08/19/09

All about the view - so get a good table

by caspermom

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.

• Pros: Best salmon I've ever had
• Cons: Our table had no view; oysters and dessert mediocre

04/23/09

Amazing

by RockinSteph

I absolutely love this restaurant. The Canlis prawns is the best appetizer on the menu. I get it every time I go. But I do not recommend getting the prawns as a main dish because the dish is very rich and may be too much as an entree.

This restaurant is great for a date or to go with a small group of people. The service I receive each time I go is without a doubt the best service anyone can possibly offer. They respect your space, but at the same time make sure you have the best dining experience ever.

I absolutely adore this place and recommend it to everyone who likes great food and amazing service.

• Pros: food, service, atmosphere

04/18/09

Unbelievable experience

by OleEichhorn

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.

• Pros: service, food, wine, ambiance
• Cons: price! (but worth it)