they change the table clothes so perfectly, you can't even see the base of the table). We received 3 different menus full of choices and decisions, we needed time so we started with a Arc De Cézanne: Cappelletti, Suze, sparkling wine, and sliced granny smith green apples. In the end we went with the tasting menu - one mostly vegan and one mostly normal. We also went with the classic wine pairing even though the sommelier pairing sounded twice as good; it is also almost twice as much. With every plate, the chef found a way for the flavors of both intensify and meld together in with each mouthful. This ranks among some of the best meals/experiences I have had. Every dish, every pairing and every employee speaks to why Canlis is given top ratings. Moments after we ordered we had an amuse-bouche - six different nibbles for the table - complements of the chef. My favorite was the chorizo tater tot, held into the dish with a spicy southwestern style dipping sauce. Karen's favorite was cherry puree shaped in to a lollipop with a hardened pistachio coating. In terms of some of my favorite tasting plates, I am going to cover a few. I think by the time it was over we had 9 or 10 courses and 6 glasses of wine. If you want to see the full menu - skip ahead to the bottom of the post... Our first course of soups was the most distinctive and surprising. I had a chilled cantaloupe soup infused with mint and topped with yogurt and a few lavender flowers. Karen had one of our favorites of the night. A warm, earthy, bright green pea soup; fantastic - I think she even commented that it tasted like 40 peas pureed into each bite. We also had at least 4 dinner rolls - a sourdough bread with fennel and lemon - using our firsts as a "sponge for your soup". Did I mention these were baked to order?? Or that they are served with both olive oil and butter and an adorable little container of sea salt? Better yet, once you finished a roll, they asked you if you wanted another - so you don't feel like a bread fatty asking for more and more and more. Problem is, they are so good, it's hard to say no. My third course was fluke, which is a part of the founder family: white flat lean fish. It has a very firm texture, but a sweet mildly fishy flavor. If you asked me if berries and fish went together, I would have said - no... no... absolutely not. But, I would be incorrect. The Chef expertly matched this with ripe red strawberries and pickled green strawberries. Let's pause there for moment. These are the same strawberries as the red ones, just not quite ripe. The texture is a bit firmer and the tartness created a nice acidity to cut the sweetness in the dish. I also really liked the spicy peppery notes from the tiny shoots of fresh wasabi. Karen was lucky enough to have the roasted cauliflower - which she considers the best cauliflower she has ever had, if not one of the best vegetarian main dishes ever. This is a hearty vegetable dish if I have ever tasted one. It is cut thick like a steak and then roasted to a crispy golden brown and served with maitake mushrooms and then drizzled with a champagne vinaigrette. The cauliflower is buttery and savory and really meshes with the earthy mushrooms. There are also some dollops of a wonderful cauliflower puree which simply amplified the temptingness. We ended with two sweet dishes and then some more. There was a strawberry dish that had macerated strawberries, strawberry wafers and strawberry sorbet. As delish as that sounds, that wasn't the star of the night. Once again, we both ended up with our idea of a perfect dish. I had honey glazed apricots - fresh apricots, not those dried, shriveled up ones served with an apricot ice cream and little squared of chocolate ganache and crushed almonds. To me this was a perfect mesh texture with both sweet and tart flavors. I am not a huge chocolate fan, but I loved this rich, dark, and faultlessly smooth ganache. Karen had the mille-fuille, which we appropriately renamed the banana, banana, chocolaty thing - which in her words is described as "perfect". She says this is the best dessert she has ever had - a mix of banana puree, chocolate and caramel. The sommelier created some excellent pairings that enhanced the meal. All but the last was perfect for my palate. And as if that wasn't enough - we were offered as many macaroons - poppy-seed or pistachio - as we could eat. Plus, we walked a way with a raspberry chamomile chocolate bar with the restaurants name in raised letters.

Helen H.

My husband and I just had dinner there for our third wedding anniversary and I must confess, the service was off the chart! I would have given the restaurant 5 stars if I were as impressed with the food as I was with the service. My hubby started with the famous Canlis salad - and yes, this was awesome; followed by the Canlis Prawns and then the Salmon...which were amazing! I had the Cauliflower & Pear soup which was nice and then the Yellowfin Tuna that was very good and then the filet mignon...but I've had better. The food was great, but I did have to send back my filet mignon ($48) because I asked for medium rare and it came to me mediium well. The restaurant staff did do a good job of making things right very quickly and were very apologetic. My husband had to continue eating without me because he didn't want his dish getting cold. The dessert was very good - Hawaiian doughnuts with various fruit accompaniements but there should have been more doughnuts for $12 a plate! I recommend Canlis for special events which mine was or for high flyers who need to impress their company. Our server was great and very knowlegable...and the view was spectacular. Overall, a very strong 4 stars.

Tiffany S.

It is a bit of a wonder that I'd never been here before. However, the wait was certainly worth it. We had a spectacular table in the back of the bar overlooking Lake Union. Our server, Wanda, was fabulous and the sommelier was extremely helpful. Seriously, when Wanda asked Chris if it would be alright if she could move his plate to set down more cutlery I decided right then that all people of all nations should take manners training from Canlis staff. She called my father by his surname all evening and the whole visit was high class. The muse bouche was delicious pumpkin soup served in a sake glass, and I had the Canlis salad (all it's cracked up to be) and the Peter Canlis Prawns appetizer for my entree - 5 prawns in a rich butter sauce. What more could you ask for? Oh, the truffle fries - you should ask for those! My dad had the lambchops, which were rich and delicious, and we even ordered dessert to go to bring a friend who was doing us a favor. Every aspect was handled quickly and courteously. All in all, it was a very special evening, and we were treated like royalty. What a treasure.

Jesse Lee L.

in Seattle you'd be hard pressed to find fine dining any more consistent as far as overall elegance, service quality and quality of experience. picture the Four Seasons of restaurants, (not to be confused with ART the Four Seasons restaurant) for decades this seattle icon has delivered bragging rights to locals and world travelers alike and become a "where's the BEST in town?" recommendation concierge could nearly unequivocally count on. when i was a kid i used to get to go to Canlis after home baseball victories with one loved local M's player, it stands out in my memory as my very first experience of service and food of such distinct quality. returning to visit as a Concierge 20 yrs later and seeing not a speck of dusk had settled, nor had their quality or enthusiasm for food been compromised in the least. you cannot not mention Canlis as setting the bar within the northwest region.

David H.

Very good food, very good staff, very classy place. However, the change of owners has led to a few inconsistencies, so it won't get the 5 stars. Their chocolate lava cake is phenomenal though. Steak is great, but not the best in town. I'd say it ties with Mortons.

Henry T.

Overall - Great meal, great service, great atmosphere. One of the best culinary experiences I've had in Seattle, if not the best. I found the sauces to be amazing, the dishes well-decorated, and all of the food perfectly cooked Hits: Halibut - beautiful sear marks, simple dish but still good Prawns - cooked to perfection, sauces were amazing Truffle fries - wow! Truffle taste in each bite. and the order is big! Great to share between a few people. Mushroom Ravioli - a great balance with the simple but elegant halibut. So savory, so delicious, great mushrooms. Expecting more: Not exactly a miss, but I'm not used to foie gras. I've had it a few times to know that I like it, but the serving here did not draw me into it like other dishes have in the past. By no means was it bad, but did not get quite a "OMG" experience as I have before. I'm sure I need to try more. Same thing with the Canlis salad. From all the reviews, I was expecting to be blown away, but after all, it is a salad. It was very good, though I found the dressing to have too much citrus. There are a ton of dishes that I want to try more, so I'll be back as often as my wallet allows

Yvonne D.

Well lets start off by saying "WOW" They got me from the moment when they valet my car without giving me a piece of paper with a number on it =] . Coat check when you check in. Sat at the lounge with great service while you waited for your table. EXCELLENT service the whole time you're there. We went over $300 with just 3 people (with no alcohol) and yet I don't feel it's too expensive at all. When I step out my car was parked at the door, the doorman or valet person open the door for me, I will definitely save up to come back XD.

Nhung D.

This is a top notch place that will treat you like royalty. The people here are very friendly and extremely polite. The view is gorgeous too. We got a salmon and steak dish, both of which were wonderful. Probably one of the best salmon dish I have ever tasted. The steak was also wonderful. This is a great place to celebrate special occasions if you have got theez money. However, the whole meal was so expensive that I wasn't able to actually enjoy it. It's weird, but I like cheap good food, and don't care too much for the atmosphere/service.

Toby B.

During our visit to Seattle, we went to Canlis to have a wonderful dinner and to check out one of Seattle's finest. It was a very memorable dinner as we were upstairs in one of the private rooms (the Cache). The quality of the food was excellent and the Wagyu Tenderloin and that Kobe beef was just sooooooooo good. Even to this day, we still talk about how excellent of the Kobe beef. I have no doubt that when we return to Seattle, we will be making another special visit to Canlis!

Kaylene C.

My boyfriend wanted to go somewhere nice so I took him here for his birthday and it was pretty much great. He had lamb and said it was good. I had filet and really liked it. The truffle fries are amazing. The service was excellent. Must call at least a week in advance for a reservation. Very pretty inside and good views. They have a car service we took because we couldn't get a taxi and it was only 20 bucks. The tiny soup you sip was a little stange but free so can't complain too much. The milk and honey rolls were better than the olive oil and sea salt kind. The teriyaki beef appetizer was amazing. A great birthday dinner and experience.

Steph C.

What is the big deal with this place again? The view, ok. The impressive restaurant itself, ok. Super nice bathrooms. Nice waiters. The food? Eh. I LOVE risotto, so if I'm going to pay 35 bucks for risotto to be almost completely tasteless... it's going to make me super sad. I actually sent it back, which I felt really bad about, but it was just really not good. Note: I really don't remember the last time I ever sent food back - the risotto was THAT bland. The pate was eh ok as well. Maybe a little less than that. The waitress was super great, but the food just didn't do their reputation justice. It seems people really like this place for the experience, which I get. Yes free valet parking and VIP service. But gimmie GREAT food any day!

Esther W.

Good place to had dinner, but i came at the wrong day i guessed?? too much tables, so i had quite hard time getting up from my seat. foie gras : they have a god, minimalist presentation. you'd probably think it was a vegetable terrine at a first glance. taste not so spectacular, like i expected in my mind, but still who can say no to foie gras? maybe if i was a seared one, i'd ask for extra appetizer. the wagyu steak, i like my steak well done. this was my almost perfect kind of well done. the texture, the combination of the marinate, its just SUPERB!! no need to slice like you gonna kill it. the meat is -chewable soft-. i

Gloria G.

I had the best dining experience at Canlis and highly recommend it! My boyfriend and I went for our Anniversary and had an amazing dinner. The service was extraordinary & everyone went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience. Our server even brought out a plate with 2 small dessert cookies on it and "Happy Anniversary" spelled out in chocolate, along with 2 candles. Canlis is now my favorite restaurant! [IMG] i2.photobucket.com/album… .jpg[/IMG] [URL= s2.photobucket.com/album… .jpg][IMG] i2.photobucket.com/album… .jpg[/IMG][/URL]

S D.

I love this restaurant for special occasions. It is a place that you will remember forever. It's not a "party" place, where people get rowdy. It is the finest dining in Seattle and one of the best I have ever ever seen across the country.

Teresa Z.

One of the things that excited me the most about relocating to Seattle from the Windy City was the idea of new, fresh culinary experiences. After much research and gathering recommendations, I composed a lengthy list of legendary gourmet staples that I was anxious to try. First on my list was Canlis. When I made the reservation, I was more excited than a kid going to Disneyland, because of all the magical things I had heard about this restaurant. I was ready for my culinary world to be rocked. On the morning of our dinner, I greeted my wife with a bright, cheery: "Happy Canlis Day." Sad I know, but what can I say? I'm a chef, and good food makes me all tingly. I didn't even mind the 30 minutes it took to get there, even though we only lived 5 minutes away, because it was "Canlis day". We pulled our car up to the valet, and true to the legend, we were not given a ticket because the valets at Canlis remember you and your car. I was extremely excited, to say the least. The inside did not disappoint either, with gorgeous views and romantic fire places, I was in heaven. Being seated side by side was a tad unusual, but our lovely view of the city made it worth the awkwardness. I am not a believer in the saying "all good things must come to an end", but in this case, no truer words have ever been spoken. After we looked at the menu, talked to the waiter, ordered our food, and looked out at the breathtaking view, our bread finally arrived. At this point, we had been there for almost 30 minutes, so I had never been happier to see a piece of bread. Unfortunately, it was rock hard, too hard to eat without declaring an all out battle. One should not have to struggle with one's food, at least not at these prices. On a brighter note, the amuse-bouche was delightful, a refreshing English Pea Puree that was so delicious it almost made me forgive the tiny bricks cleverly disguised as dinner rolls. For appetizers, we ordered the Seared Scallop and the Canlis House Salad. I must say that for $15, I felt one scallop was a rather small portion, but in this case I adapted the "it's quality not quantity" attitude. That was until I actually tried it. Much to my dismay, not only was the scallop overwhelmingly fishy in taste and smell, it was still partially frozen. Yes, that's right! FROZEN! At this point my wife was ready to leave, but I wouldn't hear it, because it was "Canlis day". Before serving our salad the water asked if we were familiar with the history of the salad. When we both responded no, he proceeded to tell us how it has been a staple for decades, and we were in for a real culinary treat. Unfortunately the salad was dressed with a lemon vinaigrette that over powered this piece of Canlis history. With my wife giving me the evil eye, I hoped that the main course would redeem my decision to stay. Fortunately, my wife's Porcine Ravioli was the tiny bright spot in this train wreck of a meal. It was light and flavorful. We were both delighted by the use of the wonderful, spring vegetables; in this case it was necessary to appreciate the "little" things. I will admit that I was somewhat surprised that for $36 there were only four, tiny raviolis on the plate, but I was just so pleased that they tasted good; I pushed it out of my mind. Unfortunately for me, my main course, the Wagyu Tenderloin, was a huge disappointment. It lacked flavor, and was severely under cooked. By the time the manager came to our table, sporting a wide, bright smile asking how we enjoyed our evening, we were almost too upset to speak. We did not want to relive the culinary assault we had just experienced, nor did we did want his apologies or his attempt to make it better. In that moment in time, we simply wanted to bolt from our lovely table with the gorgeous view, and head straight to the nearest fast food joint. To say that I was let down by my dining experience at Canlis would be an understatement. With all of its beautiful ambiance and attentive staff, it falls short on the one thing that matters the most, the food. That evening wasn't a total lost though, the legend of the Canlis valet...totally true!

Gene D.

It seems silly even to bother sharing a rating about Canlis considering its place in Seattle's culinary universe and history. As if it needed any more introduction about who and what it is. Start with the building. It's a proud midcentury structure that has come full circle. A classic. A major remodel has seen to it Seattle return time and again, for the next fifty years. Forget the food. It's ok. Nothing groundbreaking or earth shattering. But the wine list? Ooh. Take your time, speak with the sommeliers, try something you have never heard of from the Northwest, that's why they discovered it; for your pleasure. The rooms upstairs are drama itself. Parties for two or fifty are possible up there. Dine here knowing Trey Parker from South Park declined dinner arrangements due to dress code. God bless Canlis for it too.

Mimi L.

My fiance took me to Canlis for my birthday and I am just floored at how good everything was!~ We sat next to eachother and watched everyone else in the room watching us dine and drink our glasses of wine... The Canlis Prawns, I highly recommend (who knew prawns could be so tasty?), The Canlis Salad, Steak Tartare...I got the wild mushroom raviolis, which were a delight! ---And if you love mascarpone cheese, you will fall inlove with each bite. Hunny had the Wagyu tenderloin which he said was unbelievable and tender with the port reduction and soy madeira mushrooms. We finished off dinner with the sweet potato pie, which I also highly recommend. The valet story is true... You drop your car off, and although they don't hand you a ticket, they remember you and bring you your car as you walk out. Top notch service all the way around. Lucky, little me gets to dine there again next week so I'll update you again on Canlis Trip II

Graeme G.

My wife and I went here for our 5th wedding anniversary and had a great time. I want to be honest about my experience, and not all of it is positive, however it did not take away from our evening so I must give it 5 stars. #1. Billie Joe Armstrong was there. That was awesome. #2. Our food was excellent. #3. We were never mistreated, and the huge amount of staff was beyond professional. #4. They did not ridicule the wine I brought with us. :) Some of the negatives - Less to do with the restaurant and more to do with the clientelle. #1. Old people complaining about too much alcohol taste in the Grand Marnier Souffle(which the waiter comped to the codgers.) #2. Many other uppity old people apparently not enjoying themselves very much. #3. For as much as I had read and heard about the strict dress code I noticed two things: a) Some of the codgers had some of the ugliest old clothes I had ever seen. Flower pattern dressed that made them looked Amish, and am sure were circa 1972. b) Later in the evening, around 9 p.m., they actually let 2 younger couples come in, one of the men showed up in jeans and t-shirt, so they gave him a jacket. From what I understood they would turn people away for such attire. #4. Overhearing many tables telling the waiter what could have been done better to their meals like they were Top Chef judges. Anyways, it made for a funny and enjoyable evening and we look forward to going back. Just have to save up a few dollars.

Miranda S.

After working with the excellent Daniel Humm at New York's Eleven Madison Park, Chef Jason Franey has now moved to Seattle's Canlis Restaurant, where he serves as Executive Chef. He brings with him a modern and fresh touch, which he appears to have applied deftly and subtly to Canlis' classic menu. After 60 years, Canlis still remains relevant...and well worth a visit. So, after a long day of holiday shopping, my parents and I braved the traffic along highway 99 and made our way to Canlis. We were ushered out of the chaos and into a serene island of low lighting, tasteful decor, and breath-taking views. The service was impeccable without being snobbish or over-bearing and the food was...somehow thrilling and comforting at the same time. With a long week of eating ahead of us (ah, the holidays...), we opted to order several small plates rather than indulge in a larger tasting menu. I began with a Canlis classic: the Canlis Salad. I'd actually seen this salad featured in an issue of Food & Wine (or maybe Bon Appetit?) recently and had wondered what the fuss was all about. After all, it's just a salad. But, having tried it, I can report that this salad is truly fuss-worthy. A riff on a Cesar salad, the Canlis salad features crisp, perfect Romaine, amongst which hide nuggets of bacon and shreds of fresh herbs. The dressing was Cesar-like, but more citrus-y. I literally could not stop eating it. I followed the salad up with another classic, the Peter Canlis Prawns. What could be more simple than the freshest, plumpest, sweetest prawns cooked until *just* crisp-tender, curled beneath a delicate mound of micro-greens and surrounded by a slick of golden, creamy sauce? Nothing - that's what. My taste-buds were literally purring after the first bite. Others in my party had the Dungeness Crab Cake. As is proper, this was nearly all crab meat, sweet and glistening and bound together with just the slightest hint of breadcrumbs. It was garnished (quite cleverly, I thought) with thin matchsticks of Granny Smith Apple and a bright cilantro-curry sauce. She followed this up with the only actual entree we ordered: the homemade Wild Mushroom Ravioli. Filled with savory mushrooms and sweetly creamy mascapone, doused with vin jaune, and topped with a beautiful foam, this dish was perhaps the most reminiscent of Eleven Madison Park's offerings (and, as such, awesome). We also tried the chilled salad of Prawn, Mango, and Avocado, served with a delicate sprinkling of micro-herbs, a pomegranate glaze and chive oil and the Seared Scallops served with butternut squash, hearts of palm, and chorizo (these were sweet and perfect). For dessert, we shared the classic Grand Marnier Souffle with vanilla bean creme anglaise and the Warm Apple-Filled Donuts with Cinnamon Ice Cream. While the donuts were truly delicious and would have shone in practically any other context, the souffle upstaged everything. It was literally perfect. The entire thing rose to the exact same, elegant height on all sides. It was gleaming and golden on top and ethereal and white on the inside...and the creme anglaise...oh, give me a few gallons and a big spoon and I'd die happy. It may have been the busy rush and tumble of the day, or the pleasure of dinner with my parents after a long absence, but dining at Canlis that night was like a vacation in of itself: elegant, relaxing, and full of beautiful things.

Sam D.

Suppose you've lived in Seattle for 17 years and are about to move to the east coast. You get to have one last meal at the Seattle restaurant of your choice. You want it to be a meal you'll remember forever--one that will make you think of your old stomping grounds fondly. Where do you go? Yep, I went to Canlis. Mission accomplished. Three things stand out about Canlis: (1) the service; (2) the food; and (3) the view--in that order. Simply put, I've never had better service than the three times I've been to Canlis. Always prompt and attentive but never intrusive, the staff has perfected the science of restaurant service. Those thinking about long-term careers in food service should pay for a meal at Canlis just to observe how they do it--for a few hundred bucks you'll get a great meal and an invaluable education. As tuition goes, it would be a bargain! The food was terrific, as always. My fiancee and I created our own six-course tasting menu. We shared five dishes and asked the staff to pick a glass of wine to pair with each course (we split the glass, so altogether we were into it for 2.5 courses and 2.5 glasses each over the course of three hours--gluttonous, yes, but not over-the-top indulgent). We then each had a dessert with coffee. Our five courses: the Canlis salad, the Peter Canlis prawns, the crab cake, the ivory salmon special, and the Wagyu tenderloin. The wine pairings with each were perfect complements. Our favorites were the salmon and the beef, but we enjoyed all of them immensely. For dessert, we had the souffle and the Mille Feuille--though we ended up sharing each one. Like the regular courses, the desserts were amazing. I won't say it's the best food I've ever eaten anywhere, but it's easily among the best. The view outside is simply unparalleled, though you do have to get lucky and have a seat by the window for full effect. The first two times I dined at Canlis I was seated in the upper tier. It offers some view, but it's nothing compared to what we got when we finally got to sit in the lower tier close to the window. I guess we got lucky. I'm not sure how you can make arrangements to assure a seat close to the window. It may have helped that we had an early reservation so we were among the first to be seated. I hope that wasn't my last meal at Canlis, as I plan to return to Seattle some day, at least to visit. But if I never have another meal there, at least my last meal in Seattle was one I will never forget.

Michael B.

Its an experience, like any other hyped up, grand shi-shi, impress your friends and family experience. Great attention to detail, timing and profiles. My co-workers and I went for the last night of the 3 for $25. We lucked out and got an after work, "late" seating at 9:30. As expected, the food was very good, presentation lovely, service attentive and friendly, and view outstanding. I enjoyed it all, and felt lucky to get out of there without breaking the bank ($80 a head). The wine list is ridiculous. I saw a magnum of 1990 Burgandy priced at $17, 500, and lots of quadruple digit bottles. Its a fucking novel. Canlis is definitely the most expensive restaurant I've ever been to. Is it worth it? As a special rare treat, I'd say. This place could definitely spoil you. Our server even gave us a tour of the facility after we finished. It was a total Big Lebowski moment.....surprised he didn't start name dropping.

Darth V.

So the Lady Vader turned....well, I fear if I tell you what she turned this past Friday, she will find a way to magnify her Force powers a thousand fold and use them to Force Suffocate me with my own codpiece. Do you have any idea how many years it's been since I've actually had that thing washed? Anyhow, she turned "something" this past Friday, so as part of the evening, I elected to distract her from her newfound geriatric progress by having dinner at Canlis. As an added bonus, there was an item off that damned Foodie 100 list from here. The valet somehow knows exactly who you are when you get out of the car even though you didn't provide your name. Yes, yes, I get it - I'm 6'4", have a long cape and a very distinctive mask, so anybody could guess. But if you had a reservation and showed up, they'd know your name, too. Walk through the door, and you're greeted immediately. Take a seat in the lounge while you wait for your table to be prepared, and the sommelier is greeting you within 30 seconds to let you know about whatever special import they have that evening (on this particular night, it was a blended Bordeaux from 2006). Get led to your table, and every staff member you pass gets out of your way and nods to you in deference. If you spot an Ewok in one of the magnolia trees outside the glass, they go out and slaughter it for you so that it does not distract from the view. If you, like Lady Vader and I had happen, find yourself at a table which does not have the view you expected when you made the reservation due to an unfortunate brick wall placement, the owner himself comes out to assure you that it will be taken care of, and then a charming hostess appears moments later to escort you to something more your liking once the table has been prepared. SPECTACULAR views. If you cough? Lozenge. If you sneeze? Tissue. Water @ 75% full? Refill. If you accidentally activate your lightsaber and singe the tablecloth? Seamstress. If you don't have enough to pay your bill? Well, I assume they give you the Ewok treatment - and you deserve it, you cheap bum. Your every need is met with the utmost accuracy and expediency. If you're brilliant like me, you order the classic Canlis salad, the Wagyu beef tenderloin, the twice baked potato, and put yourself in the hands of the sommelier. If you're old and hard of hearing like Lady Vader, you order the Canlis Prawns, the live Maine lobster which just got off an airplane a couple of hours prior, the twice baked potato....then fall for the old "Use the Force to tap her on the shoulder so she turns around long enough for you to eat all of her prawns after you realize that her prawns are better than your salad" trick that I'm thinking of patenting. The salad was "very good", but not superb. The prawns were amazing. The sauce they were served with was so delectable that Lady Vader threatened to kill anyone who dared reach for her plate before she sopped it all up with bread. In response, Canlis sacrificed a dishwasher to apologise for even asking if they could take the plate. Yoda used The Force to break a crown of mine the night before, so I had some chewing concerns as the crown was re-inserted purely for cosmetics, not functionality. Unfounded. That damn steak LITERALLY melts in your mouth when you insert it. They like to advertise they were the first in the nation to start selling Kobe style beef. They should be advertising that they were the first AND they still serve the best one anywhere. I've had Kobe the world over, this is a whole other level. The Lady Vader's lobster was "very good", but not superb. It's to be expected...the damn thing came from 3500 miles away. It's impossible to replicate what you can get in Boston or Bangor in Seattle on that front, no matter how hard you try. And no, hyperdrive doesn't help. The twice baked potatoes were "good". The cheese topping had coagulated a bit too much I felt, which took away from the dish. Then comes dessert. The Foodie 100 item is the Grand Mariner Souffle. It's delicious, there's no doubt about that - but it's not the shining object of this restaurant's menu. It's "sweet eggy", which is a wonderful thing, and the sauce it's served with is spectacular, but it can't top that steak. We were less impressed with the chocolate covered chocolate. The caramel/salt lollipop had too much salt. The after-dinner nubs were coffee flavoured. I wish they had told us in advance, since we both hate the taste of coffee. You never want your last taste to be a bad one when dining out. And your spaceship? Waiting for you outside before you even open the door to leave. Those valets are awesome. You know what you're getting into when you reserve, but a $400 dinner tab for 2 is still a hefty sum, no matter the level of service. And the website lies: Men are NOT more comfortable in a jacket or coat. Hate the rule, just sayin'. Otherwise? spectacular. 4 Deathstars

Austria G.

This place is off the charts! I have admired from afar for many years. I have purposely been delaying my first visit to share with someone special, really special. Here came my evening a la CANLIS this past July 2011. It was a surprise! I didn't even know my date was taking me there until last minute. And this, by the way, was a first official date. It's a good thing I was wearing something decent. Dress code is absolutely enforced there. I am definitely NOT complaining. I appreciate that aspect very much so. I did not picture at all that this would be how my Canlis visit would play out. I had always planned to wear my black Dolce & Gabanna fitted dress with my Gold, Gucci heels, all planned out and have a serious boyfriend at the very least. Seriously, I was quivering with excitement as we drove up. Can I say this? CANLIS is definitely my panty dropper. I never knew I had one until I entered. Service top notch, valet greets you, walk in and see everyone dress to the nine's on a weekday as per usual, amazing interiors inside reminding me a hint of Beverly Hills-esque aroma and the impeccable views romancing you. The 7 course dinner astounding! The froi gras, the truffle fries, the leek soup starter, eggplant ravioli, lamb, ALL instrinsically delectable. I paired it off with some moscato in their ultra sleek and skinny tube like glass. For the record, I did not eat all that in one sitting. I did go there on another date the next week after. I will continue to revisit CANLIS, use it as my runway and practice my etiquette.

Derrick W.

It's an experience! The service staff is 5+ starts hands down! If you are looking for a 10-15 dollars meal, this is not the place. But if you are celebrating anniversary or any special event in your life, this should be on top of your list to dine in.

Stacy T.

Last night, my good friend Carmen and I headed to Canlis. Below, chronicles our amazing experience! Sorry if it's a bit verbose, I just got carried away! As soon as we pulled up to the joint, the cab door was opened for us. Then, a girl gracefully opened the main door to the restaurant at just the right moment. Once we got to the front desk, another girl asked for my name. I gave her my first name. She says to us that she has the perfect table for us with a lovely view, and then takes Carmen's coat. We are seated, chairs pushed in for us and napkins gently placed in our laps. The view was wonderful, overlooking Lake Union with a view of Gasworks Park. Also, the piano player was playing some awesome music. I knew it was going to be a magical evening when the piano player started playing Call Me by Blondie, a fave song of mine. We each ordered a cocktail, I had a champagne mango drink that was quite good, lovely fruit flavor and a good kick! Carmen had a gin based drink with lavender liqueur that was both beautiful and refreshing! We then had a chance to pore over the menu, having a hard time narrowing down our choices. Before getting to that though, they brought us a small portion of soup served in a sake cup. It was a fennel and pear puree and was quite delicious, more savory with just a hint of pear! One of the servers brought over the bread choices of 3 different kinds of rolls; rosemary and sea salt, pain au lait, and a honey wheat. My favorite by far was the pain au lait, milky and soft, perfect for soaking up some of the sauces over the course of our meal. After some careful debate, we decided to start with the Peter Canlis Prawns and the Canlis Salad. The prawns were served warm and were wonderfully cooked. They were just done enough, so the texture was softer but in a good way. Though I'd warn those with texture issues that this dish may not be to your liking. As for the Canlis Salad, it was quite good. The flavors in the salad were quite unique but went well together. And most importantly, the bacon was sooo good, perfectly flavored. You could really taste the bacon, not just salt. Carmen went with the Forest Nettle Risotto and I chose the Muscovy Duck. The risotto came out and was a bright green color, just beautiful. It contained mascarpone and Parmesan cheese. It was rich, but the forest nettle flavor cut the richness creating a perfect combination. Also, the texture of the rice was firm, so it wasn't at all mushy, just the right texture. The Muscovy Duck was accompanied with fennel and black pepper jam with a fennel coulis sitting on some fruit coulis. The flavors of the coulis were mild, just enough to accent the duck. The black pepper jam had sesame seeds throughout, so it had a complexity of flavors that went well with the natural juices and flavors of the duck. The texture of the duck was quite good, although the shape and size made it slightly difficult to cut up. A small pile of diced golden potatoes with a coriander seasoning complimented the dish. It was a bit salty, but that was just fine as it was a very small portion that went well in between bites of the duck. By that time we were quite full, but we decided to glance at the dessert menu. We were wavering between the mango and passion fruit Crème Brulee with lychee sorbet or the Standing Cones, cookie cones with house-made raspberry and strawberry sorbets and basil ice cream. We asked the server what was better of the two. She said the crème brulee was better for sharing, but the Doughnuts were where it was at. We'd thought about the doughnuts before that but thought it'd be too rich to end the evening. We took the server's advice and went with the Doughnuts, and let me tell you we were not disappointed! There were two small banana and caramel filled doughnuts on the plate, with a touch of cinnamon and sugar on top. The inside of the doughnut was incredibly moist but not doughy. Also, it wasn't too sweet with just a hint of caramel and the banana mainly adding a textural element. Then there was a small square container with molten milk chocolate. The chocolate was wonderful, once again not too sweet, reminding me more of a mix between milk and semi-sweet chocolate. We drizzled the chocolate over the doughnuts. Then, to top it all off, the doughnuts came with a dollop of peanut butter ice cream on the side along with some candied peanuts. The combination of those 3 elements resulted in an incredibly satisfying yet not too heavy of a dessert. And after we thought everything was said and done, the server brought out 2 small jelly rectangles, reminiscent of those Sunkist jelly circles or an applet or cotlet. The jelly treats were so flavorful, with the apricot and passion fruit filling up my senses with a tart, fresh sensation. It was the perfect way to end the meal. So that details in depth my fantastic evening at Canlis. I will definitely be heading back to take my boyfriend for our anniversary in June.

Mike H.

Good food, great view, and the most amazing valet parking... when you walk out the front door, your car is waiting there for you, no valet ticket required. As for drawbacks, Canlis is of course rather expensive and some of the tables have slightly strange seating for couples (side by side rather than across from each other).

Rosa C.

Canlis was a great experience and I hope to have another chance to try it again. My husband and I went for Vday and they had a pre-fixed menu. Everything tasted very fresh and I could tell they used high-quality ingredients. More than the quality and taste of the food though, the service and ambiance were truly exceptional. The only reason they got 4 stars instead of 5 was the cost.

Celeste T.

I've been to Canlis twice in the past two weeks. Once for a girls' night with the Restaurant Week promotion, and once for an anniversary dinner. They were both great visits, but for different reasons. First time: girls' night with the $25 tasting menu. I had the chilled crab and cauliflower soup, the halibut, and the shortcake - and cocktails. The cocktails were nice, well prepared, with wonderful huge ice cubes in the appropriate places. The tasting menu was an exceptional deal at $25, but would have been appropriate at a higher price point, too. The soup still sticks out in my mind, smoky and spicy but so beautifully white! The halibut was pleasantly crusty, perfectly cooked (not too raw, nor too done,) but the sauces with the halibut were over-strong. I'm not a dessert fan, so don't listen to my opinion on the shortcake. I didn't like it, but it's not the shortcake's fault. The second time: anniversary dinner with the stuff that caught my eye the first time around. More cocktails, this time with the Canlis salad, twice baked potato, steak tartare, crab cake, and Muscovy duck. The twice baked potato was excellent, though a bit confusing - more like mashed potato with cheese crust in a Staub cast iron pan - since I'm used to twice baked potatoes in their own skins. The steak tartare was nice, with lots of capers and some very crispy toast. The crab cake was good though not like my Platonic ideal of a crab cake - it was moist and crabby but not exceptionally crisp on the outside. The crab cake was garnished with a fresh pickle of granny smith apples, which was delightful. The Canlis salad had a nice bright dressing, and the herbs in the greens were pleasant bursts of flavor, but the salad was overdressed, something one of the girls at girls' night was saying as well. The duck was the only dish I didn't finish - it just didn't compare to the Peking duck I had in Beijing. The duck was pleasantly prepared, medium rare, with the correct seasoning to take away any gaminess, but the skin just wasn't as good as a good Peking duck. There was an unpleasant fattiness that I couldn't choke down, as a vegetarian who occasionally eats meat (mostly at very nice restaurants.) We were given the green gazpacho as an amuse bouche with both meals, which was bright green and exceptional, and some fluffy profiteroles to finish with both meals, as well.

Mike U.

Nice view, pretty plating designs, but horribly overbearing service, and butchered, mediocre food. Never before have I seen such botched foie gras, or juvenile attempts cook food sous vide. To the uninitiated, or to those swayed by theatrics rather than flavor, this may seem to be a decent establishment. To those paying attention to their meals, however, one will soon note that the unfortunate ingredients have been butchered into unnatural submission at the hands of an extremely run-of-the-mill chef. That is to say nothing of the fact that the very air you breathe is suffused with pretension and loathing for anyone unwilling to spend $300 for the honor of ordering wine from their premium list. That's not the cost of the wine, mind you...that's for the ability to order from that list!. Not even La Tour d'Argent does that. Get over yourselves. At least five times during the evening, I was desperately hoping that the servers and staff would address me as a fellow human being, rather than an antique glass doll. "Yes, I would like to see the food menu even though I am still waiting for my 'belated dining companion'...I have concluded my 'experience with the wine menu' and wish to 'explore bread program options'." These are all verbatim quotes. But really, I think their attitude can all be summed up by the following menu item: Black Truffle Risotto - $28 (add truffles for $35) Truffle risotto, truffles not included. Not paying $63 when I can do this for $15 at home with whole Oregon truffles. We have candles and a mountain view, too. Alternatively, I could pay $23 more and have a 5-course meal at Crush with wine pairings (yes, with truffles, foie gras, etc.) Bottom line is: if you are a dedicated and educated food lover, look to Le Gourmand, Rover's, The Herbfarm, Crush, Spinasse, etc. And actually, at these prices, you may want to consider a road trip The French Laundry. (The one saving grace was the pastry chef, Niel, who prepared incredible desserts. However, since his last day was March 14th, 2009, there is no longer ANY reason to visit Canlis. Please, PLEASE, support more deserving local restaurants. Hopefully an earthquake will send it careening down the hillside on which it most haughtily stands.)

Dustin N.

This was the best dinner I had while in Seattle. I was very impressed with the service from the start. The Valet took our car and brought it to us after we were done with our dinner without having to give us a tag. Very impressive. There is a dress code here, but it makes the dining experience that much better. We had the tasting menu here and we were able to change it to how we liked it. We replaced the rabbit with the hamachi. My favorite dish however was the yellow fin tuna. Presentation and taste of every dish was amazing. All fine dining restaurants need to take notes from Canlis.

Gabriela S.

Canlis is one of those "Once in a lifetime" places. It is a Seattle institution and is meant for those extra special occasions. Although you can go and eat in the bar for less, the view and service in the dining room are impeccable. However, the prices are very high so be warned. I am glad I was able to go there for a special occasion, but I doubt I will be able to return for a very long time.

Michael I.

The world famous Canlis lives up to it's reputation. Impeccable food, and breathtaking view. The Canlis brothers are very attentive to patrons needs and wants. Recommend going on a nice even to take in the view.

Nelly N.

All the reviews for this place were insane and I would have to agree. We got the tasting and it was good. It would have been great if the dessert course was just a little bit better. But, all the savory courses were five stars for me. Started with the Watermelon with Black Olive Cornet, Tomato Mousse, and Wasabi Tobiko was so refreshing. Dip the honey and milk roll in the watermelon. Next was dungeness crab, also very good and I wish we had some more. The kampachi came next, it was perfect. I love geoduck. The cod that came next was made perfectly. So fresh and so good. Last savory course was the suckling pig prepared 3 ways. Oh yea, 3 ways of goodness. If the meal would have ended here I would have given them 5 stars. Too bad it was a 7 course tasting. The deserts not so good. Sheep's milk yogurt sorbet made the wild plum smell like Chinatown dish rag. The vanilla custard was bad. I think I just hate rhubarb and buckwheat. Service was really good. The view was even better. To bad the time on the dishes was just not there. Waiting for the next course dragged the dinner experience out to 4 hours. Yes, 4 hours for 7 courses it was painful.

Ferlia L.

I went there 2 times. 1st for my birthday, my husband took me here for dinner. I heard a lot about Canlis but his just proved it. The moment we arrived, the valet took our car without giving a ticket, then we check in with the hostess who wish me a happy birthday and start the 3 hours pampered meals experience. I have never ever had better service than Canlis here. Our server greet us with name all the time and wish me a happy birthday. She is very passion with my food preference (I couldn't decide between wagyu steak or scallop she then suggest me to have steak with scallop on the side which I passed and decided just go with steak). So we shared crab cake for appetizer which is just OK for me, I prefer ART at Four Seasons crab cake (the best crab cake I ever had) then my husband order lamb, I had the wagyu steak, both are nice and cook perfectly by the time we're done we both full and just order coffee but then our server bring us assorted mini dessert with candle and not just that Brian Canlis, the owner approach our table to wish me a happy birthday and offer us a tour of the property. So we went to the tour of the restaurant and back kitchen, private dining room, etc .. It was amazing and maybe the best dinner I ever had. Oh .. and by the time we're done, our car is already outside waiting .. I don't know how the valet did it, but they did it.

Ashley M.

Don't you love it when uber-hyped restaurants surpass their reputations? Canlis is known as one of (if not THE) best restaurants in Seattle, and it did the city justice. We went for a very special occasion - my parents' 25th wedding anniversary - and consequently were in the mindset to go all out, tab be damned. Which is exactly the attitude you need when dining here, unless you drink yourself into oblivion before the bill comes. I always do my homework beforehand, and aside from salivating over the menu, I couldn't help but smile about their dress code. And I quote: "The bottom line: Everyone likes to look good. In 1950, people knew fashion and loved to show it. We ask our guests to help us keep that tradition alive. Dress to impress, we look forward to checking you out!" As someone chronically (and intentionally) overdressed, music to my ears. We all ordered three courses plus dessert, and since my stomach is growling just thinking about it, I'll stick to the highlights: - Peter Canlis Prawns: served warm, deserving of their namesake - Braised Beef Short Ribs: melt-in-your-mouth and drizzled with pesto and chili glaze = orgasmic - Lamb Chops: atop couscous, served with swiss chard and a very subtle blue cheese flavor - Muscovy Duck: surrounded with orange puree and accompanied by an odd-looking but wonderful tasting scalloped potato log - Pear, Hazelnut & Thyme Brown Butter Cake: no description necessary with those ingredients - Chocolate Covered Chocolate: totally worth 25 years of monogamy The whole ordeal took over three hours, which meant that we never felt overly stuffed or rushed. The cocktails and wine were phenomenal, and all courses were brought out by individual servers and synchronized. First two appetizer courses were a wash (wrong recipients), but third time was the charm! Overall, the service was impeccable: our jackets and car were waiting for us before we'd even left our table. Last but not least, the ambiance is luxurious but subtle. Very Seattle - all hardwood, high ceilings and expansive windows looking out over the city. Counting down to the big 50 - only 25 years to go!

M D.

Do you all realize that nearly half their staff are certified Level One intro sommeliers? This is HUGE. I was blown away by the staff's knowledge of the scrumptious food, magnificent wine list and :get ready: the history of the building space. My guests and I had such a complete experience through and through, every single other restaurant should be embarrassed of themselves!

Tialen K.

I'm giving this place 5 stars for the service alone! Absolutely fantastic. Food was good, but we ordered the duck, they brought it out to us and it looked amazing, they then took it back in the kitchen and carved off the brests and fed us those.. umm what happened to the rest of my duck?? That was the most disappointing thing about our visit.

Effie M.

My brother got married here last weekend, in their second story room. First, I would like to mention the AMAZING view of the water. You can't go wrong with windows that line the whole side and go from top to bottom. Secondly, the service was impeccable. Their staff definitely knows how to entertain elegantly and eloquently. The food was delicious. I had the Canlis salad which was so different yet delectable. I then had the crab-cakes and steak. Both were mouthwatering. For dessert I had chocolate covered chocolate and IT. WAS. AWESOME. Love this place!!

Celeste P.

My parents and older friends love to reminisce about the good old days of Canlis--those days being in the 60s and 70's. But, I still felt I could appreciate a great meal at a Seattle icon. It took me a while to write this review as I was so appalled by my experience. A group of us went for dinner to celebrate a friend's milestone Birthday. While the food was good and the service started off stellar, the events that followed have left an indelible mark on my memory. About 1/3 of the way through our main courses, I noticed Howard Schultz came in and was seated directly behind our table. As soon as I saw him, I couldn't help but get a little upset as I felt he had ruined my hometown basketball team, but I was able to just forget about it after a minute. HOWEVER, our waitstaff quickly dumped us completely and circled Mr. Schultz' table and practically tripped over themselves to serve and be noticed by him. It was embarrassing! Our gracious servers suddenly turned into desperate starfu**ers for the main Starbucker himself. I couldn't believe it. No one followed up with us, no one checked in on us, we waited at least 20 minutes before our plates were cleared and our dessert courses were totally forgotten. Here we were, a group of people born and raised in Seattle, being overlooked for THIS GUY! Snobby, pretentious, and like I said earlier, EMBARRASSING. I honestly can't remember much about the food as it was such a crazy bad experience. H.S. may be a regular client, but so is our friend who was ignored on her big Birthday. Certainly not what you would expect from such a well regarded and revered restaurant.

Michael B.

Best service I've ever had! Enjoyed a very special night, with fantastic food! (Canlis has the best car valet service I've ever experienced. We pulled up, get out... didn't even take a ticket. Then the minute we walked out the car was waiting for us!)

Peter A.

While recently reading my copy of Bourbon Dandy, I realized that, while I'd eaten there a few times over the years, my "K-Bar" list of bars I've visited still lacked an entry for the bar at Canlis, and I'd never sampled their new cocktail menu. With the stalwart aid of a couple thirsty friends, this was rectified last night. Frankly, I'd love Canlis regardless of the food and drinks, as long as it preserved that great Pacifica-style cantilevered structure, the fine stone and cedar decor, and the excellent view. But of course Canlis joints are renowned for their fine (and fairly pricey) food, and if that were not good enough, they've recently decided to put a renewed focus on upgrading their cocktail menu, under James Mac Williams. Even the ice has been thoroughly upgraded, filtered multiple times, frozen with a Cryovac process to minimize gases, thawed, and refrozen, and arriving in your Old Fashioned in a magnificent tiny ice berg lodged to the bottom of your chilled glass. I myself had an Our lady of Thermidor (strawberry infused vodka en sous vide, bitter lemon elixer, Champagne & a dash of Campari) which was good, and the l'Abbatoir d'Amour, which was excellent. My friends were just as much impressed with their Manhattan and Old Fashioned. If you're ready to drop some significant cash for dinner, you can count on Canlis to get it right, and you'll appreciate the famous extra touches -- the servers ironing the table cloths, the valets having your car waiting when you leave without ever taking your name or number, and the other small things that have made them the James Beard runner up for best service in the country a couple times. And I was pleased to see the Canlis family still not only operating, but taking a very active role -- a few questions to my server about some of the more tiki elements of the old days prompted a nice visit from Mark Canlis. But even if you're on a tight budget you can still enjoy the decor -- you can do as we did this visit and just drop into the lounge for a couple cocktails. They are a bit pricey ($12 to $18 for our choices), and you'll want to be a at least moderately dressy, even in the lounge. But if you're in the mood for an upscale experience, Canlis delivers.

s z.

I absolutely love Canlis. The waiters, the atmosphere, the view and the food are definitely amazing. I'd expect nothing less for the price. I HIGHLY recommend the Mahi, mango creme brulee, and lychee sorbet. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it all.

Cynthia L.

The lineup: Foie Gras- Amazing! It was the first time I had it and it was totally worth it! It comes with a pear sort of compote and the fruity flavor really added to the dish. Canlis Salad- I had no idea a salad could be so complex Steak Tartare- It did resemble cat food visually and maybe that's why I don't think it was not as good as the other first/second courses. It was pretty good for just being raw meat. Salmon- I don't really think you can go wrong with salmon in Seattle. There were figs on the plate, and typically I'm not a huge fig person, but it surprised me. I'd say try a different main course because it's not huge on originality. Sides- Truffle Fries & Twice Baked Potato. The Twice Baked Potato was really well seasoned (read: very salty). The Truffle fries had a good earthiness to them and was the better of the 2 sides. Trio of Ice Cream- Probably should have passed on dessert, but when she said cinnamon ice cream and pear sorbet I had to get it. The third ice cream was a strawberry. I thought the pear was their best. The valet was just pulling up when we got out of the restaurant so they had very good service. I also like that they have pretty solid tupperware for doggy bags- high class! The service is well timed although not always there when you actually do need something. I would also mention that all the other guests were very dressed up. Men were all in suits and women were in cocktail dresses. Minus 1 star for being so freaking expensive Minus 1 star for being somewhat pretentious (and I like pretentious, but if I'm uncomfortable, you know something is wrong).

Jeremy M.

To summarize my experience at Canlis would be, NOT IMPRESSED! Like other reviews I've read about this place yes they do have valet that takes your car and is ready up and running when you're leaving, but that's about it! The location is so horrible if you miss the turn they you're going to travel north quite a few miles before being able to make a turn around, braised short rib was the size of sugar cubes, Canlis prawns was ok(nothing special), salad is a salad almost cannot go wrong, wagyu steak was nothing to go head over heals for, the duck............different is all I can say. The crab cake appetizer was probably in my opinion our most memorable(sad to say), but it contained probably the most crab meat I have ever had in a crab cake and it was not bad BTW, I was informed by our waitress that Mark Canlis was going to come and refill our drinks and I was thinking in my head "Wow! What a treat! We get to meet THE MAN!" Ehhh no?! He came by dropped off our cocktails and was on his way! I am no big shot ball player or any CEO of any fortune 500 company, but if I can afford a $280 dinner at your place.............you bet your ass you should come by and say something to me! I am almost certain that was my first and probably my last time there! Almost forgot to mention their wine selection is almost as bad as reading a webster dictionary, the pages were endless!!!

Sarah K.

For almost every year of my youth and young adulthood, Canlis was the epitome of my birthday celebration or just the most magical place for a fancy dinner out. Unfortunately, I was extremely let down by my last visit. My boyfriend made reservations for my birthday and I was ecstatic. We arrived ten minutes or so early, and expected not to be seated right away, but a few minutes in the lounge turned into 25 minutes after our reservation was scheduled. But even that didn't put a damper on my spirits. What really let me down was the quality of service - something which is usually what I look forward to most. I'm not sure if it's because we weren't drinking that night (severely cutting down the bill, believe me), or because we were younger than their average clientele, but I felt neglected, unimportant and then rushed to leave. Our server shared none of his sparkling personality he so happily brimmed with at other tables with us. The appetizers were wonderful, as always, I'll give them that much. The steak I ordered was okay, but under-seasoned and dry compared to what I've come to expect from the kitchen of Seattle's finest restaurant. And lastly, when our dessert finally came my name was spelled wrong on the plate and that sealed the end of a VERY expensive and very disappointing evening. To sum it up, I will not be celebrating my next birthday or special occasion at Canlis. For the money you pay to wine, dine, dessert and lounge, I was very under-whelmed. 3 stars for the ambience,

K M.

My review is based on a group event I attended: I was at Canlis for a networking event late last year. Our group was offered a great selection hors d'oeuvers. There were about 60 people in attendance, and the staff was fantastic about walking around the room throughout the night with food. We were in a pretty large banquet type room with a cool view. Unfortunately, the cash bar available for our party to use was extremely short staffed given the turnout. It was also located in towards the back of the lounge at a very narrow part of the room, making it nearly impossible to get a cocktail. I'm guessing the people in charge of organizing this event didn't let the restaurant know how many people to expect, because the staff seemed a little overwhelmed by the end of the evening (rightfully so). I think this is a great venue for group events if there is more staff on hand.

Laura P.

Most people know Canlis as a fine dining destination but they throw a wonderful block party. They serve a mean burger! Spicy and fresh off the grill. I don't think that you'd find this on their regular menu, but wow. It shows me that they can do everyday fare just as well as fancy, formal food. More on the block party- Canlis got other local businesses like Jones Soda and Dry Soda to pitch in. They rounded out the block party menu with Tim's Cascade chips and Dick's milkshakes. Local band Kana played while hawaiian shave ice was handed out. This 3rd annual neighborhood bash raised over $1000 for the local Queen Anne Help Line. Nice job, Canlis!

Adrian S.

This is a terrific restaurant with excellent food and an incredible wine list. It is the winner of eleven consecutive Wine Spectator Grand Awards and is a two times James Beard runner up for best service in the country. It is a formal restaurant -- which I like. So, don't plan on casual attire. I belong to their Wine and Whisky Society, which has some wonderful events.

Robert S.

ok, a bit rushed due to the need to turn over the tables due to popularity.

Sheena M.

I took my husband here for his birthday and we hired the cache room so I can't really comment on anything other than the amazing view and the food as I didn't experience the atmosphere of the resto. After a shaky start with a mushy (overpriced!) waygu beef, the food was delish! We had the Canlis prawns & Peter Canlis salad to start and they were both melt-in-the-mouth gorgeous. I have never tasted a salad so good. Then I had the chicken for main course which was well-sized, well presented and totally yummy. My husband on the other hand, had the waygu which first off, was over priced (I have had kobe beef for the same price at a high-end London resto) and the initial piece of meat was mushy and yucky. The staff did a good job of re-doing his meal quickly but unfortunately it meant we could not enjoy our entrees together which was a bit of a bummer. We then shared the molten chocolate cake which was probably the highlight of the meal. Totally delicious and a good way end an almost perfect evening! Expensive but very yummy food in a nice establishment (although, in my opinion, the interior decor is in no way up to par for such a 'high-end' place)

Nina J.

This review is for a December 2008 visit. There aren't too many details I can share that haven't already been covered by one reviewer or another, but I'll add my two cents regardless. I've been to numerous fine dining and high-concept restaurants (Melisse, Josie, Providence, the Ventana Room, etc.), but Canlis ranks up there among my top five. I found the service, which some have labeled overdone and/or sterile, to be thoughtful and well-choreographed. Unlike some other reviewers, I'm okay with having my table pulled out and pushed in when I leave and come back to the table. It's true that I'm generally capable of doing that by myself, but I understand that Canlis is trying to provide a comprehensive experience and that's just part of it. Rather than something to be annoyed at, it's something to accept graciously. The food was spectacularly flavorful. I find salmon dishes to be a pretty safe bet (especially in the Pacific Northwest), so that's what I ordered. I have NEVER enjoyed a salmon dish so much. It was so flavorful that, in order to better savor the juices, I actually let each bite (not just the first few - every bite of the entire dish) sit in my mouth for a bit before chewing and swallowing, I could go on and rave about the amuse-bouche and appetizers, but I'm anxious to talk about the dessert. I ordered two desserts because I couldn't choose - the doughnuts (banana and caramel-filled, with molten chocolate and peanut butter ice cream) and the bread pudding (panettone bread pudding with candied dried fruit, creme anglaise, and milk chocolate black pepper ice cream). What impressed me so much about each of the desserts was that, for sweets not known for their delicacy, they both had such delicate, refined textures (I would LOVE to know the prep method for the bread pudding), My only complaint about either of them is that the ice cream flavor didn't complement the bread pudding. Other than that, words fail me here. My husband had to fight me for the fork (he had his own dessert, darn it - he didn't need mine, too). In closing, all I can say is that if I lived anywhere near Canlis, I would be a little chub ball.

Jeff K.

