94 Stewart Restaurant

02/13/10

Seattle/Euro Ambiance and Fantastic Food

by Keridwyn , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

Just around the corner from the Inn at the Market and Pike Place Market is a nearly-underground restaurant called 94 Stewart (it's address). This bistro with a rustic interior calls to mind a feeling of european dining combined with a true Seattle feeling.

Our server was attentive, genuine, and engaging. Clearly passionate about the wines they had, he brought us pours of two whites we were debating between, which were both delicious. It's always a treat to find wine we're not familiar with on the by the glass menu.

A twitter follower had recommended the fried avocado to me earlier the day, so we started with that - amazing. Fried fresh avocado accompanied by pieces of crab and a corn and greens salad.

For our main meal, I chose the prawns and crab, which had a delicious rich sauce that made the rice taste almost like a fine risotto. Brandon enjoyed ravioli (a rare treat, as this one was cheese-less) with squash, duck procuitto and topped with an amazing sauce that included dried cherries. He declared this the best meal he's had in Seattle. He's been here 8 years and we dine out a lot.

The tables were covered with white paper and, incongruent with the rest of the feel of the restaurant, we had a few crayons at the table. Being the kids at heart that we are, we enjoyed drawing together during our amazing meal.

94 Stewart has soared to the top of our list for favorite dining experiences in Seattle.

• Pros: amazing food, genuine dedicated service
• Cons: not the cheapest meal you'll ever have

04/29/09

great place for good people

by bast123 at Citysearch

its kinda like a reward when ever you go here.... the outside is very pleasant and the inside structure of this restaurant is quite simple but elegant... you should try it here...

• Pros: stewart
• Cons: stewart

03/04/09

Why go here?

by MartinJV at Citysearch

What makes this place so great? I don't know if it is just the food or maybe the service or even the cook in the kitchen. Some how all of these things coming together in one space works incredibly well. Everyone seemed to actually care I was there. Was like being adopted for the evening.

Speaking of food, we enjoyed the rich crab gratin first and then shared a fabulous chop salad that was so simple it was amazing. For dinner we split two entrees. I had the perfectly cooked fresh salmon, still pink in the middle like it should be and crispy skin on the outside. My wife enjoyed the seared scallops, well she got a few bites that I didn't eat. I'm not sure where they get their desserts, but I'd like to find out. Our server presented us with a tray of tarts ranging from chocolate to salt to fruit stuffed. We went with a luscious chocolate one. I can't remember the name and I was told they change all the time. Who knows what we'll have to pick from next time.

I'm sure I could write all night, but I'll have to save something for next time.

• Pros: Feeling like you are adopted by a family that cares about you.

01/03/09

I put my comments in the back hall

by mitchtripp at Citysearch

I have to say 94's back wall is far more interesting and entertaining then the "gum wall". I think it should be deemed a new market landmark. 1000s appear to have left their messages about what they loved and some even disliked about 94. This was actually my first time there, but won't be my last. Turns out I've been walking right by them every week. That is one thing I love about the market, finding new things all the time. I've lived here three years and I don't think I've even seen it all yet. Next time you are at Pike Place stop in and leave your legacy and see what others left behind. Don't worry, it won't turn your stomach like the "dna" wall as I like to call the mess of gum.

• Pros: Great staff who you can tell love what they do.
• Cons: Can't eat out every meal.

01/02/09

Good food, but not terribly welcoming.

by bangwhistle at Citysearch

Dined here New Years Eve, which did cause me to lower my expectations for service knowing they would be busy. Be sure to visit their website first, they have a lot of "expectations" of their customers. Such as don't ask for recipes, don't look for salt and pepper, be sure to communicate any special needs, be realistic about size of wine pours etc. I actually found this refreshing as they are being honest with people.

I had the tasting menu, and was pleased with every dish (mushroom and arugula salad, scallops, risotto, tenderloin, pumpkin tart). The wine pairings (five in all) were both exceptional and disappointing. My wife had a parmesan fettucini that was rich (damn the diet) and tasty.

One area where they could improve- service was competent but rushed. The "cards" with pending reservation times noted in other reviews were missing but the same information WAS written on the butcher paper tablecloth. So we knew we were expected to vacate our table 90 minutes after being seated. This also explained why our table location was sub-par even though nicer tables were available- they plan it all in advance. Our dessert order was taken with 15 minutes to deadline. We weren't shown the dessert tray, just given the verbal rundown (my choice was fixed but my wife could order from the full menu) nor offered coffee or after dinner drinks (my wine pairing was automatic). As noted, it WAS New Year's Eve so perhaps on less crowded days they don't subtly rush you through your meal. On the plus side, our water glasses WERE kept full, and our server was pleasant if not overly friendly. The chef thanked us on the way out.

I am glad we tried this restaurant, and may visit again on a non-holiday weeknight to see if the service is any different, but I'm not raving about it.

• Pros: Good food, cozy
• Cons: Rushed service, a tad pricey