Tilikum Place Cafe

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Lorraine Goldberg

Joined 3 years ago

Simple Delicious Comfort Food. Tilikum is one of those restaurants that when you go, you think why don't I go here more often. Well honestly I've only been once, but it's the kind of place I should remember more frequently. It's a beautiful, charming and cozy space hidden amongst the crazyness of Seattle Center. Tilikum's menu constantly changes depending on what's in season, sourcing most of their food from local farmers. We enjoyed an exquisite rabbit terrine with dried fruits and nuts and crostini. Silky and smooth, the pate filled with an abundance of flavor. Chef Ba is known for her charcuterie, this was a prime example. My celeriac soup with roasted pears, creamy and rich, lacked depth of flavor, was just ok. House-made pastas are particularly well done, always evolving, highlighting the best of the season. Dessert portions are quite generous, that night, a decadent bread pudding, profiteroles with a rosemary caramel, both generously topped with a delightful vanilla ice cream.

Lunch and brunch also rumored to be equally tasty especially their dutch baby. Next time I ask the age old question, where to go. I will remind myself, Tilikum Place Cafe.

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Evan Pham

Joined 3 years ago

Say hi to Chief Seattle on the way to Tilikum Cafe. Tilikum Place is Frenchie - NW fusion at its best! Think cafe bistro... Le Pichet meets Cafe Press. Definitely a foodie destination without any of the pretention. I enjoyed a rich season winter soup and flavorful buffalo burger for lunch not too long ago with a bunch of coworkers. Everyone left satiated and satisfied... not easy with a large group. Can't wait to try dinner and brunch - definitely a fancy-ish place to gather or celebrate.

The ambiance inside is welcoming, warm and interesting - cleverly decorated but not overdone. Parking may be a challenge in the shadow of the Space Needle, outer Belltown. Lots of variations in the dishes and seasonal menu specials will keep things interesting and yum for many visits to come. Remember to say hi to Chief Seattle!

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JohnAN

Joined 5 years ago

Outstanding new Belltown restaurant. Tilikum Place Cafe just opened in Belltown at Fifth and Cedar, and my experience was outstanding. I started with the steamed mussels with apples and cream, and they were perhaps the best mussels I've had ? cooked to perfection with a tasty broth. For an entree, I chose the duck confit over braised red cabbage with poached pears. The duck's saltiness was complimented by the sweet pears and slightly sour cabbage. My friend had the grilled halibut over olive oil mashers with fennel and leeks, which was superb as well.

The chef Ba Culbert worked with Tom Douglas at Palace Kitchen and more recently at the Ruins, an exclusive dining club. Among foodies, she has quite a following, and is known for expertly complimenting distinct flavors. She's a remarkably talented cook.

The staff was friendly, making you feel comfortable, and the service excellent. The candlelight and wood throughout created a warm ambiance at night. The mixed drinks were tasty and zippy, the wine list solid as well, and the prices of drinks and food were very reasonable. Tilikum Place Cafe is the kind of place that makes me want to come back again and again. Hands down, it's Seattle's best new restaurant of the year.