"Mr. Kim, may I kiss your ass?" I was waiting for someone to say that, cause basically, the service was incredible. Here's to review #100... The only thing they were missing was some dude in the Men's Restroom giving me a towel. I took my lovely girlfriend here during SRW and for a her belated birthday surprise. Really, the staff went above and beyond in service for us. They inquired if it was a special occasion for us, and we just meekly mentioned it was belated birthday. Later they break out her creme brulee on a plate that read in chocolate "Happy Belated Birthday." Didn't pay for that, didn't ask for that, they just did it. One of the staff came to us, as we were sitting at Peter Canlis' table where there's a phone and entertained us during our meal, by picking up and joking with the maitre d' what was going on at Table #1. Everyone is going to have different taste for food, and I understand. So it's kinda why they give you some salt, right? Which they did by the way. Was I happy with the Canlis salad? Wish it had more chewy bacon. Boo hoo, so will I sit here and drop a star cause of it? The risotto was cooked.... well, thank God it was cooked. I'm not some food aficionado. I'm not Nancy Lesson of the Seattle Times. What about the truffle fries? Well, back in my younger days, I'd settle for Dick's and a Deeluxe! But this crap is not the point. The point is Canlis really goes above and beyond. I could rag on those below who said SRW gives you a crap experience, or regal you all with shallow stories about how this compares to this or that renown restaurant in NYC, LA, CHI, Seoul or anywhere else. But really, it's truly a gift to have such a restaurant in our own city. They really go the distance to capture what the Canlis' family has sought out for this city.

elle t.

Eating at Canlis is always a memorable experience, yet, I can't recall what entrees I've had there. Probably because the food, aside from the Canlis Salad, wasn't all that memorable. The place still gets 5 stars for romantic ambience in a Northwest contemporary home, good food, and a seamless dining experience in terms of service. I really like the valet parking concept there lol... you don't have to take a ticket and when you are ready to leave the restaurant, your car is already pulled up and waiting for you. It's like magic. :)

Katie S.

They make you feel like family every time. The food is high quality and priced accordingly, which is not the same thing as overpriced. You can go sit in the bar and enjoy James' libations and a steak for less than $80 - and you'll taste the quality in every sip and bite. I will go back again and again.

Ryan P.

Amazing. I made my first (and hopefully not last) trip to Canlis for an Alaska Airlines event. The event was well run and the food was amazing. Our jaws dropped from the appetizers being handed out all the way to the dessert which was served. Granted, we had about 6 or 7 flights of wine with our 5 course meal, so it was easy to enjoy everything. However, on top of the great food was the service. As others have mentioned the service is top notch. From the table service, to the hosts to the valet. For example, on the way out of Canlis, I asked the host how to get my car (I wasn't issued a valet ticket). She said to just stand in front of the door and the valet would get my car. It's a nice touch and left me very impressed and I am looking forward to the next time which I am able to go to Canlis.

Kerry L.

People rave about the service at Canlis, and most of the negative Yelp reviews ding the food and/or cost. I feel like I must have gone to a different restaurant. I have eaten at a lot of very nice restaurants with excellent service. I know what good service is. I did not receive good service at Canlis. The hostess barely deigned to speak with us when we entered, the owner chatted up some actress and ignored us while we waited for a table, then we proceeded to have a very disappointing evening. We ordered the chef's tasting menu and typically waited 30+ minutes between each course. Perhaps if one is only eating 2 or 3 substantial courses is this acceptable, but when eating six courses, each with only a few bites, long waits are unforgivable. There is complimentary bread service, but after I turned down one roll we never saw the guy again. It was a shame, too, since I really missed him after waiting 45 minutes for our 3rd course. I would have loved to linger over coffee, but by the time we finally got around to dessert the restaurant was literally closing and we were exhausted after our four hour meal. They also never offered us coffee in the first place, probably because they wanted us to leave. I've spent this kind of money on dinner before, and never have I felt so ripped off. Six courses over four hours and unhelpful (and occasionally outright unfriendly) staff does not justify a $450 bill. The management at Canlis should take a field trip to Alinea or Moto in Chicago and observe the right way to serve a customer.

Karen R.

We were invited to our first time at Canlis and were wow'd with the service - I love the bag holder / hook over the table (see pictures). Food and wine were flawless. Why then didn't I give it five stars? 'Coz it's still just a restaurant - not an experience :) Yes, I'm a bitch :D The piano player was very good - played good up to date piano music :) They raved about the bathrooms but ummm... it's a bathroom with a chaise lounge and a view to an outdoor garden :) Apparently it used to have some form of a fountain and dimmer lights... A nice place to take someone for some celebration - the view is awesome - or if the bill is too big, just come for dessert and chill! Nobody said you had to have the entire meal :D

Koizumi Y.

Three of us dined in a lovely private room for a very special occasion. The menu selections were excellently prepared and presented, timing was impeccable, and it was if we were in a corner of bliss atop a panoramic hill. This was both a dance and a symphony, and well worth every penny spent. There was a telescope and chaise along with the table - and we were treated as if we had all the time in the world to eat, sip, relax and chat to our heart's content. Having the bill sent to our home a week later was an elegant and tasteful touch. There was nothing to spoil the experience of being transported to what seemed to be a private suite in another's home. When emerging from the room to leave, we'd almost forgotten we'd been inside a restaurant at all. Whether you take a room or simply dine amongst the crowd, this is a delightful slice of heaven in Seattle.

Irene L.

Canlis could possibly be the only way to get me to eat peas... My boyfriend and I went on a real date (we go on those once in a long while). This time was to celebrate a raise! And although I think we spent several months worth of his actual salary increase, my tummy was pleased. When we arrived, they show us to our table and pulled it out for us so we could get seated. It was even nicer that they seated us next to each other looking out the direction of the window (though there were other tables between us and the actual window). The sun had just set and the view was great! The music in the background was crazy piano arrangements but in some cases to recent radio/hip hop stuff (i was surprised to start singing the words "poker face poker face"). We ordered the tasting menu with the wine pairing. I was a little skeptical though because the first course had my least favorite food in the whole wide universe - peas. But this place sure made even that so yummy. I'm not even going to attempt to describe the courses because I'll butcher them greatly, but I do want to say they were each creative and true taste delighting creations. I also liked that our waiter came by with each wine pouring and told us a story about how the wine came to be. At the end of the meal, I wondered if they'd get my car back to me (since they don't give you a ticket or anything). As soon as I stepped out the door, the valet guy sprinted off at a zillion miles an hour and returned quite soon with my car. Nice service! Now I want a raise too ;)

Jeff L.

Hi All, Just a quick one today. You can read other reviews about the incredible food & wine, I'll keep my review to the one thing that really stuck out in my head after my last visit here: the lack of snobbery!! Oh, I love going to fancy places and enjoying what they have to offer - but I can't stand waiters, hosts, the valet guy (especially the valet guy!!), who think that to give good service means a turned up nose and a "chilly" demeanor. Not so at Canlis - the people are totally warm, sincere, and very welcoming - even the valet! Their great attitude totally made the experience something special, so much that spending a couple hindered on a meal is totally acceptable. Go here for all your fancy dining needs!!

Jean r.

Classy with a touch of perfection.

Melissa Y.

Canlis is my favorite restaurant in Seattle. Seasonal food options, wine list is incredible, ambiance, service is unparalleled, views are breathtaking. As soon as I entered the restaurant I felt a warmth that I have never experienced before, the warmth I felt can only be explained knowing that it is family owned. It was like I was walking into someone's home. This place is as close as it comes to being perfect in the restaurant business.

Jenna E.

I was here with a very special someone as a moving away from Seattle dinner for us. Dining here was a wonderful experience. That's right. Experience. It was far from being just a meal. From beginning to end, all the staff were spectacular, attentive without being overbearing or hovering, always appearing at just the right moment. The food was spaced out and timed perfectly so that you had plenty of time for the deliciousness you just ate to settle in your stomach. At first, you see the portions and think (with our typical American mindset) wow, this isn't a lot of food! But it is more than enough because when it is spaced and out settles, you realize it doesn't take as much as we think to be full! I had never had lamb before that night and I have to say, it was so, so good. I don't know that after that, I'll be able to even eat it anywhere else! I could go on and on and on about the food, but I won't because you'd be here all day reading, so just trust me when I say it is all excellent!! Also, kudos to the piano player who is way up on his tunes! He played the Game of Thrones theme song!! I was surprised and impressed by that one!

Ani P.

Dream food. Simple as that. I came here with my grandma, aunt, and uncle for a nice, last night in seattle, dinner. From start to finish, it was exceptional. One of the owners greeted us as we came in and showed us to our table. We ordered drinks (chambord with champagne for me) and had the menus brought. We ordered (between all of us) short ribs, clam chowder, escargot, fuji apple salad, ahi salad, crab cakes, oysters, and prawns for the first and second courses. The winner to me were the escargot. The puff pastry they put on top of them just made them melt in your mouth. I haven't had such good escargot in paris. I still dream about them. Delicious. Everything was also excellent. Beautifully prepared and very well done. For the main course two of us had filet mignons, and the other two had lamb chops. Also very good. The filets were cooked perfectly. The lamb was also delicious (though I still crave having my mint jelly with lamb chops, but didn't bother to ask as I thought they would consider that sinful of me, haha). And then? Dessert! You can't say no to it, even though you're full. I had the grand marnier souffle. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. So good. Perfect crunchiness on the outside, plus the fluffiness of a souffle on the inside (I know as an english major I should have better words to describe it, but I'm at a loss for the moment). My aunt ordered a pear tart. Good, but not something I'd order if I ever went back. My uncle ordered the three sorbets, one being goat cheese flavored. Hmmm, it was actually pretty good. And it was great how they were presented. For after dinner, I ordered a delicious tea, which I actually looked into and ordered for here at home. I liked it so much that I needed to get it. I'm quite a tea fiend. It was the Bourbon Rouge. A red tea with a hint of vanilla. They also had a tour for us at the end of the meal, but we were tired and opted not to do that. We had already spend three hours there. I would highly recommend this place to anyone willing to indulge in a nice meal with a great view. The atmosphere of the whole restaurant is homey and inviting. Try it. And make sure to order the escargot.

Simon L.

Granted, this review is not for a normal dinner, but part of a wedding reception. The vegetarian food my wife and I were served was bland and almost inedible. I finished mine because I was really, really hungry, but my wife barely ate half. Everyone else was served nice looking portions of beef or salmon with sides of potatoes and veggies. My wife and I got a plate with a large mound of bland, gluey rice/pasta with a yellow tinge and a few diced red peppers on top with no sides. It was supposed to be saffron risotto. It was nasty. There was at least one other vegetarian at a different table that had the same experience. I understand that our food was more work, especially for a medium sized wedding, but vegetarian food shouldn't be that difficult to make something appetizing and tasteful. My review would probably have been two stars because the place was nice, the view was great, and the valet was super friendly and even remembered which car was ours, but my whiskey-sodas were weak, weak, weak.

Adrienne H.

Canlis is our family favorite. My parents took me to this beautiful place for the first time when I was 5 years old, and we have been returning for every major family occassion - and sometimes "just because" ever since! The atmosphere and ambiance is second to none! The food is remarkable as well as the service. This restaurant has been open for over 50 years, the owners, Chris and Alice Canlis, as well as their sons, are very involved in the Canlis restaurant, they take time out to get to know their guests and to make sure everyone has a wonderful experience dining at Canlis. To make a few recommendations... Try the Crab legs for an appetizer, the Canlis salad is a "must", and for a very special night, after dinner order a Grand Mariner Souffle' to taste with your Cafe' Diablo (which is prepared at your table). However, you really cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Trust me on this!! ALSO: Check out their newly redesigned website: canlis.com you can read about everyone involved in making Canlis what it is today.

Ole E.

I dined at Canlis last Tuesday night and had an absolutely wonderful time. Every aspect of my experience was excellent. The maitre'd kindly seated me at the table in the corner of the windows at the far end of the bar, maximizing my view of Lake Union. Erin was my waitress and did a magnificent job of serving and advising me through the wonderful meal. I began with the yellowtail appetizer, which was fantastic, and then tried the the salmon entrée, and the Mahi Mahi. Both were superb, indeed among the best I have ever experienced. The sommelier whose name I unfortunately cannot recall guided me to the 2004 Sea Smoke Botella Pinot Noir which was unbelievable, enhanced by beautiful Riedel glassware. I finished with the cheese plate which was also amazing (I am running out of superlatives now) accompanied by a glass of the 1977 Warre's - nothing else need be said about that! Indeed no part of my experience was less that wonderful. I spent four hours over dinner and could easily have spent another two :) Canlis came highly recommended, but even with high expectations I were pleasantly delighted. I anticipate my next business trip to Seattle with great interest so that I may visit again.

patricia r.

I have been going to Canis since i was a kid and it always a special place, lots of great memories. The service is the best, and the food is out of this world,. Cna't wait to go again.

Sarah B.

this might have been the best meal i've ever had. we got: canlis prawns app hawaiian prawns app (bc the first prawns were to die for) canlis salad ny steak filet mignon twiced baked potato wild mushrooms specialty teas trio of sorbet everything was perfect. we ate every bite of every dish. we went for my birthday and it was the perfect combo of romance, indulgence, and feeling like a fancy fancy princess. 5 big stars!! :D

ben h.

eghhh...i AGONIZED over whether this was 4 stars or 5 stars. really it is 4.5 stars. ok...i really had a good time at this place so i'll just take you through the evening... valet...complimentary valet parkin and i must say...it is quite impressive that the valets don't need to give you tickets for your car. they just remember your face and have your car ready for you when its time to leave. impressive indeed... decor...this is where the restaurant really fell down. i kno it has been a seattle bell weather for a long long time. guess what? IT SHOWS. the place felt like a split level 70's structure that the brady's would have held cindy's wedding reception at. the cheesy appointments are somewhat mitigated by a spectacular view of the seattle waterways... wine list...true to fine dining form. you really need to bring your traveling somelier to help decode the thing. oh...you might also want to bring the acct number for your swiss bank cuz the wine ain't cheap. there IS something for everyone though...which is nice. i hate places that are so snotty the wine prices start at $100+. i think i saw a few bottles on the list in the $30-40 range...so this list should be accessible to most folks. service...our server was extremely polite and friendly. she took wonderful care of us. didn't rush. made sure we had what we needed. food...and this is where it gets good. tho i must start off negatively. the prawn appetizer...was certainly good, but i didn't think it was anything incredible. 5 shrimp in some fancy butter...nothing to write home about. the blue cheese and pear salad was delicious. the kobe beef filet WAS INCREDIBLE. certainly one of the best steaks i have eaten this year. its served in a very minimal red wine reduction w/ tasty mushrooms. i also had a fois gras addition to round out the dish. if that isn't gluttony i don't know what it. last but not least...i had the cheese course for dessert. they served the cheese w/ nice pairings of crackers, honeycomb, and toasted almonds. i thought this was a nice touch. all in all a truly fantastic evening. if i could i would probably nock half a star off for the 70's era decor. you pay A LOT for this place. it shouldn't feel like when you are done you are going to go home to find out marsha didn't make the cheerleading squad and greg forgot to turn in his book report on the grapes of wrath. oh...and one last thing. jackets required. you don't have to dress up for many meals in seattle, but this is one of them.

Beth B.

An amazing dining experience -- the food, the service, the dining room, the view. All amazing. We heard about Canlis when trying to pick a few restaurants to try while we were in town. It is very expensive but we heard nothing but good things. Canlis salad - excellent. We decided to split it and they brought it out to our table already portioned on two plates. Salmon - wonderful, clean flavors. Dessert - I had what they called Chocolate Covered Chocolate. It was one of the best chocolate desserts I've ever had (and I've had many). The service was impeccable -- very attentive without being overwhelming. We sat and enjoyed our meal while watching the moon rise over the mountains. One of the most special dining experiences we've ever had.

Sarah L.

Here is my one sentence review: You're going to spend a lot of money, but you will probably have one of the best meals of your life. Not satisfied? Fine. I'll proceed. Canlis is, if not the best, but ONLY restaurant in Seattle where you will be taken care of. This is especially true once Rover's closes its doors (RIP Rovers, tear). If you weren't a swinggin' hipster in the 1960s area of fine dining experiences, Canlis will be able to provide that with you. White linens, over the top exceptional service, and steakhouse cuisine to match. I know the Seattle restaurant scene is much different from anything you would find in say New York , Los Angeles or Chicago, but I have a feeling if you drop Canlis is anyone of these cities, it would thrive and seek the top of the "Best Of" lists as it has done so here. Of everything I have tried here, there has never been anything poorly executed. So I cannot provide you with any reasonable recommendations for your meal. Let your food preferences and tastebuds guide your choices. So don't think, just go. Every Seattelite will have to experience Canlis at some point in their culinary adventures. Just do me a favor and request the pianist to play a Foo Fighters song. They'll do it!

Lee L.

This is the finest dining experience in Seattle. I have eaten everywhere nice from here to Bellevue and Canlis is simply the best fine dining. The waitstaff is impeccable, the view is wonderful, the food is complex and creative. Go for a splurge.

Annie W.

one of the top 3 meals of my life..and i've been to all the top restaurants in nyc (per se, daniel, le bernadin, emp, etc.). the food here is really really amazing.

Nina H.

I celebrated my 25th birthday here with my bf and it was one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had thus far. We ordered way too much but when you're at a once in a lifetime restaurant, what do you expect? Greed takes over... We started with some cocktails in the lounge area, I ordered the Halekulani and the bf got something with whisky, I can't remember the name but we decided that the Halekulani was the better choice. Right then and there, I gave extra points to Canlis for the Hawaiian connection. (Fun fact: Apparently, Peter Canlis used to stay at the Halekulani hotel when he visited Honolulu.) Anyway, back to the food, we tried the Canlis salad (lives up to the hype), scallops (not a huge fan), pork belly (A+), hamachi (melt in your mouth GREATNESS), and for our main entree, our server friend recommended the muscovy duck... and to this day, I still think about the lovely duck. I loved the experience because they had synchronized service!!! I'm quite easily amused so I really enjoyed it when the servers would come behind us and place the plate at the same time in opposite directions. Super cool... it's also really cool that the valet folks don't give you a slip, they just KNOW which car is yours. Love that professionalism. Service was spot on and we had an amazing view right by the window. I'm no wine connoisseur but the wine pairings that they recommended for us were spot on! Especially the Merlot with the duck and the whites with the salad. Our friend definitely made our evening amazing and memorable because he gave us a little tour of the restaurant after our meal too. I love restaurants with history and prestige and Canlis is definitely one of them.

Chelsea S.

I've only come to Canlis for their bar and their bar menu but I speak very highly of both. Canlis is a great iconic place to come dressed up, with a date, with friends, etc. take in the sights of Seattle and feel high class. My friends and I sat in the bar area where they had a pianist playing very nice and soothing classics and top 40s hits alike. We each had a different cocktail and mine was strong, delicious, and maybe the best drink I've had in Seattle yet. We tried their steak bites with broccoli puree, the salumi and salami plate, and their truffle fries. The steak bites were amazingly flavorful and both them and the fries were well priced for such a fine establishment. I would come back to enjoy a real meal here but I'd also come back for the bar alone.

Brian B.

Must try place in seattle!

ansel c.

Amazing! We went here for our engagement. I surprised her with the private room. They didn't say anything to her until we went into the private room. Then they congratulated us on the engagment. The food and service was amazing. Very very good. Hard to choose between this and capital gril. But both amazing.

Joa K.

BEAUTIFUL. And welcoming. It feels like I'm far away from home for some reason, but indeed it's in Seattle. In brief: The drinks are delicious and strong. The Canlis Prawns were perfect. SO PERFECT. Clean, tasty, simple. This place puts me in a bit of a daze. A nice comfortable daze....mmm.

Tu Uyen H.

Canlis is one of those places in Seattle that you take your significant to at least once. It's very posh and romantic. This food is superb. While you peruse through the menu they will offer you a little amuse bouche which was a nice change from just bread and butter (these were also provided by the way). The amuse bouche I had was some amazing soup! I don't know what was in it but it tasted like magic. I was off to a good start. My entrees were beautifully presented and was flavorful. Although it didn't knock my socks off I wasn't disappointed either. The highlight of the night for me was a private tour of the restaurant. I got the chance to go "backstage" to the kitchen, private rooms, etc... My favorite area was the kitchen. I felt so privileged and thankful I got to see the masters at work. This is somewhat random but I was extremely impressed with the valet service. We weren't given a ticket or something to identify our car by when we dropped it off. Yet when we exited, the valet driver knew exactly which car was ours and was also very speedy in delivering our car. Must be some sort of sorcery! Needless to say I will make more visits in the future.

Rob R.

I can't say enough about how great this place is for being the ultimate and dining experiences. They totally exceeded all of my expectations and made my special occasion one that I will always remember. Thank you so much for the amazing service as well as the world class food. They are truly the best at what they do. I highly recommend that any foodie take the time to make a reservation and and experience this place for themselves. Thank you so so much for making my anniversary dining experience there one that we will always remember. You guys are the best at what you do and we will definitely be back as well as refer you to others. As for the food well it's simply amazing. If I were ever to recommend a 5+ rating for anywhere this place would definitely take a 10!!! The food was perfect as well as the drinks. The service is unmatched and it simply can't be described other than just saying you have to do this for yourself. I'm honestly left speechless because this is the very pinnacle in dining.

Robert W.

We were in town for a couple days and wanted a true Seattle experience. I realize that there is a huge food scene with many up and coming places. But, from what I had read, Canlis is a local institution. Location was close to downtown and had a nice view of the river and East Seattle. The setting was clean, contemporary but still classic. Service was quite good, but our server wasn't as polished as I had hoped. I don't need formal service, but great wait staff is confident, knowledgeable while making you feel comfortable. I wanted to try the tasting menu, but really wanted the duck. So, we just picked 4 courses. The foie pate was delicious and the accompaniments balanced the richness nicely. The Canlis prawns were perfectly cooked and the sauce added a nice contrast. The Canlis salad... blah. Something that is supposed to be so great was such a let down. If you've tried a the Fleming's Salad... it's the same thing. The duck was fantastic.. crispy salty/sweet skin and meat at medium rare. Again, the sides on the plate balanced things nicely and the truffle fries are some of the best I've had. For dessert, we shared the suffle which was perfect too. I had a couple of their wines by the glass and it seemed their selection was quite extensive. They have valet and the guy knew which car I drove without having a tag (impressed.. because I'm sure it wasn't my rugged handsomeness). My other issue aside from the salad was the restaurant was quite warm. It was about 70 outside, they had the fire going inside, and could have turned up the AC a bit, or even cracked a window. Oh well.. not a big deal. Great meal, and glad we came. If we visited Seattle again, would I go back? Probably not. It met expectations, but there are so many other places to try.

Nick R.

One of the best restaurants in Seattle and certainly the best wine service. We had two sommeliers for five well-chosen bottles. (But sadly no Grange des Peres.) The best special occasion for a wino joint in Seattle, bar none. Good for closing deals and former Manhattanites, too. Pronounced Can Liss, not Can Lee.

Arisa C.

Great restaurant, with a gorgeous view. The service was perfect, they introduced every dishes and wine to you. I chose the chief special meal, it was $125 each person. There were 5 cup of wines for each dishes, for around $60 extra. It was absolutely worth it.

James L.

Where to begin... I decided to take the girlfriend somewhere for her birthday and I have been longing to go here for awhile now. The anticipation was gripping me, much like a sultry novel that you cannot just put down. We were greeted by the Valet in fine performance. The hostess welcomed us and they took our bottle of wine and gave it to the Sommelier. We took a seat in the lounge and was greeted and had a drink order placed. I enjoyed a well prepared Knob Creek Old Fashioned and she enjoyed the classic Halekulani cocktail; it was exquisite, sultry and dangerous, it does flirt on the edge of dangerous if you have too many. As expected, they were quite busy and our seating was delayed, but we were enjoying the pianist and was then promptly seated with a phenomenal window view. The gentleman who took care of us this evening was EXQUISITE and well refined. He offered us any guidance that we may have needed through our journey. An amuse bouche was delivered, a carrot soup with a delicate parsley oil in the center. Delightful!!! We decided on the Canlis Salad, a staple starter. Nicely and evenly prepared and distributed both with ingredients and dressing. WOW is all I can say. It is no wonder the Top Chef competitors blew it. Secondly, we enjoyed the contemporary Smoked Salmon. Two cleanly prepared pieces with a sheep's milk yogurt, lobster mousse and basil puree. It was accompanied by some nicely prepared yellow and blue potatoes. It seemed as if there was a small distribution of Hawaiian sea salt sprinkled across the plate. Nice touch. Entrees: Sadly the Muscovy Duck was pulled from the menu, but we were assured that for future visits to call in advance to check on its availability and possibly for the dry-aged preparation required for this special dish. She decided to enjoy the Halibut; it was truly a treat. I enjoyed the Rack of Lamb which was accompanied with a lamb croquette, parsnip puree and a nicely prepared pepper remoulade. We shared the sixty-year tradition Twice Baked Potato, so amazing. Shortly into our dinner, we were offered the opportunity to pre-order the Grand Marinier souffle since it takes about 30 minutes for preparation, no pressure or sales pitch, just a simple offer. Our wine glasses were never below the 1/3 mark, water glasses never less than half full. Dessert was amazing. So light and amazing. Our wine was delivered to our vehicle and the rest of the evening was so spectacular. I cant say enough.... I will be back

Thomas H.

As many fine people have commented over the years about the technical merits of Canlis' food, I feel compelled to write more of a personal observation about dining here. I've been to many of the finest restaurants in the world, from private clubs in London, Dallas, and Houston; the Palace in Brighton; to the many-splendored restaurants in cities like Paris, London, Budapest, Vienna, Geneva, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Dallas, and Hollywood; places like the Napa Valley, or the wonderful chateaus in Normandy, Bordeaux, and Provence -- but thinking back to my experiences, I return to Canlis for some unknown reason. Perhaps I'm very provincial in my tastes and not very educated about food. So be it. Dining, for me, is the people; the food and wine; the service and ambiance; the view -- the overall experience. That's why I'm compelled to return here. Canlis has been consistently one of the finest restaurants In my experience, and has the highest standards, best cuisine, and overall excellence in service that I've been to.

Amber P.

This is now my fourth time going to Canlis and there is a reason why I keep crawling back despite the price tag. This restaurant gives me the best dining experience. Of. My. Life. Friday night at 9:30 and the restaurant is still busier than ever. My boyfriend and I get seated at a corner table next to the window that has a sweeping view of South Lake Union and almost instantly we are greeted by our waitress who is exceptionally knowledgeable about the types of wine (the wine list is as thick as a bible), cocktails, spirits and everything else in between. After analyzing the menu, we decided to do a three course meal where my boyfriend selected the prawns to start then the filet mignon with a chocolate fondant to end. I chose the smoked salmon as a starter then the slowed cooked chicken with chocolate fondant to end as well. Throughout the night, we were greeted by multiple wait staff who seems like each employee has one job that entire night. There was one man apparently just there to serve bread to each table, another woman who's job is dedicated just to take your plates away when finished, there was a nice gentlemen who's sole task is to replenish your water and every so often, a member of the Canlis family just to make sure our dining experience is up to par. For the actual meal, the prawns were the best we've ever had. Cooked to absolute perfection and the sauce as an excellent compliment; not too much and not too little. Bonus that the prawns were shelled first too. As for my smoked salmon - for the price of $85 for a three course meal, I was at first little saddened to see how little of smoked salmon I got when my plate arrived however size is deceiving at Canlis. Even though I was only presented two pieces of smoked salmon the size of credit cards, the portions were mysteriously just enough. After eating both bits, I felt extremely satisfied and dare I say, slightly full already. The main dishes were the filet mignon and the chicken (that takes about an hour to cook) and both were fantastic. The chicken especially was delicious and incredibly soft. I never had chicken so tender and delicate but cooked all the way through. By this point, I was already starting to feel stuffed. Even in between our courses, other wait staff would present off-the-menu appetizers to us as the chef likes to experiment and offer his customers free tastings of smaller dishes to see how we would like it. By the time desert comes, I surprisingly wasn't able to finish it all (despite me LOVING anything chocolate as any woman would). When the moment came to pay the check, we were then given unlimited amount of macaroons to eat and take that were made exclusively at Canlis as a bonus treat. I only took one as I was about to explode. And in typical Canlis fashion, the moment me and my boyfriend stepped outside in the brisk Seattle winter air, the valet already had our car waiting, heated and ready for our departure. How the valet is able to determine our car among the 100 other customers is simply magic. Overall - yes, it is worth the price to go. Granted, save a trip to Canlis for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays and such to really appreciate their craft. How Canlis has been operating this long without a Michelin Star or even a Rosette is beyond me.

Liza Faye T.

Excellent View. Excellent Food. Excellent Staff. Excellent Service. Very Romantic. ;)

Steve L.

Awesome restaurant with an awesome view, impeccable service! Took my wife here for her birthday on a Friday night. We had the four course dinners. Wife had the sea bass while I had the duck all to myself. I finished it! Every dish was so good, the more we ate, the better it tasted! Mush try!!

Jenny N.

I found out about Canlis while doing research on Seattle and it was named one of the best splurges in Seattle. My boyfriend made our reservation for 9pm on a Saturday night, it was a little hard to get a reservation, it's pretty busy. We had to wait a bit for our table so we decided to sit at the bar and grab a drink while we waited for our table to be ready. We had some drinks with recommendations from the bartender and they were great! In the background, you have a pianist playing R&B songs, it was pretty interesting! It sounds nice and fancy then you realize he's actually playing "Gangster's Paradise"! Definitely added to the experience! Our host was really cool, it explained everything to us and instead of bread, gave us truffle fries and told us that it was the best ever, and he was right! I've had my fair share of truffle fries and these were the best I've had! They were perfectly crispy! What we had: Peter Canlis Prawns and they were amazing! I want to try to recreate it! It was such a simple dish but done so well. They were basically butter poached prawns! Foie Gras: My boyfriend and I are from California and foie gras is no longer available in restaurants and this was my first time trying it and it was delicious! The Canlis Salad: delicious! It was voted the best salad in Seattle. Wagyu: just amazingggggggggg! Cooked to perfection and it was amazing! Forest Mushrooms: super yummy side for our delicious wagyu! Twice Baked Potato: must have! Since we were celebrating our anniversary, they made us a special dessert with apple pie macarons! Definitely worth every penny that we spent and we would recommend this restaurant to everyone going to Seattle, everyone needs to have this experience!

Michael G.

Wonderful!!!!!

Theresa H.

We are destination Foodies. It was our first time in Seattle and we were looking forward to this experience as we read so many glowing reviews on Yelp. The goods: - We had a window view and it was spectacular. - 4 courses and they were delicious. Erika had the sommelier pairing as well. We loved the Canlis prawns, steak tartare, Muscovy duck and the soufflé. - The chocolate bars as gifts at the end was rather thoughtful. Things which can be improved upon: - Erika's first course was the pork cheek. It was paired with a red wine which we didn't care to remember. Not to offend the sommelier, but in our opinion it was not very well paired at all. Erika and I both tried it after taking a bite of the pork cheek and it left an unpleasant sour finish. We had no desire to take another sip. We pushed the wine to the edge of the table and expressed to our servers that we did not like it. They did not once asked if we would like to try a different wine. We would have appreciated it especially paying $125 for 4 glasses ($31.25 per tasting pour). When we dined at Gary Danko, the sommelier would always asked how we liked the last pairing before pouring the next wine. I understand that not everyone has the same appreciation for wine, but please do take a notice if your customer barely drank the wine... Offer a replacement OR take it off the bill. That would have made your service impeccable. - Lastly, Erika did not get a candle on her soufflé when I specifically told the person who took my reservation that it was to celebrate her birthday. So please, be mindful of your customers' requests because a little thing like a candle does make them feel special. I do appreciated the gorgeous view as requested.

Sarah M.

I consider myself a foodie. I chose this restaurant for a special occasion. I booked a month in advance and alerted the hostess that only one of our party would be getting the tasting menu. She said she would clear it with the chef and get back to me the next day. I didn't hear back from her, but when I called to confirm my reservation I checked in about that and they said it was not usually done, but fine - with a decidedly lesser enthusiasm than they expressed when I booked the reservation. Now, in hindsight, considering the hassle it was for my dining companions (long waits, confusing order of things), we won't be doing this again. Working backwards from the end of the meal to the beginning: The main thing to note here is that I couldn't finish the very expensive tasting menu or the wine flights. Part of it is my own "eyes bigger than stomach" aspect of ordering. But, I would also put some of the responsibility on the waitress and chef - I'll explain. When our waitress told us about the special salad, (a derivation of a caesar with more ingredients - note to self - a caesar does not need more ingredients), we all were sold. We wanted one to share for the whole table. A mistake for me, having ordered seven courses already. She should have alerted me to that. The other reason I couldn't eat all the courses was due to the menu itself. They were ALL starchy vegetables. 1. pea soup (the best course) 2. beets 3. carrots 4. cauliflower (by this time I was stuffed and could not finish) 5. strawberries - (never got to this) 6. dessert (had to take it to go). I forgot what #7 was. Anyway, there was not the finesse of diversity of ingredients that I expected from the vegetarian tasting menu. I have ordered such from Fleur de Lys in San Francisco and it was the best thing in the world. The wines were lackluster. Many glasses sat half drank on my place setting. I take a bit of the responsibility of being mentally "cloudy" before we sat down at our table, which had a great view btw. We had arrived an hour early and sat in their lounge which was very comfortable. I ordered a Lillet aperitif. It was tiny. We had more time. I ordered a double after that. Oops. Had I been more mentally clear, I may have given more consideration to the items on the tasting menu. I get seduced by chef's tasting menus. Back to the beginning of our evening: There was this unfortunate event that could have been avoided, and I hope whoever is reading this review from management takes note. When we arrived, the friendly valet's took care of our car. I left something in the car and when I went to retrieve it, I walked right into the glass wall flanking the front door which was also glass. I smacked my face (forehead and nose) right into the glass. I was hurt. Nobody was around, and when a valet appeared, I mentioned it and he seemed flustered and offered me some ice. I declined, but sat on the bench in pain until I could get up to find my party in the lounge. When I did and told my husband what happened, he said that the hostess asked HIM! if I was all right. Nobody except the young valet ever came to me personally to ask if I was all right. Odd. Liability issue?? Anyways, CANLIS, YOU REALLY NEED TO PUT A DECAL ON THAT GLASS SO THAT PEOPLE DON'T WALK INTO IT. The valet casually mentioned that they used to have a decal there and then removed it. Crazy.

Yee Gan O.

I've been lucky to have visited Seattle a few times and dined at most of the fine dining establishments in town. In a way, Canlis is the grand-daddy of fine dining places in town but the rather traditional menu had never piqued my tastebuds' interest enough to make a visit. However, when I checked out the restaurant's website before my last trip, the pictures suggested that the plating and presentation may reflect a more modern approach to the food than I had given them credit for. Michelin doesn't publish a city guide for Seattle but my evening can be summed up by saying that my visit gave the impression of them straining so very hard to please me as if I was an inspector After negotiating the rather scary 99 to get there (read their instructions on the website very carefully!), the valets parked my car with the promise that they would remember me at the end of the evening, which was a nice touch I was immediately impressed with the view of Lake Union out of the large bay windows. Together with the copious use of wood and stone throughout the building, they're definitely aiming for a high end fine dining traditional experience. The live piano was a nice touch. Listening to the conversations around me, I could immediately see the problem the kitchen could face. Canlis has been in the same family since it opened in the 1950s and some of the guests have been coming here since they opened. They would expect some of their favourite dishes on the menu and it could be hard to satisfy these loyal patrons as well as younger diners more used to modern preparation techniques and lighter sauces Service was very efficient, down to them ironing the tablecloths when tables were turned over. I have to congratulate them on wanting so earnestly to please (my server got my menu signed by 4 people when I asked if I could have it signed) but perhaps if they relaxed a little, that high level of tension won't be translated to the guests. A previous reviewer made the comment that it felt like being in a military academy and that perhaps sums up the atmosphere best I went with the tasting menu as follows 1. Tomato Bisque with Gruyere Beignet Expecting a refreshing palate cleanser, I was quite disappointed with the salty bisque 2. Young Beets, Sheep's Milk Yoghurt Sherbet, Pumpernickel & Blueberries Beautifully presented, this was a lovely dish 3. Smoke-cured Salmon, Bliss Maple Syrup, Steelhead Roe & Caraway Seed This was again another dish which was too salty for me 4. Seared Diver Scallop, Gnudi, Prawns, Preserved Lemon & Tapioca Nice seafood, lots of soft textures which could perhaps have done with some crunch 5. Pork Loin, Warmed Lettuce, Lobster Mushroom & Nasturtium Technically well cooked but again lacking that special dimension. Pork is a tricky meat as it isn't as distinctive in flavour as other meats and needs something to make it sing 6. Pineapple, White Chocolate, Passion Fruit & Coconut Nice palate cleanser before dessert 7. Creme Fraiche Custard, Oatmeal Streusel, Granny Smith Apple Sorbet & Spiced Cider A lovely combination of complementary flavours Overall, the food was a slight disappointment in terms of flavour, which didn't live up to the presentation. However, I am judging Canlis by the highest standard of Michelin class dining which it is quite clearly striving for. I may not be their target diner but my advice would be to lighten up a little in more ways than one, make the diner feel relaxed in the great venue that you have and take a chance on the food. It just needs that little extra twist to bring it truly alive!

Mark Y.

About as good as it gets in Seattle. I've been here 3 times in the last 2 years. Each time the service is impeccable, the food is well prepared. The tasting menu has a couple of starts, a lot of great dishes and maybe a couple of misses.. not bad really since even the best tasting menus will have misses as not everyone's taste aligns. The ala-carte menu is also excellent. the ingredients used seem very fresh. Of course it's not cheap.. but for seattle this is considered fine dining so certainly not going to be underpriced. Jacket policy for men. kinda east coastish, but i don't mind.. you clearly don't come here for a casual lunch after a pickup basketball game.. you come here for some occasion (big or small), so dressing up a bit is not a concern for me.

Jennifer N.

I had an amazing dining experience at Canlis. The service is impeccable. The Canlis Salad is outstanding. You must get it. What a treat to eat at this restaurant.

Jackelin T.

After dining here all my sister can ever talk about is how great the service was and the over-indulgent desserts of course. Canlis, what have you done to us? Now we, mostly my annoying sister, are comparing every fine dining restaurant to your level of excellence. This is making it difficult to allow any room for competition. With that being said, when we reflect on our recent dining experience with Canlis, I can only remember the overwhelming service and creative concoctions with some miss or hit dishes. I still have the pumpkin-bourbon chocolate bar which I probably won't eat but nice touch. Ending the dinner with some macaroons was genius. I'm not a fan of pretentiousness so next time I'm gonna bring the casual chic and stuff out the ridiculous suits! And it would be nice if they could add durian soufflé to the menu for diversity and culture. P.S. don't let the server poke a hole into your fluffy soufflé and take the joy of that special moment between you and the soufflé. I forgive that person....

Jj C.

The food take a little too long but that is ok, enjoy the view anyway. Service is the best of the best. thank you

Stephanie I.

Impecable service and food! Amazing view! Fantastic wine list! I mean, you cannot ask for anything more from a restaurant...and having it in Seattle is a bonus.

Hanna K.

Came here for our anniversary dinner and both ordered the 7-Course Chef's Menu. It was....OK? I understand that at these establishments, flavor and art are factored in and such but all my plates were served at unappetizing temperatures. The soup was lukewarm and everything seemed to have been prepared ahead of time. Obviously, the ambience and waitstaff are very attentive with excellent service. But beyond that, the food was very disappointing and not appetizing.

Joy H.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS!! Ok, so I went for a business meeting so I don't know about the regular service there, but the service was sooooo bad for a fine-dining restaurant when I went! We had the meeting room all to ourselves and the waiters were coming around with hor d'oevures - shrimp (covered in buttery goodness), quiche, and possibly some other tidbits. However, the servers only walked up and down the middle of the room instead of mingling around trying to get to everyone! We were only lucky enough to try the shrimp which was amazing, but unfortunate to be sitting down at the table and away from the middle of the room. We tried to make eye contact with the servers and flag them down but they were never looking our way. The room was crowded, so it would've been awkward to have to get up each time we wanted to sample an appetizer and make those around us get up too! I finally asked one of the servers (once they got close enough) to see if they were any more apps - she said she'd go and check but never came back! I then had to ask ANOTHER server who told me they were all out. I noticed all around that water and wine glasses were oftentimes empty and I had to ask several times to get a refill on my lemonade as well. The service between the apps and salads were really slow . . . and again slow between the salads and the entrees. They even had a "bread" course where they went around serving bread too! Which added to the slowness of the service - it would have been much more efficient to have the bread on the table - after they served the bread, they then came around with the butter, which by that time we had already finished the bread because we were soo hungry! Overall the food is amazing (portions are small), the view is spectacular, and the ambience of the restaurant just oozes luxury (valet only parking). However, the service was one of the worst that I've experience and I don't normally care about the service! I felt like I had to ask for everything and it just made dining so frustrating to me that I could barely concentrate on the meeting on hand! I understand that service may be different depending on the situation (ie business meeting vs dinner for two) - but for a top of the line restaurant like Canlis, they should be able to deliver no matter what the circumstances!

Liana R.

Andrew the server is amazing! The chocolate souffle is great! That was my QuickTip. This is my LongTip. Dear Canlis, Not only do you have an amazing view of the water, the sailboat races and seaplane landings on Lake Union, you also have stellar service, exquisite cocktails and fantastic small plates. You make everyone feel welcome, regardless of their socioeconomic status or lack of ordering prowess at an upscale restaurant. You know exactly when we are walking out the door and make sure our cars are awaiting our arrival. You know just the amount of foliage to put on my male companion's drink to make him feel fancy, yet still masculine. You have an amazing history, a fabulous staff, an amazing chef and immaculate restrooms *which smell great, courtesy of Antica diffusers on the sinks!* Point=I heart you. xxo, Liana PS. I can't wait to come back PPS. Andrew, can you be our server again?

Monica T.

This place is completely overpriced. I've had my fair share of steaks and this place gives half the serving I normally get at other upscale restaurants (lawrys, Ruth Chris, Houston's)

Shannon C.

Let me start by saying I have lived in the Seattle area for 40 years. In that time I've eaten at a lot of good (and expensive) restaurants both in Seattle and the Eastside, where I now live. Had always wanted to try Canlis, but just hadn't made it there. Finally we decide to go there for our anniversary, and what a huge disappointment. My husband had made reservations for 5:15p and had told them what we were celebrating. We arrived on time from the Eastside despite horrible Seahawks traffic. We pull in to park, and are told our car MUST be valet parked, even though the parking lot is small, empty, and right there. Ok, whatever. We entered the restaurant and immediately are overwhelmed by the old, musty smell (like your grandma's attic). The decor is a dark gray (bad color for Seattle), and very blah inside. Not what we were expecting, but we came here for the legendary food, service and view. Unfortunately we got none of those! When we were seated at a table that had a weird sideways view (we were literally sitting next to each other, not across), and that is not very romantic to be bumping elbows and constantly turning sideways to talk. Plus my head blocked my husband's view. When we asked to be moved to another table, (nicely) we were actually moved to a back table with virtually no view, even though the restaurant was practically empty at that time. Our waitress was terrible, with a fake-nice attitude that you could see right through. In fact, the majority of the staff had the same snotty attitude, as if they resented the fact that you could afford to dine there, but they can only work there. We tried to be nice, but after the table we were given, we refused to spend any more than necessary. This is hard to do, as everything is way overpriced for what you get. The beef is not even hormone free, or grass-fed as you would expect for the $$$$ (We asked the waitress, but since she never came back with the answer, I'm assuming not). I've had better filet at Jaks for half the price, and it is hormone free. When we left, they didn't even bother to ask how everything was, nor thank us for coming. In a nutshell, this place is an overrated, has-been who is still trading on the name they made decades ago.

Sarah R.

I wanted my boyfriend's birthday to be extra special, so I decided to make a reservation at Canlis. I've heard so much about their view and food and thought this was a great time to check the place out. I reserved our table through Open Table and requested a window view. I love how hassle free that was to do so and Canlis did a great job accommodating my request and providing such a wonderful and perfect experience for us. I have to emphasize the word perfect! Canlis has a very classy, fancy atmosphere and very romantic. Service hands down was excellent throughout the entire evening - from the time we got there, valet was available, until the time we left, the hostess happily took a photo for us by the fireplace despite the restaurant ready to close. To start they gave us a soup like amuse-bouche that was very creamy and savory, it was nice and warm, good to start given it was a chilly November evening. We both ordered FILET MIGNON and was very pleased, cooked exactly how we liked it. Since we were celebrating a birthday, they gave us truffles for dessert! That was very nice! The truffles were rich and delicious too. I'll definitely come back again.

Melissa D.

It was a tough call, four or five stars. Four of us dined here last night and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We all did the tasting menu--three had the regular tasting menu with wine pairings, and I did the vegetarian tasting menu. (If someone offers a vegetarian tasting menu, I have to try it!) First, the lounge, and the cocktails. These are no ordinary cocktails (and at $20 apiece, they shouldn't be)--but I didn't regret ordering mine one bit. It was truly delicious, and generous. The piano player was excellent, and we arrived right as the sun was beginning to set, so the views and ambiance were likewise lovely. Also really appreciated the complimentary valet after fighting through rush hour. We were ushered to our window table as soon as our companions arrived. Terrific view. Then began a briskly paced but still relaxing tasting experience. I thought the pacing was excellent. We never felt rushed, but also didn't have to sit there forever. The wine pairings were mostly successful, and all interesting (or so reported my companions). The service was very nice. As for the food, everyone was well-pleased by the chef's tasting menu. The plating was spectacular--some of the prettiest plates I've ever seen, and that includes the French Laundry. They particularly loved the cured scallop and sake course, and we all loved the amuse course that started off the meal. The vegetarian tasting menu was very enjoyable, and not too much food. I left pleasantly sated, but not stuffed. I especially loved the butternut squash course (which had fried sage and brown butter sabayon--decadent!) and the strawberry ice cream wrapped in a crispy lime meringue. My only complaint is that the chef here REALLY likes tart flavors. This is from someone who loooooves tart food and wine. Lemons are my favorite fruit. And even for me, this was tart. Every course had something pickled in it, and some had more than one kind of pickle, so that by the 4th course, my palate was quite weary of vinegar. I couldn't eat the ramp sauce on the ravioli because I just couldn't handle any more vinegar. (I'm sure it would have been delicious on its own.) The dessert courses were lovely, but would have been nicer if we had been offered coffee. Sadly, not to be! Overall, though, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience and will return.

Sarah H.

My experience at Canlis was phenomenal. The staff at Canlis should get their own review alone due to their wonderful service. The staff knew right away this was my second time coming and were quick to let me know that I was officially a regular now even after six months. Also, the staff knew the dishes down to a tee even when I ordered the Chefs Special with wine pairings. The wine server was very knowledgable about each wine and made it feel like I was drinking nectar of the gods. My favorite dish was an extra dessert not on the chefs special, but included in canlis' a la carte, it was a fruit tart with white balsamic shaved ice with wild berries. A large round crisp bottomed with a vanilla custard. Simply refreshing and delicious. The texture with the crisp was superb since it provider an added texture to the dish. All of the food down to the complimentary sourdough fennel bread was always at a great warm temperature. My least liked dish was a cold soup made with escarole, olives and anchovies. For me personally, I am not a huge fan of the strong flavor of olives. My favorite main dish was fluke with strawberries, pickled green strawberries, nori and fresh wasabi. Adding such a sweet flavor such as strawberry may seem not appealing, but it definitely completed the fluke perfectly. The overall ambiance of Canlis and the people around was definitely a older crowd of people. The view from my table was gorgeous looking right out onto the water. As the night got darker, the twinkling lights of electricity projected a view of millions of stars. People seemed to be enjoying their time at Canlis. I would definitely recommend this restaurant as one of the best fine dining restaurants on Seattle.

Kevin M.

What can I say that hasn't been said? this is a late review. I came here for my 24th birthday and ordered a steak, can't remember the exact steak I ordered, but frankly it wasn't the best steak I've had, but it was definitely above average. My steak wasn't too expensive either. Trust me, I've had steaks that almost cost twice as much, and did not taste very good. but what was expensive was a 15$ beer I ordered which is probably the most expensive beer I've paid for. but then again, I think it may have been a cider beer, so it's not your typical beer. The view and ambiance was amazing. Canlis is definitely a place for a romantic dinner or may play a good role for a night of romance. The interior is pretty spacious and the decor is modern along with the furniture. They also have a lovely pianist that play on some weeknights (I think) and weekends. The service lived up to its hype. We were well taken care of and treated like everyone else. Some of these more classy or upscale places may let stereotypes influence the quality of their services; I say this because my girlfriend and are part of "the younger crowd" and sometimes, for whatever reason, may reflect slightly on service. Overall, I'll definitely be back during a more casual occasion, most likely for a evening of romance. This place can serve your date or spouse as a great aphrodisiac, folks! Whatever it takes to rekindle that romance again, enjoy and I hope you have a wonderful evening!

Ann N.

I had dinner with my husband here a while ago and I must say that it has got to be the best dinner yet. We both had the chef's tasting menu and it was divine. Every time a dish came out, my husband and I just looked at each other with an exciting stare. It was that exciting. The service was spot on. I don't remember a time where there was a crumb on our table; and my husband is a messy eater. Our waters and drinks were always filled. The staff are so friendly and not uptight at all. My only minor complaint - (this is sort of our fault) was that, our car locks automatically by itself and the parking staff didn't know that so they left the keys in the car and we were locked out for at least 45 minutes. They had to call someone to come and jimmy the door. While we were waiting, however, drinks were on the house. So, it wasn't so bad. Overall, Canlis is a must try experience.

Will C.

This place is no joke and the reputation of being one (if not THE) best restaurant in Seattle is much deserved. While I may have had better individual dishes at other places, the overall combination of food, atmosphere and service make it a memorable place to have an incredible experience. Is it pricey? Yes, but you already know that. Is it worth it? You bet.

Yukio W.

Service was phenomenal, ambiance was beautiful and the view was spectacular! So why only 4 stars.... The food wasn't the superstar. We had: Steak tartare: just ok, nothing special Hamachi: better than the steak tartare. Foie: was delish! I love foie! And I normally have it paired with pears, the pineapple was amazing with it!!! Filet mignon: tasteless and honestly, waste of stomach space! Lamb: one word.... YUM! Dessert: Soufflé: maybe since I had to order it in advance, I had my hopes up too high... It wasn't great as I was expecting (bland in flavor, not too sweet). (Gary danko in SF had an ah-mazing soufflé and maybe I was comparing it?!) Chocolate fondant: a little too sweet for me, but bf loved it so much he commented "that was the best dish of the night"...... Maybe we ordered the wrong things... But IMO, the whole experience should've been fabulous!

Jun W.

Amazing experience! One of the few places in Seattle where you feel appropriately dressed in your fancy pants or dress :). The waitstaff were amazing and the service was nearly impeccable. server was extremely knowledgeable of all the menu items. Our meal was very decadent and I barely had room to fit in dessert but I did manage to carve out some space. the meal was memorable and would be back for another treat. Prawns - excellent, perfectly cooked, freshly sweet, & luxuriously dressed in a velvet sauce pork belly - succulent morsel of gluttony! it just melts! Muscovy duck - beautifully prepared and dressed. tender and flavorful. dessert - sorbets were a bit too sweet

Ming Z.

One of the best restaurants that we have ever been to. Great view, great service. Definitely a 1 star, maybe a 2 star Michelin restaurant.

Alyson N.

Amazing! I cannot say enough about Canlis. It was by far the best service we have ever had. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary there and multiple people wished us a happy anniversary. We waited a few minutes for a good table and the hostess checked in on us multiple times to just make sure we were okay. The food is good and the price is expensive. Now, I've eaten at expensive places before...but this was pretty intense. We spent $450 for 2 people. You cannot eat here for under $200 (for 2 ppl). But it is one of those places you have to go to at least once, especially if you live in Seattle. The food was really good, I had the salmon and my husband had the lamb. Both were delicious and well prepared! I cannot say enough about the entertainment. A UW grad student was playing the piano and kept surprising us with the songs he could make sound so formal. Get Lucky by Daft Punk and Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio for example. He definitely kept us entertained during dinner! Canlis, as other reviewers have said, is one-of-a-kind. Go, enjoy the view, get pampered by the staff, and don't think about how much it is costing!

L T.

Had dinner here for a special occasion. Food was reasonably price for the quality. Service was superb. Actually have a buddy working as a Sous Chef here now so definitely will return.

Shelly C.

I have been hearing a lot of good comment about Canlis and I had been finding excuse to come for a dinner celebration before I wanted my first night dining experience with Canlis to be special. Finally, we came here to celebrate the first day of my new job that I had been dreaming about. First off, valet parking and it is complimentary. I already felt like we were the king and queen who has people to take care of everything we needed. We came in the restaurant a little earlier so we sat in the bar area before our table was ready. Drinks were tasty but the price of their fancy cocktail would be just as much as a regular full meal price if you eat in a local restaurant - $18. Pianist was playing life music and everyone was being very nice to us. We were served at a table by the window and we get to see the full water view. Awesome!!! I ordered the lobster and my husband ordered their steak. Well.. good food but nothing really impressive. Plus, with this price range of dish, I was pretty sure that I have been better. Don't get me wrong, they still have good food. But just with their price range, I think I should ask for some heavenly taste. I am just being conservative to give them a 4 stars review. Customer Service: 5 Stars Atmosphere: 5 Stars Food: 4 Stars My overall comment to Canlis: The restaurant is so pretty because money gets its way to make things prettier. However, it is just like another 5 stars restaurant that did not attract me with any unique character of the restaurant. I felt like this restaurant is just meeting check point to become a fine dining restaurant. View - checked! Customer service check! Fancy fireplace - checked! Other than that, it is really just a fine dinning place that I don't miss the taste of their food.

Emma F.

As is hinted, Canlis is far from "financially conservative". However, it was satisfying in terms of food, the salad was decent, although I wasn't overwhelmed, but the filet mignon and chocolate fondant were fantastic. Also, you get a "gifts"- a seemingly pricy (and delicious) chocolate bar, and mini macarons.

Holly M.

