Canlis Restaurant
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 283-3313
- Price:
- $$$$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Dining 2007, Signature Drinks 2007, Special Occasion Dining 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Canlis Restaurant – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Congregated stones mix with branches and pierce the walls, creating a dramatic interior effect. The beautifully appointed atrium gives way to a display of natural light as Lake Union nearly spills into the dining room. Splurging couples will get the exceptional attention they hope for; the first-class staff delivers consistent, quality service.
The Food
Straightforward starters are stellar, including silky Dungeness crab legs; garlic, lime and red-pepper prawns and the coconut-kissed Canlis chowder. Alaska halibut bathed in a warm, tomato-shallot compote is flavorsome, but lacks that extra something to justify the hefty price tag. Surf and turf goes upscale when petite Wasyugyu (Kobe-style) tenderloin is paired with a plump scampi. Delicate seasonal vegetables are scattered next to entrees, but those looking for more can share a grilled portobello, sweet white corn or a twice-baked potato.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoCanlis offers a souffle, chocolate lava cake and a shortcake that must be ordered in advance. But don't worry, there's a list of sorbets and other desserts that can wait until later.
Look GoodJackets are encouraged for men; jeans and other casual attire discouraged for all.
Where to SitNeed to impress, propose or simply offer an apology? Book the private room (ask for the "Cache") for two upstairs.
User Reviews for Canlis Restaurant
04/14/2008 Posted by jamoore1976
My husband and I dined at Canlis for the first time on the day after Valentine's Day (they were booked, no surprise) and had the best dining experience ever. We dressed to the 9's because we had heard about Canlis and the legend that it is in Seattle. The valets were very courteous and prompt, and we were greeted immediately upon arriving into the restaurant. We arrived early, because we wanted to have drinks in the lounge before dinner. The decor was gorgeous -- a perfect combination of Northwest/Asian decor, the pianist was perfect, and the mood that was set could not have been any better. Our waiter, Nakenji (sp?), was a pro -- informative and knowledgeable, and showed up at all the right times to check on us, or at least inform us of the status of our meal. I found some of the dinner options to be comparable in price to other Seattle restaurants ($30-$40 entrees, or $70-ish for Wagyu beef, desserts $8-10 ea, salads about $9?) however, we were a little naive about ordering a half bottle of wine -- the sommelier was a genius, I'm sure, but we weren't sure about what wine to get, so we went with his suggestion of a 1/2 bottle ofBurgundy to go with our meal (husband was having Wagyu, me - scallops) -- it came to be $125/bottle, which was really about 2 glasses! The service was impeccable, and I have to agree with some of the other reviews, that we felt like royalty (and this was before I read the other reviews) -- the staff, in their own harried way, did not direct any tension towards us, and even when our food was brought out to us, our waiter and another server did so in an almost rehearsed manner. Our car was standing by ready to go as soon as we stepped out the door. Overall, it was about $500 for the two of us, with a 25% tip, $125 half-bottle of wine, drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. My husband joked (but he's really kind of serious) that he would like to move into the restaurant -- it's really quite beautiful inside. Best dinner ever.
Pros: Ambience, service, food, professional staff
Cons: Don't order a 1/2 bottle of wine unless you're really sure!
03/11/2008 Posted by changnan
This is 'thee' classic restaurant in Seattle. Great food, great family and some of the best service anywhere. They have set the bar for over 3 decades in the Northwest.
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