Opal Restaurant
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 282-0142
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Queen Anne Ave N
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat from 4:30pm
Editorial Review for Opal Restaurant – by Jill Lightner
The Scene
The dark, glossy interior is only slightly lightened up by the long expanse of north-facing windows; the overall effect is of a crisp autumn evening, regardless
of actual season. Rich woods and shimmering tiles create an elegant background for a slightly odd mix of families in t-shirts and couples dressed for a romantic evening. Servers can supply plenty of information about the food, but don't have the necessary grace to balance dishes without unfortunate spills.
The Food
The modern menu changes frequently, and highlights a number of trendy ingredients in showy ways. In some cases, like a tender slab of pork belly finished with peach foam, the result is delicious. In other cases--gnocchi with otail, truffle oil, aged goat cheese and a heap of crisp vegetables--it's hard to figure out what was intended. Coffee is the most satisfying ending; desserts have so many competing flavors, they're more confusing than delicious.
Hits: Great cocktails and generous appetizers work with the décor to create a fine early evening destination.
Misses: Beware the odd design of the coffee mug, which presents the choice of a burned palm from clutching the cup or shakily balancing the hot drink with two fingers.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingMost of the nearby neighborhood parking is snapped up early and the nearest small pay lot is hiding behind a pizza place several blocks south. Be prepared to circle the block if you're dining after 7pm.
When to GoBefore 7:30pm, the restaurant is quiet and relaxed; by 8pm, the noise level goes up considerably.
Where to SitThe tables lining the windows are the most cheerful, and offer the best people-watching. Larger groups are steered towards the central banquette.
What to DrinkAn excellent bartender creates delicious updates of the classics, with refreshing treats like a fresh apple margarita and raspberry-accented sangria.
User Reviews for Opal Restaurant
07/29/2008 Posted by msluna
Last Saturday was my boyfriend and my anniversary. We made reservations, but when we arrived there was no one at the front desk and it took them over five minutes to discover us waiting and seat us. After ten minutes of sitting someone quickly gave us bread and waters, but didn't respond when we said hello. After fifteen minutes of sitting my boyfriend and I decided that we would give them five more minutes before we left. We ended up leaving and going across the street for sushi (where the service was phenomenal). I am really surprised that this restaurant got good reviews. We received zero service!
Pros: It's in a good location
Cons: service
07/14/2008 Posted by duckduckfoie
I had been to Opal once before and was not so impressed, a beautiful space with overpriced, underwhelming food. I recently heard through the proverbial foodie grapevine that a new chef fresh from Portland had taken the reigns in the kitchen. We decided to check it out. New menu format small/large plate pricing that includes 5 sections: Garden-Fish-Meat-Cheese-Dessert. We tried alot, Pork Belly with trotter fritters, marinated razor clams with mint and cilantro, beets with orange and avocado, sweetbreads with turnips, brown sugar and mustard. ginger panna cotta. We were blown away. Opal's food rivals any restaurant in the city. Our waiter said that the menu changes daily and is focused on local and sustainable. I say check it out
Users Like You Also Viewed
Cafe Presse
1117 12th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
Joule
1913 N 45th St
Seattle, WA 98103