Hmmmm. This is gonna be a tough one.... I wanted to like Canlis. I really did. And in some ways; Canlis as a Seattle institution did pull through as expected (food service was excellent.) But in some *crucial* service areas; it was a FAIL. Here is my story. I have lived in the SEA area for over 20 years now. Have been hearing about Canlis for at least that amount of time. But as a Capital Hill/Madison Park/Downtown kinda girl...well...I never made it that far out. But, ya know; I had made the decision to ask my GF to marry me. So..ya, know, I wanted it to be cool. And special. And somewhere that would be memorable. And Formal. Etc. You, know, so she would have to say, "yes". Everything I had heard about Canlis would seem to meet the bill. So I called and made reservations. The reservations I made were for Wednesday 7/17. When I called;I had already visited the website; and noted that there was a private dining option called the Cache. The hostess that made the reservation gushed about that space as a great option; it costs an additional $150 on top of dinner to reserve that space. No problem. So...I reserved that space. It can seat 2-4 people; and I had asked my adult daughter and a BFF to join us for the festivities. When I made the reservations; I *emphasized* that this was an engagement dinner; and that it was a SECRET from the bride to be; and TO KEEP IT ON THE DL. Hostess lady said "of course; I will make a note of it". When I asked about flowers; she suggested Flerish (Great service from them; see separate review). A few days before the reservation; I called and again, *emphasized* that this was a SURPRISE; and a SECRET from the bride to be. Once again; I was told that was noted and that element of surprise would be respected. The afternoon of the reservation; I got a call from one of the hostesses. She asked me about flowers (which it turned out, were already there); "But she wasn't sure; I guess I haven't talked to the other day hostess". She seemed confused about the details of my reservation; and when I used this as yet ANOTHER opportunity to EMPHASIZE that this was a SECRET from the bride to be; she said she knew nothing about it but would make a note of it. So we arrived. When I made my reservation; I had also said we would enjoy a beverage in the bar prior to our seating. The hostess there at 7P knew nothing about it; and seemed flustered about that request. She told us that we could sit at any glass table at the bar; but just let us find our way there; she did not seat us. So; sit at one of the glass topped tables tables we did. Apparently the only one that was reserved in the whole place. With many empty tables at that moment. So...they made us move to another table in the bar... Really? After about 5"; the waiter came over and took our beverage order. And then we waited. And waited. As I was the host; I took the chair with my back to the water view. My view was the bartender. Who I watched "chit chat" with staff and a woman at the bar for 10-15" minutes. He did not make our drinks. He socialized. At this point I am starting to get pissed. Finally; we received our drinks. They were delicious; a perfect Dirty for me. But the delay and poor service did not make that an equal trade... The bar started to fill. Randomly; the hostess offered to come seat us. My first guess is that they wanted our bar table; as I had made it completely clear to her that I would come find her when we were ready to be seated. So...we finished our drinks and then went to be seated. The Cache was a lovely room. It has a luxury tree house feel. HOWEVER...to get there the hostess walked us through a back service area. It was like if Costco and a banquet had a bastard child; and it *totally* subtracted from the luxury experience of having the Cache. It was literally right next to the banquet kitchen; boxes of foodstuffs along the wall. WTF?? And; they kept walking that way; later when we had to use the restroom, etc. There was an alternate way through the restaurant; my daughter went that way once when the "service entrance" (because that was what we started to jokingly call it); was blocked with wait staff. She said "It was much better; not so ghetto". So, Canlis, why did you keep us walking through the back service stairway? After being seated; the Waitress came and greeted us. The first thing out of her mouth was "I hear this is a special night. Congratulations!" And all I can think is YOU ARE KIDDING ME!!! All of the hard work I have done around keeping this a secret; all the phone calls; secret ring shopping; and it is blown just like that? To say that I was furious doesn't even begin to come close. I don't hold her responsible though; she was lovely; great service; very apologetic after the fact. Obviously no one told her. But a total Reservation, Bar; and hostess staff FAIL. Do you want to put *your* special event at risk? Total bill $1250+ for 4?

Dave L.

Few places where you can say grade A restaurant. March of 2014: Recommend the hamachi or the tartar for the first, the hen egg for second, for the third: the wagyu New York, and finally get the soufflé. Tips: -Get there 1/2 hour early, sit in the bar. Sit close to the stairs, not near the piano -great, obscure gin and bourbon selections in the back of the cocktail menu -If you like sweet drinks, order the grape knee hi cocktail, it's an old specialty cocktail that has dropped off the menu but they'll make it for you if you ask -Another good cocktail: the coup de cafard (gin, marnier, cognac....tastes more mild than you'd think, doesn't taste gin like). -Make sure to order the soufflé early, it takes time, so do some other dishes, particularly the chicken the time we went. That soufflé wins above all the desserts (my friend got it, I wish I had too) -Order the wagyu New York but order it rare because that particular cut when cooked medium rare can get oddly dry and dark -If you see a table that you want to sit in next time, tell them, and they will make a note in your reservation -Don't skimp, it's expensive, you're there, enjoy the moment

Jeannine B.

Go for the ambiance and the view. They are the stars of this experience, and much better food can be had elsewhere. They had a very fine wine list, but unfortunately the food was underwhelming. We started with the scallops which were good, the steak tartare which was under seasoned, and the salad which was adequate but in no way special. They were out of the duck, but my husband enjoyed his perfectly cooked sea bass and I was disappointed by the pork, both in presentation and flavor. The truffle fries were the best part of the meal, however nothing exceptional. The dessert souffle was just ok, and the chocolate fondant wasn't worth eating. The service provided felt like actors working off a script, with no particular warmth or additional knowledge of the food beyond the basic requirements. She saw that I did not eat more than one bite of my appetizer or main course but this went unremarked upon. Maybe the place has gone down a notch, or possibly the food has never lived up to the unbeatable location. I would recommend to go just once, and for expense account dinners only if possible.

Michelle L.

Canlis is by far the fanciest restaurant i've dined at. i don't really fancy fancy restaurants...but Canlis was a great experience! I've been there twice, once for a past anniversary and one for my birthday. we were treated like royalty...ok not like royalty...but very well. although we knew the staff personally, i knew that the entire staff treated every customer just as great. we just got some extra perks if you know what i mean :-P I enjoyed all of the food. in particular, the crab cake and the halibut. the peanut butter dessert was great as well. and i love that they give you some house made macarons and some chocolate at the end of your meal. you would have never thought, but canlis is where i began loving macarons! the Canlis family has gone above and beyond to have one of the best restaurants in Seattle and you can definitely see that by just one dining experience at their restaurant.

Katelyn B.

My husband and I went to Canlis for our first new year's eve in Seattle, and it was truly the best dining experience of my life. The set menu was six dishes - not including a small tasting that came out first. We also did the wine pairing, which was well balanced and wonderful. My favorite dish was the beef tenderloin! I just drooled typing about it. The potato leek soup and crab with caviar were also delicious. There were three desserts and each was not too sweet and a bit different. I thought I hated panna cotta - but Canlis' white chocolate and passion fruit one made me a believer. Service was, of course, over-the-top and fabulous. My mind is blown that anyone could ever give this place less than five stars. We're saving up now to make new year's eve at Canlis a tradition!

Glenn S.

So i came here for my birthday and wasn't impressed as i thought it would be with all the hype. We made reservations with a window view but didn't get it and later for the quantity for the cost of food I would say it was alright. Staff was very kind and helpful. Just didn't think it was all that.

Edrik L.

worth to try! the price of the food is worth the quality of the food. try the truffle fries as well

Aaron S.

Canlis is my benchmark for what the perfect dining experience should be. The staff (servers, sommelier, barista) are extremely knowledgable and friendly...I now frequent Milstead coffee in Fremont a few times a week because of the recommendation from the barista. The poached prawns are the tastiest and most tender I have ever had. The Kobe Beef is worth every penny! I joked with my wife that Canlis was our new date night spot. Unfortunately, we'd soon run out of money, if that were the case. However, we look forward to coming back soon!

Nathan T.

Wow, what a change since my last visit years ago. The service is on par with Michelin starred restaurants while still feeling personal and warm. Nice touches like knowing your name on arrival, and keeping track of jackets and cars without tickets are appreciated. The food displays mastery of the standard French approach to high-end cuisine, and everything we had was delicious (full disclosure, I have only dined at two Michelin three-stars, a handful of twos, about a dozen ones, and several that haven't been starred but should be). There are still a couple of holdover dishes from earlier times on the menu, but otherwise it has really reformed. The Burgundy cellar is incredible- absolutely world class, but the prices are eye-watering. Bordeaux is pretty deep, still the best in town, but not as mind-blowing as the Burgundy. We took a 1989 Pichon Baron with us and the sommelier happily opened it (for $10/person) and discussed it with me. They have some interesting scotch, but they aren't keeping up with Canon on Capital Hill (but who can). Oh yeah, and they have a great view.

Rachael M.

My fiance and I came to Canlis to celebrate our engagement. The level of service we received and the quality and beauty of the food were both incredibly impressive. We had a great table where we both faced the windows with their impressive and expansive views of Lake Union and Seattle, seeing all the way to the Cascade mountains. We both had the chef's tasting menu and shared a bottle of pinot noir. As expected, our total bill was around $400, but we knew this going in. Our pinot noir was $60, one of the less expensive wines on the menu, but still excellent. The meal started with three amuse bouche - a foie gras tart, a salmon mousse, and an egg yolk that was still soft in the middle. All three were very flavorful and the egg yolk in particular was an amazing display of food science. The tasting menu started with a corn soup with incredible flavor and texture. Next we had a heirloom tomato salad with buffalo mozzarella - the heirloom tomatoes were made into terrines and were beautiful. I'm not a fan of tomatoes but still thought this dish was good - the sauce and the buffalo mozzarella were incredible. Next we had a dish with aged scallops. This was the best scallop I have ever had. The flavors on this dish were very fresh and fun. After this, we had dorade, a white fish, with graham cracker crumbs, eggplant, and figs. The graham cracker was surprisingly good with the fish. Our next course was pork loin. The pork itself was nothing special, but it came with an apricot puree, a grilled apricot, and an apricot chutney. All three were delicious and really brought the pork to the next level. Lastly, we had two dessert courses - one featuring strawberries with strawberry ice cream in meringue and strawberry ice and the other featuring an apple tarte tatin and apple sorbet. The desserts were where Canlis really shined. Both desserts were incredible and I'm not a big sweets person! And the service was phenomenal. Everyone we interacted with knew and congratulated us on our recent engagement. The staff made friendly conversation and checked in on us regularly without being intrusive. It really brought the experience to the next level.

Karen L.

I loved the experience here so much, I'm willing to give Canlis 5 stars! And I'd rarely rate a place with 5 stars. Everything was wonderful: the valet, our servers, the ambiance, the food, the view, the piano man. Loved it all! Boyfriend took me here for our 3-year anniversary, because we wanted to eat someplace fancy. Personally, we love to dress up, so the dress code here is no problem. On a side note, BF humorously observed, "The family sitting next to us is actually fancy. We just like to pretend we're fancy." Anyway, for appetizer, we shared the pork belly and it was super delicious! 18 bucks for a small chunk of meat? Totally worth it, if just to try once. It was a deliciously fatty chunk of meat. Order it. Please. For entrees, I ordered the lamb chop and BF ordered the NY steak (we're not the type to order fish entrees from Western restaurants--too risky, especially when we know we can probably cook it better). We also ordered the twice baked potato, which was honestly a bit disappointing. Tasted like mashed potatoes with burnt cheese on top. Not a fan. But our entrees were delicious, though the portion of mine was a tad too small. For dessert, we ordered the souffle, and they thoughtfully spelled out "Happy Anniversary" on the plate. It was the first time I've ever tried a souffle, and it was yummy. Light and fluffy and heavenly. The damage? About $180 including tip. Good thing we only do this once a year.

Lauren P.

My boyfriend took me here for my twentieth birthday. It was hands down the fanciest place I have ever been. It was beyond perfection. It was the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. Valet was ready to take our car as soon as we got there. The staff was very attentive and the owner was there to greet us right away. We were seated fifteen minutes before our reservation time and we got started right away. Water refills were so constant I don't even think I got to drink my glass down to half-empty. If you had to go to the bathroom, the staff would be there to pull the table aside for you and everything. It was just enough but not too overbearing. It was great. The views were amazing as well. The pianist was very good, playing older songs and much more modern songs with elegant twists to them. I had the filet mignon for dinner, which was absolutely amazing. For dessert, I had the banana chocolate dish (can't remember what it's called) and the presentation was so beautiful. They even wrote "Happy 20th Birthday" in chocolate sauce in the most beautiful handwriting I've ever seen. Such a great experience!

Matthew M.

We went to Canlis last night for our anniversary and the food and attentiveness of the staff was very good, however the interaction was really just ok and some misses in a couple of areas. Lots of great little extras that made you feel special but perhaps due to a Monday evening and a fairly young staff, there wasn't the professionalism I would have expected. We will try it again but for this level of restaurant IMO it should have been A+ across the board.

Stan L.

excellent food.. excellent service.. but the prices are bit steep when compared with some other fine dining restaurants.. i actually prefer crush to canlis.. but the overall experience is definitely worth checking out since this is one of seattle's major joints that's known outside of seattle

Rachel F.

Of course 5 stars - this is the best restaurant in Seattle!! The food is so amazing and perfectly prepared. Everything I tried was the best of my life. Perfectly prepared lamb that just melts in your mouth and possibly the only place in the city to get really excellent souffle. The service was wonderful and friendly. I really felt relaxed and special there. And all the many touches - ticket-less valet, for example, that make the whole experience a perfect evening. This is a special occasion restaurant, but it is worth every penny!

Colin G.

I've been to Canlis several times and every experience has been great. I always love the food and service, but I'm also particularly impressed with the wine program. They always guide me to a great selection both by listening to our preferences and incorporating their knowledge. This is definitely a go-to place for special occasions.

Amanda C.

You gotta pay to play, but this place is the real deal. I liked the duck, and if you want to live on the edge, you might want to split a beef tartare. A good place to bring someone that you want to impress, whether it be a hot date or an appreciated business associate.

Gretchen H.

We like to eat out. And we like to eat at top restaurants. So as I write my review I'm taking that into consideration. After dining at Canlis I am not sure what all the hype is about. Yes its nice. Yes the service is good. But its no better than what Ive experienced at other restaurants You chose from either the 3 course for $85 per. OR the 4 course, $100 per. The food was good, but the Filet Mignon was chewy and tough. I cant say too much about the view because they sat us on the upper portion where the view was limited. Considering I made the reservation 6 weeks in advance, I thought a better table was in order. There were a lot of birthdays happening at Canlis, which is why we were there. I can see it being a special occasion restaurant, one that you'd go to once and if you don't dine out much, then I can see being impressed. I'm happy we went. The evening was enjoyable. I can cross it off my bucket list. Something that made me irritated. I don't know why their web site mentions proper attire. The web site says dressy restaurant, suits and sports coats. It makes you feel really ridiculous as you've taken the time to buy a new dress and made sure your date is suited up only to be sat by a couple in jeans and Ugg boots.

Emily D.

We had been planning on dining at Canlis for our first anniversary pretty much since the day we got married. Last night was the night. And it didn't disappoint. First, some advice: make your reservations early. They book up, especially on a Saturday night. We made our reservations 6 weeks in advance to get a table at 815pm. We arrived early and sat in the bar for a drink. Be warned - service in the bar is slow. You probably won't have time to get sloshed before your meal. This is a good thing. However, you probably won't have time for an app early. But you don't need one! Save room for your upcoming gigantic meal. We were shown to our table a few minutes early, and we had a super view of the city. Our server was lovely, attentive but not overly so and helpful. But we're here for the food. Amuse: A trio of lovely yummies including a sweet onion tart (my fave), smoked salmon mousse served in a black olive cone, and a little fried ball with egg yolk inside (Tim's fave). All super delicious and a lovely way to start the meal. Bread: Warm fennel rolls served with butter and sea salt. Add the salt, people. Thank me later. First Course: Foie Gras (me) and Steak Tartare (Tim). Both were fabulous. The bread brought to accompany the tartare was warm, and it was a lovely contrast to cold & rich steak. But the foie was amazing. First, it was a gigantic portion, served with picked beets alongside a cocoa brioche. Heaven. I win the first course food competition. Second Course: Peter Canlis Shrimp (me) and Hamachi Two Ways (Tim). Again, both were fabulous, but the hamachi was my absolute favorite plate of the evening - and I didn't even order it! The shrimp were buttery, rich and cooked to perfection though. Nothing wrong with that. Entree: Lamb (Tim) and Filet (me). Both pieces of meat were cooked to medium rare perfection. However, my filet had a weirdly sweet sauce on the plate that I didn't love. Also, the lamb was accompanied by a lamb croquette that was to die for. Tim won this course as well. Oh, and get the truffle fries. Dessert: Creme Brulee plus espresso for me and some sort of rich chocolate fondant cake thing for Tim. Total Tie - they both rocked. Sweetie: Apple Pie & Campari Macarons. Just a final little treat from the kitchen. Not the best macarons I've ever had, but it was a lovely final touch. We look forward to making Canlis a yearly anniversary tradition. Hopefully, I'll win more courses next year.

Annie T.

Wow, words cannot express my disappointment in Canlis' Seattle Restaurant Week. I guess paying 40% of the price gets you 40% of the experience, I would much rather come back and pay in full. To start with, the ambience is completely ruined with loud people and non stop camera flashes. There were so many people in the restaurant that the service cannot keep up. We stood in the entrance hall for at least 15 min before someone came over to acknowledge us. When we were seated, the diet coke that we ordered came completely flat. No fizz at all. What is weird is that because this happened last time we were here in February. A new glass came and it was still flat, there is something wrong with the soda machine. Our server was distant and indifferent. Probably because she'll make way less in tips since everybody bills will not be very high. The salads on the SRW menu were ok, the canlis salad tasted sloppy compared to the last time I got it. On to the main course, the salmon was very well made, the only star deserving course. The pasta was good too, but the meatballs were so dry. Cafeterias make better meatballs. Not canlis quality at all. Usually dessert will cheer me up after a bad dinner, but boy did they miss it big. The chocolate covered chocolate was supposed to have a molten center. It was COOKED COMPLETELY inside out, like a sponge cake. Sigh, this would've never happened during regular dinner. In summary, SRW is NOT what canlis is regularly, pay the full price and enjoy the real thing.

David B.

Best Restaurant in Seattle! Been twice in the last month and both times had a wonderful experience. Service was top notch, the waitress even remembered what we had in our salad from our first visit! Wow! Try the salad and steaks! David

Myduyen N.

My boyfriend took me here for our anniversary dinner. I have to admit, the experience was amazing! I felt so special, Mark Canlis greet us before going to our table and knew it was our anniversary. All the staff were awesome, very outgoing which made the experience top notch! Not only were the staff wonderful, the food was just as great!!! We had the crab cake to start off with. For the main entrees I got the Lobster and the boyfriend ordered Lamb. Both were delicious but my favorite would be the Lamb. Next time I want to try the duck!!! It was definitely a great experience and highly recommend everyone to try at least once!!!

Nan Hee S.

we came here to celebrate a 2nd year anniversary and was not disappointed. we very much enjoyed our experience here as well as our service , food and atmosphere...my only complaint would be when my bf made reservations they requested he wear a sport coat but in the dining room we saw anywhere from flannel shirts to golf shirts sooo to be honest it didnt bother usl except we would have loved to dine in more casual comfortable yet still stylish attire ;D

Andrew F.

I'm normally the kind of person to write long complicated reviews nitpicking every part of everything. At Canlis though It was simply perfection. The Wagyu steak was perfect, the Canlis Salad was perfect, the beer recommendation was spot on, and the desert (Mille Folle) was amazing. Despite the price I'll definitely be back here next time I'm in Seattle. The best restaurant I've been to, anywhere, without a doubt.

Maria Y.

I attended an event at Canlis recently. It was an informational financial seminar, a bit like a timeshare presentation but much less high pressure. (I went as a guest of my dad, who was the main target of any such pressure, anyway.) We were in the "Penthouse" room. It has a great view. For this dinner we had the Canlis Salad, a choice of three entrees (filet mignon, chicken or halibut) and a dessert sampler (chocolate fondant, creme brulee, and a tiny pastry shell with whipped cream and a raspberry). I was a little disappointed with the salad. According to the Canlis website the Canlis Salad ("Romaine, Romano cheese, bacon, mint, oregano, and a dressing of lemon, olive oil, and coddled egg") is "one of the 100 best dishes in America." It was not. There were some herbs in it but LEMON JUICE! was the dominant flavor by far. My favorite part was the croutons... The entree was better. I had the chicken entree. It was really delicious. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and served with a creamy pea puree and mushrooms. Downside: it was pretty small. I tried my dad's fish, which was tender (halibut can be dry, so they did a good job) but I didn't really like the flavor of the sauce/marinade it had. The dessert sampler was mixed. The chocolate fondant was delicious, the custard in the creme brulee was amazing. I was less crazy about the pastry shell though. It seemed like the exact same pastry shell used by Bay Laurel catering at the UW, and the whipped cream filling was pretty plain. My only qualm was that the meal was a bit small. The meal was covered by the company sponsoring the seminar, but I do not think I would have paid Canlis's prices on my own. The food was good, but not THAT good... I'm not sure what the price of this entree would have been, but probably at least $40. The salad is on the menu for $14. Desserts are all at least $12. Between two rolls, the salad, the entree, and the dessert, I was full by the end, but it didn't take me too long to be hungry again, and I'm really not a huge eater. For those prices, I want a FOODGASM, and it really wasn't. I understand to some degree you're paying for service, but I actually don't actually enjoy overly attentive service (to the point where they're brushing your crumbs off the tablecloth for you). It makes me feel awkward. I guess I don't have the personality type to enjoy fancy restaurants. Also: the staff at Canlis are psychic and/or magical. They somehow have your car waiting at the door when you leave, even in this case where they never got our name, and we were eating upstairs. They are apparently known for this. HOW DO THEY KNOW? Overall, I'd rate it maybe a 3.5? I can't help feeling like it's overrated =/

David N.

Thank you GF! For my bday dinner I had the most fine, classy, exquisite dinning experience ever in my life. We enjoyed the fois gais, waygu steak, sea bass, truffle fries, crume brulee, and parting macarons. All were done very nicely. Waygu was charred with the perfect softness. Seabass was done nicely and balances. Truffle fries were a lil salty for pallete. Creme Brulee was perfect and a must have. If you know Canlis, it is Seattle's most finest dining experience with many accolades such as James Beard, Food & Wine, and other foodster recognitions. The views are impeccable and best enjoyed when its light out. Ambiance is refined, classic, and with a touch of NW. I love it. Only way to park is valet, but why not....It's Canlis FYI for fellas, your blazer most remain on at all times. Swagu steak yelp.com/biz_photos/FrHh…

Matt H.

This was my second time dining at Canlis and again I wasn't very impressed. I made reservation for 9 o'clock and we weren't seated until 10. It's hard to imagine a business that can flourish when people aren't given exceptional service for such a high price. Anyways, they comped our drinks we had while waiting for our corner window table (lovely view). The service from that point on was good, as the owner Mark Canlis personally came by and apologized to us. And the food was just OK once again...the last time I was there I had the Muscovy Duck which was good but not great and this time around I had the fillet, which was also just so-so. It wasn't very tender and it didn't come with anything except a few potatoes for garnish. It was nothing beyond an ordinary fillet from Safeway, honestly. The pea soup I had for an appetizer tasted exactly as it sounds. Overall for the price, there are a whole lot of other fine dinning restaurants in Seattle I would rather visit.

CMC G.

Dining as it is meant to be. The result of multi generational ownership and good parenting of children and a business. Every element of the meal is thought through to produce a dinning experience that has become nearly impossible to find, perfection without being ostentatious. No Foodie snobbery, just impeccable service to match the flawlessly prepared courses. Best of all the pre-fix pricing allows the diner to choose their meal based on their own palate and desires, not price. And, there are no easy choices, which works in their favor, it means you must return. Thank you to the Canlis family for their dedication. Attire should match the environment, sophisticated and thoughtful.

Anthony S.

I don't know, can a $375 dinner for two really be justified? The setting, service, presentation and food are all top notch, but nothing "out of this world." The service is a little over the top, but no overbearing. Their legendary salad was OK, supposedly made some list of the 100 best recipes of all time. Steak tar tar was about average if not bland. Pork belly appetizer was just OK. The much hyped sea bass was nothing to write home about. The roast duck looked pretty cool but I'm not looking to pull money out of my HELOC to try it. I guess I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate this place . . . One thing refreshing to see was an extensive wine list that had good selections under $150.

Jewelyn T.

Canlis I love you!!!! I've eaten all over the world and love fine dining. Canlis... from your service, food, presentation, ambiance and view... everything is PERFECT! If you're ever in Seattle... you have to have dinner at Canlis! Best dinner in Seattle and top 5 places I had dinner in the world. I smile everytime I think about my dinner at Canlis! Love it! Seattle you're spoiled! -Miss Yelp 2012

Fox S.

I hadn't been here in over ten years, but had great memories of a couple prior visits. My best friend took me here for dinner the weekend before my wedding as a celebration and she got us the small private dining room for 2-4 upstairs. We had an amazing dinner! We did the four course dinner and shared oysters, foie gras, prawns, and pork cheeks, then did the muscovy duck for two, and finished with desserts. We had cocktails and reisling by the glass with our first courses, then the sommelier recommended an amazing bottle of red to pair with the duck. The whole experience was so special! Yes, it was very pricey, but for a special occasion, this place is great. Everyone was so attentive and polite, we probably had about seven people total who were in and out of our room overall. We do like to eat out and one of our even more connected "foodie" friends was like, "Why go here?" All I can say is, it was well worth it! The food was amazing, and the duck was out of this world. I enjoy all the hot new restaurants and hipster dives as much as the next person, but there's a place for Canlis too when it comes to great dining experiences. In my opinion, they still have their edge and some wonderful things came out of that kitchen that night. (Now to save up again for another visit.)

B B.

Exquisite. Top of the line. Perfect. We had a wonderful experience at Canlis tonight. Honestly, there is nothing I can add to the other five-star reviews of Canlis. And Meeting Mark (Canlis) was a truly good experience. The staff all *get* what real service ls all about, thankfully. After eating at many other great restaurants in and around Seattle, sadly, many don't show the friendly, professional service that happens at Canlis. And on the food side, I've never had such a great meal. Top to bottom, this was just wonderful. Thank you, Canlis staff. We'll be back.

Sharon K.

This is truly a 5 star restaurant! I came here with my boyfriend for our three year anniversary and I must say it was the best place to celebrate our special day. We started out with drinks and I got the Pinot Grigio, which was amazing. I normally do not drink wine nor like it very much, so I was pleasantly surprised with how clean the finish was. i may have found my go to white wine! We both got the three course so, I ordered the Canlis prawns and filet mignon for my first course and main course. Both were absolutely amazing! The sauce was flavorful and creamy complimenting the soft, tender prawns perfectly! The filet mignon was the perfect amount and soooo good and tender. We even got complimentary samplers and lemon fennel bread which were delicious. Service was amazing as was the food. The soufflé was light and fluffy and they even added a candle! Only problem I have was we didn't get to see much of the view everyone taks about, but I will make sure to request that next time. My parent's anniversary is coming up, so I am definitely getting them a gift card to the restaurant so they can enjoy this first class treatment and food!

Jeff H.

Went for our big (15th!) anniversary dinner. We chose their tasting menu (one vegetarian, one not) and upgraded to the "sommelier wine pairings" -- which were as much or more than the meal itself. The meals were tiny, each dish looked like the garnish to a real dish. One of my wife's dishes contained two baby carrots, some carrot puree and 2 shaved slivers of radish. My 'main dish' of Waygu beef was 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch by 4 inches. Now, that's not to say that it wasn't tasty. There were some really nice bites in our meals -- though there wasn't much variation in the vegetarian menu -- but it came across as an elaborate appetizer for a larger meal that never arrived, and the pacing seemed off, it was often 15-20 minutes between (small) courses. The wine pairings were a mixed bag. Well, actually the wines were pretty great, they just weren't 'pairings', and you could tell by the fact that they served the same wines to both my wife and I for our veg- and non-veg meals for all but one dish. I don't think a lot of thought went into the pairing, they just opened some nice wines that would work serviceably for each dish. The service was ever-present. They came not as single spies, but in battalions. At one point in time, there were 9 servers in my field of vision. My wife caught a nose full of bleached table cloth being changed at the table next to ours during our first course. We watched people ironing the tablecloths at other tables. "YOU ARE BEING SERVED" they shout, and indeed we were but it became overwhelming and impersonal. We never really had a chance to bond with our server because we had a dozen of them. If it sounds like i'm being overly critical, it's important to note the price. This was a $500 meal -- before tip. The food was tasty but small, the wine was good but only roughly paired. The service was overwhelming. Canlis is a Seattle institution and we expected to be knocked off our feet, but we've had better food, better service, better pairing, better prices.

Diana M.

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of having dinner there upon the first night of our honeymoon. I had high expectations given what I had seen on Top Chef, but they blew them out of the water. I have never had a dinner experience like I did that evening, and I will never forget it. We were welcomed by Mark Canlis at the door, greeting us by name. We were early, so they allowed us to sit by the piano and enjoy a cocktail. Upon arriving at our table, there was a hand written note congratulating us from the entire Canlis family, along with complementary champagne. We sat at the Canlis family table, which allowed us to sit next to one another and look out over the gorgeous surroundings. The service impeccable. Every staff member congratulated us and talked to us about our wedding and honeymoon plans. Each time we got up from the table, a wait staff would pull the table out so we had room and was standing there waiting when we got back. Mark came over and talked with us several times throughout the evening sharing stories of the restaurant and his family. The food was undeniably amazing. I am always so cautious when eating at a restaurant that has been so highly deemed making appearances on TV shows. However, every bite of every course was divine. We ordered the three course meal. It was the perfect amount of food and it also gave us the opportunity to taste multiple things on the menu. Knowing that we did not have transportation, the staff called us a cab during the dessert course and allowed us to remain at our table until the cab came. Overall, this is a dining experience you will never forget. Old school, classic, and tasteful. THANK YOU CANLIS!!!!

Pascal T.

We had the vegetarian tasting menu along with the traditional Chef one. We really enjoyed the food. The highlights for me on the vegetarian menu were the Asparagus and the Raviolo dishes. Both exhibited a high level of depth with strong, complex and well balanced flavors that were on a level above most of what I have ever eaten before. The rest was solid throughout. Most of everything else about Canlis has already been written. It has great decor, ambiance, etc.. If you're in Seattle you need to go. I am giving it 4 stars because they charged me the full price for the Vegetarian menu ($+20) and while they fixed the mistake right away it's just not something that I find acceptable in this kind of establishment.

Shane S.

A Seattle landmark known for a restaurant as well as for its architecture. I can just imagine back in the day ( with its old school coat and tie dress code ) all the "gentleman" smoking cigars and having a jolly ole time. You really feel like you've stepped back in time to have dinner in your rich eccentric grandfathers living room. For me.... its a little stuffy. The food is also old school.... the flavors are simple, rich and yet sophisticated for each dish. The famous Canlis salad and the prawns were by todays standards.....very average. To be honest the meal was not that memorable , but I'll always remember the view and architecture, the service, the bar, and my car that miraculously appears as you exit! 3.5 stars

Jen L.

I feel that this place is the most technically perfect restaurant in Seattle. I've been here multiple times over the last few years, and Canlis never disappoints me! #1 the bread has changed multiple times over the years. The most recent (soft, fluffy, moist, with a light sugary glaze), isn't quite my favorite, but didn't deter me from eating 2 of them. The best was a potato roll (about 3 roll types back) which was a soft and fluffy football shaped roll, with coarse grain salt on the butter. #2 Appy faves in order: - Canlis Prawns -best ever, huge prawns, in the creamy buttery sauce - Dungeness crab cakes - lump crab without a whole bunch of filler - Hamachi tartar - so fresh and with a bit of acid - House cured smoked salmon, - Teriyaki Tenderloin - very tender and not overcooked. Not too salty either - Goat Cheese Crostini with beets, - Steak Tartar - flavorful. - Mushroom quiche - pass, used to be better #3 Canlis original salad - such amazing flavorful and plentiful amount of bacon! with a touch of mint and oregano. #4 Entrees, we got a few of them: - Beef Short Rib - my favorite! so tender and flavorful, melts, no knife needed! - Pacific King Salmon: always fresh, never over cooked, lightly seasoned. - Lamb Chop - yum!! I love the croquette. I'm not a huge fan of the potato puree -better if it was a bit thicker. But the combo with the meats is fab. Get a side of mushrooms! Truffle fries are also a winner. #5 Desserts - Chocolate souffle - dont forget to order at the beginning as it takes time. It's so special! You have to get it. - Pumpkin Pie - so delicious - Pumpkin ice cream - seasonal and the best I've ever had, - Chocolate Covered Chocolate: molten chocolate cake, chocolate covered salted caramel ice cream. AMAZING! - Creme Brulee - perfect specimen of what it should be like. Listen when you crack into it, Perfect service, valet parking, romantic and intimate. Gorgeous views. I'm in love with Canlis!

Hao Z.

As price goes up, so does expectations. At the far end of the scale, Canlis aspires to one of the premier dining spots in Seattle, elegant, charming, and oozing class. By charging world-class prices, Canlis boldly declares its superiority over other local dining establishments. However, I believe in this regard, it falls short of its lofty ambition. Upon entering the establishment, you will immediately notice the upscale seating and the well dressed waiters and clientele. After you are seated you will note the excellent service and the gorgeous view overlooking Seattle and the water. The atmosphere is classy yet relaxing, with comforting live piano music playing in the background. At this point, from the lofty price point to the world class service, you start to expect delightful dishes created by inspired chefs to appear on your plate. Sadly, this is not the case. While no terrible dishes will grace your plate and nothing will leave you unsatisfied, nothing will truly amaze you. If you are looking for creative dishes filled with distinct flavors you will leave disappointed, since Canlis serves up only classic dishes with minor twists using expensive ingredients. The salmon, salads, shrimp and duck were all very uninspiring. Good, yes, but nothing that puts it above what you could find anywhere else. Unfortunately, if you care about food and not just atmosphere, Canlis is just that - good, but not great. At the prices you pay, it is nothing short of disappointing.

Mimi F.

Disappointed. Food: 3 stars, nothing impressive. Expected better from an high-end restaurant like this one. Over-rated. DON'T ORDER THE FIXED MENU. My hubby order the 7-course fixed menu, and he still felt hungry after the dinner. The portions are SO SMALL. I can see the guests in our next table who also ordered the fixed menu are not happy about it, either. I ordered fish from the regular menu and the portion is fine. View: 5 stars. It's located on a hill so you can see lights and beautiful night scene of Seattle. Service: 5 stars. But it's expected.

Man E.

Very nice, with a few flubs. Fantastic setting. Great service, romantic, the food was excellent and the staff is very good. My CONS, bring a fat wallet but we knew that going in. We ordered cocktails when we were seated. Our appetizer and wine arrive prior to being served our cocktails. Slow bar. When the wine steward opened the bottle, he put the cock in his pocket. I would not have expected it from a restaurant like Canlis. Viewing the cork assures the consumer that the label on the bottle matches the wine inside the bottle. Considering many of their wines run as high as $1500.00 a bottle I'm going to guess we had someone inexperienced serving the wine. Outside of those 2 incidents we had a wonderful evening and enjoyed the good food and service.

J. S.

Dressed to impress and a lovely evening out with the Mrs.. Our meal was delicious. Timing was spot on. We went overboard with the after meal treats and could not finish. Definitely a hot spot for a classy date. Only reason I give 4 stars and not 5 is I think the pricing could come down just a bit....but I'm not really complaining. Very impressed.

Larena H.

Canlis is undoubtedly the finest restaurant in all of Seattle. When I say finest, I mean one of the most expensive (believe it or not, they're #5 on the list). When I say one of the most expensive, I mean bring $250 per person, especially if you're planning on having a drink with your meal. When I say if you're planning on having a drink with your meal, I mean you need to have a drink or three in order to feel more comfortable with paying the tab at the end of the night :) This is definitely one of those "special occasion" restaurants -- birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, job promotions, graduations, etc. They do their best to accomodate all requests. Make sure you ask for a table with a great view, and speak up if you're not happy with it. We came here for a special occasion, and we were not disappointed! We had a couple of drinks and glasses of wine prior to our dinner reservation. Jackets are required here, so make sure you remember that, gentlemen. I ordered the Canlis prawns appetizer. They were so delectable, I let out a soft whimper when my plate was empty. Our waiter was seemingly stalking our table to see when we were done with our plates so they could bring out the next plate. They did this so flawlessly too! I also ordered the Live Maine Lobster - Butter-poached, with cauliflower, ratatouille, romanesco. The single most perfectly peeled lobster claw arrived at my table (see the pics I uploaded), and it was so delicious. Though to be quite honest, I developed a very serious case of food envy when I tasted the Wagyu filet mignon. I don't remember if they brought out a special steak knife with it. If they did, they didn't need it. That filet mignon quite literally melted in my mouth. I've never had a filet mignon that good in my entire life. I didn't hardly have to chew it at all! We also ordered the twice baked potato. It is a 60 year old recipe, and it was definitely tried, true, and delicious. The dessert course was the item on the Seattle Foodie 100 list -- the Grand Marnier Soufflé with crème anglaise. Wow. Just... wow. That was an awesome dish! It was gorgeous too! Dare I say it though, I think that Wagyu filet mignon deserves the spot on the Seattle Foodie 100 list instead of the soufflé. We also tried the trio of chocolate desserts, but they had a little too much coffee/dark chocolate flavor for my taste. Special tip: they have a handful of their recipes online, including the Canlis prawns recipe. All in all, it was a lovely evening. The view of the magnolia trees in bloom was just lovely too. On our way out, there was an older woman in front of us who had just finished dining with her husband and her 2 adult children. They grabbed a small handful of mints, and she said: "Grab some more! We just spent $1,000 on dinner!" Hahahahaha! I love the candor of old folks :) They do have valet parking, and those valet attendants will have your car ready for you as soon as you come out the door. They're like ninjas that way.

nigel r.

David, the director of service, was the quintessential host. He took great care of my wife and I on our anniversary. The service was impeccable and our waiter was knowledgeable. The experience was wonderful including an excellent wine selection.

Joy P.

I hate to be a hater, especially on a place as beloved as Canlis, but here goes: My husband and I have been to Canlis several times, and we've always thought highly of it, but this last time, we fell out of love. First and foremost, the food was good but nothing special, and not the best in Seattle by far. Canlis salad was lovely as ever, but appetizers - shrimp, crab cake, steak tartare were uninspired. Tartare bordered on not good. Maybe I've been spoiled by the Walrus & the Carpenter. For entrees, my husband had the steak, which he said was not a great cut. I had the lamb two ways which was good but its richness outweighed any other impression. Even the bread was so-so. Do I want to chip a tooth for Christmas? The service is both over the top and inattentive, which might sound impossible but they make it work. We waited 1/2 hour to get a drink, and in general, service was slow and it's impossible to make eye contact with any servers who might not be intently bound for our table. Once our server did arrive, he apologized a little too profusely, and proceeded to address us in barely audible tones and a version of English that can best be described as that of Tudor England. ("Would the game-like quality of the lamb suit your desires this evening?" WHAT??) They did move our table upon request to a spot with a lovely view, and that was nice. Perhaps the most disappointing part of the evening was the car situation. The highlight of Canlis is often the mysteriously knowing valet service, through which one's car appears as if out of then air when it's time to go. Not this time. We waited on line for 15 minutes repeatedly advising the valet that we were looking for a green station wagon. No magic there. I don't mean to kvetch, but Canlis wasn't living up to its reputation. Yes, the view is lovely, the fire is cozy, and piano is relaxing. Yes they iron the table cloths and use crumbers. Yes they have a dress code, which in Seattle is unusual, and we stuck to it (Note that the people next to us did not. Does a fleece hoodie constitute a jacket?). But it's not that great of an experience, and it certainly wasn't a $300 meal. Later that week, we went to Hudson's, had blackened catfish with greens and grits and a beer for $50, and had a much better night. The difference: honesty about what kind of experience one will have, and perfect execution on it.

Jungah K.

Canlis helped make my 8 year anniversary memorable. From the valet to each staff person that attended to us I was amazed at the attention to detail and courtesy shown. The food was 4.5 stars but they were sooooooo good to us I won't hesitate to go back. I had the wagyu and my partner had the lamb. The lamb was amazing and the steak was great too. Thank you Canlis...

Mrs. T.

I don't have any complaints about this restaurant. The staff is prepared for every question you might have. So, it was fun to quiz them about the trees around the building. The food was superb. The atmosphere was classy. It was our 1st year anniversary of being married and I will never forget that night.

Young C.

Writing a review for my 2nd dining experience at Canlis. High expectations going in since my first experience was great. My party and I arrived 15 mins prior to our reservation. We stood outside and had a chat with the valet who was a great dude. We walked in, and our table wasnt quite ready, so we sat in the lounge and each had a cocktail. About 10 mins past our seating time and drinks empty, we kinda just sat there waiting to be acknowledged. Time passes, so I asked the hostess if our table was ready and she said they were waiting for us to finish. Fair.. Other than that, dinner went well. Service was impeccable, but at times it felt awkward because they lined up against a wall ready to fill my water or wine (we were seated next to the stairs which they hovered above). Food was great. Canlis prawns are a must. Other than that, everything is really good. Prices aren't too bad for what you get. Our tab for 3 people was a little over $400 with drinks.

Nina S.

I finally came here for the first time! I brought my boyfriend here for his birthday and he loved it. The service was wonderful, the view was beautiful, & the food tasted amazing. They have a huge selection for a wine list also. We ordered two appetizers, the Hamachi and Oysters. They were raw and I usually do NOT like raw nor eat raw. But these were GOOOOOOD! They were fresh and you can taste it. It's not even bad at all! Now for our entree's we ordered the Lamb and Waygu or Steak, I don't remember which one. But as for the Lamb, BOY..... I LOVED IT! It was cooked perfectly, not dry, so flavorful and the mashed potato, didn't even look like mashed. It looked like sour cream, it tasted.. soooooooo good. I wish I had big plate full! The other entree with the Steak or Waygu, that was also amazing! I mean we paid the same price at Daniel's Broiler and it wasn't even that great there! Canlis has such a great fine dine! It was amazing (:

Chris Y.

Just had an amazing dinner at Canlis. My second time here... If the Michelin people were to ever come to Seattle, Canlis would be a restaurant that would be a candidate for three Michelin stars. Canlis is a restaurant that is worthy of the phrase "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey" that is used to define the 3rd Michelin star. Everything moment from start to finish is impressive. From the moment you walk in, they treat you as if you're a regular at the restaurant. It really has that personal touch that Peter Canlis started and continues to be upheld by his family. The menu often shares small tidbits about his travels and what inspires certain dishes. Such as his connection to Hawaii and his favorites there such as the Halekulani drink and Malasadas. I started with the Canlis Salad. The waiter described it as a Caesar salad with a Lebanon twist. The highlights of the salad were the crunchy croutons and the crispy bacon. Huge bonus points for serving it on a cold plate. For appetizers, I had the Foie Gras and Wagyu Tenderloin tartare. The foie gras just melted in your mouth and was complemented with a piece of brioche toast. The wagyu tenderloin tartare was also great and was seasoned very well. I point that out because a lot of steak tartare dishes are not seasoned very well and can be very bland tasting. The highlight of the night was the 14-day aged Muscovy Duck. WOW! This has to be the best duck dish I've ever had! The skin is perfectly crisp and the breast meat is so tender. So many places dry out the breast meat, but this one is very juicy. If this is your first time here, you must try the duck. They bring out the whole duck and it's quite a magnificent presentation. For dessert, I got the Grand Marnier souffle. It was excellent and very light & fluffy on the inside. Something of note is the coffee service here. They have this Chemex system that uses thicker paper filters and is suppose to make a smoother cup of coffee. I love coffee and I'm always on a quest to try the best beans I can get my hands on. I tried the Kenya Thiriku Blend from Intelligentsia Chicago. Upon taking a sip, you notice the acid first but the finish is long and smooth. Not one of those huge, bold in-your-face type of coffees, but more delicate to highlight the different flavors. Canlis is a really special restaurant and you realize that they've been around for 60 years for a reason. I can't say it's the best food I've ever had in Seattle, but I'd say it's top 3. But if I had to grade the whole experience, Canlis is #1.

Jim H.

Love this place. There's lot's about that are great, but what stands out for me are the wine and service. Nelson and the other sommeliers have always taken such good care of our wants every time I go, that I almost never remember the rest of the experience. But I love the great valet, the view, the graciousness of everyone there

Charlene I.

You get what you pay for! And you pay a lot LOL First off, this restaurant is valet only, so you know it's fancy from the get! Upon entry, there is a warm fireplace and the host/ess looks up your reservation(if you made one) and takes your coats to hang up. Everyone you encounter are amazingly professional & friendly. And the view??? Amazing!! The 1st time I came here with my significant other, we were seated in a beautiful booth with a spectacular view of the sun setting on the water!!! Wowwwwwwwwww... it was breath taking!! We had 3 course meals and everything was ON POINT! Even the crackers & cheese(or is it butter?) that they bring out initially were tasty. The king salmon & filet mignon were soooooooooooooooooo good! They used to have this chocolate cake type of dessert on their menu that was HELLA BOMB, but they no longer serve it. :( The waiters are extremely attentive. I don't think my glass of water ever went under 3/4 full. LOL...but I loved how nice they were to us. BASICALLY, I'm saying that this is best resturant in Seattle. I give it 5 stars in every category! (except price hahahaha)

Stacy H.

We had really high hopes for this restaurant, we have been wanting to go to 'the best' in Seattle and saved our visit for a special occasion- our 10th Anniversary seemed just the thing. Service was outstanding as expected. Unfortunately the food was not, I could describe everything as nondescript. Nothing was bad necessarily, mostly just didn't have any flavor. Based on the reputation (and price) I expected a lot more. I will cross it off my bucket list, but will not be back.

Soojin H.

I went to this place with my hubby for our anniversary. This place rocks! So romantic and awesome food. Love everything about this place. (Oh except that it was kind of hard for us to get there. Not on the main road. But with gps, no problem)

Dylan C.

This place had AMAZING service (minus the fact we had to pay for valet). I almost feel bad writing this review because everyone loves the food but I was left feeling ripped off a bit. I have had great food of all prices across the globe but never had meal that was so costly and left me feeling so dissatisfied. Perhaps I will give them a try in the future but I am very hesitant.

Mel M.

We were a little nervous based on some of the yelp reviews that Canlis wouldn't live up to the hype and/or would be underwhelming for the price tag. Our concerns were unnecessary. Canlis is a fantastic destination restaurant where the food and the spectacular service are well worth the money. A few highlights: Everyone who helped us, from the lovely hostesses to the waiter in the bar (whose drink recommendations were spot on) was great, but our waitress Carolyn was the standout. She went out of her way to make us feel welcome and special. In terms of food, everything was good, but what blew us away was: the cold cantaloupe soup (I know, sounds strange and we hesitated too, but insanely good), the twice baked potato side (best I've ever had), and the berry tart (sounds so simple but is a can't miss). Oh, and the live piano music (playing everything from standards to the theme to Game of Thrones) was the cherry on top. In short, eat here. It's not cheap but worth every penny.

David X.

Decided to celebrate a special birthday occasion here. From the moment we walked in, we were well attended to. The service is absolutely impeccable, with different servers to refill water, serve food, and take orders. In total we probably came into contact with 8 different people working at the restaurant, which is only slightly above what you'd expect for an upscale restaurant. We ordered a four-course meal and a three-course meal, which included the duck for two. The duck was magnificent - probably one of the best duck-related meals I've ever had. Before they serve you the duck chopped up, they present the whole thing to you cooked. It's quite a show and I loved every minute of it. Throughout the meal there are also things to surprise you, including a pretty spectacular amuse bouche at the beginning and some macaroons at the end (which they claim you can take as many as you want). Every single dish was not only creative unique, and delicious, it looked fantastic too. The 4-course and the 3-course, plus two cocktails and a side totaled $230 + tip. We did not order any wine/pairings, so that helped to keep costs down (relatively). I'd be happy to come here for any special occasion. Just make the reservation early and be ready to fork over some good cash for the quality experience. Two practical notes: 1) My understanding is parking is free if you order at least a 3-course meal. Not sure what the situation is if you order less. We tipped the valet, in any case. 2) Most of the views at this restaurant are spectacular, but it did occur to me that some of the views from certain tables vary dramatically in quality. Would recommend you reserve early and note it's a special occasion if you want to land one of the better views (that's what we did and our view was great).

Jayme T.

Impressive! Seattle is known to be a casual town so I was worried that their fine dinning wouldn't be impressive. I'm glad I was wrong. The staff was friendly and professional. Tip for men: be sure that you keep your coat on if you plan on staying by the window. They are strict with this rule. Initially, we were going to try their tasting menu but we changed our minds and hand picked from the menu. We tried: Pork Belly: This was a interesting dish. I have ordered pork belly before but it is prepared different at Canlis. The meat was much similar to a thick, soft bacon slice. It was done well and their sweet sauce balanced out the flavor of the fat. Duck- AMAZING! The best duck I've ever had. It was cooked to perfection. It had a sweet, crispy crust that was bursting with flavor. The ratio of fat and meat was ideal. I couldn't find a single complaint. Prawns- The prawns were fresh and cooked perfectly. I often find that prawns are overcooked but their chef was on point at Canlis. The sauce was a perfect creamy compliment. Crab cakes- This was one of my favorite dishes. I love crab cakes but they did exceptionally well at Canlis. The crab was flavorful and fresh. It was a perfect starter. Twice Baked Potato- You can't go wrong with the twice baked potatoes. We had a great first experience at Canlis. Next time, I'll venture into the tasting menu.

Capt k.

Canlis the Seattle destination restaurant. I have heard that for years and choose the place for my birthday. The first impression of the restaurant, very high class. You don't get a ticket because valet has good memory on who you are. The service was great. The restaurant does not want to maximize seating capacity, which would cramp the diner into a tiny, tiny space. At one point of dinner, I told my friends that I feel relaxed. I think that speaks volume. As far as meal goes, The Amuse Bouche is great, sweet butternut squash with balsamic vinegar added a bit of tang and toasted pumpkin seed added a bit of crunch. Canlis prawn is just Ok, for some reason the prawn texture is a bit odd for my personal liking. The crab cake is full of crab but lacks moisture. I don't think I can finish the cake by itself without the lobster bisque. Also, I wish they put a lot more lobster bisque because I have to half of my crab cake without the bisque. The whole duck is delicious and I am really amazed how they can squeeze one duck leg into one small golf size ball. The souffle is delicate and delicious. That is all the positive about my experience. The negative....... 1. The menu said the whole duck, I expect the whole duck including the legs especially they told me THE DUCK IS MINE and charge me for the whole duck. The restaurant claim the they roasted the duck when ordered is placed. I still don't believe them since there is no way to roasted and whole duck, rest and served at the perfect temperature in 40 minutes. 2. The souffle is served when one of the diner is not at the table especially the waiter assume the person who is not at the table is the birthday guest. I know people said souffle waits for no one but one of the reason to order the souffle is get the visual WOW. 3. What is up with fine dinning restaurants asking whose birthday is it when they seat the person or anytime during the service. The waiter served the "birthday dessert" to my friend rather than me and he insulted my friend in the process of digging himself out of the hole (My friend is 10 years younger than me and he told them my age when he made the reservation.) 4. My past experience for restaurants that charges for valet is that the car is waiting for me at the door when I step out of the restaurant. This is not the case in Canlis. I have to wait few minutes for my car. I know this is nit picky. But I except more from a restaurant that claim to be the premiere restaurant in Seattle, P.S. 1. I love the copper grilling station. something unusual. 2. I think I will ask for the bones (just like I always do at Chinese restaurant when I ordered the Peking duck). I ordered the duck and I want everything including the bones.

Rachel P.

If you want to propse marriage to me, then you should bring me here... It just exudes romance and elegance, they make everyone feel welcome. I didn't feel like they were looking down on us for coming for SRW I just don't know what to say, my experience here has left me speechless. Service was wonderful, the food was amazing and the only thing I can sort of complain about was the tables. We were seated at one of the tables where they have to pull it out to get in and out. I left for the restroom and then no-one was there to pull it out for me again- just a wee bit awkward. overall it was amazing. totally worth the money. i will be back.

Susan M.

In town for a work seminar and decided to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary here. Boy what a treat! The service was top notch. Wait staff was always accommodating, pleasant, and courteous. Choice of ice water or sparking water offered and our glasses were never empty. Enjoyed a couple of stiff cocktails from the bar and went with the 4 course menu. We were absolutely thrilled with the taste of everything. We ate the Canlis salad, foie gras, split pea soup, New York strip in wagyu, chicken, twice baked potatoes, creme brulee, and mille-feuille. Also received compliments of the Chef an amuse buche of mushroom tart, rice cracker and tater tot and for dessert two macaroons (poppyseed and pistachio). Truly the food was superb, not one piece was left on either of our plates! My husband told me that he had the best steak of his life tonight. I also have to throw out there that the ambiance is cozy with a comforting noise level. The view is stunning and the piano player was absolutely amazing! Oh did I mention Mr. Canlis came by the table to see how we were doing. Really classy. A great big thank you to everyone at Canlis for making our 16th anniversary so memorable.

Bob J.

This is a good restaurant with a nice view, friendly service and decent food. It does not live up to the hype, however, and at this price point, there are better options in Seattle. Yes, it's been here since 1950, and is part of Seattle's culinary history.

Jennifer C.

What can I say about this restaurant that has not already been said? If you want to impress got to Canlis. My fiance rented out their 2 person private room (The Caché) the day before Valentine's day last year (this is where he proposed to me so of course I am going to have great things to say). The room has a AV system with an AUX input so you can play your own music off your mobile iOS devices. It also has a chase lounge and a telescope. The view is incredible. By far the best table in Seattle if you want privacy and a panoramic view. The food was great as well. We had a 5 course meal (not on the standard menu) with each course selected by the chef. I had a wine pairing with each course, all paired well. The staff was plentiful and willing to cater to anything I needed. Mark Canlis even stopped in to make sure everything was OK. If you want an impressive dinning experience this is it. 100 percent recommended.

Ali A.

Outstanding. A beautiful setting and world class service. It's a great place to dress up and indulge. We chose the tasting menu and the suggested wines to accompany. Both were fantastic. Each course and wine came with a full explanation and were utterly delicious. Book well in advance. It's busy for a good reason!!

Sarah B.

We have never had a bad experience in any of our visits to Canlis - both professional and as date nights. The service is impeccable, the atmosphere and food are elegant and top quality and the view of the twinkling lights of Lake Union is amazingly romantic. On our last visit we had a few appetizers to share (I loved the prawns), the never-fail Canlis salad and then both had the surf and turf which included a lobster tail and an incredible wagyu steak, both cooked to perfection. As one of the most historic restaurants in Seattle it always feels like a special occasion experience when you have the good fortune (literally!) to enjoy an evening there.

Erin P.

