Dinette
(206) 328-2282
1514 E Olive Way
Seattle,
WA
98122
47.618
-122.3262
Neighborhoods: Capitol Hill, Broadway
What People Are Saying About Dinette
The Editor
Anna Roth
Citysearch
The Scene
A collection of antique serving trays grace the baby blue walls of this two-room establishment on busy Olive Street, setting the cozy time warp for entering patrons. The crowd is a pleasant mix of out-on-the-town hipsters and well-heeled foodies; the staff is some of the friendliest in town. To add to the vintage vibe, the mis-matched plates look like they've been recently rescued from garage sales.
The Food
Dinette's menu started with toasts--generous slices of rustic bread from Columbia City Bakery topped with cured meats, cheeses and spreads like gorgonzola and walnut. Now the seasonally-changing menu offers more dishes but follows the original theme: It's not fussy, made for sharing and hearty without being overkill. A bowl of fluffy house-made ricotta gnocchi paired with braised short ribs hits just the right note; rotating daily specials include items like roast lamb leg with yellow pepper stew and chickpea crepes.
User Reviews
CHL5
March 02, 2009
I've eaten at Dinette before and had a really good experience. When I suggested this as a location for a middle of the week dining experience for a group of 8 people, everyone was excited. However when I called to make a reservation, I was told that if it was during the weekend, they don't take reservations. When I explained the reservation was during the week, I was told that they require a credit card for parties over 4, which I did not want to do. I'm sorry, are we in NYC here and somehow I missed it? It was like they didn't want the business, or a large(r) party. Even if a table was reserved, and the whole group didn't come, couldn't a reasonable amount of time elapse (say 15 minutes) before offering the table to walk-ins? I explained I am a courteous person who always calls to cancel a reservation on the odd chance that I couldn't honor it. The person I talked to had no interest in hearing this. She was incredibly abrupt and accusutory going as far as calling me, the customer, "aggressive". I'm sorry, there are lots of choices in Seattle and while the food is good at Dinette, I could certainly do without the attitude. Frankly, I'm shocked, in an economy like ours, to be treated in such a manner. By the way, I was reading reviews before choosing to make a reservation and it sounds like another person encountered something similiar. You would think a small business such as this would be more customer-focused. Bummed
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michaelseattle
September 09, 2008
Love the steamed mussells (when in season) and the owners/cooks are super friendly. Have'nt been in lately but will be real soon. Nice table by the window allows for great people watching (as I most often dine alone). Nothing bad to say about this place at all.
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kkrida
May 13, 2008
I ate here with some friends and family and thought it was a really nice experience with a great atmosphere and quality food. Wanting to pass the word on I called to make a reservation for 12 people on a Wednesday night and they said they couldn't accommodate my party for 12 but could do it for 8. I called the next day to make the reservation for 8 after cutting down the guest list and they told me they needed a credit card # to hold the reservation and that they would charge us $30 per person if we canceled up to 30 minutes before. I decided not to make the reservation on that premise alone. I am planning on dining with friends and spending some money at the establishment. These are bad reservation policies. The food is good, but not that good!
read full reviewThe Details on Dinette
The Extras:
Sign up for the mailing list for an invite to one of the restaurant's themed prix-fixe Sunday Dinners.
Parking:
If the Capitol Hill crawl is too much, head up Olive to the U-Park lot behind Starbucks.
What to Drink:
The Earl Grey martini is made with Earl Grey-infused vodka, muddled orange and syrup.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Hidden Find, People Watching, Date Spot, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Tapas / Small Plates, Eclectic & International, New American
