Cafe Darclee

06/13/2008 Posted by MBCB

I've had better, and I've had worse. For being a pioneer in the creperie circuit here in Seattle, I think Cafe Darclee is a fine spot for a well made crepe with a contempo spin. I worked with the owners to throw a small party at Darclee, and they were very inviting and flexible. I was surprised, at my first visit, to find the space as small as it is, but we were accomodated to the best of their ability. I find it odd that another review said there was no liquor license....as we had the choice of several cocktails when I was there. I've had every crepe this town has to offer, and although I still prefer the creperies in Paris, Darclee makes my tummy happy.

02/19/2008 Posted by bethana

When I got a craving for crepes while in Seattle for the weekend, I found Cafe Darclee listed in a restaurant guide and we headed over after dinner. To our disappointment, they had already closed (it was 9:00). We came back the next day to an empty restaurant, which was a shame because the ambience was quite nice, and the women running the restaurant were very friendly. My boyfriend and I are from Portland, so perhaps we are naive by the cost of things, because when we opened our menus, we were both shocked to see that the savory crepes were $12 and up, paninis were $10, and sweet crepes were $6 and up. The crepe restaurant that we frequent in Portland costs far less, so we were a little blown away. The crepes themselves were good, not extraordinary, but good. We also ordered two coffee drinks that were served in to go cups, which I thought was a waste. Perhaps the high prices go along with the upscale building they occupy or the fact that they are near Seattle Center. Overall I felt that if a crepe costs that much, it should be super good or you should get two.

Pros: Ambience, service

Cons: High prices/average quantity

01/20/2008 Posted by secretfoodie

After reading the great reviews, I decided this would be the place to celebrate my first birthday in Washington. I was looking for a hip, upbeat, romantic restaurant. My husband and I made reservations to ensure us seating, since the reviews said it is quite a busy place. We were quite pleased to find parking right across from the restaurant. As we walked up to the restaurant, we could see through the windows there weren’t any other customers. We weren't sure they were even open. We went in and were promptly seated, obviously being the only couple there. I really didn't find the atmosphere very romantic. It wasn't dimly lit and there wasn’t a candle in sight. The menus were printed on folded paper. I ordered a Panini that was quite bland. We decided to stay for dessert because of the great reviews. We had the banana & nutella filled crepe. It was very good; I was however disappointed I couldn't have a glass of wine with it due to the lack of a liquor license. I would recommend this place as a great place to have lunch but not as a place for a romantic birthday dinner.

Pros: Parking, Service, Prompt seating,

Cons: Not romantic, cocktails not available

07/15/2007 Posted by body31

I finally had the chance to dine at the esteemed Cafe Darclee and now I understand what all the fuss is about. Given its reputation for culinary excellence with a price to match, I was expected more pretense. But upon entering, immediately, it became obvious that Cafe Darclee was the sort of place that welcomes you in and makes you feel like a regular right away. Half the fun was checking out who else was dining that night - by the looks on their faces, everyone was celebrating something, a birthday (me, at least), an anniversary, something special. The couples near us became quick conversation partners, as we discussed the menu and the atmosphere, swapped favorite restaurant hidden gems, etc. I'm not sure what I can add to the comments on the food but my only advice is go for the full shebang. It's a tasting menu, so come prepared to eat. We actually sat down around 6pm, and left around 10pm, so I'd actually advise an early table reservation to enjoy the whole experience. So you know the food is good. What really set apart for me was our outstandingly impeccable and friendly service. Our main man made us feel right at home, and we felt like our table was the only one in the house. Excellent service, dedicated chef, perfect location.

10/14/2006 Posted by sawzy

spectacular! here's all you need to know: 1) cheap! under $30-40 easily for you, your woman, your juice and a tasty crepe. 2) romantic as a walk on the beach. and less of a hassle! nice low-key lighting at night, beautiful sun magic filtering in during the day.. classy pillows seats in some booths. super friendly staff that really CARES about your experience. beautiful glass artwork.. 3) TASTY FOOD! i am pretty much set on the beef and pickle panino + banana and nutella crepe. life does not get better than that. everyone can find something they will like, veggie dishes available. 4) friendly staff! i've always had excellent service. some reviews have complained it was too busy. I've never seen this place "too busy". call ahead if you are concerned, they WILL save you a seat. overall: one of my favorite places to take hot chicks. i found this place by searching google for something like "good date spots in seattle" and it turned out perfect. p.s. the parking validation for fischer plaza is just for $1, and its $7 for an hour. I suggest you park near a meter or somewhere free.

09/21/2006 Posted by lavinial_serban

You want to try something new? Eat here! It's so delicious! The service is always wonderful, the food allways looking good and taste like in Haven! And excellent coffee too! Great!

Pros: Ambience, service

Cons: Parking

09/21/2006 Posted by sailor123

This place is fantastic! The service is warm and inviting. The atmosphere is relaxing and the food tastes great. Everything is prepared with really fresh tasty, you can even watch them make your crepe. It is a wonderful place to relax with a couple of friends and share a great cup of coffee.

Pros: All the dishes that come out of the kitchen are beautiful

06/11/2006 Posted by ph34rd1

I went to this restaurant for lunch on a weekday. We seated ourselves, our order was taken in a fairly quick manner. Then half an hour passed before the drinks and salad that we ordered arrived. Another 20 minutes passed and when we went to check on the food as I was running out of time we were informed that it was ready. Another five minutes and the food had still not arrived, at this point we asked for it to be boxed up and for our check. No apology was made for the slowness of service at any time, nor was there ever any offer of compensation. I can't actually rate the food aside from the salad as I didn't get a chance to eat it. Don't go unless you have alot of time to wait for food that is cooked faster at many other locations in town.

04/10/2006 Posted by mateo_as

Last weekend I had the best crepes ever. La Bergere crepe amazed me with the freshness of basil and fresh mozzarella, very nice and light! After having the delicious savory crepe I couldnt resist the dessert. A wonderful server recommended the Crepe Suzette. Unbelievable!!!! You cannot imagine what an orange and a lemon can do to a crepe. Believe me you have to try this out. Those people know what they are doing.

Pros: Great food, Relaxed atmosphere, great service

Cons: Can be very busy

02/18/2006 Posted by kas001

Café Darclée is the place if you're looking for crepes, both savory and sweet, in Seattle. Located just across the street from the Space Needle, in Fisher Plaza, you'll find a refreshing blend of contemporary design, delicious food, and old world charm with a staff that makes you feel truly welcome. My favorite so far is the "A L'ercolano" sans the Prosciutto for the main course, and the "La Deauville" for desert. Yum! A good selection of wine by the glass rounds out a great dinner or lunch. Don't try the hot chocolate, unless you're planning to return often. It's out of this world. Still hungry, take home some French treats you won't find anywhere else. Enjoy good company with soft music and candlelight, or sit outside in the courtyard on warm days. Bonus: Free WiFi.

Pros: great food, great service, very unique

Cons: easy to miss location