My sister and I decided we must visit Canlis soon after I moved to the neighborhood and discovered that I lived within a mile of this celebrated restaurant. We both have very busy schedules and I am rarely in town because of work, so it was a challenge to find a date when we could both go and it had to be very last minute. I tried to get a last minute reservation on a Monday, which I understand isn't going to be a possibility always in fine dining destination establishments, even on a Monday. The person I spoke with on the phone had immaculate customer service skills and offered to put me on a cancellation call list while inviting us to come to the lounge to try the à la carte menu either way. We really wanted to do the vegetarian tasting menu with the wine accompaniments, but since we didn't know when our next chance to get in would be, we went ahead with the lounge experience. The service is perfection, the environment is classy and special, even in the lounge. There is an amazing pianist playing live and everyone is dressed to the nines, so it makes for a great experience even if you aren't getting the full treatment. It is very retro and has a country club feel to it. We ordered the truffle fries and prawns from the bar menu for starters, and the prawns were heavenly. The truffle fries seemed a bit too salty, but addictive maybe for that reason. I had the cauliflower for my dinner option and my sister had the salmon. Both were perfectly prepared but not mind-blowing like I had expected. I think the key here is to go with a reservation and get the view along with the full experience, including paired wines. I have to say A-OK because our minds weren't blown and that may be due to very high set expectations. I think this would be ideal for an event such as a birthday or anniversary, but would definitely recommend waiting for dining over lounge if the food and view are what has drawn you there. If you just want a drink in a classy environment, the lounge is A-OK too. I will be back, but not to visit just the lounge.

Cynthia C.

I was waffling between three restaurants for fine dining in Seattle and I finally chose Canlis. I was unsure up to the point the cab rolled up the driveway into what looked like a luxurious sanctuary overlooking the water and parts of the gleaming city. I'm incredibly happy all the uncertainty was dashed and the evening surpassed everything I had envisioned. Tunes: Not only was the view soothing, their is an in house pianist rocking out all night and he takes requests. I love live music. Pick of bread: Potato roll or French. Both are excellent. Not sure what the ala carte is all about, we just wanted to be waited on and served. Canlis delivered time and time again. The food was elegant, fresh, balanced & fragrant. Paid the extra for the Sommelier Tasting Flight, well chosen wines which only enhanced the food. Amuse Bouche Grilled cheese and a tomato gazpacho. The gazpacho was actually good and the grilled cheese had the perfect texture and a basil leaf. Caprese Deconstructed tomato, mozzarella and basil, loved the saltiness of the tobiko Prosciutto Cantaloupe, figs & fennel, lovely contrast of two preparations of the cured meat. Chicken Celery, porcini and black summer truffles, so buttery and earthy w/crisp skin. Lamb Baba ghanoush, ras el hanout and sheep's milk yogurt, exotic unexpected twist. Ginger Beer Berries and garden flowers, so clever to put a local beer to jazz up a typical predessert. Panna Cotta Goat yogurt, strawberries, anise hyssop and yuzu, wow this was good, under the layer of goat yogurt was a layer of cake. Utterly blissful. Petit Fours EXCELLENT. One of the best bites of sweets I've had and I've had A LOT. Even the candies in the lobby were good: hard espresso. Phenomenal overall experience I would recommend to locals and visitors alike. A gem and just a stone's throw from Downtown, our cab ride was about $10.

Henry L.

Outstanding foie gras! The pork belly, prepared sous-vide for 56 hours, was more texturally consistent than any I've had before. Yum! Service was polite and attentive. They were also very knowledgeable about the wine list and helped us select an excellent Burgundy from Savigny-Les-Beaune. We agreed that the flavor profile of the halibut main course was flat, but that didn't sour our experience. Due to this restaurant's attention to detail, I think the enlightened diner should select the 7 course tasting menu every time. We will be back and we'll bring friends and family!

Jason L.

Great place, perfect dining experience .

Brandon C.

If there was just one word I could use to describe my experience at Canlis it would be "average." Little about this place stood out much. The steak was above average and the truffle fries were amazing, other than that it was very a disappointing experience. My table had no sommelier which was a huge let down considering the prices and supposed level of the restaurant. Desert was hardly memorable, "disappointing" was the word used by the rest of my party. We shared crab cakes and steak tartare for appetizers and everyone felt much better can be found in the area at better prices as well. If Canlis wasn't billed as a high end restaurant this review wouldn't be so harsh. But when I go to a place as expensive as Canlis I expect a phenomenal meal, they fell far short of that. I don't recommend them and advise going elsewhere. El Gaucho is comparable price-wise and you get so much more for your money. If you're looking for an expensive intimate meal go there instead, Canlis isn't worth it.

Joe O.

We ate here for the second time last night and have to say, was quite unimpressed. Sure the view is great, but that's one of the two stars I give it based on my experience. Perhaps we were awe struck in our inaugural visit by the view and the overall ambiance of the place, second time around, this place did little to impress. Rarely do I get up in arms about white glove service but at this place and with their prices, it's expected. Call it an "off" night or an anomaly but missing a patron's uneaten steak over the course of 30 minutes while pulling side plates and wine glasses is inexcusable. Leaving empty plates in the process is equally disturbing and frankly, unacceptable. I have no illusions of the service I will receive when entering a dive bar or a restaurant with paper napkins - you pay for what you get. But the experience at Canlis is fine dining showcasing Seattle's best. What a far cry this was from our first meal here, bad enough that I doubt we'll be back anytime soon.

Opal D.

Amazing view, amazing service, but unimpressive food. Before here, I have never been carded before in a fine-dining establishment which made me feel like the waitress was breaking some unspoken cardinal rule. I'm having a ~$250 per person meal and just ordered a 24 yr old scotch. Give me my booze! They would've gotten 5 stars for being a well-rounded restaurant and having an impressively large scotch list except for their faux gras (serving pâté as foie gras? SIN!). I would come back for drinks and appetizers but would rather enjoy a nice meal elsewhere

Linda H.

Canlis is a beautiful restaurant with a great view of the city. The oysters were the best I've had and so fresh. The steak was very good as well. Service was top notch.

Liz A.

Overall, I was not impressed with the service or the food for the price. The food was very good, but it just didn't blow me away like I was expecting it to. The wait staff was kind of snobby, and I just didn't care for the overall atmosphere of this restaurant.

Joan K.

A little tired but good food and a treat if you have the $$ to spend. A Seattle classic.

Juan G.

finally unapologetic classic french food in west seattle this is a great place for a date, for a fine meal or even to hang out in the bar area!

Nicole N.

I really want to love Canlis, it has this aura of "THE special place to go in Seattle" but I think they're resting on their reputation at this point; the two star "Meh, I've experienced better" truly applies. My first visit our food was all quite tasty, but the service was a little inattentive. We walked away feeling a bit let down after all the hype. My second visit was for my birthday and it was not great. The food was dropped by a runner (normal) but our server never came to check if our food was prepared properly...which it wasn't. We had to flag him down about 10 minutes after entrees arrived. My friend's steak was barely lukewarm on the outside when she received it. They took it back and didn't bring her a spare plate so she could eat some of her side dish (that may sound picky, but this is supposed to be a classy place where you would spoon it onto your plate like a lady instead of eating out of the serving/cooking dish). So, she just sat there watching us all eat our food waiting for her new steak, awkward! Our waiter was consistently hard to find the entire meal. He got many "thousand yard stares" from us for drink refills and other needs. As the night went on and it was getting obvious we weren't having a great experience, he got even harder to find and we ended up having to ask a bus boy for service. Manning up to apologize and ask if there was anything he could do to improve our experience, THAT is what high-end service should look like, but he chickened out and hid from us as much as possible. We left a negligible tip and managed to slip a cash tip to the busboy who was helpful several times during our meal. After dining locally at places like RN74, John Howie, El Gaucho, and many fine-dining establishments in Vegas, Canlis just falls far short of expectations for a fine-dining restaurant. I hope they can turn it around, it's a beautiful place with great history that would be sad to see continue to decline.

Tracie B.

We had our wedding reception upstairs and it was delightful, elegant and our guests were stunned with the beauty, service and quality of our meal. Pianist made the night perfect. Our anniversary's and family occasions are made incredibly special at Canlis. *the valet remembers your car specifically without a ticket - every time.

MeKayla W.

My fiance took me here the night he proposed to me. We had such a wonderful experience, and we didn't end up spending as much as we anticipated. We were seated at the window where we enjoyed a beautiful view of lake union. Our waiter was very informational, helpful, and accommodating. For an appetizer, we shared the crab cake which was delicious and crispy. When our waiter returned, he sold us on the duck dinner for two which we promptly ordered, but unfortunately they ran out. I ordered the sea bass and my fiance the salmon. Both were cooked to perfection. I wanted to order dessert but we were so stuffed we decided against it. The waiter returned with complimentary bonbons and apple pie meringues. I cannot begin to explain the quality of service, it is impeccable. It was such a wonderful way to set the mood and he proposed just after dinner at Kerry Park. How could I say no after a meal like that? Thank you, Canlis.

Aimee J.

I went to Canlis for Happy Hour with my co-workers. We had to push a bunch of round tables together, which makes for awkward seating, but it was fine. The views are amazing, but we were seated close to the tiny bar and not able to check it out. I ordered a margarita on the rocks with salt and it was weak sauce and all ice!!! Total rip off so I decided to stick with beer. At least that way you know what you are getting. The beer glasses are pretty cool too. They are wine-glass-'ish, but they curve in at the top. Everyone who was drinking beer thought they were cool. We ordered a TON of appetizers, which were all yummy. Their french fries were interestingly flavored/seasoned but they really needed some dipping sauce. They eventually brought out a tiny corn beef slider-like thing and that had a side of what tasted like store bought thousand island dressing. Dipping the french fries in this was tasty. It is definitely an experience coming here and I'm sure I'll be back, as long as I don't have to pay for it.

Kara D.

Canlis is a level of dining that is very unique and rare these days. The building is just simply spectacular withouth too much fuss and "over-decor". It is very asian/earth/frank lloyd wright inspired and a view that is to-die-for. The service is absolutely laser focused on your needs - from the valet who remembers your car, to the hostess, to the dozens of individuals who appear at your table throughout your meal. I had the Canlis salad (great, but I'm not sure they mentioned croutons on the menu so if you don't eat gluten, ask them to remove them), and the pork belly (for my dinner, although it is an appetizer.) The pork belly was medium sized (perfect) and melted in my mouth. My guests had steaks which were wonderful - large, juicy, and cooked to their perfection. My love had lamb, which he rated as a B+. Yes, Canlis is expensive. It is meant to be as no corners are spared. It is truly a special occasion.

Emily K.

*Siggggggh* Canlis has been at the top of my "Restaurant Go To List" for a while now and the boyfriend took me here for our 3 year anniversary [which was almost a month ago so this review isn't as fresh as it should be]. This is a long one, but my appreciation must be made. I love Canlis. A bit pricey, but I left with a lasting impression and a memory of some of the best service ever! Here's the breakdown: Ambiance- Perrrrrfect place for an anniversary dinner. Dark, warm, welcoming, illuminating, and fancy, of course. We were seated facing the giant glass window overlooking the water. Restaurants with nice views win my heart over, and the scene here was magical. There was live pianist while we were there, that was amazing. I was excited to finally be here, so everything looked and felt perfect. Food-I am very picky about my food in general but especially when it's fine dining. Anyways, we started with the pork belly; crispy on one side, and fatty gushy on the other. Can't really go wrong with a bacon-like starter. He really did his research and found that the Duck for 2 was surprisingly popular on yelp, for it's presentation as well as it being delicious. When we ordered, our server let us know it was no longer Duck for 2, it was simply, Duck. But hearing so many things about it we both got the duck anyway as well as the twice-baked potatoes. The potatoes were delish as expected and so was the duck. BUT it was prepared medium-rare. This was new for the both of us. We're used to super tender, fall of the bone prepared duck. So this was different. Different but still good. We ended with my favorite crème brulee, which turned out to be one of my favorites in Seattle. It was served with fresh seasonal fruit and ice cream! We also had complimentary amuse bouche in the beginning of our dinner and a complimentary blueberry meringue at the end of our night. Service- This is what made Canlis what it is today. Yes, they have a ticketless valet system which I still don't understand how they do it. As we walked through the doors, we were greeted by Mr. Canlis himself, he took us straight to our table and that was that. As we were sitting and waiting for the food we got to observe a few things. 1) There's no such thing as an empty cup here! They come by and refill your water [which we paid $13 for? But whatever, not complaining, just never have been charged for bubbly water before] If you're seated facing the view/ in the booth side, they move the tables out to allow you to easily and comfortably get to your seat. They replace and iron the tablecloth after every guest left. All the servers were super knowledgeable about the menu and super friendly.

Stephanie P.

I love this place! I was blown away by all the amazing people who work here. They know how to make a special night so lovely and unforgettable! Everything about this restaurant is five stars!

Sharon F.

The jury is out. Canlis is, and might always be, the best dining service I've experienced in Seattle. Here's why: details, details, details. Every aspect of dinner - the food, service and ambiance - was meticulously executed, but pulled off effortlessly. Aside for the drinks, which were standard but not outstanding, it was all perfect. Kudos to a well-trained staff and tight restaurant running. Because it was an unintentional birthday dinner at Canlis, a few off-the-menu dishes came to us from the kitchen: - dungeness crab claws with grandfather Canlis' mustard horseradish mayonnaise - house-cured charcuterie plate with pickled broccoflowers, cauliflower and cornichon And a few Canlis staples as well: - pear cider amuse - famous chili lime prawns - foie gras with discs of beets, chocolate, served with a side of butter brioche and sabayon mousse - house-cured smoked salmon with dabs of yogurt, basil, and potatoes, finished with flakes of salt - whole roasted muscovy duck with an perfect orange marmalade - grand marnier souffle with vanilla bean cream Of all the dishes, the smoked salmon was maybe the most underwhelming, as it was small in portion and oversalted. The foie was paired exquisitely with the sides and I can still remember the taste of that moist duck. The ambiance and service, in my opinion, outshine the food. From the fireplace entrance to the warm smiles of every server (who remembered my name throughout the service), the restaurant exuded class. I made sure to notice how Mark Canlis moved throughout the restaurant, attending to every guest's needs, and providing a timely offer of a cab just before their departure. We had the best view of the house, facing Lake Union and just beside Walt on piano, covering classic and contemporary songs (Adele, Flo Rida). The whole experience took me over the moon, and validates Canlis as a great restaurant, even if the food is not as inventive as some others. I'll be coming back, and next time to check out their famous Scotch collection!

M H.

Excellent food, great service and views. Well worth the money!!

N N.

Went there with my girlfriend there and she was really excited the food is exquisite, wonderfully made, dessert delicious....... live music........... Service is excellent it is pricey if you are budget Overall i would say it is One of the Best Places ...... in Seattle

Elle D.

We came in for a birthday dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant had beautiful decor and live piano music (a big plus). We were seated immediately and the service was so attentive. I haven't been to a restaurant where all the waiters/waitresses were all so wonderful! It is definitely a romantic place if you want to have a intimate conversation. They are certainly very serious about everything. They iron the tablecloth and a couple of times, when I went to the restroom, the waitress folded my napkin back perfectly. Also, the valet attendants were so nice!!! As for the food, it was beautifully presented. Their wine menu was endless but we ended up not getting any because we don't really know how to appreciate wine. The entrees were very fresh and tasty but it didn't really knock me off my feet. The truffle fries are a must get! It was aromatic and my taste buds were so happy! (We did ended up with stinky breath afterwards but it was so worth it!!!) For dessert, we ended up with creme brulee and a cappuccino. They gave us 2 macarons and 2 truffles on the house and it was so yummy! I feel like this is a place you should definitely go to if you are looking for a romantic, trendy spot. The bill didn't end up as much as we expected to. It was well worth the price and experience!

Mark R.

A few years ago I ate at this place and it fell WAY short of its fantastic reputation. I walked into the bar for a pre dinner cocktail in perfect compliance with their well-known esteemed dress code. A staff member offered to hang my jacket and I responded in kind to their offer. I'm siting their enjoying a cocktail when out of nowhere another staff member comes up to me and rather boisterously announces I am not in compliance with their dress code due to the absence of my jacket and offer to let me "borrow one"......I literally thought it was a joke. I calmly respond...."you have my jacket". Needless to say that episode didn't start off the meal well. The meal was just ok. Nothing great for what you pay. There are much better places to eat in Seattle. The reputation this place has is amazing, but dining there felt a little cheezy.

Aiko C.

My second time being here, and it was just as amazing as I had remembered it. The food, service, and the ambiance was just perfect. All the servers were polite, and knew the menu inside and out. The food was delicious. The crab cakes is a must try!!!!

Philippe D.

Great view from the restaurant with the nice seating facing the view for both people at the table. Food was great but now extraordinary. Don't get me wrong, as it was perfectly cooked and presented but now "whoa" items in the menu. The service is superb: my wife Canlis salad had too much dressing and they did not charge us for it. That is what customer service in the food business is supposed to be. The amuse-bouche, carrot soup, with parsley was divine. My salmon was cooked perfectly and the double-cooked potatoes were delightful. You have to order (in advance) the grand-marnier soufflé with it creme anglaise. Mr and Mrs Canlis, please, bring back the Canlis salad preparation at the table instead of in the kitchen

Ramiro R.

This is my second time coming here. Took my girlfriend here for her birthday and I was glad I did. The view was amazing mixed with live piano playing in the background. Love the fact that every time they brought out food to us, someone was there to tell us about it. The place and the service was nothing less than classy. The chef even wrote out happy birthday on my girlfriends dessert.

InTheBurg B.

The setting is beautiful, a mid century / asian modern house cantilevered over a spectacular view and this of course is a pleasure, but the appetizers we had in the bar which we had intended to lead us into dinner, were so overpriced for such uninspired food, that we took the check and headed off to Lark in Capitol Hill where we had a fantastic meal. I don't mind paying a lot of money for a great meal - that's not the point - but 3 small shrimp ( Canlis prawns) at $18 would peeve Thomas Keller himself if they weren't great. And these shrimp were fair to middling at best. We asked to share a Canlis salad at the recommend of our server since we were concerned about size getting in the way of all the courses we wanted to try later, but when it arrived it was missing the poached egg - the signature of the signature salad. The salad itself was good but again, not great, not noteworthy, and uninspired. I was looking forward to the pork belly but alas in spite of very good flavor, the meat was dry against the perfectly braised fat. Pork belly is challenging to cook, but this is the kind of restaurant in which one expects the chef and his staff to know his way around challenging foods as well as the sommes know their way around wine and pairing. Speaking of which - heavy representation of German on the wine list which is unusual ( and which I like so that was a plus and shows promise) , but only THREE roses represented (on one of the hottest summers on record no less, when a rose would be a perfect compliment to the weather and light summer fare ) The service was thorough, efficient, gracious and friendly, but I'm sorry to say that our openers left us no confidence in ordering mains. I think this place needs to work on shucking the 'special occasion' restaurant vibe and find some balance between old school and new. It does seem like they're trying, and the menu did look promising but again, if the appetizers fall short and are bloody expensive at that ( our check was nearly a hundred for an average rose and three appetizers) , what credibility has been established to encourage you to gamble another two or three hundred on dinner? For that kind of money, it should be a guaranteed excellent meal. Not dried meat on on e of the fattiest cuts there is, or average shrimp. Disappointed.

Jeremy R.

There is no hesitation in giving Canlis five stars. I would give them six if it were an option. Heck, even seven for the dress code... I think that it's wonderful to expect that people dress for the occasion. I went for an anniversary dinner, and the staff took every step they could to make it a fantastic evening that will never be forgotten. Drinks in the bar were a must, so we arrived early. I can say that the Black Maple Hill Old Fashioned is one of the best Old Fashioned's I have ever had. Dinner proceeded to be one of the finest meals that I have enjoyed in my entire life. I do no think that it has an equal here in Seattle when it comes to the caliber of both the food and the service. The service and timing are top notch. Everything good that can be said about it has already been typed, but there is not a moments hesitation in saying that all of the good news is true. The dinner rolls were fantastic, though I only tried the milk and honey (olives are not my thing). The Canlis Salad is a must try, though I will admit that it is a bit big for a first course. Then there was the Steak and the Twice Baked Potatoes... The Wagyu beef is really quite incredible, and there is no real way to convey just how tender it is without just saying TRY IT. The potato is super hot when it arrives, but after a moment for it to cool it was thoroughly enjoyable. I can see why they have been making it all this time. Dessert was the Grand Mariner Soufflé... Order it... Order it ahead of time though because they do take a bit to make. :-) After dessert was of course the biggest surprise of the night, the check! Everyone goes on and on about how expensive Canlis is... It was not anywhere near the most expensive meal that I have very eaten and I really was quite pleased with the cost. It won't be the cheapest night out, but at the same time this is a place that anyone can attend for a special occasion. Save a bit if you need to, and experience like this is worth it. The ticketless valet and coat check is seamless and flawless. My car was waiting out front with the seat heaters on (we did go in January), after ladies fur and my coat were elegantly draped onto our shoulders. I will be back to Canlis sometime soon.

Kana K.

I don't know why i waited until now to write a review but better late than never i suppose. =) I came here 2 years ago in Feb. 2011 for a Valentine's day weekend getaway with my husband. We are from California but love Seattle so much we always try to find a reason to come visit. We both had the Waygu with forest mushrooms ( a mixture of different mushrooms) and the truffle french fries and some washington wine to go with the meal. The meat was cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth goooood! The mushrooms was great and compliments the steak but i have to say... the truffle french fries stole the show. It was so good my kids would have been jealous had i told them about it. (some things should be left unsaid for your kids sake =P) Now for the service. I can't think of any other place that has the type of service Canlis has. I've been to Craftsteak and SW Steakhouse in Las Vegas, 555 East in Long Beach, Ruth Chris in OC and Hawaii, Lawry's in Beverly Hills, etc.... Canlis gets the crown for "Excellent Service" from start to finish. Our waitress was great! which is why we gave a 25% tip. The view of this restaurant is spectacular. Great place to take a date if you want to impress them. I would do anything for the opportunity to not only come back to this place but to come back to Seattle.

Sarah E.

Better late than never to write a review! I had the pleasure of eating here back in December right after their recent major honors, and although I don't remember everything I ate in perfect detail, I must say it left a lasting impression overall as one of my peak dining experiences. The flashes of molecular gastronomy in the amuses bouches (who knew an innocent-looking house made tater tot could be such a revelation?) and garnishes like freeze-dried chocolate on the dessert redefined culinary possibilities for me, and honestly, I can think of no higher compliment. My lamb was perfect, and NOT drenched in mint, which was a great change of pace. My dining companion chose a steak, which I grudgingly admit was the tastier option even though I adore lamb. Our service was top notch-- highly attentive and flawless that night-- and the interior was pure, understated Northwest elegance with one of Seattle's unique and stunning views. If you are a professional foodie, you cannot say you've dined in Seattle without coming here. May James Beard smite me from the great beyond if I'm wrong.

Jamie B.

As far as super-splurges go, this one was worth it. For my birthday we had a visa gift card and decided to use it to subsidize our extravagant dinner out. My husband and I ordered the 7 course tasting menu and for the next 3 hours we were delighted by culinary surprises (we opted not to look at the menu). But perhaps the coolest part of the evening was the magical, no-ticket, no-questions valet. I would do it again.

Alyssa A.

I visited Seattle from San Francisco for the first time and heard that Canlis is pretty much the best restauraunt you can dine at in Seattle - this is absolutely true. In fact, I would say that Canlis rivals some of the best restaurants that I have been to in San Francisco. The food was absolutely incredible. The service was amazing. I work in a restaurant and eat out all the time, and Canlis absolutely blew me away. I want to return to Seattle in the future so that I can eat here again. It is extremely romantic and the decor is beautiful. Every bite was delicious. Defnitely a 5-star experience all-around.

Sonia C.

Hands down, the best meal that I've ever had in Seattle, and one of the best meals of my life. The combination of impeccable service, breathtaking view, and delicious food made for an almost flawless experience. My very sweet boyfriend wanted to take me somewhere special for my birthday and he settled on Canlis after some research. He surprised me on the night of my birthday. We were seated side-by-side at a very cozy table with an expansive view of Seattle. The weather was excellent for my birthday with the sun shining and we were able to see the sailboats out on the water. The sun slowly set over the course of our 3 hr meal and we were able to enjoy the sunset and ensuing twilight hours as well. Our waiter was a seasoned 13 year veteran of Canlis and he was friendly and knowledgeable. He recommended a light white wine (Gruner Veltliner) from their list that was fresh with a sparkling finish. My bf had a glass of Malbec which he had been secretly eyeing on the online menu before we got there. We looked through the menu before deciding to go all out (I only turn 30 once) and splurge on the 7 course tasting menu. We opted to not even look at the menu and have the chef surprise us. My only stipulation was no foie gras. Our tasting menu: 1. Amuse bouche of cantaloupe two ways: This was served as a gazpacho and in solid form topped with crab meat. It was delightful. 2. Peas and carrots with fresh goat cheese: This was heavy on the multi-colored carrots and very light on the peas. The soft cloud-like goat cheese was textured with a morel mushroom crumble. 3. Poached duck egg with asparagus, watercress, and an uni foam: I thought this dish was the most creative and it was the second best thing on our menu. The duck egg was perfectly cooked, bursting with fresh yolky goodness which I sopped up with the toasted wedges of hearty bread. 4. Seared diver scallop served with truffle gnudi, shrimp, in a tapioca sauce with crisped mint leaves: This was without doubt the best thing that I ate all night and one of the most delicious dishes I've ever had in my entire life. The meaty scallop was seared on the outside and sweet and tender on the inside. The gnudi were pillowy and the small slices of the truffle atop them had my boyfriend professing his love for truffles repeatedly. 5. Braised short rib served with broccoli rabe and a bit of bone marrow: The only minor disappointment of the night and the only flaw in our evening. The meat, purportedly braised for 48 hours, was extremely tender and marbled with fat, but it was served at a lukewarm temperature that made the otherwise luscious fat a bit unappealing to consume. I would have preferred they serve it much hotter. The small square of meat was very rich, more so that we could handle. 6. Raspberry fizz palate cleanser: This adorable little shot was topped with a tablespoon of ice cream and served with a short straw. I loved it and remarked repeatedly how I wished that it could be served in a full size glass because I could have eaten a lot more of it. The tart liquid was bubbly and refreshing and the creamy ice cream provided a sweet balance. 7. Strawberry rhubarb tart with fennel ice cream, celery jelly, and pickled rhubarb: The strawberry and rhubarb were jellied atop a thin layer of creamy custard poured into a sweet graham-cracker like pie shell. It was very tasty and an extremely needed light ending to our heavy meal. The only fault I could find was in the overly hard crust - it wasn't hard on my teeth, but it was too hard to cut cleanly with a knife, and I often scraped the delicate filling from the crust when I cut out my bites. The ice cream was enveloped in an even layer of creme fraiche and balanced out the sour bits very well. The celery jelly and pickled rhubarb were interesting visual additions to the plate but added little to the dish (especially the overly sour rhubarb pieces). The courses were very leisurely spaced out, giving us plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. We ended up stuffed to the brim and almost had to be rolled out of the restaurant. The final bill was not cheap, but it was definitely worth it for a special occasion meal. I felt that I got what we paid for with Canlis, versus feeling a little bit gypped at Per Se. With Per Se, I felt like I got 15+ courses where only a few were truly extraordinary - and at twice the price of Canlis! With Canlis, I felt that each course was crafted with thought and care, and tasted much better overall. I wish I could say that I would be returning to Canlis very soon, but I really do hope to return again! Thanks for a great birthday, E!

Pj F.

I have been wanting to eat at Canlis for years and I finally got the opportunity last month. I went with 8 co-workers. The Canlis salad was way too salty near unedible. and the soup tasted like salad dressing. Nothing was memorable about the other food served. I assumed it was just me...maybe I was being over critical. But to the person-every one of my co-workers did not like the food. I was supremely disappointed.....sorry. When I go to a restaurant at a minimum I expect the food to taste good. If I'm paying Canlis prices I expect everything to be satisfactory. The parking and restrooms were excellent though! I guess folks go here because of the exclusivity of the restaurant. Price does not necessarily equate quality. A valuable lesson for me.

Vanessa H.

First class service period! Food was great, perfect for our third year anniversary! Love the fact they have a strong dress code, personally I would like to see more of that in seattle! Just called to thank them for such amazing service! You will spend quite a bit but it is worth it!!

Matt R.

Although I have driven by Canlis a million times and I live only a mile away from the restaurant- I've never set foot in the door until last night. Our party of four visited for Seattle Restaurant Week and our experience was excellent. The setting is beautiful, the view over Lake Union is lovely, the service was superb (Karen from Boston- you kick ass)- and most importantly- the food was flawless. Strawberry Rhubarb soup Amuse, Spring Salad with pickled beets, Salmon with celeriac puree, Creme Brulee with passion fruit sorbet. Not a bad spread for only $30! Others at our table- also on the SRW special $30 menu- opted for the Pea Soup, the Canlis Salad, the Black Truffle Risotto, and the Chocolate on Chocolate. I was lucky enough to try all of these dishes and there honestly wasn't a bad one. They also comped us an order of their truffle fries- which were terrific. I'll certainly keep Canlis in my back pocket for special occasions. I cannot wait to go back.

Francesca S.

Finally made it here after years of hearing how amazing their food was, how gorgeous the view was and left disappointed. We had a fantastic view an the service was definitely a 4 star but we spent over $200 and left hungry. While the view is spectacular, the ambiance is a far cry from romantic. The interior is very simple, which can definitely work if you are only seeking a normal average night out. For appetizers we got the Canlis shrimp and crab cake. The crab cake was a good portion but tasted like the ocean, didn't taste fresh. The shrimp however were amazing. I'm not sure how they cook their shrimp, the texture is unlike any shrimp I ever had. If I had that shrimp over pasta my dining experience would have escalated. For entree's we got the salmon and the waygu beef tenderloin. The portions were so small for the price you pay. I don't even know why they tell what what the main meat comes with when it's just a few slivers of potatoes or mushrooms. Salmon was good, nothing wow, nothing amazing. The waygu was very impressive, my boyfriend really enjoyed it. Now for one of my favorite parts of the evening, dessert. For years, I mean at least 10 years, I've heard about their souffle, so of course I had to order it. This is only the second souffle I've had. The other was at The Georgian, which actually made me giggle upon the first bite. The difference of the two is like night and day. This souffle tasted like an egg flavored cake. Even with it drowning in the vanilla bean creme, that's all I could taste. Huge disappointment. I'm not sure how this place gets booked weeks in advance, but we will not be returning. There are other places in Seattle that give you the full fine dining experience that you leave spending maybe even a little less, leaving very satisfied and full.

Jermaine D.

your best bet is to stick to the classics. they may be dated but they are the only thing that Canlis does well. The tasting menu is just course after over-priced course of copycat items torn from the pages of every trendy cookbook. Yawn. We dined here twice in the last six months and were underwhelmed by everything but the perfect service. Nice view

Astor A.

This is a proper fine dinning establishment. There wasn't anything amiss. I wish I could express more eloquently our experience. This place just didn't disappoint. They certainly believe in customer service and quality. Most places that call themselves fine dinning establishments have always left me a little underwhelmed. Not here. The attention to detail is amazing. They even iron the table clothes! That is my biggest pet peeve at "fine " dinning establishments. They put on table clothes with fold lines. The staff was professionally attired, in clothing, hair and demeanour. It is an pleasant experience to eat here. We had not eaten here before and wanted a nice place for our anniversary dinner. We had the chef's tasting menu and the wine pairing. This is the first time i've had fish cooked properly. The food pairs on the plate were inventive and the presentation was flawless and meticulous. Who would think that mushrooms, peaches and fish would be a delicious combination. Not all of the plates hit a home run in flavor for my palette but that is to be expected. No matter if it was my favorite dish or not it all was well prepared. The pork was not overdone beautifully pink. We've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the country and this place is really in the top 5. We are planning on going back to try something off the menu and one of the cocktails.

Jules F.

I've been here several times over the past few years, so it's about time for a review. Canlis has a level of quality and customer service that set the bar. Every time, my experience has been flawless. And the food? Absolutely superb-quality, detail, and arrangement. Spendy? Absolutely. Don't doubt dining here, you will be back for more!

Tom R.

Given the hype and Seattle history of this restaurant, I expected much more. Food was ok. View was great. For the pedigree of this restaurant, I was amazed that the service was so average. Not as attentive as one would expect when paying Canlis prices. My wife and I were celebrating an anniversary so we dressed up, I busted out my sport coat and she had on a nice dress. The website states that there is a dress code, but it's obviously not enforced. It doesn't feel special when the couple next to you have on jeans and t-shirts.

Lauren S.

I always get the same thing every time I come here, but I see no reason to deviate, it's always impeccable. I get the salad, Wagyu steak, and banana millefeuille. I like how the food is made with excellent ingredients, but it isn't overworked like some fancy restaurants. I love the view, I love the interior of the restaurants, and I love the bathrooms. I also like that they actually make people dress up here. One of my favorite restaurants in Seattle.

Y Y.

Food: ordered the 4-course dinner. Every course was enjoyable, but the most memorable was the dry-aged Muscovy duck for two: cooked medium rare with crispy roasted skin and tender, aromatic meat. Don't miss it - it sets the bar for how duck should taste. Drinks: Ordered a glass of cinsault (recommended by the server and a nice pairing for the duck) as well as a French foam. The bar was able to accommodate our request to make the cocktail less alcoholic and fruitier. Ambience: We went pretty late, so it was relatively quiet in the restaurant, at least in the corner next to the window where we sat. It was easy to carry on a conversation without feeling the need to shout. I don't know why the pianist had to play top-40 radio hits instead of something less distracting like classical pieces or even muzak. Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop" doesn't seem like appropriate music for what is supposed to be a more dignified dining room. My boyfriend was ok not wearing a jacket. Service: Service was attentive but not overbearing. We arrived slightly earlier than our reservation time. The lounge was full, so we were asked to wait on the couch in the "lobby." We sat there until 15 minutes past our reservation time without a single person offering us a cocktail or acknowledging the delay. I would expect a place as seasoned as Canlis to have better front-door etiquette.

Ellen C.

I hadn't been to Canlis yet.. mostly because it's not easy to get to. This week the stars aligned, and my parents came (yay!) and had a car (double yay!) and wanted to go to Canlis (woohoo!) I think the biggest highlight for me was the truffle appetizer. I was expecting a little bit of truffle, and got WAY more than I expected. Enough that I gave each of the other three people there a piece, and still had a ton. Hooray! After that, the truffle fries would be pretty high up there (I really like truffles). Seriously, if they have that appetizer, order it. I also had the lobster (delicious) and a drink that somehow managed to look fruity, but still taste like a solid gin cocktail (I think it had the words "count" and "granita" in it, if that's up your alley). For dessert, we tried the Mille Feuille, which was tasty. I had coffee because I was still recovering from 9-hours-off-jetlag, and while I would have been grateful for any caffeine, it was particularly good. I'd definitely recommend going to Canlis. I don't think it's going to take over for my other regular date-place, but a solid place to go. Oh. As we know, I always care more about the food than everything else. But the view and service was also impeccable.

Mike G.

Reserve Canlis for a special occasion. I took my wife here to celebrate our 23 year anniversary and was impressed to say the least. The service is wonderful, staff extremely knowledgable about the menu and wine list. The food is excellent and the view spectacular. Romantic ambiance. Best dining experience we've had in Seattle. Best night out all year.

Stacy H.

Wowza. I am a happy customer. A friend and I came here and each had the four course dinner, ordering different things so that we could get a taste of everything. The wine list was impressive, but I must admit that I am not much of a connoisseur. I was intimidated by the $17,500 bottle of wine on the menu. We split a bottle of the Gascon malbec. Now onto food... First came the hors d'oeuvres, which had beautiful presentation. My favorite was the fried egg yolk (how do you even do that?). Next came our appetizers which included the famous Canlis salad, steak tartare, pork belly, and peach gazpacho. My favorites were the pork belly and steak tartare, but the salad was awesome and gave me some good ideas for making my own salads at home (hint: don't be shy on the basil). For the main course, we went with the duck for 2. I was hesitant at first, being happy with Peking duck at Chinese restaurants for a significantly cheaper price, but was persuaded by every single staff member recommending the duck as their top recommendation. The skin was perfectly roasted and pepper-seasoned and the duck itself was full of flavor. For dessert, we had the souffle and the chocolate fondant which were both delicious. I even got a candle and a "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate on the plate. Afterwards, we each got a choice of macaroon and I received a Canlis raspberry chocolate bar as a birthday gift. The restaurant itself was very sleek and modern with a great view of Lake Union and Gasworks Park. It helped that it was a blue sky sunny August day that turned into a gorgeous evening as the sun set toward the end of our meal. The service was fantastic. We had several people come fill our water glasses and serve our food, and all were knowledgeable about the menu and were ready with recommendations when asked. The pianist played current and past hits which were enjoyable. It made a 3-hour dinner very relaxing and I can safely say that I was in my happy place. Ultimately, customers come knowing that they'll be spending quite a bit, but I felt the food and service were worth every dollar. I will definitely make it a goal to come back and dine for a special occasion in the future!

Monkey T.

Insane view above Lake Union. Unbelievably superior service. I felt like royalty. Deliciously interesting, fantastic food. THE place for your intimate, special dinner. Monkey splurged on the WAGYU TENDERLOIN, FILET, TRUFFLE FRIES, MUSHROOMS & TWICE BAKED POTATO. Glasses of SOTER PINOT NOIR. Will return for wine, dessert, a table by the window and our favorite waitress...

Spencer C.

So this place is no joke...Guys make sure you wear a jacket and leave the jeans at home. The views over union lake are superb. A must dining destination for any visitor to seattle with a taste for the finer things in life with a wallet to match. We started with the shrimp which was a taste sensation... For the entree we went with the duck for 2 which was delicious.....I think I will remember this place for the shrimp though.

Robert C.

We enjoyed our visit, food was great, service impeccable. We took a cab so we didn't get the whole mystery valet experience. EDIT: Bumped it to 5 stars (-; As all in all it was pretty amazing. We had Canlis Prawns, excellent, A salmon dish that was pretty good but ever so slightly overcooked, a canlis salad that impressed me but not the wife too much, a 21 day tenderloin that was good but not the best I ever had (but iirc it was the most expensive) (-; I let the server / sommelier chose a couple wine pairings and they were spot on. We had dessert but I have forgotten what it was so it must not have been too amazing. I would like to do a tasting menu, and try the duck for 2 as I read/hear that it is very good. But when I can get an exemplary meal for both of us for what it costs for one person @ canlis it is going to require a very special occasion. tldr: Really good food, super service. Value? If you have money to burn and want to be pampered, this is the place!

Corvi Z.

Went here to celebrate my brother getting married! I imagine most of the price is for the experience - the amazing view between blooming hummingbird-mad rhododendrons down to the lake; the veritable army of infinitely competent impersonal server-ninjas sweeping away crumbs and refilling any wineglass that dips millimeters below the prescribed amount. I am probably completely missing the point to be so focussed on the food. I had never been to a restaurant this fancy, and I was really hoping the food to be Somehow Different than any other restaurant I had been to. It just wasn't distinguishable from any other very nice restaurant half the price. I am all in favor of local and seasonal, but is "roasted broccoli with cauliflower" really the best that can be done for a vegetarian main course in *May*? AND a broccoli raviolo appetizer? January, sure, brassicas are just about all grows around here then. But by May you could have sunchokes, fava beans, sunflower sprouts, nettles, beets, burdock, elderblow if you're feeling really crazy, asparagus, artichokes, cardoon, fennel bulb, garlic scapes, pea greens, carrots, fiddlehead ferns, celeriac, probably lots of stuff I am forgetting. Places that emphasize seasonal and local should update their menus at least once a month to get awesome new seasonal stuff as it shows up. They should not keep a sparse early-spring menu for months. They definitely should not make half their vegetarian starters and all their vegetarian entrees out of broccoli. Their truffle fries are the least truffly truffle fries I have ever had. Canlis does make good use of slightly exotic mushrooms, though. The pistachio chocolate dessert was also excellent - intense pistachio flavor, salty and savory, very different than the pallid flavor of pistachio ice cream.

Gary G.

My new wife and I had our reception at Calis august 25th 2012. In a word it was magnificent. Katie, who we liaised with prior to the even set everything up perfectly. On the day, the staff handled it without a hitch. the service went off with military precision. The food, as you'd expect was outstanding. To top the whole thing off the bill for 50 people cam in at A LOT LESS than you'd expect. 10 out of ten. I'd recommend Canlis without reservation. It was everything we could have hoped for, and more. :-)

Stacya S.

We had dinner here a few weeks ago on a Thursday, and it was a great evening. I have read some of the more critical reviews, and what I will say is this: If you are looking for the hip new place with an experimental menu, and things you have never tried before, this is not the place. If you are looking to show up and hang and and drink with your friends....I wouldn't do that here, either. But I want to repeat that the food is good, the service is impeccable. Xavier and Wanda were stand outs. The staff seems to love working at Canlis, which still feels like a small business (I mean that is the best way) run by a family. Which I think it is. When you speak to anyone there about working at Canlis, they beam. I always like to find out what they get fed before the shift! I may just quit my job! Anyway, Canlis is simply one of our best fine dining establishments. It is solid. It isn't the place to go if you hate dressing for dinner, so man up and put on a suit.

Amanda R.

My husband and I photographed a wedding at Canlis last fall and were absolutely blown away by the food (obviously) and the staff. Even though we were on site as vendors, the staff were warm, hospitable, and exemplified service in the highest sense of the word. Again, even as a wedding photographer, I felt like a guest in the Canlis home. Thank you. We'll be back.

Charles Z.

Decent food, terrible service. After serving us our entrees, we didn't see our waiter for at least 45 minutes. He seemed more interested in talking to all the tables around us, though. We would have ordered dessert if he had been reasonably attentive. Finally, I had to ask for the check....at the Canlis! Then it took our waiter another 15 minutes to bring it to our table. We left to get dessert at Chinooks. Guess we got the Monday night novice crew. Regardless, I won't go back again.

Matthew G.

Absolutely wonderful restaurant. I should have finished this one sooner, but it has been a busy year. The experience was excellent! There are very few places left in the US that still value upscale dining. The atmosphere was fantastic. We has a pleasant view overlooking the water. The food is with out question 5 star. I had a pouched egg on truffles to start. It was out of this world. Then I went with the Lamb and mint. You couldn't mess that up if you tried. My son had a filet with lobster sauce. It was a bit too rich for him. All the better for me. There was plenty of sweet bread to be had. So where I found the portions exactly right (if I hadn't eaten my son's diner), my son was able to fill up on rolls. I choose to skip desert, but my son had ice cream. Finally, what diner would be complete with out drinks. The bartender was well versed in European wins and beers. I was able to get a great German ALT before diner. They were unfortunately out of Shiraz so I skipped the wine with diner and opted for an Old Fashion during desert. The whole experience was very enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone. .

Merry T.

Good service, superb food, great atmosphere. Always come here yearly for fine dining and never gets disappointed. A bit expensive, but definitely worth the price! Super recommended!

Mariko B.

I would give Canlis a 4 1/2 stars if I could. We arrived on time, the door was held open for us and the host took my coat. I gave her my name and she informed us that I had book the Cache (YAY!), so we walked through and up the stairs to our private room for the night. We couldn't decide on what to drink for a while due to the extensive wine list, but I'm not good at those decisions so I left it up to Toby. It was great getting away from the general dining area and we had the telescope. There was a good period of time where we were watching a firetruck, the baby firetruck side kick and 2 cops pull this guy in a van over on I-5. We ended up order a Washington Merlot, might as well make it Washington since we live near wine county in California. We also settled on the steak tartare and the oysters as appetizers. Both were good, there was a little mishap with one of the oysters so that one didn't get eaten and grossed me out. But it wasn't something the delicious wine couldn't fix :-) I ordered the mushroom ravioli and Toby had the tenderloin (because I made him get it, but it was in his top 2 choices! Haha, so I'm not entirely mean! Besides I was treating him for once!) It was a good decision too, my ravioli's were super yummy, I love marscapone cheese! It was light but also had the wild mushroom in it with some truffle, mmm... I can taste it now... And what Toby couldn't eat of the tenderloin, I completely went after. I am a small person but I can eat A LOT, so I ate the rest of his entrée too before our server, Amy had come back. LOL. I didn't want her to see how much I was eating and would continue to eat! The tenderloin was a melt in your mouth meal, the baby potato slices were good. We also order the truffle fries and I swear, if I lived anywhere near the area I would go to Canlis at least once every week to get truffle fries to go. It was so amazingly delicious (and we forgot the boxed up fries on the table... So mad when we got back to the hotel, oh well... Thats what next time is for!). For desert, we got the chocolate covered chocolate, which was very delicious and not too sweet. There was a moist chocolate cake with a hard shell and a chocolate covered salted caramel ice cream pop. Toby loves salted anything especially if its chocolate or caramel. He also got a small pot of the Indonesian coffee, which was also very tasty. One of the highlights was when I had to use the restroom, I stepped outside the Cache and couldn't see anyone so I went over to the small kitchen area on the 2nd level and one of the cooks actually escorted me to the restroom. He asked if he should stay so I wouldn't get lost but I knew how to return but he was super friendly talking about the restaurant. The bathrooms were nice too, when walking in the waiting area had a huge window with a lot of foliage and small fountain (reminded me of Shadowbrook in Capitola). There were 3 stalls with full doors, more private rooms, yay! Haha, the lotion I used after washing my hands smelled really good and made my hands very soft. So we received our check. Although they did have my credit card on file, I was also paying half cash because I didn't want to deal with giving our car service cash since it looked like they had authorized my card and payment was now pending for that. I ended up giving her half cash, a cash tip and the rest charged to my card that they had on file. It was definitely the most expensive meal that I had ever paid for (so far) but I would do it again without thinking for my love. We both enjoyed our experience and I succeeded in surprising him, which is all that matters.

Melissa K.

What's not to love. I've now been here twice, once for a fundraiser in the lounge area and more recently for a romantic dinner date. I had made the reservations and they greeted me with Ms. and then my last name, which they pronounced correctly and for that I give them huge kudos. I know they do a lot of "behind the scenes" work here, and it really shows. The table next to us, we overheard them mentioning the lady's birthday and they were there for an anniversary. When they inquired, the waiter told them that they had made a note because last year they came for her birthday. Amazing!! Of course this is one of the most expensive places in town, and the food did not disappoint. I got lobster, and my boyfriend got steak and I have to admit it's hard to find a better in town. And of course, getting dressed up to go to dinner is always fun, and the calm, clean, romantic atmosphere was delightful. I'd go there much more often if I could!

Sharon S.

Have you heard that the views are breathtaking? That the food is to 'die for'? That it is expensive but worth every penny for a special event? Yes, me too. For most of my life even. So, why is it that even tho we made reservations weeks ahead we found ourselves up against a half wall, near a corner, with a little city view visible for my husband which he could enjoy, if barely, over my shoulder and which I could not see at all? And, when you spend nearly $300 for two people shouldn't the food knock your socks off? Canlis salad, crabcake, New York steak med rare for him and Salmon for me. Fine. It was FINE. Nothing to complain about. But, nothing to rave about either. I don't know-shrug-maybe it wasn't really as big a deal as I thought...and to think I even had it on my bucket list. sigh.

Liz W.

Let me preface this review by saying our dinner for 2 was worth every cent, if only because of the service and atmosphere. Having said that, you pretty much know what you're getting into when you visit Canlis. It's been open since the 1950s and it really doesn't try to hide the fact either through it's menu or it's aesthetics. It serves traditional, baby-boomer era, high-end American fare, with the occasional spark of contemporary, pushing-the-boundaries cuisine. Their menu is fairly straight forward with your typical first and second courses consisting of more traditional oysters or prawns. They also have a 'contemporary' portion of the menu, which you would think would be more experimental, but really it's things like fois gras and pork belly. Nothing too intimidating. For their entrees, expect grilled to perfection (or preference) steaks, including a top-of-the-line Wagyu Tenderloin, lobster, salmon, halibut, etc., with their own Canlis flair. Their sides include a mile-high pile of truffle fries, and a steaming hot and crispy pot of twice-baked potato. And if that wasn't traditional enough for you, wait until you check out the dessert menu. Cheese platter, creme brulee, souffle ... all beautifully prepared in that Canlis way. Two items that really stuck out were the strawberry fennel starter and the after-dinner sweets consisting of melt-in-your mouth macarons and chocolate-dipped champagne. It was decadent. It was comfortable. The staff was impeccable. I got exactly what I expected, and walked away happy.

Nio S.

My wife and I celebrated our 7th year Anniversary this July 1st at this amazing place. Everyone at this place was very friendly and greeted us a happy anniversary. Upon being seated, the piano player at first sounded like he was playing some classical music until we really listened and noticed he was playing "Ignition" by R.Kelly and some other R&B/HipHop songs including some Nikki Manaj, my wife and I laughed cuz the people around us don't really think they know what the hell he was playing, at this point we really dig this high end restaurant. We ended up getting the 4 course dinner with dessert. As much as I would like to describe our food what we got (which was amazing by the way) you need to remember these are big time chefs making your food so what ever you decide it is always going to be good and if it isn't then something is definitely wrong with you, but seriously if at any moment you are disappointed with the food let your waiter know and they can make arrangements. Just don't be stupid and finish the dish and then complain. After dessert you are given Macaroons and a to go small cake. Upon leaving the restaurant the staff greeted us happy anniversary one more time and our valet was waiting for us with our car. I would definitely come here again for another special occasion. Yes it is pricey for a dinner but it is so worth it...for everything that we got including a few drinks we paid around $300 including tip. Also expect to dine for at least 2hrs for a four course dinner. Happy eatings Yelpers!!

Lynn C.

My first time at Canlis and it was the best experience ever. Apparently my fiancee worked with them in fooling me that it was a work event we were attending and they played it off well. I was taken into a private room set for two with candles every where. I was surprised and shocked and as I turned to my fiancee, he was already on one knee... other than this place meaning so much to me now... the vegetarian course I had was FANASTIC! But the service was TOP NOTCH! The BEST I've ever experienced at a restaruant for sure! They were very attentive and entered the room to check on us at perfect times (providing the perfect balance of service, food, and giving us some alone time to celebrate). After dessert, we start on the cozy couch inside the private room for a long time talking about the special moment (past closing time without knowing it) and they did not once bothered us or rushed us. We've decided that we'll be celebrating our anniversaries here. Pricey but recommend!

Johnny W.

Sorry Canlis, for continuously mistaking you for a French restaurant. I blame it on the fact that I've always envisioned you as the equivalent of The French Laundry, for Seattle. Whether this is actually true is a different story, as I've never been, but it provides a sense of where Canlis falls among Seattle restaurants: fancy, upscale, famous among the city's denizens, and costing a pretty penny. Or two. Or tens of thousands. But, thankfully we have a little something known as Restaurant Week here! And thankfully, last year, Canlis actually properly partook (after a year prior where they only offered one or two options per course). Alas, I was not the only one who thought this was a bright idea, so by the time I called to make reservations, the two weeks that were Restaurant Week had already been completely booked, with the exception of large parties. So, what's a cheap foodie to do? Well, find eight other friends, that's what! So along came our group of nine, sitting center stage in the restaurant, as the largest, loudest, most Asian, and youngest group, given that all the other patrons were couples that were all easily more than double our age. After a bit of strategizing (and a few excellent cocktails to get us through), our lot finally put in all our orders. By the end of the night, I'd tried a multitude of dishes, including a rhubarb strawberry cold soup served as our amuse bouche, salad, pea soup, salmon, black truffle risotto, a two-way chocolate dessert, strawberry upside-down cake, and a complimentary chocolate mousse dessert. And all in all, the food was quite tasty. The rhubarb strawberry soup was definitely an enjoyable, and interesting amuse bouche - but, not knowing what it was (I wasn't paying attention), I failed to appreciate it as much, gulping it down rather than slowly savoring it. The salad, simple as it was, was awesome; the pea soup was good; the salmon was excellent, cooked to perfection; the risotto was amazingly tasty, although I've never been a fan of al dente grains, and this still held true; the chocolate dessert was okay, but paled in comparison to the upside-down cake, and the chocolate mousse (fortunately, since other people were too full by this point, I was able to enjoy... several of these). Service, as one would expect, was impeccable. I can't even begin to imagine how much wait staff they have working here, as I feel like there's one person staffed for every two or three customers in the restaurant. One of the highlights of our night, perhaps because we're not accustomed to such fine dining, was when the wait staff came out and engaged in synchronized coffee pouring for all those who'd asked for coffee! Well, that, and when Brian Canlis himself came by and started chatting with us (Sorry most of us didn't know who you were! And I apologize for my friend who was stink-eyeing you, thinking you were about to take someone's wallet). And, as others have mentioned, they had all four cars ready for us by the time we left the restaurant - which, mind you, was 2.5 hours after closing, unbeknownst to us (in other words, they didn't rush us out). Oh, and there was no valet charge - sweet! I suspect this was just an exception made for Restaurant Week though, and not the norm. So, after that lengthy writeup, would I come back, outside of Restaurant Week? Yes, actually! This will come as a surprise to those who know me as one who has never been impressed by expensive restaurants (you're usually paying for the service and ambiance, which I don't care much for, instead of significantly tastier food). But, the caveat here is that this will probably only be limited to extremely special occasions (a dinner here will fetch me two or three at my beloved Poppy, after all!).

Torie Y.

One of the best dinners I've had in my life. For every reason a dinner can be good. I took a coworker's gleaming recommendation and booked reservations on our trip to Seattle for my bf's birthday. Forget the Space Needle, forget Pike's Place, THIS is the real reason we made the trip up!! Service is outstanding. But not in that pretentious eying you while you chew way, more like a casual yet continual presence. They even have a guy whose sole purpose is to refill the bread bowl. The wine list was as thick as my AP Biology textbook, and just as robust! We received a lovely amuse bouche of leek sunchoke soup with a touch of truffle/truffle oil and micro-greens. What an intriguing little cup. I opted for the famous Canlis salad and a steak with the truffle fries. The salad is so refreshing, and the dressing is so good I totally cleaned the plate! The steak was cooked perfectly. The potatoes come on little buttery pedestals of mash. The fries come out so crunchy and tasty, possibly the best I've ever had. Their creme brulee has the best sugar coating - it completely covers the top, and gives a nice crunch with each spoonful you take. Our waiter totally latched on when I told him I was from SF. We had a great conversation about how he'd visited and stayed in the Haight district (of all places). Good times. The real piece de resistance was the pianist. He jammed all night playing everything from Moon River to Lady GAGA's Paparazzi to Ella & the Duke's Don't Get Around Much Anymore to Taio Cruz' Dynamite. I kept thinking, oh no he didn't....OH YES HE DID! ...and that made my evening.

Ava M.

Despite the breathtaking views and delicious (though overpriced) food, I simply cannot in good conscience recommend this as a dating venue. Why? Because unless you pulled up in a Porsche, there is a good chance you will be made to feel like second-class citizens. Recently, I went to the Canlis for a rather special occasion, and made the reservation well in advance. My date and I arrived looking very spiffy, if I do say so myself, and then we were shown to a table... ...in the corner. Over by the kitchen. When I explained that this was a special occasion and that we were hoping for a table with a view, they told me that the area by the windows was "unavailable" this evening. When I pointed out that other people were being seated there, the waitress looked annoyed and told me that this was, "Table one, best seat in the house." Now, what I wanted to say was, "Look lady, just because this happens to be the first table in your arbitrary numbering system doesn't make it a good location. And when a person calls a month in advance to make a reservation for a very special occasion, you might want to let them know that all the window seats will be mysteriously unavailable that night." But I didn't. I smiled politely and asked her to bring us some wine. Why? Because that's what Yelp is for, bitches.

Stacey Y.

Yelp and I have had a one-sided relationship for quite a number of years now. I was selfish and took all that I could without giving anything back. My husband and I eat out all of the time but have failed to write a single Yelp review. But I'm ready to turn a leave now and start giving. Here goes... I chose this as restaurant as my first review, not because it was the most recent place I went to, but because of the lasting impression the food and service left on me. If any place deserves a 5 star review, this is it. We went to Canlis during a short trip to Seattle a few months ago. Despite the tight travel schedule and it's slightly out of the way location, we knew we needed to eat here. We were celebrating our engagement and had chosen to dine at Canlis as our last meal before flying back home. As our taxi rolled up, we were greeted immediately and shown to the bar area. The decor was understated, yet classy and comfortable. When our table was ready, we were seated next to the floor to ceiling windows, which spanned across most of the walls. We had a lovely view of the river and surrounding parks below us. We made a 5:30 reservation, the first of the night. When our server came to talk to us, we let her know that we had to leave around 7pm to make it to our flight. She, with minimal hesitation, let us know that would be no problem. Amazing, considering most meals here last well over 2 hours. With grace, she helped us select our meals and drinks and timed everything impeccably. The Canlis salad looked deceptively simple, but the taste was refreshing and complex. We mentioned it to the server and she brought us postcards with the recipe printed on one side so we could try to re-create it at home. The rest of our meal (shrimp ceviche, lamb, and salmon) was worthy of a trip to this great restaurant. Understanding our time constraints, our server also called us a taxi, which arrived just as we closed our check. When the taxi came, we had to dash outside and jumped into the car to make it to our flight on time. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that I had forgotten my favorite coat at the restaurant coat check. (Rather than fessing up to my own forgetfulness, I blame this on the euphoric daze I succumbed to after my wonderful meal.) Too late to turn around, we phoned Canlis while driving to the airport and they took down my info. When we arrived home a few days later (after a stop in SF), there was a box waiting for us with the jacket there and an incredibly gracious note from the hostess hoping we had a pleasant meal. "Pleasant meal" doesn't even begin to describe our experience. The food alone was great, but the service was exceptional and truly beyond our expectations. The dining experience was superb and the only regret we have is that we could not stay longer because we had a flight to catch that day. Next time, we will definitely stay for dessert. We thank Canlis restaurant and recommend it to anyone who wants a truly first class experience.

lee k.

" Canlis was the best place to dine in 1950, and it still is " What do you think? I strongly agree! No birthday, not anniversary, just wanted a romantic dinner before we go out of town for a while. We were promptly seated. We enjoyed the spectacular Lake Union view first. Here are our selections:- Puréed Parsnip Soup w vanilla bean and toasted hazelnut $18 , a very nice starter. Entres: All-Natural Nebraska Filet Mignon Steak ($48 ) A 6 oz generous portion of naturally raised, 21 day aged grain-fed, beef served with carrots, cumin, savory and melted shallots I ordered it medium, every cut tenderly melted in my mouth. Added with a side of my favorite Forest Mushrooms $ 8, yummy! Still had room for Crème Brûlée $10 served with nicely decorated fruit and apple sorbet, Just a perfect meal! My better half had :- The award winning Canlis Romaine Salad $14 Pacific Sablefish $38 with white wine, Matsutake mushrooms and Bok choy. You can tell she is on a diet. Well, the choices of tea selection were very good! Of course the services are excellent! I wonder how many staff and managers they had, a few of them stopped by to check us out including the young Mr. Mark Canlis! The stars shoot through the roof! A definitely 6 Plus! We will return again soon in 2011 for sure! Forgot to mention about the samplings of a creative chocolate + chestnut soup, and the little cupcakes they offered, boy, so much good food. Life is good!

Wing-Yiu W.

My Wife and I just celebrated our 1st Anniversary here at Canlis! As others have already stated, service is exceptional. The hostess was gracious enough to offer us a table even though we arrived a half hour early. We were seated close to the windows with a nice view overlooking Lake Union. The 'unique' thing about these tables however, is that you're looking right at the tables seated next to the windows, but after awhile you don't notice the people and just enjoy the view. LOL! Our hostess, server, support staff were on point the entire evening. MacKenna, our main server recognized that it was our first time at Canlis and asked if it was a special occasion! We were offered a complimentary serving of Rhubarb soup which was served in a nice little cup. As each dish is served, we were given a description of each. The food itself, while not exceptional, was better than most. We started off with the asparagus soup and crab cake. The soup was while not lacking flavor, could have had a stronger punch. The crab cake I'm still on the fence about... It's all crab meat, no fillers! Then again does that in-and-of-itself make it good? For our main courses we had the king salmon and wagyu beef. The salmon was definitely the best dish of the night. Out of all the 'American' restaurants we've visited, Canlis is currently the only one that cooked their fish to perfection. It was moist, tender, and flavorful. The wagyu beef was also perfectly cooked and tender, but wasn't as juicy as I would've liked. The cut was pretty lean, so it was surprising that it was as tender as it was, but probably also explain the lack of 'juice'. MacKenna had a sweet little surprise for us, our condiments were served on a candle lit dish with "Happy Anniversary" written in chocolate! So, our conclusions? Canlis is a wonderful place, however it is tough to recommend it if you're only interested in the food itself. Let's face it, there are plenty of restaurants for that. However, if you're looking for a place to spend a special evening with guests, friends or a special someone where you're treated with service all establishments should aspire to, then Canlis is definitely worth a visit.

Alex R.

An evening at Canlis is without a doubt the fanciest, nicest and one of the most enjoyable meals I have ever had. Yes, the girl that I love joined me, which makes everything amazing, but..... With that aside, this meal was with out a doubt, a fantastic experience. I was able to reserve the private room for our evening and right away was surprised with the amount of support I received in planning my evening. I was able to have my own music playing, the windows surround in candles and really anything else I could have thought of. The wait staff was gracious, enjoyable, and just what a wait staff should be. At first I was a bit nervous with being a bit affectionate in front of them, but when our waiter mentioned the couch in the room we can enjoy, I felt right at ease. One thing I really liked is that they would knock before coming into the room. We decided to go with the seven course micro-seasonal tasting dinner and it was amazing. Each course had flavors I would never have thought possible, but I guess liquid nitrogen can make anything possible. I had a wonderful evening, it was a dinner I will never forget. When looking for a special place to spend an evening with the one you love, this place does a wonderful job.

Lindsay B.

Everything about the location and ambiance of Canlis was beautiful (even the bathroom was lovely). Our view of Seattle was fantastic, and the service throughout the meal was excellent all the way to the end when a cab was already waiting for us when we left the restaurant. We decided to do the tasting menu, which had seven courses. The food was unique and delicious, but not as good as some comparable restaurants where we have eaten. There were several memorable courses, and none that were bad for sure- but definitely a few that underwhelmed. The portions definitely varied in size- we wished we got more of the delicious corn soup for example, but had plenty to eat overall. I did like that they have a second floor upstairs for more dining, or private parties as was the case the night we stopped in to eat. I love the atmosphere of "fancy" restaurants, and everyone there was dressed up and enjoying special occasions which was quite fun. We are very glad we got to experience Canlis while on our honeymoon- and the view and service did not disappoint.

Leanne M.

There's no place like Canlis. My husband and I went there for Valentine's day and had a wonderful experience. The food was to die for and we were closely waited on. There were about 5 courses, which we thoroughly enjoyed for several hours. The pianist played classical music mixed with well known pop songs which we found entertaining! On the way out they gave me a small loaf of chocolate bread with cherries. This was my favorite restaurant experience and I would highly recommend it. While expensive, it's perfect for special occasions. You need to book several weeks ahead, though.

Jeannette C.

Dinner at Canlis: Beautiful view. Lovely to look out a window and listen to the live piano from the bar before dinner. Very good service in the bar. Courteous dining room service, but they forgot my mom's drink and our friend's side dish until we reminded them--two different instances at different courses. No complaints about preparation, but no raves, either. Overall: Eh, not really worth the money.

Hong D.

Canlis is not the best restaurant in Seattle, the world, or even on Aurora ave for that matter, however, the view from there is exceptional. Their service, menu, and approach to running a restaurant is unmatched by any other doorfront in Seattle for this reason: when you come out of there you feel as though you've been gone for days, like you've been wandering through some dream for the last few hours where unseen hands surreptitiously deliver food and drink. You're now delirious--as though you've been spun around and around and showered with the most unashamed calories you've ever taken on. You're drunk, too, but your mind is so carefree and unfettered you ask yourself on the way out: "what *is* drunk, anyhow?" I go to Canlis for the experience, not just because my wallet can afford it. Actually, it can't (I've been there twice, both times on someone else's nickel). The food network, foodies in general, and some of the snobbiest a$$holes in the western hemisphere come here and love this place, so, don't be surprised if Jason L, and Hao Z don't receive any coupons in the mail from Canlis asking for their return. "I love going to Canlis because it's one of the only places in Seattle I can go to and know that I won't run into any white trash s&*tbirds like myself." -Gordie

Jessica W.

I was SO disappointed .. and let me RE EMPHASIZE "SO" disappointed .. save the trip (& $) and go to John Howie where they understand service and quality. I brought the bf to enjoy the fine dining of seattle .. the so called "must try" restaurant or best in the city .. but let me tell you .. it's NOT worth it .. what a disappointment .. maybe I'm a little spoiled with living in vegas for six years .. and that I work in the industry so my expectations may be higher.. idk Working at one of the downtown hotels I hear the guests tell me about Canlis ALL the time .. how they got reservations way in advance, can't wait to go and how they hear so much wonderful things about this place and blah blah blah .. so I went in with rather high expectations taking my bf there for his birthday (he said he always wanted to try the place but never had the chance even though he grew up here) Made the reservation two months in advance, called a week before to make sure all was well with requests and notifying a birthday celebration that i was taking care of the bill .. got a call the day before to confirm the res .. everything was fine. We get there .. valet was great .. greeted by the hostess .. and it goes all downhill. Everyone was friendly/overly excited .. but we got asked .. are you celebrating anything .. at least .. SEVEN times .. REALLY?! it's in my reservation I'm celebrating a birthday .. (after the hostess checked us into our res .. she asks .. are we celebrating anything special ) -__- Every single person that stopped by our table that night (hostess, busser, manager, server, idk no one really introduced their names or anything) asked that question .. it was very annoying .. rawr .. why put it in my res if you're just going to ask me all night! No requests on the reservation were acknowledged or followed through on. Everyone is there for a celebration .. I was able to hear the two couples sitting next to us explain their anniversary MANY times .. I probably could've told the story and introduced them by the end of the night :) None of the food was really explained to us .. which wasn't a HUGE deal except for the oysters .. I would've liked to know which oysters were on the plate besides here are your oysters .. thank you I can see that. -_-x Our table was never cleared off .. there was a lot of waiting around with a dirty table. The bf started picking off dirty crumbs from the table b/c it was never wiped off. Canlis salad.. way overhyped .. it's pretty much a VERY lemoney caesar salad.. did not enjoy that .. Cocktails were not very yummy .. at all .. :( Server forgot our cocktail order right after we ordered and came back to take the cocktail order again .. a random lady came by to ask us if we needed another cocktail b/c our drinks were empty .. we ordered .. 5 min later our server came by to ask if we wanted another cocktail -_- fail. 1 star for the steak tartare and my wagyu steak (cooked correctly and tasted pretty good) .. although the sauce I asked for didn't come until I was halfway done with the steak .. slow service .. the banquettes VERY itchy if you're wearing a dress .. 1 star for the piano music .. quite a few good songs .. although our dinner must've been so slow that it looped back to the first song before we could leave .. 3 hrs later. Would definitely not celebrate anything here again .. sigh. this was a sad day

Jonathan M.

Review #393! This place is so pedestrian compared to some of the wonderfully creative food coming out of the kitchens just blocks away (re. Walrus & the Carpenter) that it is a wonder this place still lives. Of course, nobody will top the service (napkin in and out of lap, you look around for too long and they check that everything is ok, etc), but the '50's are long gone. No seasonal specials, a Canlis salad that has seen its better days, a Filet Mignon, that is cooked to perfection but still boring......we had a large party (8) and tried many a many things. I realize it is an institution and many high level companies need places like this to bring clients/guests/affairs, but I walked out lighter in the wallet and my wife and I saying that the most memorable part were the truffle fries, something every pub makes these days.

Kimber D.

This is a harder one for me to rate, actually. It's almost like a 4 is too much but a 3 is too little. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Here's why: The service was impeccable. I'm not sure I've ever experienced such attentive (but not overly so), friendly, knowledgeable, gracious, accommodating dining staff in my entire life. The level of service was amazing. I loved the required valet parking, however my boyfriend was not at all pleased by it. Having someone else drive your car, is not ideal for every ones taste. The interior was incredibly calming, well lit, intimate, romantic with a beautiful view of the city. They sat us in a wonderful seat for my birthday and it just made the whole experience even better. However, the food unfortunately, wasn't that good. It wasn't bad, of course. But not anywhere near the level I would have expected at such a wonderful restaurant. Certainly not 5 star worthy. My salad (a dinner or house salad) had a very bizarre and foul tasting dressing and because they were not able to offer me what I really wanted (a Caesar salad with no meat - they are apparently premade and only come one way), I was forced to order this one and then was quite disappointed. My bf's salad wasn't even touched. They completely doused it with dressing and it was inedible for him. They did take it off of our bill, however. The bread was very yummy. My Hot Totti was delicious. The main course for me, the Salmon was quite good, but I've had better. I've even made better at home in my steamer. The fries were good. Again, not great. The portion was quite small. I noticed I was still a little hungry and was glad I ordered a side dish as well. For dessert we ordered the Creme Brule and they brought it over with a birthday candle. It was good Creme Brule, but again, I've tasted better. They then brought out some wonderful after dinner chocolates. Those were quite yummy. Overall - the whole experience was lovely. Although, we were both a bit disappointed in the quality of the food, I would definitely go back again and give it another try. I'm just hoping their chef had an off night.

Alok M.

Was surprised by my girlfriend for my birthday. Words cannot express what an amazing place this is. She went to great lengths to book a table by the window and it was truly amazing. The service, food and overall ambiance of the place was great. I would highly recommend this place for a special occassion or if you want to just have a special evening out.

Nick L.

This was one of our best meals ever. We were on our honeymoon and Matthew took such impeccable care of us, and really made us feel special. His professional presence was of an extreme caliber yet he was able to balance it with personality and that can be quite rare in a server, especially in fine dining. He made plenty of excellent food and wine recommendations, and even brought an extra portion of duck legs when we ordered the main entree of it. He also sent us home with chocolates and other sweets. Completely above and beyond. Portion sizes were good for our four courses, we left full and with leftovers. Mark was also very helpful as well as the entire staff. The decor and view are amazing. As for the food, absolutely incredible! The whole roasted duck was a must have, the pork cheek and polenta, steak tartare and apple tart were all really special. While Canlis is expensive, for the cost it is actually a great value and experience. This is a must have destination in Seattle!

Adrienne B.

I think I fell in love. With a restaurant. A friend and I went to Canlis a couple of days ago for Seattle Restaurant Week. First, let me start by saying that the service at Canlis is AMAZING! The valet was there instantly to open the door (no, you cannot park your car yourself). I was at first concerned that I didn't receive a ticket or anything, but shrugged it off. We were ushered inside to the nicely appointed lobby with the cozy fireplace. A hostess instantly appeared to ask if we had reservations. We didn't, and they were full, so she showed us to the lounge where we could still enjoy the same menu. Once we picked our seats a waitress instantly appeared with cocktail napkins and a drink menu. She also said to let her know if we wanted the full wine menu -- the full wine menu is 100 pages because Canlis has around 2,500 different types of wine! I was impressed that after we ordered, the waitress came back with a waiter to present the wine bottles to us for inspection before they poured it. And let me say - the Riesling I had was the BEST Riesling I've ever had. And I've tried many. It took a little while to get our waitresses attention again to get a food menu, but once we did, things moved along smoothly. We were presented with a cold strawberry-rhubarb soup to "wake up the taste buds" along with the usually dinner rolls (if you like bread, these are great). I ordered the Canlis salad, seared salmon, and creme brulee. My friend ordered the Canlis salad as well, black truffle risotto, and also the creme brulee. The salad's were delicious though a little heavy on the dressing. The risotto was creamy, and the seared salmon was fantastic (though be careful if you need to watch your salt content as it was a bit on the salty side). The dessert was delicious as well. It came with a passion fruit sorbet that was the perfect. After dinner they give you little bites of espresso-flavored mousse. After we paid our bill we went outside to get my car. The valet took one look at me, walked away, and drove up with my vehicle a few minutes later. How he remembered, I will never know. Overall, I really enjoyed my first experience at Canlis. I don't know if I'd go outside of Seattle Restaurant Week as our bill was still $106 since you pay extra for drinks. Can you get better salmon somewhere else? Sure. Could the portions have been bigger? Absolutely. None of that means that it still wasn't a great Seattle restaurant. Now just make it less pricey and don't charge for the no-choice valet service (they add a $5 valet charge to your bill), and I'd give them five stars in a heartbeat.

Lisa L.

Ecstatic: me finding out that Canlis was participating in Seattle Restaurant Week and offering 3 course dinners for $25! Kindness: the attitude of all the waitstaff we encountered. They made us feel like we entered their home and were honored guests, they were great at anticipating needs, addressing concerns without hesitation and worked as a cohesive team. They were so friendly, not pretentious at all. They offer purse hooks (to hang your purse on the table), great little detail! They also describe each dish as it arrives and cleared the crumbs from the tablecloth as all good waiters do. Dazzled: by the presentation and taste of the food. Everything was above average, but the Braised Lamb with handmade fettuccine was melt-in-your-mouth good. The noodles tasted great, but that lamb... Best. Lamb. I've. Ever. Had. *wipes drool* Technically we had a 5-course meal with the tiny added items. Here's what we had: #1 - Amuse Bouche: green gazpacho w/olive oil and red pepper #2a - Canlis Salad: romaine, bacon, Romano cheese, fresh mint, oregano and a dressing of lemon, olive oil and coddled egg #2b - Smoked Cauliflower Soup: served chilled, with Dungeness crab, cucumber and harissa pepper #3a - Halibut: ramps, preserved lemon and peas #3b - Braised Lamb: handmade fettuccine with tomato confit, Taggiasco olives and fava beans #4a - Rhubarb Shortcake: strawberries, basil and Devonshire cream - least favorite dish of the meal #4b - Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee: strawberries, mango and house-made sorbet #5 - Tiny bite size cakes Tip 1: we found parking just down the hill on Dexter. Since it's right off of Highway 99, there is no parking option close to the front of the restaurant besides the valet service's lot. Tip 2: we saw tables open up around 8:30 and they were not refilled, so since the waiting list is 80+ people strong, try calling and seeing if they can accommodate you later in the evening. Overall, the building is beautiful, the location offers great views, the service is fantastic and the food is great, eating at Canlis is an experience and a great one at that.

Jack H.

My partner and I went here to celebrate our registration as domestic partners. The food was excellent; we had the duck and an array of goodies. Additionally, the service and amenities were impeccable. Take your "gold" card with you... The bill was nearly 300 dollars and we consider ourselves to be modest. Anyway, we'll probably go back for a special occasion. Have a great day!

masako t.

Disappointed. Their food was too normal to be true. Steak and lobster wasn't bad. They were overpriced diner food that taste better than your normal restaurant. Talking to their wine steward was painful. We waited 20 minutes for the wine to arrive watching warm dish going cold. Peter Canlis Prawns and Foie Gras were good, but noone can eat just two dishes at a place like that and leave. You might have to come here for 50 times before they start treating you nice especially if you are not rich looking? Sad experience.

Ashley S.

Outstanding service and remarkable food. Great for a special romantic occasion.

Lloyd C.

I should give this place a 6 star. All around good service. Me and my wife went here for my birthday, and it was a good choice. The establishment is right over the lake. The view was spectacular! Huge windows with trees right outside over the hill. We were treated like VIPs, from the valet to our table. We shared the truffle fries, which was a lot and we didn't finish. I had the night's special, White Alaskan King Salmon. My wife had the Halibut. Then we finished it off with Creme Bruleeeee~ and Chocolate cake. We had a bottle of red, a 2009 Oregon Pinot, to die for! You'll have to experience it your self, a review doesn't do it's justice. I was going to book for the private room for 2 upstairs, but it was booked. I would suggest booking it a month ahead for the private rooms. We went on a Friday night, and they had live piano. The sound, smell, taste, and the atmosphere were all at a all time high. I will go back for sure, and their menu changes depends on the fresh produce they get form the farmers. LC~

Karlo R.

I went here for the first time with my wife for our anniversary last weekend and was prepared to spend the money. I knew what I was getting into but after the dinner - i didn't really understand what ALL the hype was about. I'm probably a little jaded since they stuck us in the middle of the restaurant away from any windows or a view and sitting next to each other while awkwardly facing other customers the whole time (especially since i made the reservation way in advance and let them know the special occasion). It felt like everyone was forced to watch other customers eat. Or we accidentally entered a contest to see who could make the most awkward eye contact with other patrons facing you - I guess we lost because we ended up with a $500 bill. Dont get me wrong - If it was for the service, then yes, it deserves 5 stars but the food was ok at best. The pizza we had when we got home was off the charts though.

Lu H.

This place is very average in my mind. Yes, the service was impeccable, the view was amazing, and the presentation was good, but the flavors just weren't there! I went there for dinner with parents. After visiting all those Michelin stared restaurants in Chicago, I was hoping Canlis was in the same category. Nope! We had the tasting menu, and everything was good. but not impressive as a supposedly one of the best restaurants in Seattle should me. I was disappointed and definitely won't come back.

Richard L.

Full experience: 4.5 stars (I didn't want to give 4 stars since it deserves more than that, so a 5 it is). One of the best fine dining experiences I've ever had. Service: very friendly, professional, but casual and light-hearted. Some fine dining establishments think that service should be stuffy and pretentious, but this was NOT the case. We were by far the youngest group (mid/late 20's) in the entire restaurant, but we didn't feel that way. We were equally welcomed and felt engaged with our friendly servers. Friends and I arrived early for some cocktails in the lounge. We sat by the pianist, who played current pop music (surprisingly) that added a great and relaxing vibe to the atmosphere. We ordered 5 different cocktails and they were all delicious. The Prince in Disguise was by far my favorite - toasty bourbon with a light apple/maple finish. But you can't go wrong with their other cocktails. For dinner, we sat at a corner spot with a BEAUTIFUL view. As for our meal - we ordered 11 dishes plus two sides. As true foodies, we definitely wanted to taste as much as possible. The true stars: hamachi (delicate, fresh, and better than any sushi restaurant); duck for two (standout dish by far; great presentation; rich and moist); sea bass (also a must order; perfectly cooked, delicious sauce); and truffle fries (evenly seasoned, crunchy; done the way fries should be done). I can go on and on, but will leave it at this. Message me if you have any questions. Three things that could have improved the experience. 1. We received somewhat different menus (both lounge menu and dinner menu) - one or two items were different on some of our menus (e.g., risotto wasn't available that evening, but was on one of our menus). Maybe we're the only ones who caught the discrepancy (server was surprised), but they should ensure consistency. 2. Service timing - Mark Canlis even noticed when he was at our table that the length of time in between courses was slightly off (too short 1st/2nd courses and too long between 3rd/4th courses). 3. The Canlis Salad and Peter Canlis Prawns were underwhelming. We ordered these as the 1st course and since they were classics that come highly recommended, we had really high expectations. We thought they were very standard dishes; tasty and high quality, but nothing unique. We would have switched them out for tartare and/or oysters instead if we had known.

Kellie C.

Love this restaurant. Valet parking, coat check, amazing service and food. Make sure to tell them it's your birthday or anniversary, you won't be disappointed with the beautiful dessert presentation!

Tami H.

This was our 3rd visit to Canlis and it continues to impress. It's hard to explain but Canlis offers the perfect combination of exceptional food, service that amazes, ambience, and view that are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's not necessarily the most interesting or best food in Seattle... but it's incredibly consistent, and all the other attributes contribute to the perfect meal. It's so impressive to see such a storied restaurant retain its luster -- maintaining what made it great but staying contemporary. Nothing epitomizes this more than the live piano music which takes on modern hip hop and dance tunes along with classic piano. This occasion I started with the Halekulani cocktail (fabulous), then the refreshing Hamachi appetizer, and Wagyu steak. My husband ordered a Wagyu New York strip that wasn't on the menu and that was even better. We had a delicious Gaja super Tuscan with dinner (my one complaint -- wine list pricing is pretty ridiculous), but it was fantastic of course. Everyone talks about the "magic" valet service. This time we saw some of the valets checking on diners' service status, and we actually tried to fake them out, but somehow they still managed to have our car pull up the second we walked out the door! Definitely a special occasion restaurant but I hope I can find more excuses for such occasions!

Jon H.

What's not to like about this place. The view is spectacular, the food is fresh as it gets and the service is great. Oh and the wine list is spectacular. When is was the me and my girlfriend had a bottle of the dumol which is one of my favorite wines ever and the 4 course tasting menu. I order their famous salad and the pork belly for appetizers. Both delicious. For my entree I had the duck for two which I finished for myself by the way and for desert I had the cheese plate. The service was top notch every time a new item came out we had three people come over to see if it was prepared to our liking. Every time I'm back in seattle I well be back at this restaurant. Truly a must try if your in seattle.

Sonya P.

I have been to this place twice and I plan on going back annually as part of special event tradition! The formal atmosphere is a classic and rare find with in the socks with sandles and jeans for life world of Seattle. Canlis has a royal spark to it that isn't too stuffy. It truly feels like a special occasion even if there is nothing special to celebrate. The staff is friendly, polite, and beyond respectful. This place knows the true definition of customer service. Did some bread crums fall on your table? Well it wont take but a second for a server to notice and clear it off. Did you drop your fork on the floor? Before you even look down at it - a waiter has wisked it away and replaced it with a fresh clean one. Needless to say the view is breath taking and the food is divine. You are in good hands here.

Matthew A.

Jan 2014. Top notch service, and amazing food. The flaming coffee is incredible. Expensive, but the quality of Canlis easily matches the price of eating there.

Lisa E. L.

5 star all the way!! Service is so good they make you feel like kings and queens.

Lee O.

Outstanding service and ambiance. For the price, one would expect more inspired dishes. The Muscovy Duck is the exception - fantastic. This is an easy choice for a special occasion, but I wouldn't rush to find an excuse to dine here.

minna t.

This restaurant gets high scores in the view, the impeccable service, and food presentation. Unfortunately, the food does not taste as good as it looks. The restaurant and the view here is as beautiful as everyone describes. Ask for a table with a window view. Watch the boats and planes come into the lake. If you come early, you can watch the sun come down over the hill. The service is topnotch. Our server was a petite Thai lady who is very friendly and personable. I had dinner at Rover's a couple of nights later and they really could learn a thing or two from Canlis. The service was choreographed perfectly! It's nice being pampered every once in awhile. Lastly, the food. While my hubby had the tasting menu, I choose a 3 course dinner. I cannot rave enough about the attention to detail with how each course is plated. The colors of each plate was so appetizing! Our food did taste good, it just wasn't excellent and lacked the ooo's and ahhhh's after each bite. And I just have to add, the rabbit ribs are a bit ridiculous! It was so tiny, I felt for the poor baby rabbit that was slaughtered for my meal! (See my pics) All in all, I would come back again and again. Beautiful restaurant, beautiful meal and wonderful experience!

Jason L.

The Short Story: Canlis is hanging onto a service model that doesn't seem relevant in the modern world. I think it's time to lessen the pretense and increase the substance. Seattle is a town with phenomenal dining options. I wouldn't put Canlis on that list. Save your money, dine elsewhere. The Long Story: I moved to the Seattle area 3 years ago and often heard that Canlis was one of the best - if not the best - restaurant in Seattle. As someone who enjoys to dine out, I've been interested to try it and finally got around to making a reservation - for Saturday, January 12th. While my partner and I did have an enjoyable evening, I don't believe I'll be returning anytime soon. Let's start with the storied service experience. We arrived 25 minutes prior to our reservation - on purpose - to enjoy a drink at the bar before dinner. Upon entering the lobby - it was packed with people. There was no welcome and no Maître'D in sight. After 5 minutes of just standing around, I decided to just look for the bar on my own - and noticed two seats available. That's when I was cornered by the Maître'D who then asked for my name, apologized, said the lounge was "full" (i.e., the reason there were so many people standing around) and then asked us to wait in the lobby. That would have been understandable if I hadn't seen two empty chairs at the bar and, at a minimum, they would have offered to take a drink order while we wait. They didn't. So, we stood around for 15 minutes - in the cold lobby (despite a fire going, it was a very cold night - and being right next to the front doors - the cold air was inescapable). Finally, we were asked if we wanted to wait at the bar - in the same two seats I saw available upon arriving. It was puzzling. Nonetheless, we put the bad first impression behind us and were intent on enjoying the evening. Soon after sitting down at the bar we were escorted to our table and presented with the menus. From here the night was looking up - service was attentive but not overbearing and the menu options, while highly priced, all looked good. Our order was taken and things went downhill from there. My appetizer - the prawns - were surprisingly poor quality. It honestly felt like I was eating a microwave meal. I found it quite hysterical. It was beginning to sense that the whole experience at this fancy restaurant was actually a con game. Service between courses was slow - 30 minutes after our appetizers/salads were cleared the entrées showed up. I understand a dinner at Canlis is meant to be a leisurely evening - but it was borderline funny how long it took My entrée - the $68 American Waygu beef, ordered Medium Rare, tasted good - but was cold throughout - even the plate was cold. It was so cold, I at first thought that it must be deliberate - perhaps it was supposed to be served this way and I just wasn't sophisticated enough to realize it? My partner's entrée - the $48 Lamb, was quite good and cooked perfectly. When the waiter stopped by to ask how our meals were - halfway into eating them - I said "the Lamb was very good." When she pressed me on my entrée - I did say "it was good, but cold." She apologized sincerely, but I assured her it wasn't a problem. I was still enjoying it even though it wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. Since I was already halfway into eating it - I opted not to have them take it back to "warm it up." When she came back to clear our plates, she informed me that my entrée was taken off the bill. I was very surprised - said repeatedly it wasn't necessary - but she insisted. So - I'll offer praise for that level of service. In truth though, I would have rather had a properly cooked meal than a free one. I understand mistakes happen - but for a $68 a la carte entrée - it seems hard to understand. The rest of the meal ended without issue. When it was time to leave, we made our way toward the door and were about to experience another part of the storied service. At Canlis - the valets don't give you a ticket upon driving up. They simply "remember you." Well, they didn't remember us. We had to explain what our car looked like and give the plate number. In truth - I didn't care. It seemed like a marketing gimmick anwyay and, quite frankly, appeared stressful for the valets. They were running in and out of the lobby all evening - with a high sense of urgency. They've got a system in place to ensure this process works most of the time - but it's disruptive. I'm not a celebrity, I understand most people don't know me, and I don't need to pretend otherwise. I'd rather just give someone a ticket. My overall suggestion would be to drop the pretense and focus more on the substance. For the price paid, the focus should be on delivering consistently high quality dining experience. Excellent Food, prepared perfectly, with attentive service that's relevant in a modern world.

Aj T.

This place stands out as one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. From the minute you pull up to the door, it's first class service. This is not for someone looking for value, it's very expensive. If you are looking for an overall dining experience and money is not a consideration, this is the place to go in seattle. Fantastic wine selection. The food is outstanding too.

Kaitlyn S.

We arrived about 20 minutes early for our 8:45pm reservation so we were politely greeted and directed to the lounge. We found a table for two next to the piano and were promptly presented lounge menus. My husband ordered whiskey and I ordered the last cocktail on the list with a ridiculously long name. Both were delicious. By 9:00pm we were seated in the main dining area with an amazing view of the glassy Lake Union below. We are young and eating this late is normal for us. Our waiter was as good as they come. He made recommendations without pushing anything on us and for people who aren't "foodies" (what a nonsense term) or used to fine dining (we are not) the menu can be intimidating. We were first presented with a warm carrot and curry amuse bouche that was wonderful. We started with the Canlis salad and prawns. Our waiter sensed the "sharing vibe" (his words) so the salad was divided for each of us to have our own plate. We also ordered the fries and he suggested starting them with the first and second courses in order to munch on them throughout the evening. This was a great suggestion! They were delicious! The prawns were heavenly and I suggest asking for extra sauce and dipping your bread or fries in it. Superb! I also enjoyed the crab cake (almost 100% meat and very fresh) while my husband tested the sashimi. Both were, you guessed it, delicious. My husband had a steak that was not on the menu because it was the tail end of the seasonal selection. I didn't try it but he was extremely happy with it. He also ordered the twice-baked potato and that was very tasty. I ordered the Wagyu Tenderloin (you only live once, right?) and it was absolute perfection. It was red in the center (ordered medium rare) and it melted in my mouth. I honestly do not have words to describe how delicious it was. We finished with a dessert I can't remember the name of but it was suggested by our waiter and I recall it being at the top of the dessert menu. It tasted like a Butter Finger candy bar (better, of course) and with apple. Amazing! We were one of the only couples left in the restaurant and were offered some amazing sherry as we nibbled our dessert. We also received a tour of the restaurant including the upstairs, private dining rooms, and wine cellar. One story to sum up the service and then I'll stop bloviating. We collect wine corks and so I asked the sommelier if we could take home the cork from the bottle of wine we selected. He said of course and assured me this was not a crazy request and told us he could not just drop it in my hand nor place it on the table. He returned moments later with the cork on a little plate. It sat on our table throughout dinner but when our main course was cleared in preparation for dessert I realized it had disappeared. I said "Oh nooo" under my breath and our waiter asked what I was "Oh no-ing" about. I told him about the cork and he said, "I'll find it." Sure enough, a few minutes later he placed the cork, now wrapped in a small truffle box, in front of me. I was very pleased. This is a special place and is definitely way too expensive to be visited often so make the most of it. The staff know that patrons are expecting a night to remember and they do their best to accommodate every request. Is everything going to be flawless? Probably not. But don't ruin a perfect evening by freaking out about being seated after your reservation, or not having room in the lounge to wait before hand, or having to remind the hostess that your coat was blue. Just enjoy yourselves and soak up every minute. It's magical.

Allison C.

This was the most painful dining experience of my life. $400 for bland, uninspired, terrible food. Not just food that wasn't worth the ridiculous price tag. Food that wasn't worth 1/10 of the price tag. The Canlis salad is historic?? Really? WOW. Boring. I would think this salad was boring even if I had made it at home. Also since when is overbearing, hovering, awkward service considered good? Just because your water glass is always full doesn't make it good service. When you have to stop talking to your dining companion every thirty seconds to smile politely and talk to the waiter, there is a problem. Literally have never been so pained to pay a restaurant bill in my life. DO NOT understand how people can think this place is good.

Kris Z.

I'd heard lots of good things about this place. Which is why I selected it as the 5 year anniversary spot for my wife and I. Getting there is a bit interesting. As you're cruising down Aurora, it's pretty easy to miss, you'll pull right off, and there are valets at the ready to whisk your car away and you into the lobby. Once inside you'll find the decor to be somewhat a modern take on mid century modern. Lots of straight lines, a cozy fireplace in the lobby, and folks waiting to take your overcoats and/or hats. People say how great the service is, and I'll agree it's exceptional. What I find the most intriguing about it, is that with great service, there's a fine balance between trying to hard, and being a little off putting. These folks strike that balance well, which is probably why you pay so much for it. You'll also find a wine list that is probably one like you've ever seen. I don't go to that many places that threaten to devastate my checking account, but this place certainly qualifies. Yes, you can gawk at the bottles on the list that run upwards of $15k per. My complaint actually is that they could feature a lot more wines for those of us who aren't millionaires, but are indeed exceptional. I did end up finding something to my liking. I started with the oysters. I won't bill myself as an oyster expert, sometimes I get a hankering for them. I'll say the presentation here was a balance of elegance and excess. Little oysters, on a plate of sea salt rocks. I'll admit I did actually taste one because I couldn't believe they'd actually use an entire plate of sea salt rock just for presentation. The oysters where three types, and I'll admit to not remembering the fine details of each one. Just that one set was local. They were all amazing. I continued with a New York steak. I like New York, because I think it gets a bad rap next to Filet Mignon, and usually Filet is a bit on the thick side. The New York was cooked perfectly. With the help of Bill the Butcher, I'm usually able to took an amazing steak at home. This place beat me, somehow, which I found satisfying and mystifying at the same time. Last we finished with their "pumpkin pie". I put this in quotes because it was an very creative. A fig, a tiny pie piece with a cookie crust underneath with bits up top, on the side a sort of creame sauce streaked up top. Again very seasonally appropriate and most tasty though a little on the small side for two. Most charmingly, in a red sauce was written in a perfect script "Happy 5th Anniversary". Canlis certainly made a most charming night to remember. For that, they get 5 stars.

Kristin B.

I know 5 stars is pretty intense and means perfection but that pretty much sums up a visit to Canlis. My husband took me to Canlis on Friday night for my birthday as a surprise. I've heard SO much about the place but usually don't have an occasion special enough to pay a visit. On the drive there, down 99, I had absolutely no idea where we were going. Once we arrived in the parking lot and I saw the Canlis sign, I was so excited. The valet's are speedy, professional and somehow they remember your car without even asking your name. When we entered the restaurant I immediately made a beeline for the bathroom and was blown away once inside. The bathrooms are gorgeous and decorated nicer than my own house. One tip: be sure you dress up because the attire is pretty fancy! The hostess greeted us immediately and because we were early, she walked us into the candlelit lounge to relax while we waited. Since I am pregnant, alcohol is a no-no so I was a little upset I couldn't try any of the great wines they offered. No need to fret though because they offered plenty of delicious nonalcoholic drinks! My sparkling strawberry drink was really, really good! Once our table was ready, the hostess came back for us and carried our drinks to our table for us. The dining room was beautiful, romantic and had one of the best views from a restaurant I've seen. Our waiter came over right away and offered to get us more drinks and gave us some menu's while he described the specials of the night. He was so professional, and called us Mr. and Mrs. and even acknowledged that it was my birthday. We decided on the teriyaki and watermelon gazpacho to start with. While we waited for our food, we noticed the workers were seriously on their game. If someone got up, they came over and refolded their napkin for them. If a party left, they immediately cleaned up the table and IRONED the tablecloth! We were amazed at the attention to detail. So anyways, our food came and not only was it almost too pretty to eat, but when we did dive in, the food was amazing! I ordered the salmon for my main course and my hubby ordered the filet Mignon. We were both pretty hungry so we got twice baked potatoes as well because the menu said they were famous for these! I couldn't even put into words how good our food was. I ended up eating a ton of my husband's steak because although I don't normally eat that, it was the best I've ever had in my life! For dessert we got the chocolate covered chocolate because it sounded incredible. When it arrived, they had written Happy Birthday in chocolate on the plate! BEST dessert EVER. Moist, chocolaty and fabulous without being too rich. I had the best time at Canlis. From the perfect service, to being treated like the most important person in the world, to the wonderful food, everything about my visit was perfection. I cannot wait to go back!

Wen M.

Starting with valet service, everything is excellent service wise. Great fresh dishes. Carefully prepared dishes. Asked for sitting by the windows when making reservation, you will get a great table and unforgettable view. Pricy for my taste. Good for formal and special occassion.

Tingting H.

Canlis used to be a treat. Every time I go to Seattle, I make a trip to Canlis because I always remember the first meal I had there four years ago. The Nori Crusted Ahi Tuna (tuna wrapped in bacon) was mind-blowing, the view was drop-dead gorgeous, and the service was impeccable. Over the years, the view and the service are consistently amazing, but the food itself has become somewhere disappointing. Last time we had Parsnip Soup(bland and weird tasting), Yellow Fin Tuna (overly salted), Berkshire Pork(best pork belly I ever had partly because it looked so gross, like a block of fat, it tasted light but rich in flavor), and Colorado Lamb(unfortunately the couscous is the star of the dish, not the lamb). My first meal was $74 per person, and we were like "wow, was that it?" We wouldn't mind paying more for it. The price has definitely gone up, but not the taste of the food. I am all about trying out new flavors and experimenting, but if the food end up tasting mediocre, it's nothing other than being pretentious. Nori Crusted Ahi Tuna only had two main ingredients, but they compliment each other so well. It was simply, elegant, and delicious. I feel awful writing this review since our last meal was complimentary. We didn't actually mind waiting for our food. Unfortunately we didn't enjoy our food. The piano right behind our table was quite loud, the tables around us were really loud as well. Not sure if I would go back for another meal... and that makes me really sad.

Neil W.

I know... one more review humping the leg of Canlis, but when it is all said and done, they were pretty damn remarkable. I had read some negative reviews of the new chef and was worried about taking my Mom here for her @# Birthday (I am not publishing her age!). All my worries were slowly relieved as the night progressed. We were warmly great when we arrived. They sat us immediately and from then on the servers treated us like royalty. Completely gracious and they encouraged our fun loving evening. We started off with drinks (their Manhattan was awesome) and we were never pressured to order. When we did finally order we were treated to an amuse bouche of celeriac soup (I wanted to lick that little cup clean) I started off the the Canlis Prawns and salad, but was able to sample every starter at the table and although I thought the prawns were the clear winner, everyone's dish was excellent. I had the New York steak and the truffle fries. the steak was cooked a little to medium for my liking, but still damn good and everyone loved the fries. My brother order the duck, which was dynamite. We sampled the desserts. We had the souffle, doughnuts and chocolate dipped in chocolate. The bonus was they brought out a "Happy Birthday" creme brulee with fresh fruit. While we were waiting for the entrees they brought out a throw back menu from 1950, I think, as a souvenir for my Mom and joked about the prices with us. After dinner, 11:30PM, one of the servers offered to give us a tour of the place which, I think, made everyone feel special. This is not an everyday place and I probably won't go back for a while (well maybe for a drink), but well worth every penny we paid.

Binh D.

I can understand why everyone gives it 5 stars, but it's really closer to 4.25 stars. Definitely a nice restaurant for special occasions, but a few things could have been better. Food: Tasting menu was great and wine pairing was spot on, but portions were on the smaller side and pours could have been a little heavier. I eat a lot though, so for most people the portion probably would have been just right. One other minor complaint, for Seattle you would think there would be some seafood on the tasting menu, but none, which is weird. If I came back I would order an entree instead. Ambiance: Great view and cool architecture. My friends and I did get Pretty Womaned, you will get judged if you come in under dressed. We were all wearing jeans and none of the guys had jackets. Jackets are required if you sit on the lower leve. The maiter'd was cool and hooked us up with jackets. Service: Very quick service and presentation was done well. They were great about substituting for certain dietary resctrictions also. Our servers were really friendly and our waters were always full. Price: A little under $900 including tip for four people all doing tasting menu with wine pairing. So not a good deal, but could have been worse. Overall: I'm not from Seattle, but if you're looking for a romantic or special occasion restaurant and price isn't an issue, Canlis is cool.

Jim G.

I recently went for a wedding so I have a very limited review. The views from the 2nd floor were amazing! In general the appetizers dominated the entrees, but again it is difficult to say when they are cooking for 40 at one time. My favorite appetizers were the Canlis prawns and the pork belly. The prawns were cooked to perfection and the pork belly had a great texture while not being under or over cooked. After the tray passed appetizers we enjoyed a cherry gazpacho soup and the Canlis salad. The gazpacho soup definitely grew on me. I enjoyed the sour balanced with the sweetness. The Canlis salad had similar balance, but it fell more on the tart side with the addition of lemon juice. Lastly the entrees is where Canlis fell a little short for me. Their fillet of beef was nice quality, but pretty flavorless. The salmon was the biggest disappointment considering the quality of the seafood in Seattle. The fish was farmed raised and tasted a bit fishy. The donut dessert was good, and the preselected wines were excellent. The service was the star of the show for me. I've never seen such amazing and personalized service for a group of 40! They even brought every course at the same time to each table. Nice touch!

Ryan J.

Stuffy in the best possible way. Extremely attentive service. Outstanding food.

Evita-Marie R.

I've been here twice. Both times have been absolutely memorable. Last September, I came here for a surprise dinner with my boyfriend. The experience was just as wonderful as the first time. The service attentive & knowledgable, the food amazing & the atmosphere & view-- breathtaking. This is an amazing dining experience that everyone should at least have once in their lifetime. Canlis has a great reputation and its clear they deserve it.

Dylan T.

This is really more of a 4-star place for the food, but 5-stars on just about everything else. I wish I could give it a 4.5 This restaurant was recommended to us by friends so we hosted a business dinner here two nights ago. First off, THE PARKING IS TRICKY. Some GPSes will find it, but really, use a map, and if you can get satellite view. The entrance is IMMEDIATELY before you get onto the bridge and is an awkward entrance. If you have any questions, call them. Secondly, there is a formal dress code. The service is impeccable. I mean everything from the timing to the plating, the maître d was great in explaining every dish and wine off the cuff, and the view was stunning. Valets take your car without giving you a ticket and so does the coat-check, but they remember exactly who has what. Very impressive. The food was great. I wouldn't classify it as mind-blowing, but it was still excellent. Since it was a business dinner, I didn't get a chance to sample around, but from the looks of how everyone finished their plates, the steaks were all delicious and so was the duck (perfectly cooked). We had several of the appetizers and desserts and you really can't go wrong, but definitely talk to your server about recommendations. One thing that was kind of weird was they have a lounge pianist. And instead of hearing the lush classical/jazzy music like at a Nordstrom, this guy was playing "Poker Face", "Don't Stop Believing", "Fireflies", "Beat It", etc. Interesting arrangements, but our table conversation kept getting side tracked by the occasional, "...is he playing what I think he is?" Not a detractor, but kind of strange in a funny way. The wine list is a BOOK with an INDEX. Seriously, you'd better start cracking once you sit down. Looks like the thesis my sister wrote for her PhD. We easily dropped almost $150 per person that dinner so just be conscious of how quickly it all adds up. I'm not sure if it's really worth that much for the food you get, but it's good enough that you should try it.

Ferdinand T.

What can i say i love this place. Had dinner in the private dining room for 2. The best service imaginable...wonderful food. I know now what it meant to be a king in olden days..

Linda T.

My amazing bf took me here for my birthday dinner this year. From this experience, Canlis is one of the top 5 on my list for outstanding service! From the valet person, to the host/hostess, to all the waitstaff, everybody offered superb service. The restaurant is gorgeous on the inside and has amazing views of Lake Union. We got a tour of the upstairs private dining room and were impressed by the views. The food was so delicious! We had the steak tartare, Canlis salad, copper river salmon (special that night), and wagyu steak. Everything was amazing and we were absolutely impressed by the salad. We didn't order any desserts, but they brought over a complimentary chocolate fondant with a birthday script and lit candle. As if we weren't full enough, they brought more complimentary desserts (chocolate nougat and macaron), that were made in house. Our waitress was fabulous, she kept up conversations with us throughout the dinner, and watched us like a hawk. Not in a creepy way, but more like she was ready for us at all times. At one point my bf was scraping his breadcrumbs off the table and she swooped in with her table scooper. They had our jackets ready and car at the curb all warmed up as soon as we were out of our seats. They had a whiskey cocktail that I really enjoyed. I'd love to come back here again, maybe just to sit in the bar and order a few snacks, and be spoiled by the service.

Amanda M.

Oh, Canlis. This is easily one of my favorite restaurants of all time. In the 15 or so years I've been coming here - first as a little girl, all dressed up in my best Sunday dress, and later as the kid who was always pegged by the older folks as the designated driver for the evening (funny how that works) - this has been a special destination for my family. We still make the drive from Tacoma once a year or so, coming for tradition, for the view, the music (Walt Wagner has been playing piano here on certain nights for many years, which kept my Grandma coming here well into her 80s!), the food, the wine, the service... Canlis does it all with elegance and style. Including valet service: I still can't figure out how they know which car is yours, but it is unfailingly parked at the door when you step outside. So mysterious! I've yet to be disappointed with a meal here, though the menu has evolved over the past few years and some of my old stand-bys are no longer there - like the Wagyu teriyaki tenderloin tips, which I still miss. But all the steaks are top-notch, as are the prawns and the lobster. You can't go wrong with any of the fish offerings. The salads are all excellent, too; most of my family usually goes for the Canlis signature salad, but I try to switch it up a bit. I'm not ashamed to admit that with all of the draws of this place, the one thing that really sticks out in my mind (aside from the bathrooms, which are really works of art in their own right) is the molten chocolate lava cake. Now they're calling it the Chocolate Covered Chocolate or some such thing, but I imagine it's essentially the same - no reason to mess with a classic! Oooh, ahh. That is one mean chocolate dessert, outperforming any other imitation I've ever tried. Order it ahead, when you order your entrees, so that it will be ready when you are. The restaurant website puts it exactly right... a meal at Canlis will almost certainly be "time deliciously spent." Make a reservation well in advance, especially for weekends, and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy every minute of your meal here.

Melissa C.

I'm going to have to graciously disagree with my friend Kay S. on her review. I love Canlis. LOVE Canlis. It is my all time favorite restaurant in Seattle. I love the semi-discreet location , the view, the service, the food, everything! My husband and I have been going to Canlis for awhile now and aside from one particular evening (I'll go into more detail later) every other experience has been phenomenal. First, the service is impeccable from the moment you arrive they are ready to go and yes sometimes you will have to wait since they are always packed. I've only had to wait once in the bar which gave me time to get my usual grey goose martini with extra olives. I agree with Kay S. on the drinks, nothing spectacular and it was quite expensive ($15?). On my usual visits to Canlis I always get the Canlis salad and NY steak. I think the salad is wonderful, it's light but flavorful with hints of mint that really make it pop. The steak is another favorite of mine and although it's not as good as the steaks you can get in Chicago and Las Vegas, for Seattle it's terrific, juicy with just the right amount of marbling. The salmon they have is cooked so perfectly it's incredible. It always surprises me how in a place like Seattle where salmon is so prevalent how poorly it is cooked at many of the restaurants. I'm not sure what technique they use but it results in a perfect medium maybe slightly medium-rare so that the fish doesn't quite flake but instead melts in your mouth. When you bite into the salmon it somehow bursts with salty salmony juicyness, hope that makes sense. It's very good, unless you like dry salmon in which case you have plenty of other restaurants that will make that for you. The Peter Canlis prawns are delicious as well as their truffle fries. I've had a few of their desserts and their souffle is my favorite, order ahead of time. So all in all, although this restaurant is one of the more pricier dining options in Seattle (ranked 5th most expensive I've heard), it's well worth it for the ambiance, food, and service. They book up very quickly so make reservations well in advance especially for weekends and holidays. Now, having said all that, there was one experience that left me not wanting more. My husband and I decided to celebrate this past New Years Eve of 2011 at Canlis with a special 7 course meal. The meal with wine pairing was the all time most expensive meal we have ever had, I think it came out to just over $600 for two people. We have had many expensive meals and we didn't mind paying that much as long as the meal was a $600 meal, which it unfortunately was not. The courses were (from what I can remember) sashimi, potato leek soup, pheasant, tenderloin, dessert, and probably some amuse-bouche/hors d'oeuvres. None of the dishes blew me away and I left feeling a little ripped off. For $600, I understandably had some very high freaking expectations which were definitely not met. That single experience has now completely turned me off of ALL prix frixe menus. From now on, I will always order what I think I will enjoy. That way, if I'm out $600 it's my own damn fault. So to wrap this up, I would highly recommend going to Canlis for dinner but maybe not for New Years Eve. It's still an amazing restaurant and I believe it is one of the few that are leading the way in bringing Seattle up to par with other foodie capitals around the nation. PS- Make sure you dress up. A nice cocktail dress for the ladies and suit for the fellas. You cannot overdress here, which I love. It's nice to finally have a place in Seattle where it's actually encouraged to dress up. I understand that Seattle is all about being unpretentious but it's time to give the northface and jeans a rest. Please!

Shane G.

Great place. Worth the price if you have the taste to appreciate it. Each dish had little touches that elevated them in flavor and presentation. I'm knocking one star for the signature Canlis Salad, that was good but the one dish I felt could have had a little more thought put into it. I think they are keeping it on the menu as a testament to their heritage, but it's basically a caesar salad with mint and bacon, which was probably pretty creative a generation ago, but that dish is due for a modern update. Everything else was on another level and deserving of the accolades and price. The service was as good as it gets. I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world and have experienced top-notch service from the best. Canlis has a rare blend of attentiveness and friendliness. This place is a gem.

Nick B.

My wife and I came back to Seattle after a wonderful trip last summer. Last year we were impressed by all the great food, so we figured why not go to one of the best restaurants in Seattle - Canlis. We made our reservations, poured over the menu, debated our choices, and took care in getting our Canlis clothes across the country. For months we look forward to the meal. I was looking forward to every detail, especially the valet. We arrived on time and valet our car. We were seated next to each other (slightly awk) with a table looking out over lake union. Our waiter was very attentive and engaging to the point where it was clearly over the top. He tried so hard to use every SAT word in his vocab that he would often come to a complete stop while he fished for some polysyllabic word he could shoe horn in. There was extensive discussion of "notations" and "dimensions." We ordered a decent wine and made our final selections. I would have a Canlis salad, Wagyu steak with truffle fries. My wife had a Canlis salad and a halibut dish. We split they oysters minionette. The servers began with the dinner rolls. The rolls were served cold and were not the tastiest I have had. In true canlis fashion they were delivered with SWAT team style. The oyster were superb. The Canlis salad was disappointing to say the least. It was truly underwhelming. It was only barely tolerable when I was lucky enough to get a small piece of bacon with a bit. The Wagyu steak had an impressive presentation, but was underseasoned and cold. The presentation was keen, but the aus jus was bleh. My wifes halibut was nicely presented, but again bland. We finished our meals and quickly shoveled our dessert down. They too were lacking. The show at Canlis is impressive. That is to say, the wait staff is excellent. They operate like a well oiled machine. My water glass was never empty. My napkin was folded when I left the table. At one point a waiter knocked over my water glass spilling water over the whole table. He made an awful gutteral noise and his partner cleaned it up before I had even noticed. My problem with Canlis is not the ambiance or service. They were both excellent. The problem is the food. They fall short on the very thing they are serving. I'm not a gourmand by any means, but when you pay $78 for a steak you would expect it to be the best steak ever eaten. Sadly, I found all of the food to be lacking and uninspired. Sure it looked good on the plate, but I dont want to look at it. After shelling out almost $400 I expected a phenomenal meal, but instead I got good service and a sub par meal. I left disappointed and I felt like I had been taken advantage of.

billy s.

Had a business dinner earlier this week and was told this place was one of the best restos in SEA, "in for a treat". Excellent views over lookiing the Lake. The owner, Peter Canlis greeted us at the bar...nice touch. Service was outstanding as is expected from a fine dining resto. I had the tasting menu and was not overly impressed. This evening, the main entree was pork and it was mediocre at best. The tenderloin tasted like ham, the spring roll thing was just that, a spring roll. The third item, a fried piece of pork w/ some fat (don't recall exactly what it was) was the best thing on the plate. The leek(?) soup was very good, crab cake (half dollar size w/ some creamy sauce thing) was ordinary. I can't recall if there was veggie dish and finally, the desert, some form of apple tart was nothing to write home about. The servers sort of over explained everything so for me, it was a little over the top. When we exited the resto, our car was waiting for us (despite no ticket, no forward notice to the valet. WOW! I still gave this a 4 star rating since the overall experience, the ambiance, service, etc. was excellent. If the food had been more memorable, easily 5 stars.

Tracey S.

Still as good as it gets. The sweet potato soup currently on the chef's tasting menu is pure autumnal perfection. This past summer, Franey offered a watermelon gazpacho that made me completely willing to embarrass myself by licking the bowl clean. Or bathe in it... His soup is like crack. It makes me want to do weird things. It may seem less than sophisticated to declare Jason Franey a soup master. But it underscores his attention to everything else that comes out of his kitchen.

David H.

When I walked in the door I immediately recognized the pianist was playing coolio's "gangsta's paradise." He was making fun of the clientele or someone had requested it - either way they were trying to have a little fun so I appreciated it. Next I sat on the couch in the lobby area and waited forty-five minutes for a table despite having reservations. If this was the best restaurant in Seattle then I supposed the wait was worth it, so I chose to wait. I used the time to note the similarities between canlis's interior aesthetic and that of the Orlando location of the popular chain restaurant Seasons 52. After being seated I noticed that all of the wait staff were attractive and friendly, and that was nice. Among the amuse bouche was what appeared to be the chef's take on those very famous salmon tartare cornets - on the very unlikely chance that anyone from canlis is reading this I'd like to take the opportunity to suggest that you ommit any sort of reference to The French Laundry or per se from your service; you're not there yet. The only dish worth serving on the chef's tasting menu was the dorade - it was pretty good. As I was enjoying this course the pianist was playing the theme from "Jurassic Park," and a fight broke out in the lobby - one of the patrons was picked up and taken out by security. Dessert was boring (as were the wine pairings). Surely this can't be Seattle's best option for fine dining? Incidentally, I ate at Spur Gastropub the following night and everything there was better than everything at canlis.

Julia C.

DEEEELICIOUS!!! with a capital D! Canlis is definitely an extremely fancy restaurant and of course with that title comes with it everything else "fancy" or should I say classy -- fancy servers, classy ambiance/decor,and absolutely loved the live piano music. As I have been to many other fancy restaurants, the atmosphere of this was definitely on a whole nother level! It is so fancy to the point where it makes you feel kind of embarrassed that they're serving you like you're the queen of England. To start, the bread was good, had a tint of rosemary with yummy dipping sauce. They never give you too much at once, but it always keeps coming if you want more. I love that everyone dining here dresses up for the occasion and it just overall has a very professional feel to it. The steak was cooked just right and the amount of food was perfect, not overly excessive! Since the bf and I were there celebrating our 1 year anniversary they also made sure to make us feel really special and allow us to have a memorable experience! With a complimentary dessert! Bring a big appetite and you will definitely leave happy! :)

liz m.

Wow was this a disappointment! We had to wait 45 minutes for our cocktails bc the bar was backed up! And it went downhill from there! Took 45 minutes between each course, way too slow. Portions were too small and nothing special. This place is so over rated. We were so excited to try it out and all 8 of us were incredibly disappointed and then we had sticker shock when we got the bill. The somm did a major bait and switch and suggested we get the magnum of a single bottle that cost $100- magnum was $500!!!! Be very careful with their upcharges and frankly don't waste your money. Never again!

Allie S.

The review of Canlis has been one of the most daunting tasks I've ever had set before me as a Yelper -- what, with my limited vocabulary and the booze ingested and the beautiful view overlooking Lake Union and everything else wonderful about this night, I'm having a tough time actually verbalizing my Canlis experience. You see, Friday was me & boyfriend's First Anniversary, and considering we go all-out on a monthly basis to celebrate our monthaversaries... well, it takes something incredibly spectacular to cap off a year full of awesome food and dining experiences. So my boyfriend pulled out all the stops and surprised me with a trip to Canlis [as we went Northbound on Aurora he tried to convince me we were headed to Beth's Cafe -- I may naturally be blonde, but even I can see through that!]. I cannot write this review without giving a little perspective on the first time I ever went to Canlis. You know their amazing ladies room? I defiled it. Back at the tender age of 15 I went to Canlis to celebrate my grandma's birthday in the private party room with about twenty of my grandma's friends and relatives -- I had already had a stomach bug... and didn't feel too good... so after the main course I actually had to throw up. Thus, I don't remember or want to remember much about my first trip to Canlis. And as such, my boyfriend [who has heard this story at least a handful of times whenever the topic of 'the best restaurants in Seattle' comes up] knew that I reaaaally wanted to go back to Canlis, particularly as a non-vegetarian. So! We did. And continuing with my, "we're SO not classy enough!" series of reviews [also seen on my "monthaversary list"] the first thing I can tell you about Canlis is that my boyfriend locked me into the car rather than letting the valet open my door. D'oh. Not a big deal, play it off as an intentional joke. Do people joke at Canlis? I guess it's just us... moving on... We walk into the restaurant and the lobby is there but we don't see a hostess [or whatever they're called at fancy places -- maître d', right? Thanks for that accent, Wikipedia] and I immediately break into the 'ohgod am I underdressed?' deer in the headlights stupor I sometimes feel. Fortunately, I have managed to not only put on clothes but they are all still on and I have matching shoes, so the fluster passes as we're directed to the lounge to wait until our table is ready [we ended up there about fifteen minutes before our reservation]. My Lenten resolution this year was "no alcohol, with the exception of April 8," so I made good on that and ordered a specialty cocktail -- which I cannot remember the name of at this point, but ha, there's a good reason I can't remember the name -- it was stroooong. That, combined with my already waning ability to hold my liquor [yay, I'm a cheap date!] got us off to a strong start for the evening. We were seated shortly after nine in a central table in the main dining room, which was lovely, but knowing me and my demanding nature I had been hoping for a seat with a view... so I was a little bit startled that Mark Canlis was totally on my wavelength and came over, introduced himself, and then took us over to a window seat nestled in the corner of the restaurant with a super spectacular view, congratulating us on our anniversary. D'awww! I was pretty sure I was already bright red [gogo gadget alcohol!] but at that point I could only grin and smile. Boyfriend ordered us a bottle of champagne and we decided to share the dungeness crab cake for an appetizer. I've only ever had two crab cakes in my life prior to that, and they were heavy on the cake, not so much on the crab. The Canlis crab cake is pure crab love. Never before have I thought that puddle of lettuce puree sounded appetizing, but every single spec of food that was on the plate was fair game -- I refrained from licking the plate but not for lack of desire. It should be noted that we also were served dinner rolls [which were super light and yummy] before the crab cake but the crab took over my thought process and hijacked this post. Know the bread was good. The amuse-bouche was a strawberry-rhubarb-celery concoction that I would order every time were it a menu item at Jamba Juice. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savory and amazing. At this point I was super excited for the lobster, which I had ordered as my entree. Boyfriend ordered the New York steak, as he was starving and it was the largest option. We also ordered the twice baked potato. [Continue on to Part II, if you dare!]

Tim B.

First of all, a remarkable space--simply beautiful. The service is sophisticated, yet approachable. But there were a few blemishes on our high expectations; courses sat on our table well after they were finished and our waiter seemed a bit discombobulated,in terms of organization, despite his mastery of the menu. The food was solid, but only a few dishes were truly memorable. If Michelin rated Seattle, Canlis would definitely have a star. And maybe two if they tightened ship.

William R.

A visit here is reserved only for special occasions. On Monday, Aug 1st, 2011, we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary by dining here. My wife ordered a filet, a side of twice baked potatoes and a dinner salad. I had the salad, a Wagyu filet and I shared the potatoes with my wife. I must say, the Wagyu filet was a little bit of heaven. The potatoes were divine. My wife said the steak had an annoying vein of gristle - at these prices, every steak should be carefully trimmed such that every bite is tender & edible. Our salads were a disappointment: lovely greens but the dressing was savagely vinegary; a disappointment that cries for repair. For dessert we shared some delightful donuts that were absolutely divine. If the salad was more palatable & my wife's steak had been more carefully selected, Canlis would have earned five stars.

Jenny Y.

Canlis saved our night. We had a reservation for 5:30pm, which we were late to by 40minutes due to cab troubles. I let Canlis know with a couple phone calls our situation and they were completely understanding. The minute we arrived, we were seated with a beautiful view and served immediately with water. Our waiter came and told us: I heard that you two were going to be late, but it seems to me that you arrived right on time. This set us at ease immediately. He was so pleasant and so knowledgeable about the food. Gave us an incredible wine recommendation that went well with the tasting menu but didn't break the bank. All in all, the service was incredible. The food arrived timely, and each course was better than the previous. In particular, we loved the smoked salmon, the honey and milk bread (I have never had bread that soft and fluffy), the guinea fowl, and the pineapple palate cleanser. But no course struck out. It was incredible how each component of every dish came together to become greater than the sum of their individual parts. This was especially apparent in the horseradish and diver scallops, as well as the smoked salmon with roe and maple syrup. I am almost certain that the steak was cooked sous vide as there was no gradient in coloration of the meat. It was just this perfect medium rare red hue throughout the middle, with an incredible crust. The whole course took about 3 hours and was timed very well, we got home at around 9pm. It definitely got a bit louder and busier at the end, so I highly recommend going at 5:30-6pm as there was no one there on a Friday night and it was really nice to have the restaurant to ourselves in the beginning. Price wise, I have to say that I was expecting the bill to be much higher that we splurged a little on the wine and the sparking water. But it was a very reasonable $300 for the two of us. More tip for the wonderful service.

Ian E.

Somewhat disappointing dinner last week. Amazing food but just so so service. For the price I expect more.

Dana R.

Talk about service ... I took my brother and his partner to Canlis for dinner this past week. They live in North Bend. They stopped in Issaquah for gas and the gas nozzle spewed gasoline all over my brother's trousers. Rather than turn around and change pants (and be late for dinner), he motored on to the restaurant hoping the fumes weren't too bad ... I arrived and wrinkled my nose (what is that?) ... they were that bad. I told Mark Canlis what happened and asked whether they could extend our reservations so my brother could pop to the downtown Nordstrom and get a new pair of slacks ... Mark said, what size are you / we have pants. While they rounded up trousers for my brother to try we finished our drinks in the lounge when Mark came back to let my brother know "his fitting room was ready." Brother came back with nice looking and fitting slacks ... amazing. After a quick dry cleaning, they're back at Canlis in case anyone needs them! Wine and food that night were amazing, as usual, too. We started with a 2006 Silex (Didier Dagauneau) and moved on to a 2002 Domaine Dujac Grand Cru Clos St. Nuit. Wine and food service was also exquisite. Great to see and chat with Walt Wagner a bit too -- I think he gets a kick out of the fact that my mom and dad used to leave me and my brother with a sitter to go see him perform in the 1970s! I just love his versions of Cold Play, Foo Fighters, Metallica, Pink Floyd ... I doubt many of the diners even know they're listening to classic, alternative or hard rock songs!

Yangfan X.

Canlis is one word, service. Not food. The service here is pretty awesome, valet guy remembers ur car (no ticket needed). The staff is pretty friendly and professional as well. The food was, okay. Gf had the salmon and I had the lobster. It was tasty, but u can taste that everything was loaded in butter. I wasn't too sure what I was expecting, but for $200 for 2 ppl, I wanted something more exquisite and creative than just butter. Maybe I'm just ignorant to expensive food.. Also keep in mind, this place takes a LONGGGG time for each course so take your sweet time when you come here. Don't come if you're some what crunched for time. We sat at our table at 8:15, and didn't get to order until 8:45. Our appetizer came in at 9:15, and ended up having to skip dessert because we were late for our movie afterwards. This is a place to wine and dine with time, so if you're bringing a date, make sure you have PLENTY to talk about. If you don't, the awkward silence could get very long, like this couple that sat across from us. The view is pretty amazing as expected.

Mimi L.

Went here for a work-related dinner...aka FREE meal! What a treat that was! We got the upstair private room to our group. It has a spectacular view of Lake Union! I've been here before on a date and the view from upstair is so much better than the one from the crowded dining room downstair. I suppose this view is worth the extra bucks for a special occasion at Canlis. Anyways, the food were mostly well executed. We got to try a few appetitizers which were pretty tasty. I had the house salad and for some reason the lettuces weren't crispy. I think they made up a large batch early in the day in anticipation of our large party. I got the grilled salmon entrée which I enjoyed quite a bit. Well seasoned, grilled to perfection. I was surprise that the salmon didn't come with any sides, just a 3 quarter size potatoes on top of swirls of sauces (see picture). For dessert, we got to eat pineapple crème brulee. Pineapple really balanced out the richness of crème brulee...brilliant idea! I love the decoration of this place. The architecture design of this resto is beautiful and truly reflects the NW's essence. The panoramic view was greatly enhanced by the slanted wall of windows. I loved it! I agree with Jennifer L. about the Japanese characters on the upstair window...that did seemed out of place. All in all, I had a fabulous free meal and a great time. I would recommend the upstair private room for a group function or special occasions like wedding rehearsal dinner (if you don't mind spending lots of $$$)

Derek S.

Canlis is consistently wonderful and every aspect of the "Canlis experience" is well-thought out and artfully executed, which is why it deserves the elusive 5 stars. From the moment your car arrives to the second you're back in your car heading home, the service is effortlessly top-notch -- the result of careful monitoring, timing and planning (as it should be). The courses are all well-paced and delectable -- be prepared for traditional French service. Despite its impeccable service, the atmosphere remains romantic and relaxed. If you can, try to request seating on the top floor, as it offers a beautiful view of Lake Union. Finally, the food. It doesn't matter what you order, you will be wow-ed by the textures, flavors and overall aesthetics. To get specific, I recommend the Canlis salad, just to say you've tried it -- but also because the delicate flavor of it is so hauntingly memorable and understated. My personal recommendation for a great evening is to order a tasting with wine pairings. The wine pairings are sometimes surprising, but always thoughtful and delicious. Plus, the tasting menu affords one to sit back, enjoy great food and great company, and let Canlis do what Canlis does best.

M W.

so glad we came here. perfect date night. pros: ambiance service (andrew was great!) steak tartare appetizer extensive wine (and beer) menu cocktails salmon filet truffle fries mille feulle (sp) dessert cons: NY strip (it was tough and chewy; sent it back and got the filet instead) crab cake (love crab cakes but the sauce plated with the crab cake didn't complement the crab) wonderful fine dining experience with great views!

Jackie T.

Food was delicious and creative. Service - impeccable. Would have given 5 stars based on that alone. That's what dining out is all about. So the lack of a star is really about the preparations. When I made the reservation, I mentioned that it would be our first time dining there and that it was a special occasion and a good seat would be nice. So they sat us right by the kitchen. But not the kind of sitting by the kitchen where you can view the plating. Just close enough to feel the buzz of the servers leaving it. Incredibly romantic. We were seated facing the water, but as far away from it as you could be. And there were MANY open tables, so that was a bit disappointing. But they definitely had noted that it was a birthday since they put candles in the dessert we ordered. So not a complete fail.

Connie C.

My fiance and I came here to celebrate our recent engagement. We were lucky enough to have my fiance's cousin know one of the owners here..so we were able to get a reservation pretty last minute. The service here is great. The waiter did such an awesome job explaining the dishes, drinks, and making sure we were comfortable. The bus boy did an awesome job refilling our water, and passing out DELICIOUS bread. He even IRONED the table cloth---talk about fancy! Here's what we ordered: 1. Potato Soup-- delicious... 2. Halibut-- crispy on top, perfectly cooked inside....great sides that paired with the fish well. 3. NY steak-- okay...nothing extraordinary 4. truffle fries- yum! 5. wild mushrooms--a bit too salty for my palet. 6. Chocolate on Chocolate dessert---the chocolate cake was great, but I wasn't too fond of the salted caramel ice cream. They also give you cute lil macarons and truffles with your bill. An additional yum! Definitely a fancy restaurant---but it's fun to do when you don't eat out like this often. A great place to celebrate!

Jenetta H.

Our experience here was so amazing! Our server was so nice and it felt like we were friends after only a minute. She was always present without being overbearing or hovering. She was not just polite but very happy to answer our questions and talk to us about everything. The food was excellent. My only complaint about the food would be the Canlis Salad which tasted a bit too salty for me with the salty dressing and the smoky bacon. The prawns tasted very fresh and firm without being chewy and overdone. The crab cake was a perfect mixture of butter crust and fresh crab in the middle. My salmon entree melted in my mouth with every bite and my husband's Waygu tenderloin was the best steak we had both ever tasted. Cooked to a perfect medium rare. All the sauces were a perfect accompaniment to their respective dishes and everything was the right temperature. We also ordered two mocktails which were excellent as well. We were so excited to be able to watch the creation of their Flaming Coffee Diablo for the next table over. What a show to go along with dinner! Because we went there for our 5th anniversary they brought us a complimentary dessert of French macarons and some chocolates. Both were wonderful as was the amuse bouche we enjoyed which was a rhubarb soup in a tiny cup. Yes, it's expensive there, probably a little more expensive than it should be but you are not only paying for wonderfully fresh food but impeccable service as well. Definitely a place we will return to for special occasions. It was so fun to dress up and go out, we made a pact right there to come back for every 5th anniversary dinner! :)

Rebecca L.

canlis is like that beautiful girl that you've heard other people rave about and once you meet her, you're flummoxed by her lack of self awareness. sure, the architecture is beautiful and it has a great view, but so does daniel's broiler. it's nice, it's pretty, but it didn't wow me. the food was artisinal, but the balance of taste wasn't exactly what i was looking for. they were tasty and unique, but i wasn't blown away by its majesty. BUT if i were to choose my favorite dish, it would have to be their foie gras. those cinamon meringue pellets is just genius. the service was great, but our waiter was a bit confrontational and awkward. he obviously did not read our body language and was not aware that we were there to order to satiate our grumbling stomachs. also, it kept on being someone else that took our request. i also had to ask another server to clear the breadcrumbs. i will say this... i love canlis' wine menu. it's probably one of the best wine menus i've seen in a while. and this includes purple cafe and hotel laguna (in cali).

Jeannette B.

Over the top classy restaurant. The atmosphere and the quality of the service are remarquable. The tasting menu is quite surprising with some associations that are better than others. The wine pairing proposed an amazing Gruner Veltliner.

Joyce J.

I can understand why this is one of the oldest Pacific Northwest restaurants. The view of Lake Union from the restaurant was simply gorgeous. The service was spot on. Our server Erin explained every dish, changed our utensils between every entree, and made sure that we got to appreciate the finer details of this restaurants. (The life music, the awesome pianist, the free postcards with the bill..etc) The hostess knew my coat without giving me a tag. The valet had the car brought out the moment we stepped outside. Everyone at this restaurant strives to make the dinning experience exceptional. The entrees were also very delightful. The crab cake was very different from the conventional ones. Canlis added its own twist and it's really something of its own. The Canlis prawns, the lamb chop, the donuts for dessert were all wonderfully made. What's most impressive about this restaurant is the attention they give to the finer things. For a cup of aged Sumatra, four-types of sugars were offered (splendid, cubes, regular sugar, vanilla infused sugar from Madagascar.) The bottom line, this place is pricey, but the experience you get is definitely consistent.

Erin M.

I am a huge fan of peanut butter, and let's just say I'd go back and spend $200 more on the main meal here at Canlis just to get to that peanut butter ice cream + banana filled donut desert. So good. Not to mention the molten chocolate cake. It was great to watch my boyfriend's surprise and excitement as he cut into the small chocolate cake to find a stream of chocolate goodness. Yum. I just had to start this review by praising the incredible desert, but the rest of the food was just as great. We started with crab cakes, which were perfect. It's about time I order crab cakes and actually get crab rather than bread crumb filler. So good! My main was salmon and let me just tell you- incredible flavor and texture. I hate mushy or soggy salmon, but this had the right mix of crisp outside and soft, flaky inside. Ross splurged on the $70 Kobe beef and was not disappointed. I am not a "foodie" and I am not fancy. This place was spectacular, I can now see why people shell out the big bucks for fine dining. It was one thing when they cleaned up the bread crumbs right before us, but I was shocked to see them ironing the table clothes after diners left. And for the most random part of the night: My now-fiance and I were engaged earlier that day & he was admiring my new ring much of the night as he held my hand. At one point he took the ring off to look at it, and put it back on my finger. Well, for desert the waiter brought complementary champagne and his congratulations for this "big event". We were confused, as we hadn't told him of our engagement-- but it was even more crazy when the owner came up and told us how proud and delighted he was that we chose Canlis as the proposal site. Ummm... not quite guys. But how strange is that? These people are watching every move & making a few assumptions along the way. I would love to return, for a big occasion that warrants big bucks on a meal.

L V.

The ambience was very romantic. The food was excellent. We had the Muscovy duck, which is one of the best duck i have had (not counting Chinese BBQ duck which I love for a different flavor palate). The service was always attentive and met all the right standards for an upscale restaurant.

Scott O.

My wife & I have been meaning to try Canlis for ages. Over the years we have heard raves about the fantastic view, the impeccable service, and...not so much about the food. Then we noticed how many people were commenting on the improved kitchen, including on Chowhound so we thought it was time to finally give it a try. The restaurant is tastefully appointed, and yes, this is definitely a restaurant with a view. The style of service is what I call classic "Northwest Awkward" - the tension that comes from trying to be casual and high-touch at the same time, without appearing snooty. There's a lot of fussing with place settings, multiple staff engaging your table more often than you'd like, and the mandatory naming of every ingredient on your plate when served. Good service should be unobtrusive, however this service wants you to notice all the bowing and scraping. For appetizers, my wife ordered a carrot soup she called "silky and delicious." I ordered the sous-vide pork belly and was so disappointed I sent it back. The pork belly was served as a slab, which doesn't work for sous-vide (due to the low cooking temperature, the fat doesn't render - there's little change in texture and it winds up tasting like a mouthful of raw fat). The top was encrusted with peppercorns to the point I couldn't taste my food. My wife ordered gnocchi with artichokes and slivers of Meyer lemon. It was "OK" but a minimal portion of gnocchi and related artifacts scattered about the plate. She felt the description didn't prepare her for what she received, but didn't want to make a fuss. I ordered a venison appetizer as an entree - one medallion and one "sausage" - a disc of compacted meat I couldn't identify, wrapped in Swiss chard. The medallion was cooked properly, the sauce was decent, and the sausage could have been skipped. For sides we ordered the famous Canlis salad and twice-baked potato. The salad was fine, but the twice-baked potato was the highlight of my entire meal. Creamy potato, delicious bacon, cheese and scallions combined to make a superb, albeit slightly heavy, accompaniment to my venison entree. In fact, I could see coming back for a salad & baked potato in the bar while watching the sun set. I can see why Canlis is a go-to place for celebration dining. This is a great place to spend an evening in good company, but for my money I'd look elsewhere for mastery of fine cuisine.

J S.

I took my wife for her 40th Birthday. She's always wanted to go to Canlis but our financial situation doesn't typically allow us to spend that much on a dinner. When the time came. I expected nothing but perfection, especially at the prices charged. Our server was not very friendly. She walked away as my mother was asking her about one of the entree's. She rarely checked on us during the course of the meal. The food itself is so overrated I'm stunned by all the positive reviews. Maybe we got one of the bad chef's that day. Needless to say I'll be spending my money elsewhere on our next fine dining event.

George L.

its the short-hand for special occasion, and amazing amazing view. Remember to request window seating

Maricris F.

This was my first time coming to Canlis. My bf took me here for our anniversary. He told me not to worry about anything and that I should just eat whatever fills my stomach. So I agreed but at the same time I felt bad because I actually looked it up and saw the menu and the prices. It is very pricey but very well worth to at least try it out at least once. The minute I entered the atmosphere felt so warm and welcoming. It just exudes romance and elegance, they make everyone feel welcome. I didn't feel like they were looking down on us since we were the only Asians in the restaurant. I just don't know what to say, my experience here has left me speechless. Service was wonderful, the food was amazing and I loved the dessert! I had the malasadas warm Hawaiian doughnuts, with passion fruit-vanilla bean cream, coconut and macadamia nuts. To die for! I would definately come back but with your significant other if you don't mind having a hole in your wallet. LOL. If you know what I mean.

Kate W.

it has been on my list for awhile and we finally hit it up for our anniversary. The service was nice, the menu what I expected. We went all out and ordered the duck for two. Had the canlis salad while waiting for the duck, that was good. The wine was pretty pricy so we only ordered one each by the glass. They bring the whole duck out to show you, than they take it back to get carved up. Then the duck arrives and I am looking for the other half of it.... I have a feeling the cooks were nibbling on the rest of my duck carcass! We payed $98 for that effing duck, I know, I know..... never again. There are SO MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS IN SEATTLE, that are more creative and charge 1/6th of what these rich bastards charge. Canlis is off my list, end of story.

J M.

Canlis is probably one of the fanciest restaurant I have ever been to. My boyfriend and I dined there for our one year anniversary and we both enjoyed it very much. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. I am quite a picky eater, yet I found each and every plate incredibly tasty! It is definitely a restaurant I would like to go to again although the it is a bit pricey, the food and service makes it worth while.

Nikki H.

I am having such a hard time writing a review. I had written a different review, the day after our dinner, and then a little drama ensued when I became suspicious about the "all natural" description for their beef, on the menu. I was first told that it was corn fed (blasphemy!) but, after talking to them, found out corn FINISHED. Not ideal, but not corn FED. *Whew!* I, admittedly, did not know very much about this restaurant when we went, other than the fact that it had a pretty serious reputation. We went with the assumption that it was the kind of place we frequented - a place that was hardcore about sustainable agriculture and food, local & organic, grass fed, pastured and all that. We also went in on a Bloomspot deal, which I still feel funny admitting, but our thinking was that we love tasting menus & here's a "deal" at a major place in our area, let's go! We realized the moment we walked in that this large dinner Bloomspot thing really wasn't our kind of thing. The dinner was "European seating", which meant all of us at one long table, and a speech about how community & talking to the people around you is an important part of the meal. Personally, I disagree. I prefer to focus on the food & when we have to arrange a babysitter, we'd prefer to focus all of our attention on each other and not the random strangers around me. No matter how interesting they might be. But ok, whatever. We can still choose whether we want to bother striking up a conversation or not. We also got a little back story on the room that we were sitting on, which was interesting - but again, we prefer more personalized attention & a lot of back story about the food. Our favorite server at Tilth would spend lots of time excitedly telling us about each step of the preparation and where the food came from. Now, when I said we're used to places that are "hardcore about sustainable agriculture and food, local & organic, grass fed, pastured and all that", after talking to them I see that the owners of Canlis do care deeply about such things. But it also became clear to me that this is a place of "fine dining" and that fine dining just isn't our thing. The places we frequent & love are smaller and can manage serving entirely local, organic, and seasonal foods, as well as meats that are entirely grass fed and pastured. That's simply my preference. And while I completely understand their reasoning & methods at Canlis and I think it's very important to raise awareness for the average diner, we need to stick to the smaller places (can we call them "artisan"?) that cater to a system of beliefs over the need to please the masses. If you look at La Boucherie's website, for example, you'll see, "We farm it, raise it, harvest it, clean it, process it, cook it and serve it." They cook to their ideals - if someone comes in and complains about the flavor of their grass fed beef dish, they'd most likely take time to explain why it's different (and BETTER) than the grain or corn fed junk that they're used to. Call it snobbery, but... that's what we want & need when we go out to eat. I don't think Canlis is terrible for not doing that - I just think that they're working to a different audience, one that we are not a part of. So, all of that needs to be kept in mind when reading this review. The first three dishes were lovely and flavorful and executed well: Smoked Sockeye Salmon: Yogurt, sorrel and lobster coral paired with a 2007 Pfeffingen Dry Riesling (Pfalz, DEU) / Smoked Potato Soup: with leeks and black truffle oil, paired with a 2010 Sauvion Vouvray (Loire Valley, FRA) / Filet Mignon: all-natural Washington Beef with carrot puree, roasted shallots and potatoes, paired with a 2008 Numanthia "Termes" Toro (Castilla Y Leon, ESP) / So. Yes, it all tasted very good. The filet mignon was good enough but mine was medium rare (what it should be) and Chris's was medium (not what it should be). I wasn't very happy with dessert: Bananas, banana caramel and dark chocolate. I hate banana desserts, true, but banana has nothing to do with the Northwest. How about something with apple, pear, cheese, or even the pumpkin dessert I spied on their regular menu. Again, fine dining & "for the masses" versus what I want and am used to. It all felt very "safe." Sure, it was good, but, I want to be wowed and excited. I want to be left with cravings for a particular dish for months afterwards. And I'd really rather be wowed & excited somewhere that's small enough to cook to their ideals. That's not a slam against them, it's just a preference. I appreciate that they're working to raise awareness, but I don't want to go out to dinner where I might hear other patrons complaining about the flavor of grass fed beef (when they have it), ya know?

Max Z.

I think that Canlis is the kind of place that everyone should go to at least once. I came here for my 1 year anniversary with my lady and they definitely made it feel special. When I pulled up to the restaurant, the valet was there immediately and on our way out he somehow remembered which one was mine without prompting. All of the servers were equally thoughtful and made sure the whole meal was as close to perfect as possible. Every person and every element of the restaurant worked together seamlessly; the view overlooking Lake Union is superb, and the restaurant's atmosphere really compliments the meal. Their drinks were great; we stuck to cocktails and scotch as a bottle of decent wine was way beyond my pay grade. The food was mostly excellent; I had the Canlis salad (so good!) and she had the prawns for an appetizer. For our main, I had the wagyu and she had the filet Mignon; unfortunately both were dry/overcooked and we actually sent them back the first time. When they brought out new ones they were perfectly medium rare so I can't complain. We had the soufflé for dessert which was good, but honestly their dessert list wasn't terribly exciting.

Regina L.

If you are coming here for the first time, keep your eyes wide open because I bet 80% of the people who come here for the first time pass it. The boyfriend took me here for my birthday . It was a belated birthday because we were both out of town during my birthday. As appetizers, we ordered the foie gras and one more thing which I forgot. The foie gras was great. The taste is as tremendous as the presentation. After we finished the foie gras, my boyfriend told me how its done to the turkey for this wonderful part of their body, and made me a little upset, but I was glad he said it after I was finished eating it. For the main dish, we ordered the duck for two. I am not a duck fan, but their duck is so good, you might faint while digesting it. It is crispy on the outside, yet smooth on the inside. No words can describe the perfection. For sides, we had truffly fries. I can eat these 25/7 even though that means I have to live like a loner because of my bad breath. We had the mille-feuille to finish our dinner. Specially they wrote happy birthday on my plate, since we have come for my birthday. Best day ever. When meal was over, I almost cried it was over- I DONT WANT IT TO BE OVER!!!! Thats okay, I'll come back.

Jason W.

Excellent food!

Timothy A.

I used to frequent Canlis back in the day before I moved to L.A., but I hadn't been here in more than fifteen years so I was excited to go back and see if it was everything I remebered it as being. I'll start by saying the menu has changed, a lot, but, I guess not surprisingly. It would be difficult to stay on top of the culinary scene with a static menu. I went with a good friend, Lisa R., who is a chef and used to own her own restaurant. I'll be quoting her quite a bit here. I'll start by saying the service was top drawer, hands down the best I've experienced. After being seated at Nick Canlis' own table (so we were told, and I choose to believe), they started us off with three amuse-bouch. A wild mushroom tart, a rice crisp with edamame puree and a tater tot! They were all delicious. My favorite was the tart, I thought the flavor was amazing. Lisa loved the tater tot but thought it would have been better, and more fun, to have the tot served with a home made ketchup, I have to agree with her on this. We ordered the four course prix fixe menu. They have a three course prix fixe, but everything looked good so we decided on the extra course. I wanted to start with the Canlis Salad, it was one of the few things I recognized from the old menu, and I remembered enjoying it immensely. It came, and we enjoyed it immensely. It bears a slight resemblence to a Caeser, but the dressing is light and tangy. I love this salad and Lisa wrote me "I am still dreaming of the dressing". We both decided on the potato leek soup for the second. It was creamy and delicious, "not heavy or gummy" (LR). It is served with black truffles and the tiniest, but crunchiest, croutons, which stayed crunchy all the way to the bottom of the bowl. For the main course we diverged, Lisa had the skate with Cauliflower Puree and I was torn between the filet, which I used to get here, and the lamb. I decided on the lamb with potato rosti. It is served a little beyond rare, which is usually the most I'd like it cooked, but it was delicious, tender and juicy. It was fabulous! I tried Lisa's skate, a fish I'd never had before. I could only try a little due to my cruciform vegetable allergy (it was served with a cauliflower puree). It was really magnificent. I'll quote Lisa, since it was her dish. "The skate was sweet, buttery, and succulent, reminiscent of crab meat. Loved the savory combination of the pureed cauliflower, spinach, and briny green olives." The main courses were both of an amazing quality of flavors. Well, dessert rolled around and we both decided on the Canlis Souffle. It is a traditional sweet souffle flavored with Grand Marnier and orange zest. We both agreed it was terrific, Lisa described it as "fluffy, eggy, and not to sweet.", and that's exactly what it was. That wasn't, however, the end. After clearing the dessert plates they came around with a box of in house made macaroons. I guess the variety changes, but one of the ones served to us was an apple pie macaroon. again Lisa, "J'adore! So tiny. So yummy. Light , crisp and chewy". Then they brought over a pumpkin bourbon chocolate bar, which only chivalry allowed me to give it to my companion. A note on the drinks and wine last. I did not have a cocktail, but Lisa said her drink was "perfectly mixed and generously poured". I chose not to order a bottle as I don't drink much, we ordered two glasses of the Red Blend * Matthews, Claret, Columbia Valley, WA, 2009. It was perfectly delicious. Canlis has an extensive wine list, and that may be an understatement, when I just went ot look up the wine we chose I noted that their wine menu is seventy-eight pages. They have a good "by the glass" selection. If you are an oenophile you'll love Canlis. I do wish my wine palate were better, I'd love to try some of the vintages on the menu, but I fear they'd be wasted on me. I did have a post-prandial liquer, a yellow Chartreuse. They have a very good selection of after dinner liquors and liquers, that is brandy, sherry, port, etc. I'd never had the yellow Chartreuse,indeed I'd never before seen it on a menu, so I wanted to try it. To satiate your curiousity, it tastes a great deal like green Chartreuse. I'd like, at the end, to return to the service. Our waiter (I think his name was Nick) was friendly and charming. His manners were perfect, and he was attentive without being solicitous. The maitre d', the sommelier, even the valets were perfectly trained. It simply couldn't have been any better. A couple of last notes. As I wrote earlier, I hadn't been there in many years, the restaurant looks a little different than in my memory, but it is still a beautiful building in a magnificent location. And touching, since people want to know, on price. This isn't somewhere you're going to come if cost is paramount. The prices reflect the quality of the food and service. In my mind it's completely worth it. I may have been away for several years but it won't be long before I'm there again!

Simone L.

Absolutely stellar experience. The service was impeccable, friendly, just attentive enough and knowledgeable (and when our server didn't know, she made a point to find out - satiating the curiosity of a culinary arts student and a wine student can be difficult, we ask a lot of questions!). The wine pairing was excellent, and the bartender cranked out some spectacular non-alcoholic pairings for those in my group under 21. The food was definitely the show stealer - the course progression was monumental, but perfectly executed and fantastically delicious (except for a somewhat lackluster dessert - great idea, not sold on the final result, the custard a a bit too dense, and the pumpernickel 'dirt' was just a little overabundant on my plate, but the pear sorbet was divine.). Torn between the salmon and the steak as my favorite course - the perfectly cured salmon in the salty-sweet consomme vs the perfectly sous-vide'd steak with black trumpet puree and cauliflower transcended... Hard choice. Will definitely go back again when the menu changes over to spring inspriations.

Kim B.

I've been here exactly once, thanks to a gift certificate a friend and I won. I wasn't sure if they would be able to accommodate my veganosity, they did with a vengeance. Now, I'm the kind of vegan who prefers vegetables and legumes over soy products, so this was perfect for me. I had a wonderful mushroom soup followed by a main course of wonderfully-cooked vegetables. You can ascertain a chef's skill when simple foods are prepared well. If I was made of money, I would frequent Canlis for many special occasions.

Sumeet P.

Great venue, pretty pricey, but the food was just fine. Nothing amazing. I would say similar to Bix in SF if you've ever been there.

Layla G.

Very disappointing. Wanted to go someplace special for our wedding anniversary dinner and my boss recommended Canlis. It was the holiday season and they were overbooked. We had a reservation, but we still had to wait 25 minutes to be seated. Then they took us to this tiny table which had the two seats not facing each other, but on the same side of the table facing the wall! It made eye contact almost impossible. When my husband asked for a different table so that we could face each other, the waiter claimed that was all they had. We then appealed to the Maitre'd explaining that we had made the reservation 3 weeks in advance for our anniversary. He admitted that this wasn't a suitably romantic set-up, but said there wouldn't be another table opening up for at least an hour. Would we like to go sit in the bar until then? No, we would not. We should have just left and gone somewhere else. Instead, we decided to make the best of it. All of a sudden, as the waiter brought our appetizers out, a horrific rhythmic pounding began. It seemed to be coming from above us. But from what? Apparently, some company was having their Xmas party on the level above us and we were seated directly under the dance floor. And they were line dancing. It was so loud we had to shout at each other to be heard. I couldn't believe that the restaurant manager didn't foresee that this was going to be a problem. He didn't seem to be too concerned about it though. His response to our complaints was that maybe it would be better if we came back next month after the holidays were over. My husband pointed out that our anniversary was not next month, it was that night. The evening continued on it's downward trajectory. When the food came it was lukewarm and there was something very wrong with my Grand Marnier soufflé: it looked like it had caved-in on top. What amazed us was that the management made absolutely no attempt to rectify things. They could have at least comp'd us a glass of wine to make amends. Needless to say, we wouldn't consider going back there.

Maria A.

Hands down...Canlis wins my heart again! The service is impeccable! Go to Canlis if you want an experience on top of just good food! The cocktails are very good, and smooth! My hubby and I went here to celebrate our 7 yr wedding anniversary. We started out sharing the Canalis Salad. They were very thoughtful and split the salad in two different plates. Next we shared a dungeness crab cake! My oh my, the best I've ever had! It was all dungeness crab, no fillings. Then both my hubby and I ordered the Waygu Steak! Holy moly, it was so tender and tasted like butter! We both ordered our steaks medium-well, but they came well done. It was still super delish and very flavorful! But when our wonderful waiter came by to check, I told him that it was slightly over cooked. He took it back to get it done right. And right it came! I'm so glad I spoke up!! Bc man oh man!!! It was heaven! While I was waiting our waiter was thoughtful to bring me a bowl of their pea soup! It was so yummy! For dessert we got the Malasadas, which was okay! I think I prefer their Souffle! They brought us a complementary bite size fennel shortbread with panna cotta and lavender salt! Heaven!! I bill was spendy at $330 ( including a bottle of wine & tip), but worth the once a year treat for our anniversary. Thank you, Canlis for another priceless experience.

G N.

My sister and brother-in-law surprised me by taking me here for dinner on my birthday a week ago, and it was truly a spectacular experience. We sat in the main dining room where the floor-to-ceiling windows offered incredible sweeping views of Lake Union, as well as of the well-heeled, well-dressed patrons of this elegant establishment. As another yelper warned, you definitely can't overdress here. The service was absolutely impeccable, with careful attention to every detail, and the servers even patiently waited on my five year old niece and seven year old nephew who are demanding little gourmands-in-training (nephew to waiter: "do the truffle fries really have truffle oil in them?" Waiter, smiling: "yes they do." Niece to waiter: "do you have kobe sliders?" Waiter, smiling: "yes, we have waygu." Nephew to waiter: "that's american kobe, right?" Waiter, smiling: "yes it is." Me thinks my sister lets them watch way too much Ina Garten.) And the food was truly scrumptious. Each course was a grand production, with each individual plate placed in front of you by a separate server, followed by yet another server standing at the head of the table carefully explaining each dish in detail. My sister and I shared the duck which is for two people, and like the other yelpers, I can't stop raving about it. First, they brought the whole duck out to the table, a beautiful creature handsomely decked out with fresh herbs and flowers and perfectly browned caramelized skin. Then they took it back to the kitchen and then returned with the breast perfectly plated, and accompanied by a delicious peach puree that dotted the dish like an artist's palette. It was heavenly. The desserts were also delicious, albeit a bit generic. My creme brulee came with the requisite birthday candle and genuinely warm birthday wishes by the waiter. Overall a fantastic meal. It was my first fine dining experience in Seattle, and I'm definitely looking forward to going back in the future. A truly world class dining experience! Thanks, Sis & Bro In Law! :)

Dan Tuyen T.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Talk about service ! Hand down best service in town! Is not a place where you go every other days! But is worth it for a special occasion !!! Their food are super delicious !!!!! All I got to say it hand down outstanding place !

Hila B.

So, my sister and I decided to take our guys to Canlis to celebrate the Jewish Valentine's. We were looking for a romantic restaurant looking on the water and when we called in to make a reservation they were fully booked till Aug 23rd, so we ended up taking a private room for an extra charge just to have the experience of eating in Canlis. I have to say that we all had an amazing time, the food was great and very unique, the view of lake union was stunning and the service was the best we have ever gotten. We spent more than 4 hours there, enjoyed some great cocktails, and a beautiful thunder storm :) The price is high, but for a very special occasion I'd say it is worth the money. I think our waitress' name was Amanda, and if I'm right then she deserves to know she did an amazing job!!!

Shahrzad J.

Very good food and service is always awesome. They'r willing to make adjustments to the menu as much as you want. Very classy place, Absolutely recommending this restaurant.

Jane T.

Come here for the view and atmosphere! We just arrived at dusk and I was taken back by how stunning the view was. It really did make me feel like I've come a long way 'since growing up in a less modest neighborhood. Like some others before me, I did feel very underwhelmed by the food. My party ordered the chef's tasting menu that cost us $125 a head. I don't usually judge my meal by the price tag but if you're going to charge that much for your food then expect people to be extra critical on what they are receiving. I did not feel that the chef delivered and feel slightly gorged for my money. Having been to Providence a month before with a similar price tag, Canlis makes Providence look very modest with their pricing. All in all, it was a great experience! Like I said, go for the atmosphere and don't expect the food to be the best thing you ever ate.

O G.

Canlis is definitely an experience, but not one we're likely to repeat. The food was good, but nowhere near good enough for the price. Our Anne Hathaway look alike waitress was also Anne Hathaway annoying, and if there was any question that her canned sounding pleasantries were scripted, this was done away with when we heard the exact same lines said to the table seated next to us. I'd come back and sit at the bar for a drink and the beautiful view, but there is so much epic food in Seattle at a quarter of the price. If you're going with a prix fixe menu the food better be excellent, and sadly this was not. (For reference I got the scallops, foie gras [so disappointing], pork and creme brulee.)

Chelsea S.

Wow - hands down the best service I've received in Seattle. Like a beautifully choreographed ballet they moved to serve us, help us into/out of our chairs, magically make our cars appear at the valet. The food was also excellent: Two of us had perfectly prepared halibut served with bok choy in a miso "soup". My husband and his friend filet mignon and the waygu beef filet: melt-in-your mouth and full of flavor. Great way to compare/contrast these different types of beef. The yellowfin tuna prepared 3 ways was the appetizer highlight, although the prawns and oysters were also very good. Plating of the appetizers was especially beautiful. Chocolate covered chocolate was the favorite dessert, but the grapefruit dessert and banana desserts were also delicious, although a little fussy in the presentation. Wine selection was huge (daunting) and they have a fantastic selection of aperitifs/liquors for after the meal. (try the Austrian dark walnut liquor!!) We will absolutely be back!

Maria C.

Oh wow. It had been so many years since I'd been here that I forgot just how exquisite the entire experience is. I wish I could give more stars than five. Melting seafood, beautiful view, cozy wood beams, excellent wines, to die for desserts, absolutely perfectly attentive waitstaff... my god, I felt like royalty.

Michael E.

This remains my number one Seattle recommendation to any and all. It is the best pairing of Pac NW food, perfect service, and excellent decor. Sure, there is a better meal in the city, but not served with such style and in such elegance. I think Canlis defines upscale Pac NW dinning.

Dave R.

If you are really impressed by Canlis, come over to my place and watch me snap saltine crackers in half with my butt crack. Took our grey haired inlaws to Canlis and cannot say it was bad per se....... But, If you see duck magret on the menu, note that you are not getting duckling, which is tender and better tasting, yet harder to do well. Why any human on earth would order salmon that is COOKED in any restaurant is beyond me. The old bat with the clacky dentures next to us seemed happy with her endangered denizen of the deep however. The hot thing these days is Wagyu beef, and it seems to be usurping Kobe. That said, why order this stuff unless you can get an unusual cut like Chateaubriand? I tongue in cheek asked if they had any matador killed bull's liver and the without batting an eye the waiter said he doubted it. At least he was unflappable. The fawning, groveling overproduced order taking left me hungering for a Dramamine however. Urk. When will these guys learn to just show up and do their job without licking our boots and trying to service our Lexus while we dine? Please folks, stop this. And quit telling us your names! Because I am NOT going to politely say "Oh, Steven, might we have yet one more bottle of Chateau d' Ychem for that bargain basement $500 bucks? Hell no! I am gonna holler Garcon! Get your ass over here with another low buck over oaked under aged over alcoholed Washington red that tastes like a thin Port decanted through sweat socks. And make it pronto, STEEE-VEN! And with all the bucks I save I can go hit the crack pipe with the toothless streetwalker I nearly hit driving into this place! OK. The view is nice. The people are nice. The place is nice. The old nearly dead diners are nice. Nice nice nice. But it is not a good value. The Space Needle would be way more fun, even for the jaded. Campagne has professional waiters and fare that is never worse than Canlis. El Guacho has pizzaz. There are so many more fun and less uptight places to go that there is no reason to go here.

The location, decor and ambience are fabulous. The building reminds me of the incredible house in the final scenes of Alfred Hitchcock's North By Northwest. It's a sensational setting, and anyone visiting Seattle should dine here for the view alone. However, the food doesn't remotely do it justice. It's conventional, uninspired and insipid. It isn't even ambitious, though the menu suggests it might be. But the dessert was very good, the wine list encyclopaedic, and the sommelier motivated and knowledgeable. A great place let down by inconsenquential food. They obviously think it's good, probably because of the accumulated prestige and history, but it needs a little local competition to get it to rise above its current languor. A pity because Canlis has potential. Of my three points, two are for the dining area and setting alone - it's unbeatable.

Neva C.

The food at Canlis is absolutely fantastic and the service is excellent, too. I don't give it five stars because it's very very expensive, more expensive than some other, equally excellent restaurants. You're paying for the lovely view and a sense of poshness and exclusivity, which is totally fine - it makes it a great place to make an impression on someone - but, if you just want a wonderful fine dining experience and don't need the cachet, there are other, equally good places that are not as expensive.

G. D.

Not impressed. The view was lovely. The ambience was decidedly "old school" and a bit stuffy. We were excitedly anticipating the best dining experience in Seattle, and it didn't live up to the hype. Starters: potato soup, smoked salmon, winter greens salad. The salad was the best of the three. Main courses: filet mignon -- quite well prepared with excellent flavor & tenderness, lobster -- over-cooked & the presentation was a bit fussy, Argentinian sea bass -- undercooked, cannellini beans were undercooked & grainy. Desserts: chocolate fondant, pumpkin pie -- both excellent. Wine: Meursault Premier Cru Perrieres Chateau de Puligny Montrachet -- once they managed to get it chilled to the proper temperature, it was exquisite if a bit overpriced. The atmosphere was somewhat awkward (the staff seemed tense and nervous, and their "graciousness" felt forced) and the overly reverent recitation of each plate's contents grew boorish by the third round. We expected more. On the plus side, the piano player was fabulous, and his witty selection/interpretation of rock classics was absolutely wonderful.

Gregory C.

First off I just want to say that I have waited years to finally dine at Canlis, and it was a bit of a let down considering I have dined all over Seattle, and at some great places, so I walked in having high expectations of Canlis. Our table was amazing, the best in the house, and the wait staff and sommelier, superb. The huge downfall was the food. We did the Winter Tasting Menu, seven courses, and each course came out and it tasted like microwaveable food. I just couldn't believe it. The snapper sashimi was sinewy and I couldn't even cut it with a knife. Barely chewable. The pairings with the sauces and fruits just didn't work with each dish, and as each dish failed, I kept hoping there was some rising star that would soon arrive, and it never came. The wine list is amazing. I like great good, and quite frankly, could have had an amazing dinner at Waterfront Grill or Purple for 600 dollars that would have included Opus One, and food to die for. Sorry Canlis, I am disappointed, and my birthday dinner was not a memorable one. You won't be seeing me anytime soon.

Mei-I F.

I have mixed feelings about Canlis. Just saying the name stirs up oohs and aahs because who doesn't look forward to an evening of top notch service and food? But this restaurant is always an option rather than the actual choice when it comes to fine dining and last weekend's dinner solidified this. My parents took my husband and I here for his birthday. The service was impeccable. The ambiance was stunning and I felt like a red carpet A-lister. It was nice to see people dressed up so it gets an extra star just for a dress code! Unfortunately, the food was boring. Good, but no wow factor. Husband and I order the two most expensive items on the menu - the wagyu beef and lobster. Both were just okay. I've had better versions of both. The best thing was actually the free item not on the menu - the complimentary celery root soup. It was liquid crack in a cup. The shortribs were velvety and buttery, but lacked some serious flavor because they were boneless and the bones are where the flavor comes from. If you want to feel like a VIP, come to Canlis, but if you want to eat to-die-for-amazing-can't-stop-talking-about-it food, then maybe you should consider twice.

David R.

This is one of those places where I think you really need to be a bsd to get everything you can out of it. It's easy to drop $300 for two and you better have a damn good occasion to be dropping that kind of cash. But to be honest, less money can get you better elsewhere... Oh yeah, BSD - Big, swinging dick...

Salim M.

If you are planning to propose or plan your romantic night at Canlis's great Cache room this is my experience: It started with a warm welcome and leading us to the room making it surprising since you feel kind od speciall. The room is small and nice with two wide corner windows with fascinating view which was the most appealing feature of the night according to my girlfriend. The hosts are incredibly nice and professional in making you excited about what they serve. They close the door everytime they leave the room and knock before entering it. To wrap it up they know what they are doing and they do it really good. There are a good veriety of wines and Chanpagnes and drinks to order with a wide veriety of price range from 50 a bottle to 5000. The Canlis's special Chanpagne was one we tried and we found it pretty nice despite the fact it was named after the mother of oqners of the restaurant. I should say the food was coocked very well. I admire the fact that you could actually taste the different tastes of everything that was used as ingridients. I ordered the duck and the meat was well coocked so it would melt in your mouth. However, the deserts were my favorite. Don't miss trying the Macaroones even if you were full like us. They are amazing and in contradiction to most of other bakeries not too sweet.

Ben B. N.

Souffle! Souffle! Souffle! Don't forget to order the Souffle! The food is good but I think the place is overly hyped and priced. We got talked into ordering an item off menu. An egg. When we saw the bill. That one egg turned out to $28 by itself.

Douglas C.

There are many fine restaurants, a few truly exceptional, but only a couple in one's lifetime that indelibly mark the heart and palette. Canlis is one such restaurant. My father would take me to Canlis San Francisco 40 years ago, and I have continued to frequent this establishment whenever I visit Seattle, its only remaining location (previously in Honolulu and Portland as well). The service is nonpareil. They were completely booked one busy Friday night but made special arrangements to prepare my favorite off-menu items for full dinner service in the bar. A table opened up, however, and they quickly accommodated me. Summer and Stephanie, my respective guides on two consecutive evenings, were utterly charming, taking the time to chat with this solo diner at length between courses and providing thorough explanations of the culinary delights spread before him. They were not servers but rather fun and engaging hosts. I ordered the four-course tasting menu, including two special-ordered servings of Dungeness crab legs and, of course, Canlis' Special (and internationally renowned) Salad. I have not had a better salad anywhere in my culinary travels. Marked by Peter Canlis' Lebonese heritage, it is essentially a Caesar salad with bacon, oregano, green onions, mint, and touch of salt substituting for the traditional anchovy and garlic. It is outstanding, and one should not leave this earth without having Canlis' Special Salad... many times over! Life changes, but my memories of this salad never do. The Dungeness crab legs were ordered off-menu. They were superb, cooked in seawater, simply seasoned with dill and chive blossoms and served with an unobtrusive aioli. Luscious to devour, each bite engendered culinary ecstasy. Peter Canlis' prawns are famous for their succulence, served in a sauce of vermouth and lime. They were rich but nuanced. I also had the Muscovy duck, which was aged 14 days, roasted and then finished to a delicate crispness in the pan. It was delicious. Canlis was the first restaurant in the U.S. to serve Wagyu beef in an American style. Paired with the 2012 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, I elected the New York strip. If one has not experienced Wagyu, this is an absolute must. If one has had Wagyu, then be prepared for the Canlis rendition, which is subtle yet sublime, simply seasoned, grilled to perfection, and served with a spinach purée, Chanterelle mushrooms and pearl onions. To finish on both evenings I had my favorite dessert, a Gran Marnier soufflé, prepared in the usual tradition with the usual flair and risen to sweet, delicate opulence. A fitting conclusion to a wonderful meal, the word "climax" should be taken not only as a noun but as a verb.

Dior C.

By far still one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle! I absolutely love the ambience. The service and food is well worth it! A restaurant I highly recommend. The creme brûlée for dessert is a must!

Ross B.

Wow wow wow...... Wow. The attention to detail is unreasonable. My friend and I sat down for drinks and from first sip to last, they were incredible. The food we ordered took its time, but for VERY good reason. It was next level, in every way. The presentation was beautiful. It was difficult to start eating, simply because we felt like we were destroying a piece of art. Service was flawless, everyone on the floor seemed to know exactly what they were doing and where they were going and when. Worth every penny, and then some. Well done, Canlis.

Chris E.

Absolutely one of the best dinner experiences I have ever had! Besides the gorgeous views here, the service and food were top notch and everything you would expect from a fine dining experience. The restaurant is valet parking, so when you arrive be ready to give up the keys. Once we walked in, we were hit with a breath of fresh cool air and people who were dressed TO impress. There were a few outliers inside, who weren't dressed particularly for the restaurant, but mostly every man had a jacket on and every woman had a skirt/dress. I can definitely see this being a very special occasion restaurant for many with the dim lights and relaxing atmosphere. There was also a pianist playing contemporary pop songs on his piano, which was kind of funny and cool. We waited a few minutes for our table and sat by the bar, which was aligned with booth type seating. After a few minutes, we were guided to our corner table right by the window. It was the best view in the whole restaurant! I won't really go into specifics about the food since the menu changes for the pre-fixe menus, but it was spectacular! Each and every detail was special and the food quality was extremely fresh. We stayed till almost closing and at the end of our meal we all received a mint chocolate Canlis bar. The chocolate was heavy, thick and looked scrumptious, but we were full to the brim. The owner came by throughout the night to check on us and had conversations with our table all thru the night. Once again, nothing replaces great service and great food. It was the ultimate dining experience and I'll definitely never forget it!

Valerie M.

My uncle Doug used to work here for a long time and my mom came here several times and loved it, but had not been here in almost ten years. Came here a few weeks ago for an early Mother's Day with... You guessed it, my mother. We arrived a little early and sat in the lounge and had a couple drinks. They were awesome! Highly recommend the Halekulani cocktail. Not generally a fan of bourbon and my mother NEVER drinks but she finished hers before mine. Our waitress was great, very friendly. We decided on 3 courses with the truffle fries. They gave us some hors d'oeuvres that were fantastic. I got the Wagyu beef tartare and she had the Peter Canlis prawns. Amazing! The prawns were cooked perfectly and the tartare melted in my mouth. Second course was scallops with maitake mushrooms, scallops, and chorizo. Once again perfectly seasoned, scallops were large and tender, and presentation was gorgeous. Third course was the Mascovy duck. They showed us the duck before it was cut and plated. It was served with a duck croquette and I believe fennel? The skin was crispy and the duck so juicy. I have dreams about this duck it was so amazing. They offered my mom a glass of sparkling wine since we were celebrating a special occasion. We finished with creme brulee and I had sorbet with fresh fruit. Lastly, freshly made macaroons and then gave us chocolate to take home. Overall fabulous service, food, and experience. Will of course be coming back.

Matt H.

Canlis is AMAZING. I was considering taking my wife there for our 2nd anniversary last year but decided not to because of some of the reviews on here, but I heard A LOT of word of mouth about this place in the following year and decided to give it a try, so we went there on our 3rd anniversary. Definitely worth the money, as the entirety of the evening was an experience and it was quite definitely the best dinner date we've had together thus far. So it was a fun night out! The staff were all friendly, knowledgable, and professional and really helped to make the experience one worth remembering! Oh, and the food (and wine) was delicious, yes, all of it. Surprising, there was literally nothing about the night that I didn't enjoy.

Craig G.

Holy cow. What can I say? An amazing selection of food delivered to our table at the most appropriate time. Chef Mario is hands down the best culinary artist in Seattle. The welcoming atmosphere at Canlis makes it the perfect meal. There are not enough words in the English language to describe the emotions their meals deliver. They welcome any palate and take it to the next level. You need to reserve a spot here ASAP.

Jennifer Arlem M.

1 star. Again! I am incredibly disappointed with Canlis. I reviewed them four months after a horrible experience I had. In my review (which I deleted after the manager reached out to me) I expressed that I was focusing on their customer service, not the food. I didn't get a chance to taste much of it because of a food allergy. Long story short, I am badly allergic to olives and mentioned it while ordering. I ended up getting them in my food and had a horrible reaction. They claimed they apologized which they did but to the people at my table, after I had to rush out of there. Never to me. I decided to give them a second chance a few days ago and they failed to make a comeback. Once again, it was one of the most painful dining experiences of my life. The food was ok and the service was mediocre. I guess you can say the get a 1 star for having a beautiful venue, fantastic pianist and great parking attendants. Oh, and because its the Yelp standard I'm so disappointed and will not be deleting this review. I do not see myself recommending this to anyone or entertaining clients/friends there. It used to be a delightful place back in the day. Nowadays, you can go somewhere in the city and have a better experience.

Denea Y.

Best meal I've had in Seattle. Dined at Canlis on a weekday night for a business presentation, and was blown away by the service and perfection of each dish. Loved the crab cake appetizers. The salad was simple but had the loveliest hint of mint and was dressed just enough. The salmon and filet mignon were cooked exactly as requested, and the dessert trio was the perfect finish to a perfect meal.

Adam A.

Amazing culinary experience. Great wine, great food. Amazing deserts. get a tasting menu, amazing view and full food experience.

PK S.

It's great experience and great food..!! Went here for our anniversary and the best experience ever..

JasonJennifer S.

One of my most favorite meals of all time. Chef came out and sat with us to chit chat about our trip to Seattle.

Esther S.

It was my first time going there (the brother gave me a gift card for my wedding gift). The guys have to be suited up (have to have the blazer to get in. If not they have a rental one--as cray Cray as that sounds). It is a five star restaurant and you do have to book a reservation. They get booked up pretty quick so you better reserve a spot 2 months in advance. It is a required valet. So we tipped him $5 on the way in. Then we tipped $20 on our way out. The restaurant has AMAZING view! City with lake Union. Just in front of us. It was beautiful. Service was also amazing. You don't get just one waitress/waiter you get multiple. They will also put the napkins on your lap for you. I got a little weirded out-not used to it. First they give you free appetizer. Don't remember what it was but it was pretty good. Then they serve you rolls of bread. We got 3 course meal ($85/person). First I got the beets with peach, goat cheese, candied walnuts. Second course I got pan seared sea bass with quinoa and lemon zest sauce which was really good and filling Third course I got the crime brulee with raspberry sorbet which was also good. My favorite experience was after we were done eating and waiting for the bill, the waiter came by and put down this square plate. Both my fiance and I thought it was for the bill but the bill was missing, and why would they put a plate on it? Then the waiter brings out this fancy dark wood box. At this point we're confused because we didn't order anything but we kept watching. He opens the box and there's dozens of colorful tiny macaroons. "One more gift" he says and I just laugh. They really are fancy. Then after we pay the bill (came out to be about $300 with 2 three course meal, wine, and extra side), the waitress brings us this decorated box of chocolate that says "Canlis". "One last gift" she says. The chocolate was filled with peanut butter and who knows what but that was really good. Valet parking staff recognizes your face-you don't need to even talk to them. They just looked at us, ran the other way and 5 seconds later our car was in front of us which was hilarious to us. Overall, service was amazing. It was too fancy for me. Too polite. Couldn't really be myself but it was a good dining experience. We were people watching anyways with their fake laugh lol I recommend it! Just for the fun of it try it out!

Kimberly D.

I went here for my birthday last year. The view is nice, the restaurant is beautiful, there is valet, servers are knowledgeable about the menu and food. I thought the service was slow. I had the tasting menu and thought that my crudo and hot fish dish were overly salted. Desert was good. Maybe my expectations were too high because of the Canlis hype, but it just doesn't live up to the fine dining pedestal that it is held on. Maybe the food will be better if I ever go again.

Wiley W.

"Value" is the first word that comes to mind, which is surprising. Why? I think because, with just a $100 4course, Canlis delivers the impeccable service, ambience, food quality, food presentation, and wine list of every 3 Michelin *** Star restaurant I've been to, which average around $250. Canlis over-delivers 250%. Gnarled pine branches across the water view, rough hewn stones / wood interior with calligraphic paintings, and pretty damn delicious food. Only complaint is that next courses seem to come out aggressively fast (maybe 5min as opposed to 12) but I suppose that's a huge plus for most people.

Robert B.

(NOTE: THIS UPDATE SPECIFICALLY CONCERNS THE NEW 8-COURSE TASTING MENU) Just when you think Canlis represents the best a restaurant can be, they find new ways to surprise and amaze. To celebrate my birthday and my retirement, we decided to visit Canlis again. If I have had a better dining experience in my life, I can't recall when. We decided to try the 8-course tasting menu. It's definitely a bit on the spendy side, but it is a fantastic value when you evaluate in in the context of the whole experience. In any great restaurant, the Chef's Tasting Menu is the flagship dish; it is the Chef and restaurant going all out to tell you a story, to make a statement to the world about who they are. Canlis' tasting menu is a bold declaration on the part of the Canlis family and its chef that makes clear their goal to honor the culinary traditions that made Canlis great, but also show that they're with the times and not stuck in a 1950s time warp. Classic dishes from Canlis' history are presented with very 21st-century spins. A trio of pupus includes a absolutely adorable grill-it-yourself teriyaki beef, which is served on a little wooden platter with a hot Japanese grilling stone, and a tiny syringe of teriyaki sauce. Peter Canlis' prawns are re-imagined as swimming in a fog bank of an ethereal foam which captures essences of citrus and a sea breeze, and the prawns within melt like sugar on your tongue. The squab is so robust and rich, you could be forgiven for thinking that it was a beef filet. I could've easily eaten a half-dozen of these! The savory portion of the menu is rounded out with your choice of an exquisitely grilled lamb chop, or a Wagyu New York steak bite. After a pineapple foam and white chocolate palate-cleanser, dessert came in the form of a deconstructed creme brulee, which was, again, a masterpiece. Oh, and if you need any more evidence of just how passionate they are in their pursuit of excellence, get this: they make their own butter in-house! If you told me that one of the Canlis brothers personally dries seawater for their salt, I'd believe you!!! This was probably the most expensive meal I've ever had, yet a superb value. This 3-hour magical mystery tour of a dining experience brought to mind many of my favorite 'foodie' movies: a bit of "My Dinner With Andre", a lot of "Big Night", and a healthy dose of "Babbette's Feast". Add to this the many little personal touches and kindnesses extended by the staff, and it's no mystery why Canlis stands tall among America's most iconic restaurants, like NOLA's Commander's Palace, or Joe's Stone Crab in Miami. The Canlis family has clearly been successful in guiding their establishment into the 21st century. The dining room boasted a rich diversity of age groups, proving that they have the chops to satisfy the traditionalists, yet also impress Seattle's new crop of well-heeled 'new money' types! VERDICT: This is a 'bucket list' dining experience. Go. Loot the kids' college fund if you must, but go. TOP TIP: Don't try to do this in conjunction with a movie or play. This dinner takes a LONG time, and it rightly deserves to be the whole evening.

Ivy L.

The location was off in the corner so it's hard to spot the driveway if you don't know where to look. This drives into the driveway for valet - there's not parking anywhere else in the area. The lobby was gorgeous with a fireplace and the ambiance awesome. Full view of the water with high glass windows. Love how it sits over the edge of Lake WA so you can see Gasworks and the awesome Seattle view. I also like that it's a set 3-5 course dinner for a set price. They start you off with these tasters of 3-4 bite size pieces and they were to die for!! I think these were my favorite all night! I wanted more after the one bite! I couldn't remember what they all were but it was a yummy delicious taste after another! I had the shrimp, which were good in a cream sauce. The steak was a little salty but cooked just right in temperature. The soufflé was eggy and soft but a little bitter because of the cream. The duck was amazing!! Crispy on the outside and moist inside! Truffle fries were delicious and you get a huge portion! The beef tartare was another one of my favorites from the night. You get a lot of it and the beef was perfectly flavored. They also give you macaroons when you're done and parting chocolate gifts! Very expensive but you pay for the experience and the excellent service!

Matthew H.

Words cannot express how divine the food we consumed was. We started with the foie gras (apparently tonight was its first night on the menu) and the prawns. Next came the wagyu steak tartare and the hen egg with seaweed...both spectacular with the perfect combinations of seasoning. The filet and the black cod were so juicy and tender and I would order them again tomorrow if I could! Aaron was our server and absolutely made our dining experience memorable and delightful. The crème brûlée with blueberry sorbet was flawless and the only complaint on that was that there wasn't enough of it because I could eaten myself to death with it! Thank you to all generations of the Canlis family for the extraordinary evening on our first trip to Seattle!

Seattle B.

In my humble opinion, Canlis is the best overall fine dining experience in Seattle. I have been to many of the others: El Gaucho, the Met, Daniel's, John Howie Steakhouse, Rover's, Six Seven, Barking Frog, Zoe, Ray's Boathouse, Morton's, Il Bistro, Le Gourmand, Waterfront Grill etc... etc.... All those other places are really good in their own way, but Canlis is still the best overall combination of food quality, service quality, and ambiance. Other restaurants have come and gone, but Canlis has stayed a landmark dining experience in Seattle for decades because of the consistent quality experience you get each time you visit.

Dx D.

Beautiful views, fabulous service, and a bit self-consciously swank . Why 4 stars? A couple of uninspired and overseasoned dishes (mediocre canlis salad, truly dreadful smoked salmon dish). Also, though we called ahead to signal friend's birthday and they remembered to swipe our credit card and not his, they forgot to light a candle and we had to run after waiters to make the birthday happen. But amazing wines, fabulously porky pork belly, light and lovely beef tartar made up for the glitches. I found the crowd a bit strange that night- sequined ladies too drunk to lock their toilet door, very loud wealthy business types ordering wine poured out of 3 ft decanters- but /hence entertaining. Worth a visit but be prepared to drop a bundle.

Emily H.

I'll be honest, I'm really not a "fine dining" kinda gal. I am much more comfortable aggressively shoveling nachos into my face than taking dainty bites with my pinky out. And I tend to measure the projected satisfaction of my purchases by their financial equivalent in burrito currency (for example, "could I really get six burritos worth of enjoyment out of this $50 shirt?"). That being said, Canlis is a Seattle staple. Furthermore, my friend gave me a very generous gift card here, so he tipped the scales of my super-technical, patent-pending burrito currency formula. We made a reservation for a Friday night at 7. We arrived early so we could grab a drink in the bar. The atmosphere was top-notch - gorgeous view of Lake Union, tasteful decorations to get you in the holiday spirit, cozy fireplace, and an amazing piano player that had a crazy arsenal of classics and modern hits in his repertoire. We were playing Name That Tune all night. The cocktail list is short, but you can assume that anything they mix will be very tasty. I had the Halekulani (their twist on a Mai Tai - an homage to the equally fancy resort in Honolulu). People aren't lying when they rave about the service at this place. They noted that my boyfriend had previously dined there (the res was under his name). Service is very personalized - no coat checks to hang onto, not even a name to report to them. They handed me my coat by sight as soon as I walked toward them. The meal was tasty. They provided us with an amuse-bouche trio, partially served lollipop style - one vegetarian for me, and one standard for the boyfriend. Mine involved a chickpea puree, a radish, and a green tea lollipop with a tart liquid center. Very original! Next I had the cauliflower soup which was delicious, full flavored without being too rich. I wasn't crazy about the scallop course, but my boyfriend loved his so to each his/her own! My main dish - the squash - was much better than I expected. There were a lot of interesting flavors and textures that went well beyond the squash, and the presentation was great. The biggest surprise of all for me was the dessert. I'm generally not a huge dessert person, but ooh-la-la, the dessert here was top-notch. I ordered the fig and chocolate dessert, and the boyfriend ordered the apple tart. Seriously, they sounded so simple on the menu, but there was so much going on with these desserts. The centerpiece of mine was kind of a chewy toffee, surrounded by this amazing maple-pecan crunch, with decadent figs at the perimeter. The tart was delicious, too, surrounded by hazelnuts and coated in this rich caramel sauce. So I realized they must deliberately keep their menu very simple, with minimal descriptions of the dishes. In reality what you get is so much more complex and flavorful than what's written, so everything arrives as a nice surprise. The wait staff and sommeliers were also great. They were very friendly and attentive, seemed very genuine, and lacked the pretentious air that I would expect from a place like this. Our initial sommelier was very knowledgeable, and was a superb storyteller. He told us a long story that centered on the bottle that we ordered - dude knows his stuff! A second sommelier helped us take the label of our bottle home on a Canlis card. He was a little more formal, and (oops) spilled a few drops of the wine on that card. He was very embarrassed, but we laughed and thought it added character! All in all a great experience - worth a visit even when measuring in burrito currency.

Dwayne Y.

So we decided to go here since it was the upscale restaurant that everyone in Seattle were telling us to go to. I would probably rate this a 3.5 star. First of all the ambience is very good. People are dressed up and there is a great view. But that pretty much ended the 5 star experience for me. First of all I thought our female server was slow and didn't really know here menu. I asked her questions about several foods and her response was she didn't know or didn't like it since she didn't like raw meat. Not really the answer I am looking for from our server. We thought some of the food was okay and some wasn't too great. The salad was nice and tasty. The prawns was tasty, but nothing that blew our socks off. The oysters were fresh, but we are in Seattle, is should be fresh. The foie gras was nice. However, the Pork Collar was so dry and bland. I even told our server that is was bland and dry and the response I got was that it was braised for hours. Finally we had the Muscovy Duck. That was the best dish of the night by far. It had tons of flavor and the portion was large. I think what also turned us off was that the tables around us had far better service. It makes you kind of wonder why? Anyway, if you was a good view with a place you can dress up and have a fancy dinner, then this is the place for you. The food isn't bad, but it wasn't even close to the places where we have dined at before.

Ashley G.

Easily the best restaurant I've been to in Seattle! From the food to the service the only thing to possibly complain about is prices but you should know that walking in the door.

Priscilla L.

You know those expensive restaurants that you walk out still hungry afterwards? Well, this is not one of them. Gosh the small bites before our appetizers were so small BUT blasting with flavor! I felt like it was but bigger than it actually looked. For starters, we got the duck egg and beef tartar. The duck egg was mediocre but the leafy stuff on the bottom made the dish and the tartar was a little salty but so delish with the baguette. Mains we got the chicken and steak. Dessert we got the souffle and something else. Everything was so good, the steak was bigger than we expected and the chicken was much smaller than we expected. The presentation was amazing and the pianist playing hip songs was a plus. We're def planning to go back! Service was phenomenal as well!

Kim L.

Delightful. A good friend and I had our holiday dinner here last night. May I compliment the attentive wait staff that had "my pleasure " ringing in my ear by the end of the meal. We were impressed by the synchronization in our course settings and the creativity in mocktails that they provided, really added to the flavor of our dishes Favorites were the sea bass and shrimp but I loved how they grilled the fillet to perfection Highly enjoyed the bites before dinner and dessert though I wish the caramelization on the creme brûlée was a thinner shell Definitely will be back again to try canlis

Sarvnaz M.

Celebrated my 5th, 7th & 25 year anniversary & a couple of birthdays. Throughout the years always loved the ambiance & the spectacular dishes. Can't wait for the next opportunity to dine here.

D A.

From walking in I felt totally like I was very welcome and they wanted everything to be perfect! I think this was the best meal of my life. Sadly I don't live in Seattle or I would be here a lot!

Senthil M.

Every bit as good as its traditional reputation. We had celery root amuse-bouche. It was unbelievably tasty. The other patrons around us were actually licking the little cup it came in. There was an incredibly rude patron complaining about everything and just showing off to his party. The waiter and manager handled it excellently and deserve credit for professionslism in a difficult situation. It was an expensive evening but outstanding flavors and service. The only reason for not giving it 5 stars is we literally had to have the table moved to get in and out of our sets - it was cramped.

Thomas H.

I've eaten at Canlis a couple of times and thought it was OK. Given the reputation, I though it would be a nice birthday gift for my wife. WRONG. So many thing they got wrong I can't even begin...but here are a few: - Talked us out of a wine we liked and into one we didn't - Crab cakes had shells in them - Medium/Rare Steak was served Medium/Well and the server tried to suggest it was the lighting...apologized later. - Took back my dish but left my wifes dish which was Ice cold by the time they figured it all out. - The couple dining next to us had a similar issue. Their seafood was undercooked and they sent it back. Ultimately, they chose to skip the entrée altogether. We should have done the same. To qualify, I dine out several nights a week across the west coast. For the price paid at this restaurant, it is hard to justify ever recommending this to anyone or entertaining clients/friends here. There are many better choices in this city. Sorry Canlis, it is true.

RONALD W.

Excellence in service, great presentation, beautiful location, and great food preparation. That much said, you should look at the menu before going and see if the selection floats your boat. I think things are just a bit too subtle for me. I had the tasting menu last night and the two main savory dishes(veal and poussin) were prepared sous-vide. I am not sure I am a fan of the simple preparation as the sauce on the side doesn't make up for the bland/mild taste of the food. It definitely imparts a novel look and texture though. free valet parking, and most folks in semi-formal attire

Megan O.

From the moment you enter, exemplary service. Very attentive (and genuine seeming) staff, who appear to be pleased to meet your every whim and fancy. Dining in the Cache Room for a certain fancy occasion was an unusual treat. Here is a cozy corner room with a wall of windows with a northeastern view across Lake Union. Inside, a table, chaise longue, and telescope for spying are yours for the evening. If you reserve this room, it's yours and only yours for the entirety of the night. Remember to bring your iPod, because it's wired for sound (and who wants to listen to smooth jazz all evening?) Every time a staff member enters, they knock on the door. The privacy and the presence of the chaise make me wonder "are they endorsing sex in this restaurant?" Fine with me. For foods, we ordered the chef's menu and the veggie version of the same (for the variety, not the animals). As well as wine pairings for each. I wish I recalled the name of the Sommalier, because this young ginger man was exceptional; suddenly I feel nostalgic toward old grapes... The food was completely interesting and delicious. I love the feeling of not knowing what I'm eating simply by the look or taste. Maybe that sounds a bit scary? There were 5+ courses, all cute and artfully arranged. Fresh herbs, unconventional taste combinations (peach and parmesan? savory tapioca with shrimp? a tiny forest of colorful root veggies in what tasted a bit like applesauce?) Inspired! At the end, a pleasant feeling of satisfaction, but not having overdosed on food or wine. Minus one star for the price and accessibility. While beautiful, delicious, and interesting, a $400 tab for two is somewhat prohibitive (granted, we really lived it up, we could have dined for less than $200) And no, we didn't do it on the couch.

Albert S.

3 stars for Canlis?! Wait, let me explain. Here's my rating system: 5 stars - ZOMG, this is the best whatever ever! Can I come back tomorrow or later tonight? Or how about I just don't leave? 4 stars - Wow, that was really good. I will definitely be back. 3 stars - Sure, ok, that was fine. 2 stars - Eh, whatevs 1 star - Blech So, yeah, Canlis was "Sure, ok, that was fine." Yes, the view and decor is outstanding. The atmosphere was quite nice, but a little stuffy and awkward - sorry, I'm not a fan of sitting side-by-side instead of across from each other. It makes it a little difficult to converse. The waitstaff was very attentive but a little pretentious. The world-famous valet was impressive - no drop off ticket, car ready upon exit - and then you realize that there's a $5 valet charge automatically added to your bill. The food was good, not outstanding, and not all that memorable. I was left wanting, I don't know, more? I can now say that I've been to Canlis and I don't feel the need to ever go back. I had the chef's tasting menu with wine pairing. The amuse bouche was a cauliflower and pear soup and hamachi / pork jowl combo. It was one of the better courses. The hirame tartare was good but somehow not as good as quality sashimi. The "Of Earth and Ocean" was a bizarre combination of polarizing textures - the mango and avocado mixture was mushy like yogurt, and the seafood ended up rubbery. Not enjoyable. The oxtail ravioli was outstanding. The bone marrow and veal consumme was amazingly flavorful. The rack of venison was surprisingly bland and not as good as my wife's rack of lamb. The pear sorbet was very good, and the ice cream sandwich was good, but again a little awkward. Given the price ($115) and the Canlis prestige, I expected a lot more.

Sarah L.

I heard a lot of good things about Canlis so I was really looking forward to going there during SRW. First of all, their service and ambiance were EXCELLENT! However, I was little disappointed with their food. I would not pay full price for the quality of food I received that night. For the first course, we had Canlis Salad and English Pea soup. The Canlis salad was just ok. It was too salty and the dressing was heavy. I love the beautiful presentation of the English Pea soup; but it was too salty to our taste. The Second course: Pappardelle and Salmon. The meatball in the Pappardelle was dryer than I expected, but the handmade noodle was pretty good with the tomato confit. For the salmon, it was mediocre. It did not stand out among other NW restaurants in Seattle. Dessert: Crème Brûlée and Chocolate covered chocolate. I was so happy that the dessert made up for the first two courses of the dinner. Both desserts were wonderful. I love the warm molten chocolate cake! I will come back for the view, live piano, service and dessert. But unless I win a lottery, I would not pay that much for the dinner at regular price.

Jenni G.

It was alright... left hungry. For the price you pay, I would like to be full!

Greg F.

Beautiful dinning room, well executed food and attentive service. Our table was perfectly situated along the bank of windows with its drop dead view. Was impressed that they came back to our table - letting us know that one of the selected entrees wasnt turning out the way the chef had anticipated. Even though this interupted the flow of our dinning, this is the hallmark of fine dinning. Can understand its status in the Seattle dinning scene. Couple of nits - which would normally cause me to subtract a star: 1) The way the tables were situated, every time a server came to the table, we each has to move aside, 2) Our server spoke loudly. So much so, any interaction at our table or tables around us interrupted our flow of conversation, 3) Each time our food was presented, our server re-ran through the preparation and ingredients. This was after we had made our selection, asked any questiona etc. we had to listen to this rehash while our food sat there getting cold.

Carol W.

If you are looking for the ultimate dining experience in the greater Seattle area, you can't beat Canlis. The view is unbeatable and service is truly impeccable. Our waiter, Chris, was so outstanding and took care of us the whole night. We went during Seattle Restaurant Week last year and are going again this year. I think it's so great they participate in things like this too! Keep up the extraordinary work Canlis, looking forward to another meal there soon!

Edward B.

I hate that i have to get all gussied up here in seattle for such great food it keeps me from going there more. Also closed on my b-day last year jan 03 which was a thursday and I wanted to party? odd time to be closed but that will not turn this star down the food is always a treat and the sommelier really knows his wines of course it is canlis. Always a pleasure for a food lover like me :)

Tonya N.

We had a lovely experience at canlis. The service is over the top and I felt like I was at a special occasion. My boyfriends sashimi and wagyu steak was amazing. My crab cakes and halibut were average however. Nicely presented desserts. A lovely view and I enjoyed the piano. Overall we had a great anniversary dinner.

Tina W.

I've been here twice and very much enjoyed the upscale experience. This is an elegant place, I like the view, the service, and the food presentation. This place has the best service I've ever had in any restaurant. I like having the amuse-bouche to start and the bite sized complementary desserts at the end of the meal. This place is teetotaler friendly, there are quite a few non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. I love their mushroom side dish. The venison dish is good too. Their desserts are excellent. They make a great salted caramel ice cream. The freshly fried Hawaiian donuts with fruits is also excellent. This place is perfect for special occasions, I recommend it.

Trip C.

Parsnip soup. Before partaking at Canlis, I never thought I'd be associating the phrase "good enough to lick the bowl clean" with parsnip soup. But I did (both associate the phrase and indeed lick the bowl clean)...and I would do it again. Peter Canlis prawns. Another dish in which I was wishing I had more bread in order to sop up all the phenomenal sauce that was left after I'd inhaled the delicate-tasting shrimp (er, prawns). Nebraska Filet Mignon. Who knew I had an affinity for anything related to Nebraska? Hmmm. Classically prepared and delicious, my only beef (haha) was that the carrot puree actually slightly overshadowed/impinged on my enjoyment of pure beefy taste. I guess I am a beef purist. Forest mushrooms: Anything that combines sherry and garlic is a win for me. Dessert? Yes, please! Mille-Feuille: Bananas, banana caramel and dark chocolate - it was like taking Chunky Monkey to a brand-new, sophisticated adult level. Sinful. Both the views and the staff service are stellar.

Sheila L.

Wow... came here for dinner the night before and was blown away by how Canlis presents themselves in both food and service. D and I went for the Seattle Restaurant week which was a great deal considering how pricey Canlis is.. but we wouldn't even mind coming back paying the normal prices later on because we really enjoyed it. Here's what we ordered from the SRW menu: Me - 1st course: Canlis salad 2nd course: Black truffle risotto 3rd course: Creme brulee with passion fruit sorbet D - 1st course: Canlis salad 2nd course: King salmon 3rd course: Chocolate covered chocolate We were also served a cup of their strawberry/rhubarb chilled soup with celery before our salads came out. And at the end after our dessert, we were each given an espresso chocolate mousse bite on a graham cracker topped with an espresso chocolate chunk. :) As for the main highlight: Mmm... hands down the best salmon ever! Perfectly cooked with a nice crisp crust on the outer layer and inside just melts in your mouth. I only had a bite from D's plate.. but if could I would've ate it all. Num num num.. risotto was good, very creamy and al dente. A tad salty but I like salt so I didn't mind. :) The salad was good with their light vinegarette and dessert was DELISH! Chocolate covered chocolate.. wow... the moment they placed th plate down on our table the smell was heavenly. Too bad that was also D's or else I would've ate it all also. My creme brulee was one of the best I've had. The custard was sooooo smooth and creamy and the sugar top was perfectly thin to my liking. Our waitress was super nice and gave us a mini tour of their executive room and their upstairs private dining area for parties because we had mentioned how nice it'll be to have our rehearsal dinner there. She wanted to give us a grand tour of it while our dessert was in the making. The rooms were really nice with the same gorgeous view and during the entire time all of the waitress/waiters.. host/hostess stopped in their tracks to greet us all along the way until we got back to our table. It felt like we were really special. And they definitely achieved it.. service was beyond awesome. We didn't have a moment where our water glasses wasn't filled with sparkling water. I would take a sip and right away someone is there to fill it. Our plates were taken the moment we finished and right away was given the next set of utensils. D went off to the restroom and table was pulled out for him to get out and when he came back, someone was right behind him to pull it again for him to sit back down. It was like we got 'tucked in' since our table was facing directly towards the glass windows to see the pretty view. It was really impressive. Their valet service was great too.. we got up from our table and right away you can see them running outside to bring us our car. The hostess even ran after me (calling my name) to thank us for coming. Definitely would come back on a special occasion .. say a wedding anniversary! ;) Or dinner with good friends.. whichever comes first! haha..

Thompson P.

Reader, I don't know you. We've never met. You might be a smart person or a fun person or a beautiful person or a rich person. If someone told me the only way I could eat at Canlis again was by murdering you, you would be dead. Mom, thank you for raising me. I am so grateful I grew up in a loving environment where you and Dad encouraged me to follow my dreams, even the dumb ones like growing up to be a fire hydrant. You were a great mother. If someone told me the only way I could eat at Canlis again was by slitting your throat while you slept, I just hope Dad would be okay. Unless someone told me the same thing about him, in which case I would be an orphan. Do not THINK about going to Canlis. Just. Go. This is one of those rare restaurants where the price is entirely justified. If you want to throw down for a meal, this is how it ought to be. We had the tasting menu and a shared gustatory orgasm. "What did you eat?" you might be asking. "Thompson, tell me about the delicious and flavorful chicken with the truffles under the skin!" you are saying while sitting alone in your room at your monitor. "When one of the desserts had a problem did your server unleash the fucking dessert dragons and give two extra desserts while apologizing so profusely you were worried she might whip out a samurai sword and disembowel herself for the dishonor of your yogurt not setting correctly?" you are asking, perhaps. Yes, that did happen. Because the service at Canlis is not like being waited on by people, it's like being given food by the fucking seraphim. "How was the fresh caprese?" you ask. "How were the mixed veggies?" "How was the lamb, and did every wine taste like it begged to be eaten with every individual course of the tasting menu?" Why the fuck are you asking me these things? Did you read that second paragraph? I said I WOULD MURDER MY PARENTS TO EAT HERE AGAIN! I would crucify a kitten. I would nuke Wyoming. I would kill you and everyone you loved like a gluttonous Kaiser Soze to eat here again. Just be glad I know about airplanes and Open Table and that I have a job. Stars were invented so I could give Canlis five of them.

Saucy B.

as another reviewer noted, as the price (and reputation) go up, so do the expectations. my review and the star rating is based on the expectations of what Canlis bills themselves to be, and on the $200 I spent for an evening there. highlights: a gorgeous room, best described as an elegant riff on a ski lodge with lots of warm wood and soft lighting, surrounded by evergreens (and additional views depending on how lucky you are about a table) exquisitely presented and unusually tasty amuse-bouches. these were (sadly) the culinary highlight of the meal. seafood: the starter course shrimp and smoked salmon were remarkably delicate and well prepared disappointments: several of our dishes were oversalted. this seems like a glaring oversight for a restauarant of this caliber. the salad, the pea soup, the lamb croquette fell into this category. much of the food was good. but not remarkable and certainly not worth the ticket. service: for a place that touts itself on service, canlis creates a rather uncomfortable and unwelcoming set of rules for diners immediately upon arrival. if a tasting menu is selected, it must be chosen for everyone at the table. this is a common rule at many restaurants, but still annoying. but what's worse: if you select to dine off the regular menu, canlis requires that we all select the same number of courses. SO: if I want salad and entree, but my companion want a starter and a dessert as well, one of us will leave unhappy. this seems like a ploy to upsell, and it put a bad taste in my mouth immediately. in short: go to the bar and enjoy a cocktail and a snack and the lovely atmosphere. save your hundreds of dollars and eat much more satisfying food in a less formal setting two or three times over.

carrie b.

I agree everyone should go to Canlis at least once. The service is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Showed up on a Thursday with no reservations. I had no idea valet was required so I was a bit embarrassed as they parked my dirty Honda - but from that moment to the end of the evening I've never experienced more gracious service. For work, I have stayed at 4-5 star hotels and not experienced this crazy great service! Our waiter was a trained chef and very excited about the food. I witnessed a party of 8 being served their plates simultaneously each with a separate waiter while the Somalia stood by. They don't give you a menu right away because you are suppose to enjoy your experience. Here's the deal though - the food is always very similar because it is notorious Seattle Canlis classic seafood options. Apparently, if you are a regular the will have wine glasses with your name engraved on them. I like to try new things though so I say - "eh you only need to go once" AND the kicker that knocks um' to a 4 in my book. They over cooked my lobster. 4 stars because I won't be able to give them another try to redeem the evening.

Sunil R.

Some of the best service in Seattle, although I tend to disagree with their whole "Sir we usually request that our guests not wear jeans" Especially since most people's jeans are more fashionable (and expensive) than their chinos or dress pants. The service and the ambiance was terrific, a great pianist does his best to tickle the ivories like Billy Joel or Elton John, and the view is incredible. The food is good, but I think what prevents this from being a five star establishment is that the food is rather ordinary. If you're looking for a great place to take a date or celebrate a joyous occasion, you can't go wrong. If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, go elsewhere.

Danielle H.

The views, the food, the service... impeccable. Never have I been to a restaurant that takes such good care of its guests. Although the last visit was not as attentive as in the past, the experience was still amazing and the food was to die for. We spent a little bit of time in the lounge for a cocktail before being seated at our table and it was lovely to sit and chat while listening to the live piano music. Once seated at our table, our waitress came over and said happy birthday and congratulations to my boyfriend as we were there celebrating his birthday and upcoming graduation from business school and promotion at work. The conversation was a nice touch and great way to start off the dinner. We had the Canlis Salad to start and it just must be done. There is nothing more satisfying than the crisp crunch of romaine mixed with cherry tomato, scallion, romano cheese and homemade bacon bits and croutons. The marriage of flavors is absolutely perfect. The dressing is a lemon olive oil with coddled egg and garlic that is truly unique... Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the mint and oregano leaves. So unique. The steak tartare was the most buttery, melt-in-your-mouth beef wagyu beef. I will say no more other than "order it." For our entrees, we went for seafood since we were going to be having lamb the next day and I am so glad we did. He said the salmon (which I have had before and perhaps convinced him to order) was the best salmon he has ever had. I ordered the halibut with a delicate horseradish and some kind of nut crust on it, served with a miso broth that they poured over upon serving it at the table. It was so flaky and cooked just right. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate over chocolate and Canlis was sweet enough to write a happy birthday message on the plate at my request :) We also finished the meal with some of the amazing tea selections they have at the restaurant. Although the meal was fabulous, I think my favorite part was halfway into our dinner when my boyfriend asked the piano man to play our song. It was perfect.

Bill P.

Went there for a continuing education this past month and as said before the views were wonderful. This may not be afir but we had 3 choices: meat, fish and veggie. I ordered the vegetarian and it arrived cold. Service was good. Next time I'll try something else.

David M.

Currently Canlis has a solid 4-stars on Yelp and I have to say I agree with that rating. Nothing had that extra "oomf" to make it 5-stars and some of the dishes hovered closer to 3-stars for me, but the service round it back up to 4. Their wine selection is impressive and the staff made excellent recommendations. However, the meal was simply too expensive for the quality of food. It's somewhat bizarre that they serve french fries at a high-end place with a formal dress code. I have no strong desire to go back.

Adys L.

Canlis Food- Not so good Price- High Service- GREAT Location- THE BEST IN SEATTLE Should you visit Canlis while in beautiful Seattle? NO

Cami G.

Overrated snob food. I give it three stars though because of the exceptional service and pretty ambiance. But I would never go to a restaurant if I didn't care much for the food so I most likely won't be going back. Luckily, my meal was paid for me. :-X

Nick C.

Fantastic fine dining in Seattle. We scored reservations a week ahead of time but had to settle for a 9:30 Saturday dinner. Next time reserve earlier! Everything you could expect from a restaurant of this caliber and price. Exceptional decor, atmosphere, food, wine, and service. My fiance has nut allergies and other dietary restrictions and they were very accommodating. Sommelier was very knowledgeable and took time to walk us through some of the extensive wine options. We were able to pick a bio-dynamic wine that met fiance's preference. My filet was cooked perfectly and her salmon was the best we've had a restaurant so far. It was finace's birthday and they gave her a nice small dessert with a candle in celebration. My chocolate cake dessert and salted caramel ice cream pop was amazing. We can't wait to go back again this time we'll try to book early and get a seat with a view... One thing that I found odd was that they added a $6 charge for valet. Really? $6? I just spent over $300 and you have to charge for valet. Classless move.

R.W. B.

A Canlis dinner was my special anniversary treat for my wife and I was not disappointed. We were treated to beautiful scenery across Lake Union and the atmosphere was perfect for an anniversary. The soft background music drifting out from the bar was ideal for dinner conversation. And people were dressed as in the old days...it was elegant. The food was first class. My lamb was perfectly cooked and my wife was pleased with her beef tenderloin. But the service was what made our evening. Our wait staff were there when needed without ever interrupting our dinner. We ended our evening with a stop by the bar to hear a wonderful rendition of " Hallelujah. How appropriate for this evening.

Mitch N.

I can't stop speaking about this place to friends. The service you receive is 2nd to none! You drop off your car at the valet, you don't get a ticket. You drop off your jacket (it's required attire) you don't get a ticket. You order food, (we had the duck) it was ah-may-zing! The view equally spectacular. As we're leaving, my coat is given to me, As I walk outside, my car is just pulling up! Whoa. Though I will say their malasada's suck and are nothing like Hawaii's.

Adelaide A.

Canlis is one of those restaurants that is so seeped in the history of a city that it's a real treat to be able to go! I love how the staff cares about their guests and they truly understand classy hospitality. We also liked our sweet server, Amanda, who was friendly, helpful, approachable, and knowledgeable. As mentioned in other posts, the service is amazing from beginning to end; from the valet parking to the coat service. The attention to detail is what makes the experience so great because the Canlis employees work as a team to make night so effortless on the part of their guest. We particularly liked the flow of when our dishes arrived which allowed us to enjoy each course and also the drinks. Highlights of the evening include: - Beautiful renditions of pop songs played on the piano in the lounge (I believe it's a Steinway) - Amuse bouche was delicious and fun - Macaroons at the end of the meal (flavors of night: hazelnut and red velvet) which are brought to the table in an elegant box Food thoughts: - Truffle fries- Good truffle flavor and a huge serving. However, some fries were limp, others were really crispy and overcooked - Steak tartare- Fresh, bright, savory and served with a bread that was perfectly charred - Scallops- These were salt-cured and my first time trying this type of preparation. Flavors were good and I really liked the few pomegranate seeds that were sprinkled on the plate that helped to compliment the overall flavor profile. However, I was not actually a fan of the texture. - Sea Bass- Perfectly cooked with a crisp outer layer and buttery goodness all the way through. The quinoa that it sat on was delicious as was the parsnip puree - Filet Mignon- The shitake mushrooms gave the dish great umami flavor and it was very tasty. However, when my husband got to the middle of the piece of meat, it had a stringy texture and therefore he was a little bit disappointed - Mille Feuille- Beautiful presentation and it was good, but not the most mind blowing dessert I've ever had. It was however a perfect sweet to end the evening. - Creme brulee- Well prepared and tasty but we both like creme brulee so unless the top didn't make a cracking noise when being broken, it's very hard for me to dislike All in all, Canlis is very much worth visiting for the experience. Often times, places like these can be over hyped due to its exposure (i.e. featured on Anthony Bourdain, Top Chef, etc), however if you want a special evening and plan to have a good time without outrageous expectations, then you will end up having a great time!

Tommie G.

What an amazing meal. My family and I were visiting Seattle from South Florida and are huge foodies. We saw Anthony Bourdain had eaten at Canlis and loved it as well as all wonderful reviews. We were first seated in the bar area where I ordered a bottle of wine and my husband and mother ordered cocktails which were served on large ice cubes as they prefer. The sommelier was very knowledgeable and helped with picking my wine. Shortly after we were seated window side with a breathtaking view (men are required to wear a jacket if you want a window side table). I can not remember the waiters name but he was wonderful as well. We opted for the 4 course prefix menu. I can not recall what everyone had ordered but as for myself I started out with the steak tartare, one of the best have ever had. Then duck frois gras. For main course I opted for the filet mignon, so tender and delicious. And for dessert a grand marnier soufflé which was unbelievable. After we were also served a plate of French macarons and custom Canlis chocolate bar, both which we took home and enjoyed the next day. I highly suggest anyone visiting or living in Seattle to visit this wonderful restaurant, you will surely not be disappointed.

Sierra P.

I had been dreaming about going to Canlis for YEARS, and my fiancé finally made it happen. We came in on our anniversary, and I was almost peeing myself I was so excited to be there. We were seated immediately at a table with a great view! The gentleman seething us pulled out my chair and set my napkin in my lap! "EEEEKKKKK, I AM AT CANLIS!" I'm still screaming in my head. Our server came over to greet us and explain the menu. We chatted about the Chef's tasting menu, but settled- settled is the wrong word, you don't settle at CANLIS!- decided on the 4 course dinner instead. I had the smoked salmon appetizer, the Canlis salad, the duck breast, and the Canlis soufflé. My fiancé had the oysters, the Canlis salad, filet, and the Mille-Feuille. The apps-- TO DIE FOR. I don't think I've ever had better smoked salmon in my life. It was served with a yogurt-basil sauce, along with some potato slices. I could have licked the plate... I'm not an oyster fan, but my fiancé loved them. The staff also offered a small trio of apps, including a fancy tater tot, a mushroom filled tartlet, and a rice cracker covered in something delicious. Can you tell I'm dying of pure joy yet?! Next, I went to the bathroom. Normally, I would exclude this experience from a normal review, but this is not a normal review. It is a review of CANLIS. And Canlis has an AMAZING bathroom. The paper towels even feel incredible. And they are thick. And wonderful. Anywho, the bathroom was great. On my way back to the table, the same gentleman who put my napkin in my lap while seating me (still in awe of that), followed me so he could pull out my chair again. OH MY GOD, I THINK I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS MAN. Dinner comes, looking wonderful! both the filet and duck were so tender they melted in your mouth... Well, my mouth. But feel free to go to Canlis and I'm sure it will melt in your mouth too... Now, my favorite part. DESSERT. DESSERT AT CANLIS. The chef wrote Happy Anniversary on my plate. That's enough to make me happy. But then, I actually tasted the soufflé. It was like a light, fluffy, warm, orange creamsicle, in my mouth. I'm salivating just typing this... I didn't try my fiancé's desert, as I was too occupied with my soufflé, but he told me it was wonderful. I've covered the food and the bathroom, now for the staff. Canlis has THE MOST ATTENTIVE AND KIND STAFF ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET. WHO IS THE MAN WHO FOLLOWED ME FROM THE BATHROOM?! I INSIST HE GET A RAISE! Our server was also wonderful, very helpful, and all that jazz. But seriously, the guy with the chair pulling and the napkin placing? Please give him my best regards. Canlis was all I dreamed of and more. I love what they do and I love what they are about. Honestly good food and a great atmosphere. I turn my nose up to anyone who dare have anything less than a fabulously wonderful experience at this fine establishment. I WILL BE BACK, NAPKIN-CHAIR MAN.

T P.

I expected a lot better given the reputation of this institution. The $85 prix fixe menu was over-priced, the wait staff were stiff and our wait-person forgot all about our drink order, a bottle, and then brought glasses instead. They try to be very personal but then addressed me by the wrong name, the service just fell flat. The food was good and they brought some nice pre-apps and post-desert macaroons. Some of the portions were small. The view is amazing but we were seated backs to the West side so the view was all the way on the other side. Just didn't live up to my expectations of what a $150/person dining experience should be like. Seems like Daniels or a nice Italian spot could fit the need for a special occasion just as well.

Yuri V.

Canlis has been named one of the top 20 restaurants in America, and I can see why. No point in repeating the same observations as others made. The other reviews are a sound reflection of what you get based on my experience. It offers (and delivers) the usual at this top level: good service, great views, excellent food and presentation... The distinguishing feature is the wine list. Yes, it is a thick book... yes, the usual suspects are all there...the first growths, the CA (over-rated) cults, the Vegas from Spain and the Massetos from Italy, etc., etc. Ergo, what stands out? The DRCs stand out... This may be the most impressive line up of DRCs (La Tache, DRC DRC, etc.) that I have seen at a restaurant. That is an achievement. Prices are mid to high retail, but much lower than restaurant...

Thy L.

UGH! No words can describe the disappointment I feel after eating here. I had expectations based on the Yelp reviews, but I was just smacked in the face with mediocrity! I came here for no special occasion besides the fact that I wanted to try supposedly one of the best restaurants in Seattle. The fiance and I went with the 4 course meal, so all together we tried 8 items on the menu. To start off the night, the waitress brought over an amuse bouche, which was lackluster. The best thing of the trio was probably the tater tot, but that's because I love potatoes. For the first and second courses, we tried the hamachi, foie gras, crab dumplings, and prawns. Nothing was memorable. Heck, I had dinner here tonight, and I had to think really hard to remember what I ordered. For the main course, I ordered the Wagyu, and the fiance ordered the New York strip. This was probably stupid of me. I should've just gone to the Met to get my steak. Also, the truffle fries were kind of pathetic looking. They had the soft squishy flat look of McDonald's french fries, except a bit darker and covered with truffle oil. My poor fiance, who isn't nearly as picky as me, said the truffle fries were the best thing in the meal, which isn't saying much. For dessert, the fiance had the fruit tart (he didn't like it), and I had the creme brulee, which I liked, but again, nothing special you can't get from a cheaper place. We also got macarons, which I thought the texture beneath the crust was not light enough, and just a little too chewy for my preference. In terms of service, while the waitresses were nice, I thought they performed subpar. One of the waitresses spilled sparkling water onto the table and onto me. Also, the timing between courses was an utter joke. I've had a 15 course meal from Benu that finished in almost the same amount of time my 4 course meal at Canlis took. Finally, what Canlis is probably best known for, the view. I thought that too was mediocre. There's nothing particularly breath taking about it. Sure, I'm on a hill overlooking a lake, but then there are cranes and what not in the background. This is not the fault of Canlis, but rather the city of Seattle for constantly being under construction these days. Overall, I found Canlis to be highly overrated. I thought the dishes lacked creativity and any interesting flavor. They need to work on their timing in the kitchen. Additionally, I can't say I was impressed with the waitresses knowledge of the food. I felt like they were trying to be a Michelin star restaurant, and looked like they had the shell, but not the real substance. Sad to say, the most impressive thing about Canlis was the valet, who didn't take down my name or give me a ticket, but just remembered my face and got my car immediately when I walked out. He's a keeper. Unfortunately, I won't see him again, since I have no desire to ever return here.

Nikhil R.

Review based on our Canlis Experience - 05/02/2014 Having recently moved to Seattle from NYC I was hoping to to impress my lady (who is a Seattlelite) for our 10 Year anniversary. I chose Canlis as our venue for the celebration. Called in a week prior for the reservation and to confirm if they can accommodate vegetarian and gluten free option for my wife. To my delight they did and the covert celebration planning was set in motion. You MUST give the website a glance before reservations. Somethings to note while you're at Canlis Ambiance: We were seated on a couch near the bar before being seated at our table. The bar area is amazingly lit, the old man on the piano is masterclass. Along with playing the typical Mozart-ish tunes, he does love recommendations and started playing Nirvana on someone's recco. Brilliant. We sipped on our libations and munched on the $8 truffle fries. This is the best Truffle Fries I have ever tasted (and I am not a sucker for fries unlike my wife). The 15mins that we spent on the bar, 5 mins were spent just in pindrop silence marveling at the $8 Truffle Fries. Our table-side was intimate but not overlooking the Seattle landscape and certainly not the best seats in the house. However that wasn't a deal-breaker, we still had a brilliant spot - intimate with great decor. Wine: We are not particularly aristocratic with respect to wines, sure we try every other Red once in two weeks. Don't be shy, speak with your sommelier about your tastes and how it would pair up with the food you plan to order. Don't worry if have no inkling about how to order wines, let the sommelier pick something for you. He will do a better job than you would. Food: I read a bunch of reviews about the pretense in their food. Quite honestly, it is not. It might be more to do with your palate inhibitions and less with their food innovation (Look up their Philosophy page on the website). Before you order, they WILL explain every course and preparation in detail. Listen carefully. Again the best play here is to give them your options and take their suggestions into consideration (Remember, my wife was Vegetarian + Gluten free). We ordered the three course menu and I was sold right after the First course - Peter Canlis Prawns. Next up was the Filet and to say I was going for a classic surf'n'turf would understate and undermine the overall experience. Loved my food, and tasted some insane vegetarian options - Cauliflower, three types of pickled beets, cantaloupe soup. The three course meal was a double-handed thumbs up! I am not a Dessert person, my wife on the contrary has a massive sweet tooth. Going by my observation during the final course, she was more than delighted with the overall experience, desserts being the cherry on the top. Service: I come from a background where serving and offering food during social gatherings itself is a pleasure and privilege. Canlis took this notches up and we were super impressed by the attention to detail. We were gifted a box of Macaroons ('Crack'caroons as I call it because it was so addictive) on our way out. Service and attention to detail (I know, I repeat) is impeccably accurate. We were glad to celebrate our anniversary at Canlis. I keep scouring for reasons to go back again. Dreaming! But only if I could manage being at Canlis every month end.

Gregory J.

Fine dining done right, nothing but the best from Canlis

Gavin P.

Honestly, hundred dollar meals but the best of the best in Seattle. Canlis is one of the few restaurants in Seattle that require a coat and tie to enter. You feel like you are among the Seattle elite when you dine here. The service is fantastic. The staff is very observant and passive. You almost don't even notice that they have bussed your table because they are so sly. The building built entirely for the restaurant is reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright design. You feel like you are eating in an architectural wonder. Plus it comes with a high point view over lake Union. Pros: The location and the view are one of a kind, exclusive and hidden views of lake union from your table. The gourmet food and the select drink menus! The food is so high class, that I wasn't exactly sure what I was ordering (I guess my vocabulary isn't up to par with their menu). But like I said, the staff is really knowledgable and helpful and will do their best to make you feel special. The piano player who can do anything from Frank Sinatra to Gangsters Paradise (I heard him play it). Finally, the amazing staff. Cons: PRICE! But its expected. The price is high for a reason, it gives you quality food beyond Seattle's norm or sea food. Plus it keeps out the unwanted folk, yes I said it. Another Con: the speed. took 3 hours to have a full meal. It should not take that long to serve salad, entree, and desert. Another con, is the serving sizes are smaller compared to other restaurants. Personally, I think they are perfect sizes, but comparable to other places, Canlis' plates are smaller. Overall: This is the place to lock down a relationship, propose, celebrate an anniversary, or any formal event. Hint: This is a really classy place, so if on the rare occasion that your food is not up to par (it has happened), just tell them and they will not charge you for it. Hint2: Try the roast duck! yum! with orange peel.

steve j.

Food was amazing. The Canlis salad prepared table side was delicious. Service was impeccable. Get the Muscovy duck for 2!

Jacob R.

If you go to this place, get the three course meal and wine, once you factor in tip, you're probably going to be spending around $350.00. The ambiance is great, the service exquisite, the restaurant is beautiful, and you will feel like the night is special (unless you're really rich, in which case you probably go these kinds of places all the time). That all being said, I found Canlis to be more style over substance. You will certainly have a dining experience here, but the food in general was not really that impressive or all that good in my opinion. I went a month ago and the food was forgettable enough that I don't even remember what I ate. Although, the creme brulee dessert was pretty awesome. So get dressed up, take your honey out for a night on the town, just don't expect the food to blow your mind.

AJ R.

Is it a bad thing I forgot I ate here a month ago and didnt review it? Well- not really. 1st off, it was a great experience. The views, restaurant, service and food were delightful. I dont think I would go back just for food though. Dont get me wrong. It was good, but not drooling, dreaming, longing for good. I had the salmon, my husband the steak- not sure which one. We pretty much had every course, Im a die hard dessert fan- they were OK. So, I guess if I was trying to impress someone or owed someone big time I would take them here, otherwise I would SO go to Daniels Broiler or somewhere else for super duper food.

Sarah M.

We just had had our wedding in the Penthouse room and we would do it all over again! The service was impeccable. We worked with Katie up to the day of and she was fantastic with trying to accommodate our requests. Diane, our lead server, was fantastic the day of too. Her and the other servers stayed after to help our parents clean up and went above and beyond that night to make sure everyone was cared for. Chef Franey's food was delicious as always. The foie gras and tater tot apps were to die for. We had the filet and the salmon which were both perfectly cooked. The dessert trio was perfect as well, the creme brulee was incredible. Mark Canlis was such a pleasure letting us sign our marriage license in the wine cellar and taking my dad and his brothers down for a whiskey tasting during our cocktail hour. The only thing that I wish would have been different is that the room wasn't quite ready until a few minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start so the guests were crammed into the lobby until they opened up the room. This small hiccup was soon forgotten once the ceremony and following cocktail hour started.

Micah D.

Canlis is the one and only. I spent several months thinking it over trying to find how to explain the Canlis experience . But try as I might I can not find fault with them. It is difficult to put down the way you feel when you are talking about a restaurant the makes the rules... and doesn't play by them. It becomes impossible to take it apart piece by piece as we may do in our other reviews. Canlis doesn't try to be anything. Canlis IS. It is a special place for people who care about themselves and their food. Six stars please.

Sisi Z.

Everyone says here is a must-go place so I decide to give a try. Have to say it's just okay. As a restaurant at such level it could do better. We had beets salad, foie gras, cauliflower soup, duck and swordfish. Duck is so flavored and quite impressive. But other than that I don't know what to say. I even thought I might just happen to choose those unpopular ones? Would like to give another try though.

Tim N.

Canlis is awesome. Food is good, service is amazing. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. And people have to dress up to eat here! The price is very reasonable. It reminds me of the restaurants in New York and Shanghai.

Matthew M.

What a fantastic dinner we had! I had the filet, it was perfect. I was very impressed with the amount of people it took to service our table. My only con is that escargot was not on the menu. A trip to Canlis is an experience and totally worth it.

Thomas H.

Splendid, everything was top notch. Great valet, server, cocktails, wine, dinner dessert, it was all perfect. Don't wait for a special occasion to go to Canlis; Canlis is the special occasion. Oh, bring your big-boy wallet.

Adriana K.

The rumours are true. Really. From the valets that remember your car without a ticket to the impeccable service and attention to detail, to substituting dietary needs on the fixed price menu was inspiring. This is decadent dining - and of course, a special occasion. A true Seattle gem.

Katy H.

Canlis gets 5 stars from me. Again! I'm so proud to live in a city that loves and celebrates great food. There are plenty of incredible options these days but what makes Canlis stand so tall is the fact that they've been behind some of the PNW's absolute best dishes for decades now. Some restaurants have great seasons or great years, but Canlis has always exceeded my expectations - and those of thousands of others. It's so rare to find a restaurant that always, always meets or beats expectations. What I gather from this is that the reputation of the business and their service style and standards are extremely important to them. No riding on the coattails of past awards or accolades, but always pushing forward keep ahead of the game. So for that I can do nothing more than literally urge every person reading this review to revisit this iconic Seattle business. More than just a great restaurant, Canlis is family owned and operated. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs I find it so special that this restaurant is more than a place to get a good meal. It's a place to celebrate a wonderful family that cares about Seattle and its residents. It's fun to dine here and celebrate NW traditions, and eat wonderful NW food. Oh! And all while checking out wonderful views. Have I said wonderful enough yet? Recently my boyfriend and I were discussing restaurants that have blown us away. Of course Canlis is always on that short list. But in chatting we realized we hadn't come here for a while. With nothing to celebrate in particular, we decided that Canlis is more than just a special occasion restaurant, it's a restaurant for any time. Why restrict ourselves to dining here just once or twice a year? So on a whim we booked a car and reserved a table for a Monday night! Choosing the chef's 7 course tasting menu paired with wine, we were swept off our feet. From Maine lobster courses to squab, fluke, and more, each dish was more jaw dropping than the next. Another small detail that didn't go unnoticed was the teamwork. It doesn't matter if there's one server assisting you at your table, any time my water was low, any time the table was dirtied, or when I needed to get up to use the ladies room, someone seemed to appear out of thin air and assist. Waters were refilled as soon as someone noticed they were running low. The place setting was wiped down after each course, we were asked about the execution of the food, we were greeted warmly by Mark Canlis, and when I got up from the table someone leapt to help move the table and show me the direction of the restrooms. It was absolutely incredible to watch this restaurant and the staff work a dinner service. Somehow every single guests was attended to, and everyone had a smile on their face. Canlis makes a fantastic meal and even better experience with polite, thoughtful and swift service. Way to go the extra mile!

Estee L.

Hands down canlis is one of the best experience I had in terms of service! They pampered us with too much desserts that is soooo unexpected but very very much appreciated. I am not a dessert person but managed to finish my mille feuille which tasted sooo good with the different textures and flavors to experience. The steak tartare is also one of the highlights of the night. The entree was just okay for me and nothing to write home about. However its totally value for money for the great experience and impeccable service.

Anthony W.

We had a nice dinner at Canlis this evening but the place is overpriced, especially for the alcohol. It seems like this is definitely THE restaurant to go to for any special event. The service was excellent and on par with many fine dining restaurants. The ambiance was very nice and the building is very old, built in 1950 I believe. They have a piano man who was very good and unobtrusive with his music. They also have a great view overlooking Lake Union. They have a choice of a 3 course, 4 course or full 7 course chefs tasting menu. The 7 course menu is pre-planned and everyone gets the same dish. They do have a wine pairing available but only for the 7 course meal. They have two wine pairings available, a regular one and a "sommelier" one that consists of more expensive and rare wines. We chose the 4 course meal because we usually share our dishes and this way we get to try 8 different courses. Since they don't have a wine pairing for the 3 or 4 course meal we chose one from their extensive wine selection. Most of the wines they have are fairly pricey. We are not ones who drop hundreds of dollars on wine so we found one around 50 dollars, which is more our price range. (We found a wine on their list for $17,500!) The amuse bouche was tasty and comprised of a wild mushroom tart, a salmon mousse with tobiko caviar, and a fried egg yolk. Our favorite was the salmon mousse. For the first course my wife had the oysters and I had the Hamachi. We really weren't that impressed with it, especially since Seattle is supposed to be known for their seafood. The oysters did not taste as fresh as we have had at another restaurant in Seattle and the Hamachi tasted a little fishy. The second course we had was the Peter Canlis prawns and the foie gras. Both courses were amazing. The prawns were cooked perfectly and had good flavor. The foie gras was probably the second best we've ever had with great flavor and seared perfectly. For our main entrée we chose the lamb and the wagyu filet mignon. The meals were good but not spectacular. We have had better wagyu and wonder exactly what grade they served. It didn't quite melt in your mouth like we expected. The lamb was decent but not quite as flavorful as we had hoped. We finished with the Grand Marnier soufflé and the pistachio cake and ice cream. The pistachio cake was just ok and the soufflé was good, but a tasted a little too "eggy". All in all this was a good restaurant and had good food. We are a little more critical because we have been to some very high end restaurants and have tasted the best, but hope that it can be used to help them continually improve.

Ly T.

Hmmm... something was wrong during my last dining experience at Canlis. Food was great as usual, but service was lacking from our main server. Partly, I will take the blame for that because I am a bit hard to deal with. But it still should not effect the high standard that I expected. O'well. Still one of my favorite places, but considering ending my annual Valentines Day dinner there.

Noelle M.

First class all the way, from the time you step out of your car till you leave. Thank you for making December 26th, Christmas Day in our house this year!

Claudine M.

This is where my boyfriend and I celebrated our first anniversary. We both had very high expectations, and Canlis delivered. Actually, no, Canlis EXCEEDED our expectations. First, the food and the HUGE wine selection. Everything looked attractive, everything was delightful. We each had the potato soup, which we enjoyed thoroughly. Leeks, black truffle, and chives...just delicious. For entrées, we ordered both the Muscovy Duck and the Wagyu -- both cooked to perfection -- with a side of truffle fries. Yes, even the truffle fries were perfectly seasoned. We ordered the crème brûlée afterwards, which was okay, but our dessert plate came with personalized anniversary greetings for decorations, and we thought that was really nice. Then, the service. Canlis must only hire the best, most experienced servers and valet attendants who memorize EVERYTHING. I was amazed by how they could remember which car was ours, or which coat was mine, without writing anything down. At least, that was how it appeared. The service that we got at our table was unparalleled. Each server who came to our table was extremely professional and articulate. We were made to feel very important. Finally, the location itself. The interior is modern but welcoming, perfectly lit, and truly romantic. The views of the outside world only add to how elegant this place really is. We were just so, so impressed by everything. It was definitely a $400 dining experience we wouldn't mind repeating for our biggest and most special occasions.

Eric M.

If you have to wait for your table (plenty of tables but perhaps understaffed?) be careful if you decide to have a drink in the bar. Do not sit at the barstools in front of the bartender. He will not acknowledge you. If you want a drink, you must order it from the waiter. Even if you ask the bartender for ice water, or ice, he will pretend not to hear you. If you ask him to please put vermouth in your "dry" martini (did not ask for "very dry") he will again pretend not to hear you, and will begin to work in a frenzy to demonstrate how busy he is. We spoke to the manager before we left. Will it help? Who knows? Don't plan to go back. Canlis needs to visit a few upscale metropolitan restaurants in NYC or LA. They will lose their smug attitude soon enough.

James Y.

I was more than impressed with the luxurious yet relaxed ambience of this restaurant. Little did I know that I would have one of the finest dining experiences of my life on this night with my girlfriend. Michael (our waiter/somm) was astoundingly knowledgable on all the dishes and wines. It was by luck that they gave us "Table 1" which sits above most of the other tables and has an incredible view overlooking downtown Seattle. Their menu changes often but they seem to excel and perfect every dish that they serve. Pros: Great waiter, wonderful ambience, jaw-dropping view, food perfection Cons: Can't seem to think of any. Overall: A dining experience that everyone in the PNW cannot afford to miss.

Tammy Y.

Went there for my birthday dinner and was not disappointed. We walked in around 8:45pm after our original plans at another restaurant didn't work out. I was immediately at ease and happy hearing the pianist play contemporary and classical songs at a baby baby grand. We sat in the lounge area until a table opened up and then moved into the dining room. I absolutely adored the fine details about this restaurant. From the zen-inspiring restrooms with my favorite handsoaps (the same kind I use at home), to the feel of being up in a large tree house, everything about this restaurant is inviting, beautiful, and well thought out. Service here was an A+. We had cocktails in the lounge and then delicious wine with dinner. The wine staff provides many wine options for whatever meal you decide to go with. I had the sea bass and it was hands down the best sea bass I've ever had in my life. The peanut butter/chocolate/banana dessert was the perfect finishing touch to the meal, along with the Marco Polo tea. I probably drank 3.5 cups of tea because it was so good. The vanilla bean sugar was a nice touch there as well. There is a reason why this restaurant and it's chef have gotten accolades - they certainly deserve them. I can't wait to come back here again.

David N.

Awesome regional restaurant. The best I've been to since leaving New York. However, the review where the guy says he'd push his mother down the stairs for dinner is a bit too much. The courses were hit and miss. Creme Brûlée = I forgot what sex was like ORDER IT! "famous Canlis salad" dorm room pre pasta quality - don't bother. Steak tartar- I pushed my wife off the table to eat the rest of hers. The duck for two was totally good but not great. The confit that came with it, however, w changed my life. Kevin, our Sommelier, was the best. He got us a great white. He even recommended a less expensive wine than what we wanted. Came back with a red that was good but when I said it wasn't great he then showed up with a couple of complementary glasses of one of the best wines I've ever had. He said there were only about a hundred cases in America. Mark Canlis did a cameo appearance at our table and peppered my salad. That was cool. The dessert showed up with a personalized message in chocolate. Service was awesome.

Ernesto L.

This place is great for many reasons! I was going to Seattle and tried to make a reservation in advance, but it was all booked. When I arrived I called again (just in case there was any last minute opening) and the girl at the phone told me that they were booked. When I explained to her that I really wanted to go she was honestly concern and I asked her to call me back if by any reason they could accommodate a party of two. After talking with her manager, she called back and they got me a table at the bar. A guy was playing the piano and it was just a beautiful setting. The service was outstanding. From the hostess to the servers, everybody was just great! The food was also delicious. I had the hamachi and my daughter the Wagyu filet. We also had the twice baked potato. As I said, everything was great, but our very favorite was the twice baked potato. OMG. The desert (mille feuille) and the coffee (double espresso with sparkling water chaser) was a dream! This place is a must. Cheers

Kathy A.

Still elegant, beautiful, and delicious but limiting us to two bread rolls only...really? When we are paying as much as we are you'd think we could have a few more rolls.

Brett C.

My wife and I recently moved to Seattle and had heard that Canlis was the pinnacle of fine dining in the Pacific Northwest. We had the good fortune to have dinner at Canlis and every expectation was exceeded. The food was delicious but the service was the star of the show. Our servers and sommelier were extremely knowledgable and warm. We don't have the opportunity or resources to eat at a place like Canlis very often so we were worried that we would feel out of place or even unwelcome. Not so. Not a hint of pretense to be found in the restaurant. Our servers immediately made us feel welcome. The comfort and experience of the guest is clearly the ultimate priority at Canlis. To say that the food took the backseat to the service is not at all a poor reflection on the food. We ordered the 4 course meal and it was wonderful. We went with the sea bass and halibut for the main course. I enjoy red wine more than white but I recognize that ordering red wine with a white fish is cardinal sin of fine dining. However, our sommelier (I think his name was Brett) found a red wine that paired wonderfully with the fish. Each course was better than the last. Sure, our bill was pricey but it was worth every penny. Given the quality of the food and the amazing service, I wouldn't have batted an eye paying 50-100% more. I cannot wait until my next trip to Canlis.

Jonathan E.

I loved it. The dress code, the view, the service and the food all are fine attempts of creating the perfect night; and with us they succeeded. It was my fiancees birthday tonight and we wanted to celebrate in style. I've been reading (more like stalking) Canlis for awhile now, and I finally got to try it. We thought it was wonderful and I will make it my go-to place for special celebrations. Price is right there with what it should be, for what they are and provide. I am really in love with this place.

Ann W.

I was so excited to return to dine at Canlis, and this time, for my birthday, but it was a disappointing experience. A slew of things went wrong--a server dropped food on my friend's suit jacket, another server dropped a fork on the same friend 's shoe, and yet another server bumped a different friend's head with a plate. To their credit, they offered to pay for dry cleaning fees and apologized repeatedly, but it felt like staff training night. Our party of 6 ordered the chef's tasting menu. The pacing of the meal was odd... sometimes the next course would be brought out immediately after the previous one, and other times there were long waits in between courses. When the courses were brought out by staff members, it seemed like some of them were unfamiliar with the food. They basically read the descriptions right off the menu with no additional information about the ingredients or anything that was unique. To compare, I had the tasting menu at Rover's recently, and the server described each course with enthusiasm and detail, which really made me appreciate the food so much more. Lastly, I just was not impressed with the food. Overly sauced, way too many different flavors in each course, and just not incredibly interesting. The one course we unanimously enjoyed was the dorade--it was so simply prepared, with garnishes of figs and eggplant. Well seasoned and cooked perfectly. I still think it is a nice restaurant with lovely views, and they plate their food beautifully, but when we spent our hard earned money to dine here, I did not expect our experience to have so many fumbles and awkward moments. I'm sad and disappointed.

Natalie H.

Went there on a Wednesday night a week ago for dinner, party for two. I had the four course meal, and I wasn't very impressed. At the start of the meal, our very tall waiter asked me what I did not eat, and I told him that under no circumstances would I eat a capsicum/bell pepper. He acknowledged that and we proceeded to order. We had very good food until the main courses came, and everything went down under from there. We had: First and Second courses: Steak Tartare - very good Foie Gras - very good Peter Canlis Prawns - Excellent is an understatement, 5 succulent prawns, PERFECTLY cooked Raviolo - nothing special, still yum Main courses: Wagyu + twice baked potato - Is that **really** wagyu?? Potato was unremarkable Lamb (Grilled chop with braised-lamb "croquette," fried leeks, and piquillo pepper marmalade*) - Lamb was really well done, but the fried leeks were unbearably salty, and I assumed at a place like this the waiter would inform the kitchen that I did not eat peppers and a suitable substitution would be made. For a place that charges prices like this, service is not tip-top. Dessert: Mille-feuille - Companion said it was good Crème brûlée - The custard itself was okay, the sugar layer was thin enough, but it was a tad burnt. I **somewhat** enjoyed my experience at Canlis, with its spectacular view of Seattle, but I don't feel their food warrant their prices. I would not go back. Plus: they have free wifi

Theresa W.

We have been to Canlis many times over the years and took our 91-year-old mother there for her birthday last night. Unfortunately, our group of 9 was highly disappointed in the food and service and wished we had chosen a different restaurant for this celebration when all was said and done. The food was okay, but nothing special like we remember it being. Two of the steaks ordered were very under cooked, with one being sent back. By the time it was re-delivered after a very long wait, everyone else was finished eating. Very frustrating! Other restaurants would have offered a free dessert or a deduction of cost from the bill, but Canlis didn't even try to make it right. Sadly, I guess they don't feel they need to. The servers were very friendly, but having to ask for your drink 3 times is unacceptable and not good service. We also had the wrong drinks delivered at one point and on a funny note, the servers offering ground pepper on 2 different occasions would offer it to just a couple of people and then take off, leaving others in our party requesting that they come back! Pretty strange! To top all of this disappointing evening off, two in our party were sick all night with stomach cramps and diarrhea. Not sure what might have caused this, but a very bad thing, for sure! What we thought was a special and memorable birthday celebration did not turn out that way. Our mother has always had fond memories of Canlis, but left there no longer feeling the love. There are too many other restaurants to choose from with better food and service and in hindsight, we wish we had gone elsewhere.

Andrew F.

My wife, Stacey, and I poured over the menu finding it very difficult to select. All offerings looked incredible. After some debate we selected the 4-course meal. We quizzed Wanda a bit to make certain our choices were on par and she assured us that our decision of: Two Canlis salads, foie gras, Peter Canlis Prawns, filet mignon, sea bass, and a side of truffle fries were excellent selections. We discussed wine pairing. The five flights of wine are only available with the seven-course meal; however, Wanda informed us that she could work something out and she would consult the sommelier. I asked to speak with the sommelier to discuss pairing. Wanda indicated that she could fetch him if needed and then my wife interjected and said that was not necessary. Wanda suggested the pairings and we agreed with her choices. I enjoy the education a sommelier brings to the experience. This was the first time I have not consulted with one at a high-end restaurant. I was a little disappointed that aspect of the evening did not occur. Wanda allowed us to taste the wine before a full pour. One of the wines I did not care for. I was glad to have had the taste before committing. Stacey stayed with the whites and I stayed with the reds. None of the wines were memorable. None of them were bad either. Middle of the road was the theme for the wines. Shortly after Wanda's departure another server surprised us with an offering of samples. The server explained what the bites were but I do not recall his description. Perhaps the second Royal was kicking in. One was a mushroom themed, the other was an ornate crisp, and ended with a tater tot. It was a fun surprise, but the tastes were not noteworthy. Truffle fries greeted us next. The truffle flavor came through, but the fries were a bit greasy and crispness was lacking. Capital Grill and El Gauchos also serve truffle fries. They use a thicker cut and in our opinion, tastier. I requested Ketchup from the busser, but none was brought. Dinner rolls and butter followed. The rolls were delicious. The presentation of the butter was plain. Perhaps a mint leaf garnish or additional flavorings would add more interest. The butter was no different from the standard fair that you would expect from a family style restaurant. It is a small detail, but when dining at a premier establishment small details matter. Wanda prepared our salads tableside. The tomatoes in the salad were fresh and sweet. The bacon bits were scrumptious. The lettuce was crisp. The salad dressing was average. It lacked flavor dimension. It did not marry well with the greens. Stacey had the same take on it. She said the dressing was bland. The next course was the prawns and foie gras. Without a doubt the best prawns Stacey and I have ever had. The delicate meat had several notes of interesting flavors. The foie gras presentation was lacking. It was round which gave it a canned effect. The Pâté was unimpressive compared with others I've had. I did not finish it. The evening crescendo was the main entrée. Stacey had the sea bass. The appearance was appetizing and the flavoring superior. The meat was moist and flaked apart. The bass was truly memorable. I had the filet. It was an exceptional cut. The seasoning, sauces, shitake mushrooms, and potato wedges made this savory dish stand out. My only critique is that I ordered it medium rare and it was served medium. I kept this to myself. I know Wanda would have offered to bring another, but the hour was late and we were already stuffed by the time the main course arrived. The steak was good but would have been better if pinker. Wanda inquired if all was perfect. We assured her everything was fine and asked her to wrap up our leftovers. She left us with dessert menus and removed our dinner plates Stacey had the soufflé; it was magazine worthy. She had never had one before. Our server skillfully imbedded a spoon through the top and poured white syrup over the indentation. Unfortunately, Stacey thought the flavor was "too eggy" and stopped after a few bites. I had the sorbet. It looked satisfying but the flavor was mediocre. The sorbet lacked robust fruit flavor. There was no subtle sweet-sour tingle. The food hit some high points but not with the consistency of the Canlis reputation. We frequent a few high-end restaurants a year. For the price, we were expecting an experience more akin to the Herb Farm. What we received was more in line with Anthony's. Anthony's is delicious; however that experience is about a $100. The Canlis experience was $400 and not worth the additional $300.

Michael M.

I have dined at Canlis a handful of times now and it is always spot-on. The four-course dinner I had this last time was killer. The ambiance is always relaxing, yet elegant. The noise levels are conducive to table talk, yet not so quiet that the space seems creepy. One of the owners (Brian perhaps?) greeted us when we entered and was super cool, which was a nice touch. The servers were super attentive and appeared to both enjoy and take pride in their roles and to be genuinely concerned that we enjoy ourselves. As night fell, the lights of northeast Seattle and beyond gradually appeared, giving the panoramic view a magical touch. At the end of our more than two hours, each of us was given a Canlis bar of chocolate, peanut butter and jelly with sprinkle of salt. It did not suck.

Lucien S.

It was our anniversary and i called for a reservation they were booked, i went on wait list and it worked they called 1 day before and i took the reservation. We went big both ordered chefs tasting menu and wine flight. Bread service was really good. The menu was good it had supreme highlights and also meh dishes as well, we got lucky with the view. I spent 550.00 dollars i didn't think it was worth that much but i would go back and order ala carte.

Sam M.

I went to Canlis earlier this month to celebrate a friend's 50th birthday, so now I can say that I've eaten at Canlis. The whole dining experience was amazing! I had the three course meal: Steak Tartar, Sea Bass, and the Mille-Feuille. While I won't say I was bowled over by the food, it was still very good and I would order everything again. What I was blown away with was the service. OMG, the staff was very attentive to your every wants and needs and I was impressed that each course was so orchestrated. My friend and I were even impressed that you hardly noticed when the wait staff would change the table cloth on the table when party would leave. Also impressed that when we got ready to leave we didn't have to wait for our car, that it was ready and waiting for our departure. The one negative for me. While I understand it was to enjoy the view, I don't like having to sit side-by-side. Even if there is a view, I'd rather have my back to the view so I can talk face-to-face to whoever I am dining with. When you are sitting side-by-side you have to work harder at having a conversation. Overall I would go back to Canlis and I am thinking that next year I'd like to take my elderly aunty here to celebrate her next birthday.

Efi S.

Good view and atmosphere. Food is considered gourmet, but I wouldn't go for seconds. In fact, it was kind of blah. I would go back only for the view, and the live piano :)

Nicole G.

If you are looking for a great place to enjoy incredible food and service, Canlis is not where you want to be. Yes it's "fancy," but in an old money white bread way. If this description doesn't fit you I'd go somewhere else. My husband and I are pretty working class and the fact that we were all dressed up with money to spend was not adequate reason for the staff to treat us with respect, so they didn't. Plus, the lobster... dry.

Julie N.

I am dabbling between 3 and 4 stars. I've had 2 opportunities to eat at Canlis. One was a dinner with a party of 6, the other I was guest attending a large rehearsal dinner in the private space upstairs. The first occasion with the smaller group I definitely would have given Canlis about 4 stars. The food was good though not impressionable enough that I can remember what I ate 10 months later (that kind of food merits five stars), the service was excellent and very unpretentious which I liked, and the view / atmosphere of the restaurant are fabulous. We went with the chef's tasting menu which I always think is worth doing at this type of restaurant and I would definitely order it again if coming back for a smaller dinner. The most recent experience was in the upstairs private dining space. The view of course is gorgeous but this whole experience was sort of a miss for me. The single biggest problem was that the whole event entirely too long. The dinner started at 630pm and I don't believe ended until somewhere between 1130-midnight. I know some of it could have been the host choosing too many dishes: passed hors d'oeurves with cocktails, I think another amuse when we finally sat that I don't recall, the Canlis salad, a crab cake, a main entree (choice fish, steak, or something vegetarian), a palate cleanser, and a dessert. There may have been some sort of soup in there too that was palate cleanser size. Either way that number of dishes plus the time in between them with the pacing just seemed very much on the slow side and made for an exceptionally long evening. The food was good with one exception, my fish was definitely overcooked and dry. Service this time around was fine but given the event wasn't the same kind of personal style of service that we received with the smaller party. I'm going to go with 4 stars overall because I do think it is a great Seattle restaurant for small parties for fine dining. I think if you are choosing Canlis for a private event I would consider asking questions of the private dining manager about how the number of courses will contribute to the overall timing of the meal. This might be worth knowing so you understand what you are getting yourself into as I don't really think large group dining is the right setting to attempt something similar to a chef's tasting menu in at this restaurant.

Afi K.

We had an amazing night with delicious food, service, and ambiance! Definitely a special place for a celebration.

Jason D.

I've had the great privilege of eating at some incredible places to dine. This is one of those. We had a lovely evening looking out over the lake. The views were amazing. The staff was incredible and attentive. And of course the food was really great. We had the Four Course Dinner starting off with the Pea Soup which was our favorite of the whole night I think. Just so perfect and beautifully simple. Then we had the Steak Tartare and the pawns which were great as well. Our main course was the Duck for two. It was the best duck I've ever had. Really crispy and flavorful. We finished the evening with the Soufflé which was heavenly and such a perfect way to end the meal. They also at the end gave us some mini macaroons and a cherry almond chocolate bar that was out of this world amazing!! They did also serve horderves when we arrived and bread which was good as well. We don't drink so I can't really talk to that but they did have an extensive wine list ranging from $50-$2250 a bottle so I'm sure you'll find something that you like and fits your budget. We arrived a little early around 6pm and it was really quiet and peaceful and relaxing with the piano music in the back. As the night progressed it did fill up and get pretty loud. We were there till 9 so about 3 hours. Valet was awesome guys, they took great care of my car and held the door open for both of us to get out and in. It was well worth the $100/plate and I highly recommend it. Also it was a ton of food. Most fine dining I go to especially with courses are smaller portions but not here. It was more than we could finish. The duck was really enough for four. Caroline was a our primary waitress and she was amazing and so nice. All the staff did an amazing job, really a work of art, a skilled dance as they worked together so well. Again :) ask for a view, it was awesome and so peaceful to gaze over the lake on such a beautiful day. I hope this helps you as you search for a great place to eat in Seattle. I'm so thankful for reviews that help me.

Anthony N.

***The strong team at Canlis creates a delicious and modern tasting menu with perfectly personable and polished service in a classic and historical Seattle restaurant that has a beautiful view of the water*** Canlis is a longstanding Seattle fine dining spot and it shows through the formal dress code, the many regulars in the room and the several classic starters and entrees like simply prepared steaks and tableside salads featured in their 3-course and 4-course menus (where you build your own menu). The exterior of Canlis definitely gives away its age with a fun but very long-gone architectural style. The dining room though does not feel stuffy with servers very sharply dressed and a great view of the Seattle bay--water, boats and small houses on hillsides. Canlis also features some modern options in their 3-course and 4-course menus as well as a surprisingly contemporary tasting menu that delivers courses that are indulgent and luxurious (fitting with Canlis' reputation) as well as light, vibrant and seasonal. My dinner started with a trio of canapés including a morel tart that exploded with mushroom flavor, a tater tot with a silky and hot center contrasting the crisp exterior and a light rice crisp with edamame purée and wasabi tobiko (good but Northern and Southern Californian restaurants are noticeably better at delivering these types of Asian influenced bites). Bread is baked to order and it was a very crusty and warm sourdough roll flavored by toasted fennel seeds. The first course was the only disappointing course because it was overpowered by dehydrated black olives. Still, the course had creamy escarole soup and moist anchovies. Next was a marinated fluke sashimi course that was garnished with really juicy blood oranges (both sweet and tart), nori (could have been crispier) and an addictively sweet rhubarb consomme. They did an excellent job cutting the very fresh fluke and delivered pristine cuts while also showcasing fluke's unique texture compared to a lot of other types of fish used for sashimi. A very refreshing Dungeness crab and apple salad followed. The crab was very, moist, soft, and sweet and a classic flavor combination of apple and crisp celery was utilized. The course was modernized though with apple presented in various textures including a sweet and very smooth apple purée and black garlic served as a fun gelee. A very indulgent butter poached lobster course came next. It was a very generous portion (a big tail underneath the coral foam) and all of the lobster was sweet, moist and remarkably soft. The course was not too rich though. Instead, it was quite light with slightly bitter fennel and sweet oranges on the plate. The main entree was juicy and tender squab breast (the skin could have been crispier) served with a really crispy and nicely seasoned leg confit (the meat easily fell off the bone; hard to do with squab). The squab was plated with spring asparagus (perfectly cooked to reduced its bitterness), crispy gnocchi with warm and soft centers, and a light cream sauce that delivered a pungent and distinct black truffle flavor. The first dessert was a light and refreshing celebration of spring. There was airy fromage blanc that went very well with its garnishes including rhubarb in various textures such as cooked and juicy pieces, a refreshing, sweet and tart rhubarb sorbet, and rhubarb crisps. There was also a sweet and crunchy brown sugar wafer. The final dessert was more of a standard chocolate ganache, but it was well prepared. The rich chocolate ganache was served on top of buttery and crispy graham crumble and was garnished with apple slices, compressed apple and an apple emulsion. There was also sweet and creamy brown butter ice cream. The final bites were lemon pomegranate and pistachio cherry macarons. A housemade dark chocolate bar filled with apple cinnamon caramel was provided as a parting gift. Service was exceptional. Canlis had the personable service necessary for a restaurant filled with so many regulars, but service was also extraordinarily professional, polished and polite. In addition, for such a large staff, I was amazed at how consistently personable and polished each member of the staff was. Prices are high, but you get a great variety of premium ingredients that are perfectly prepared in their tasting menu. It is hard to compare Canlis to another restaurant because many of the classic and longstanding fine dining establishments I have been to (Gary Danko, Acquerello, Patina, Everest, La Toque, and the now closed Masa's) were nowhere near as good. Canlis' tasting menu does not have the creativity of Manresa or Saison, but it does produce one expertly prepared and delicious course after another. This great food coupled with Canlis' beautiful view and personable, polished staff delivers a very special dining experience. Complimentary valet is provided.

Bryan C.

Prawns were good. Interesting high class restaurant. Everything is very formal. However, the food is only a tad over priced compared to the quality. There are definitely better steak in town but cheaper. But overall it was a wonderful experience, we were relaxed and taken care of

Ryan S.

Canlis food and tradition is only outmatched by their dedication to service and experience. The prawns and prawn butter are a must and don't sleep on the truffle fries. If you're nice to your wait staff they will take you on a tour of the magnificent space. Truly a white table cloth dining experience without the stuffy white table cloth dining experience.

Christine C.

Beautiful restaurant with great views and superb service. Dressed up as suggested and was disappointed that there were so many around us in jeans (?) and casual shirts. Food was good but not great. Special chicken dish that requires an hour - meh. Not sure what the wait was for. Wine list decent.

Stacey P.

Canlis whisks me away from all my cares and concerns, erases all my memories of terrible dining experiences had anywhere else, and transports me to a space where only deliciousness exists. Deliciousness and exquisite customer service. One of my dear friends wanted the best dining experience for a milestone birthday. In my mind Canlis is the only one that stood out. It had been years since I had been there, but the memory of the first visit still punctuated every meal at any other fine dining restaurant experience I had since then. I will not lie, I was concerned that over time my memories had made Canlis larger than life, that perhaps it was my own self created illusion. I was absolutely wrong. A small party of us reserved the The Cache for our friend's birthday. The Cache was once a former office turned into a private dining room for very small parties. When we arrived at Canlis the greeter led us up a stairwell full of various framed pictures and to this small room that overlooked Gaswork Park. I could have sat and enjoyed the view without anything else and been content. It was well lit, with a nice sized table, a small couch, and a fanastic view with soft music piped in. It was utterly relaxing. Once seated the waiter promptly took our drink order, and after that moment I swore that there was a small camera somewhere in that room that watched us. How else would it explain it that our glasses never emptied? Our waiter had impeccable timing, because we never were left wanting. Time and again drinks were refilled without feeling pushed, empty dishes vanished in a blink of an eye, and everything was kept immaculate. I ordered the three course meal. For my first course I had the steak tartare, for my second the prawns, and my main course was the filet mignon. I had never had the steak tartare before, but figured if I was going to have it right then Canlis would give me that experience. It was utterly delicious. The prawns were equally fantastic. Big, tasty prawns that were perfectly seasoned but not overwhelming. I could have had an entire course of those prawns and been utterly satisfied, but thankfully I did not because the filet mignon was yet to come. Here's the thing that I absolutely love about Canlis. It is a five star, super classy restaurant with absolutely no attitude. When I told the waiter I did not want either mushrooms or onions on the filet, he seemed more concerned that I would have enough to eat. There was no side glance, no disparaging or joking comment, no disapproving sneer. My order was taken with genuineness and without judgement. The filet melted in my mouth with every bite. It was tender, juicy, and delicious. It was the perfect cut of meat and cooked to perfection. It was simply marvelous. Being a birthday, we couldn't not have desserts, right? I almost wish I hadn't. You see, I had ordered creme brulee from other locations throughout the years. It was a dessert that I had eaten and enjoyed, but never craved. That night I had decided to order it because nothing else popped out at me and I knew I had liked it fair enough at other places. I didn't know creme brulee could be that good. It came out with delicious little berries that mixed with the delicate, silky vanilla finish of the creme brulee. It was simply heavenly. Since that I haven't found another that could hold a candle to that creme brulee. Canlis continues to be amazing. Whenever I think of the best in Seattle, I know it is here at Canlis and I look forward to my much sooner return visit.

Ingrid J.

True story: Back in 1997, I co-opted every single person in the law firm where I was working to help me get a reservation at French Laundry. It took eighteen people constantly redialing at five minutes before 10:00 a.m. to get a coveted reservation at what was purportedly the best restaurant in the universe. It was an outstanding meal. Blah blah blah, I have eaten at similar restaurants both in San Francisco proper and in Manhattan since then. Meaning, expensive/exquisite/several-hours-long foodgasms of the highest order. Stick to the tasting menu at these places, and you'll never be disappointed. I made a reservation at Canlis rather easily about a month before I was due to be in Seattle with my sister. The person taking the reservation asked if we were celebrating something special. Sure: my sister was finally dumping her unfaithful $hit of a husband. Fun fact: Did you know that back in the 1970s there was a Canlis in San Francisco, at the Fairmont Hotel no less, as well as one in Portland and Honolulu? When I reconfirmed the reservation, I told them we were likely to order the tasting menu, and that I was avoiding nightshades. There's a difference between food sensitivities and food allergies, and I only have a sensitivity. I can eat potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, but I pay a high price. I don't go into anaphylactic shock. But it's unpleasant. [The reason I mention French Laundry is that we showed up for our reservation and told them we had a lactose-intolerant person in our party. They accommodated her rather well, but not nicely. God, they're snooty. Should have heard what they said to us about the bottles we brought along, including a nice Dom Perignon. Really?] My sister and I were seated at HIS table. Peter's. The one with the hotline phone directly to the maitre d' station. How'd you manage that? my sister asked. I have no idea. Let me say something about the staff: They're exceptional. Professional, but kind. As if they like their jobs and their customers. Unlike the FL, they were nice, friendly, funny. Not cruise-ship cloying, but the we're-glad-you're-here-and-you-like-food way. When we got stuck on choices, because of the nightshade issue, I told the chef to surprise me. And I love doing that. Special recognition of the pianist: Very talented. Also played Metallica, Rihanna, and Foo Fighters tunes as well as Chopin. My favorite dinner music, EVER. The wine pairing was perfect. The service was over-the-top. And my sister's dessert - a happy "Congratulations!" was written in chocolate on her plate. She laughed for an hour. The food is -- well. There's an anecdote about divorce: Do you know why divorce is so expensive? Because it's worth it. Same with a meal at Canlis. So worth it.

Simon L.

Hubby dubby, who likes to party. The view from the second floor room and bar overlooking Seattle's fresh pond is spectacular. Sailboats, power yachts and sea gnats, ie paddle boarders, swarm the water's surface. A professional bar man mixes extraordinarily smooth and luscious gibbons - velvety and ice cold, a certain thickness envelopes the tongue with each sip. A rather plain looking baby Bibb lettuce salad arrive but is coated in a complex, mustard reckoning vinaigrette. Wow. A giant pice of halibut seared crisp on the outside seals in the soft, juicy flesh inside. Impeccable service, a tremendous setting.

Amanda M.

Considering I am working my way through the top 40 restaurants in the US and have had 20+ chef's tasting menus, I feel I am qualified to say...Canlis is the best dining experience I have had so far. It is pricey, but we felt like family. Our waiter had worked in the Napa area so we had an instant connection with both him and our sommelier! We chose to do the Chef's Tasting, and opted to do one classic wine pairing and one somelier tasting. Starting with a trio of appetizers (including the fanciest tater tot and most delicious mushroom tart I've ever had), we moved into an artichoke salad that I could eat every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of. The fluke ceviche was next (fluke combined with pickled strawberries, who knew how delicious that could be?!? Chef Jason, that's who), then lobster, then sous-vide squab so tender you could probably cut it just by looking at it funny. The strawberries with fromage blanc were a nice, refreshing bite before we dove into the chocolate ganache. Now, if that wasn't enough to convince you to pay Canlis a visit, the people might be reason enough just by themselves. Aaron and Brett waited on us for most of the night, but we saw many friendly faces throughout the course of the evening. Every single server we encountered was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about what we were eating, but Brett was the MAN! Super enthusiastic the entire night, well prepared to talk about all aspects of the dishes we were eating, and quick to jump in with a comment on the wines that Kevin had chosen to pour for us. Brett told us about his time working in Napa and his passion for food and wine was readily apparent. Kevin, our somelier, chose some fantastic wines, and by doing both of the different wine tastings, we got to experience something slightly different with each dish. Another incredibly knowledgeable guy, Kevin was quick to answer any questions we had on the wines. At the end of the night, Aaron was kind enough to offer us a behind the scenes tour of the facility, the wine cellar, legit Champagne room, and the kitchen. Showing us around, he told us all about the history of the restaurant, how Mr. Canlis opened the restaurant and lived above it for awhile and answered the burning question of, "why is that phone in the middle of the dining room?" I'll never tell, so if you want to know, you'll have to go and find out for yourself! Brett took us down to the wine cellar, then gave us backstage passes to the kitchen, where we got a chance to talk to Chef Jason. The restaurant was packed all night long, so for everyone, especially Chef, to take the time to talk with us and show us around restaurant was unbelievably generous.I genuinely wish I could give Canlis more than 5 stars. They are a restaurant that could easily earn 5 stars on service alone, but could add another 5 stars for the quality of food. I honestly don't know why they don't charge more (don't tell them I said that). They book up fast, so book now!

Scott V.

great place! i read in the anonymous poll seattle met took with seattle chefs that this was the number 1 world class restaurant in town. it really was. great place to go on a special occasion. wife and i each got the 7 course chef's tasting menu and were both surprised and satisfied. no matter what you order, the forest mushrooms are a fantastic addition.

Toni P.

This reviews refers back to 9/2014. The food was beautiful. I fell head over heels for the tomato watermelon salad - I could eat that everyday! The service was beyond expectations and the servers were cordial. One person in our party did not have a jacket and was not offered one. If we had known the Canalis had jackets, we would have asked for one. However, the reason I rated this a 4-star was because we learned that the server who made the flaming coffee diablo was not properly trained at making the drink. That aside, the server was extremely personable unlike the hostess who was a bit more pretentious. Some of the little details I appreciated: -There was a server for each of the six guests at the table and everyone's dish was removed and replaced with the next course simultaneously. -Crumbs were removed from the table between courses. -The valet had our car waiting for us as we got to the door! On a side note, before you order the Foie Gras you may want to educate yourself on what it is and how it is produced. Even Wolfgang Puck is against serving the fattened duck or goose liver and campaigned restaurants in California to stop serving it. Read about Foie Gras... peta.org/issues/animals-… Read the letter from Wolfgang Puck... sfist.com/2012/03/01/wol…

Vanessa C.

Perfection. From the moment we walked in the door to the moment we left. Some of the best food I've ever had, beautifully presented perfectly seasoned and prepared. The new chef is doing amazingly well & the service is the best of the best. The only problem is that I live in NYC and can't return :(

Koyel G.

Undoubtedly one of the fanciest places to dine in Seattle. This was my first time to Canlis and I would give them a sixth star if I could. Great ambience, beautiful views, fine food and wine and impeccable service. The three courses were paced just right. And there was a great amount detail put into every single item on the course. And when I talked about the service earlier, did I mention how they gave me a call on one of the classic phones right by our table to check if I was excited about the creme brûlée that was coming up next. And then left us with a box of chocolates to savor. Highly recommended!

Viet D.

This place was exceptional!! The restaurant alone was quite elegant with a beautiful view of Lake Union. The food was amazing, we had the four-course meal and they were paced just right. There was definitely a great amount of detail put in every course, everything looked beautiful and tasted amazing. The best part of was the service, from the valet to the waiters, everyone was so nice and so helpful. It's hard for me to describe the experience in words, you just have to experience it for yourself. I can't wait to come back..

Mary W.

In from San Francisco visiting and dined at Canlis this evening. Really wonderful experience. The view was spectacular. The service was well done and seamless. The food was a treat. I had the duck egg and it was one of the best things I have eaten in some time. The chicken was so tender it melts in your mouth. The desert was creative and surprising with the citrus decomposed tart. Even the bread and butter were a treat. Highly recommend - what a great experience! Get yourself to Cannlis soon!!

Tbird S.

Food - This was disappointing because I could tell the flavors were fantastic, but every dish was so over salted (except the dessert, so three out of the four courses). I'm not overly-sensitive to salt, and it was tough to eat. I tried everything my husband ordered as well, and it was the same thing. He ate almost everything but agreed it was all too salty. By the time I got to my Wagyu steak, I could only eat a couple bites. I was so thirsty and noticed my feet were so swollen when I got home, and that's never happened to me! The salad would have been incredible with the fresh mint and oregano, but even that was way too salty. The truffle fries that my husband ordered were fantastic because the truffle flavor was very apparent, unlike many places that serve truffle infused food that falls flat. That may have been the only item that wasn't over-salted (though it was still quite salty, as fries always are and should be). I could tell the steak had great flavor, but again, I could only eat a couple bites because I'd had too much by that time. I did pack it up to go though. I'm going to see if I can eat it when I haven't had multiple over-salted courses to start. I was impressed with the cocktails. The sparkling wine with fruit was bitter in the best way. I'm not usually into bitter, but there was a slight sweetness in the background that made it fantastic. Price - Although it's expensive, I think it would be worth the price if the food wasn't so over-salted. The flavors in the food were incredibly good and unique, the service was fabulous, my server was delightful, the piano player was so relaxing and chose a wonderful and eclectic selection of music. View - My view wasn't fantastic from where I was sitting. I was looking at Gas Works, but through a tree, and I wasn't by a window, so I couldn't see much. Service - I loved my server and all the servers who constantly filled my water and brought my cocktails. Ambiance - I loved the piano player and that the restaurant was pretty quite. It was very relaxing. Final thoughts - I know some people would tell the server that the food was too salty so they could gladly get me another plate, but for some people (like me), that could ruin a good evening way more than salty food. It makes me uncomfortable, and I don't feel like I should have to do it at a fine dining establishment. Also, I didn't realize it would be every dish. I have never been served food that salty in my life, and I feel like it should have been obvious. I was also treating my husband for his birthday, and I just wanted to relax for the night.

Clint W.

wow, the place was packed when we left. seemed like the jacket required was abandoned. the clientele was a mixture of nice and so so. we were a large table and the menu with the fixed prixe threw us a bit. it took awhile to get going. most have the poached shrimp, which was super tasty...this after a complimentary amuse bouche. the view was spectacular and the service impeccable. everyone's meal comes out at the same time, with a server for each. they do the napkin thing, as well. a couple of split the muscovy...which was good, but i would have like it a little less done. it was a bit firm. the filets were good and didn't last on anybody's plate very long. perfectly done and quite the morsel. for a special night out, this one filled the bill.

Yoeun P.

All look. No substance. Everything seemed perfect and dreamy: the decor, the attentive service, the presentation, the format of the dining experience, everyone wearing their best, etc.. Very showy, very fancy. And then the food came. Ugh. Disappointing would be an understatement. No one at our large table liked their meal--a healthy mix of adventurous foodies and regular eaters alike. It simply wasn't good, no matter what price you charge. I'm not sure if I'd even eat it for free. I had steak. How can you mess up steak?! It was tough and bland. Did they even season it? I've had better at Outback. If you want great food in Seattle and don't mind paying a lot of money, I highly recommend Crush over Canlis. You won't get the show and lights that is the Canlis dining experience, but at least the food will be worth the money.

Seth M.

I have to say there is a lot that is beautiful about Canlis. The view is incredible, the service is wonderful, but the reason I give it two stars is the cost vs what you get. Its simply too much cost for what felt like just a good dinner without anything exceptional coming into the mix. The Crabcake was generic with very little wow factor. The filet was good, but just expected, nothing interesting done with it, just a piece of meat thats cooked right. The banana dessert looks beautiful but tastes again unremarkable. I know I must sound like a total snob, but having eating a lot of places, for this kind of money I need more from the chef than this. With so many places that are so amazing come up all over Seattle for far less money and with no pretention, Canlis may struggle without something extraordinary happening with the food.

Poppy C.

i want to give Canlis four stars because the service was great, the setting beautiful and the food yummy. ....but..... five dollars to valet park in your own parking lot? boo. if this were downtown then I understand, but it's not and you own your own lot. when you pay over a hundred dollars a person for dinner, throw in the parking, you guys just look money hungry this way. crab cake full of crab, no discerable filler, yummy sauce steak tartare misdescribed, should have specified it was not a traditional tartare, diced tomato on top was a bit bizarre and way too many croutons, but it was tasty and def. high quality beef. two enormous lamb chops! good job. perfect crust. what is up with the weird couscous with blue cheese wrapped up like a dolma? i mean, i really really really like cheese too. speaking of cheese, the classic twice baked potato is a cheesy bacony delight. grand marnier souffle with creme anglais is quite good, I've had better but not often. house made bread, warm mini baguette, tasty but should not be described as a baguette b/c the crust while tasty was not at all what a proper baguette should be. the cold rosemary sea salt roll is fantastic IF you love rosemary so much that it's all you want to taste. the roll would have been even better with just a quarter of the rosemary, it's an intense flavor! very very very good wine list. green and yellow chartreuse (not on menu). lovely experience, but exactly what I would expect for the cost.

chloe w.

I took my husband here for his birthday dinner. The service here is really top notch and the food is really good. The restaurant is very classy. The mini bread rolls are so yummy and the view is really nice. This is a great place to have a nice dinner.

Chad J.

My wife said that it would be rude to yelp Canlis. She also said that if you had to look up the yelp review on Canlis, you don't deserve to eat there. I don't agree with my wife, but I understand the point she is trying to make. We had dinner this evening in the private dining room. Best food ever. Best staff ever. Everything was very professional and very refined. I'd have no problem taking clients here. If I could afford to take clients here. This place needs to have the option for the sixth star and fifth dollar sign. I'm the one that checked the box that this is a good place to take kids. This is why: Our son got to celebrate his twentieth week birthday at Canlis. (Hope you enjoyed it, kid! I promise we'll be back for another birthday -- twenty years from now! Or later!) That wasn't why we were there. It was a wedding reception. Anyway, we had sonny along and he got fussy. We had a bottle of formula that had gotten a smidge too cold for our little br--, er, darling child. We requested a half-full glass of hot water. Sixty seconds from time of request, sonny's formula was drinkable. Hours later, after he killed off that bottle, we needed to make more formula. I went to the bar and asked for four ounces of warm water. They didn't ask what the water was for. They, no doubt, figured that out fairly easily. In sixty seconds, we had EXACTLY four ounces of water at PRECISELY the right temperature for formula. I don't think that I'd dine with a child downstairs in the main room, but at the party we were at, we could never hope for better support. That was tremendously stellar.

Tammy C.

if you want to impress a date take them here...mine did and wow was I impressed! The views, the food, the service all top notch. Very intimate...

Mike P.

Canlis is my favorite restaurant in Seattle. I love to cook, and I love good food and great service, and great atmosphere with good architecture. This place has all of that. If you want a romantic evening with your guy or gal, head to Canlis. Wife and I have eaten here many times and will continue to dine here. We have had the owners sit with us for a spell and chat, and if not them then the manager always comes by to talk to us. They don't know us, they are just being friendly with the customers and making sure we are having a good meal and that we are happy with the service. We always dress up to dine here, although I think you can dress down a little (but you definitely won't eat here in grubbies). Make sure you order the chocolate lava cake. It must be ordered when you order dinner because they make each serving separately and it takes time to make it. It is hands down the best chocolate lava cake I have ever had. No other place even comes close to Canlis on this dessert. I really love the interior design of this place, which has had a remodel, but still is what I would call modern art deco. I am so comfy in this type of atmosphere, with a view of Lake Union, and the grand piano being tickled by a pianist. Wonderful.

Scott G.

In my humble opinion, Canlis is far and away the standard-bearer for fine dining in Seattle. Everything from the location, service, and food is grade A. We arrived about 45 minutes early and sat in the bar area, sipping tasty cocktails (scotch-vermouth-orange, rum & coke, vodka-cranberry, gin & tonic), and enjoying some appetizers. The prawns were perfectly buttered, the lamb sliders were just tender enough to remind you these weren't just any little burgers, and the truffle fries were the best I have ever tasted. Once at our table -- situated next to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Union -- we shared two bottles of a Washington red blend and ordered salads. The Canlis salad was simple yet divine, and the steak tartare was sweet and cool. For dinner I had a new york steak, cooked rare, and this French restaurant has now occupied the spot for best steak I have ever tasted. It was literally cooked to perfection, achieving just the right amount of sweet, buttered exterior and tender middle. Dessert was "chocolate covered chocolate," meaning a chocolate lava cake served with chocolate-covered banana ice cream. This was my first experience with banana ice cream, and it was unbelievably good. My brother ordered an artisan cheese plate -- he doesn't have much of a sweet tooth -- and the French bleu was superb. Our server, Wanda, was amazing. She was there whenever we needed her, but wasn't overbearing. Canlis is the best in Seattle, hands down!

Vance A.

This is one of the finest dining experiences in a city full of them. The pea soup, I know, "pea soup?", was amazing was amazing complete with tiny sweet pickled mushroom caps. Bartender knows what is going on in the classic cocktail department. Not inexpensive but not meant to be and well worth the investment.

Tony R.

In celebration of getting into UW Law, my wife's Aunt and Uncle invited us out to the restaurant of my choice. I have already been to Rovers twice and didn't want to make the trek to the Herb Farm, so I thought this would be a good chance to check out Canlis. When you are looking at going to Canlis, I can say that I was skeptical of anyone who didn't give it stellar reviews. Canlis did not live up to its reputation on my recent visit. As with many fine dining places, I think people have a vested interest in saying it was better than it really was because of the amount of money being spent on the meal. The Food: The most important part of a restaurant is its purpose for being, and as far as food at Canlis goes, it tries but doesn't quite get there as being worth the price. We all got the $115 tasting menu, and of the many dishes, only two or three were really very good, and even then they weren't drop dead. Started with a cocktail, I forget what mine was called, but it was well put together and the shaved ice gave it a nice feel in the mouth. The Amuse Bouche was a cauliflower soup with a fresh dungeness crab cake and caviar. The crab was gritty somehow and the caviar was bland tasting too me. The Asparagus with mussels and caviar was flavorful, and it was one of the really good courses of the evening. My wife and I normally don't enjoy raw fish, but the tuna three ways (two raw, one ceviche) made us open to trying it again. The rabbit three ways it seemed like they were trying to hide something with the heaviness of the mustard flavor on the dish, I love rabbit, but I really didn't get feel like the rabbit was the highlight on this course. The best part of the lamb saddle wasn't really the lamb (though it was cooked with good color on the outside and a beautiful pink all the way through). The best part of the dish was the pickled ramps, which I will now have to procure and pickle for myself, really yummy. Espresso sorbet and the Brioche Bread Pudding were fine as a dessert and not as heavy looking as some of the stuff coming out on other patrons' tables but were again, not to die for. The Setting: A number of good reviews said the food wasn't quite matched to the price but that the view and service were worth it. I was counting on the same to lift my review but the setting wasn't that great. We could see the view from our table but weren't right next to it, and the restaurant felt like it was really busy, not as intimate as I would have expected given its reputation. The piano playing was really fun throughout the night, with two Lady Gaga songs (Paparazzi and Poker Face), Coldplay, Green Day, and a couple Frank Sinatra classics. The Service: I thought the service was very slow. I didn't expect to rush through the meal, and I enjoy a three hour French style culinary experience, but there is a sweet spot for how long to wait between courses and they were on the long side. Our server did not seem completely at ease, though I can't complain as napkins were put in our laps (even when I got up to go to the restroom and came back) crumbs were cleared away, and new utensils brought out with each course. The valet didn't have our cars out as we came out, which I had been looking forward too, but once they saw us got the cars out without a ticket. Overall, I would say it was nice to check out Canlis and at three stars, it really is A-Ok, but it isn't worth it for a celebration dinner, even if someone else is paying. None of the four of us were impressed with the food, the service, or the ambiance. There are many Seattle fine dining restaurants with better service and food, and I plan to check more of them out before returning to Canlis.