Canlis Reviews

$110 (per person) for a four course meal with great service and a nice view of lake union and gasworks park. Also, free valet parking.

You CAN order a dish outside its specified course, but the portion size might be smaller or larger depending on the new course. I ordered the third course chicken for second, and while small, it was the best, juiciest chicken I've ever had.

We enjoyed a lovely experience at this restaurant. I couldn t recommend a better place to entertain an evening

Amazing upscale restruant. This is the time to suit up. If your trying to go cheap, this is not the place to do it. The duck was unbelievable and the entire experience was top notch.

My waiter was hilariously awkward which made for an entertaining dinner.

Appetizers, drinks, sides, service, and dessert were incredible. Beef was tough.

The food here is top quality as is the service and ambiance. They have a great wine collection and a wine steward for more complex questions. One of the best steak houses I have been to. Anywhere. Not cheap - but worth it.

It s a sad place for vegetarians, since they had no choice for 3 out of the 4 courses. Portions are tiny but overall not too bad. The taste was excellent and so was the presentation and ambience. The men s washroom was small. So small that the restroom door would hit against a person near the urinal. Overall, a pretty good experience, but we felt like the prices could have been lower for the value they provide.

Don't know whether to sing more praises of the food or the service - both are exquisite

Amazing setting, fine dining service is of top quality. Food was prepared very well and everything was delicious. Waiters were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Overall 10/10 fine dining experience!

My boyfriend and I went to Canlis for my birthday last night. I've been hearing about this place since I moved here two years ago so off we went.

Pros: The service was awesome. They show up in groups to your table rather than a single server trying to do everything. Mark Canlis introduced himself to us and sat us at our table....nice touch. The lighting, view, and noise level (relaxing music playing softly) were all perfect in my opinion.

Cons: The tables were a little too close together where we sat. I learned about each relationship to the left and to the right of us. More than I needed to know. :)

The food was ok. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't exquisite. Canlis is pricey (for most people). We paid $100 each for a meal that had an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. My appetizer was one ravioli. It was very boring. I've made better at home. Way better. I didn't mind the fact that there was only one because I have a TINY tummy, however, if you don't have a tiny tummy this would disappoint. We ordered the NY Strip. We paid an extra $15 for the Wagyu cut. I have no problem paying extra for amazing steak. That said, it wasn't amazing. And the presentation was sad. It was a steak in the middle of a big white plate with nothing else. hmmmmmmm I get it. It's trendy. Do me a favor though....for a total bill of $300 plus can we skip the trendy? I have paid $35 for a steak that is mind blowing...and it comes with small potatoes and veggies.

You CAN get sides. But prepare to pay more. $8 for a potato. I think the other issue is this is a price fixed menu but they aren't clear that everything is ala carte. Main course has dishes listed but it doesn't say you don't get anything with it. Yes, it says down at the bottom that you can get extra for extra money. I know that fine dining tends to be like this but frankly I'm sort of over it. It's not worth the extra money for the ambiance when I can get AMAZING steak at one third the cost...with more food.

Again, I knew how expensive it was going in and I'm fine with that....IF AND ONLY IF they deserve to charge that much. From what I saw last night, meh.

Thai is one of the finest dinning experiences you can have in Seattle. the view is incredible and the service is over the top. When it comes to food there was nothing that wasn tperfect, each bite was an exploding of flavor and sometimes surprising. I very much recommend that you experience what is Canlis.

Came here on a Saturday. Food is like a restaurant in Louisville I liked.

Very well decorated, the staff was very friendly and helpful. The drinks were very delicious. The food was good, but only one dish stood out for me. The apple desert was the best dish of all.

went there with my friends,we had a great time together, beautiful atmosphere and amazing food. Thanks guys , u r amazing

The Best Restaurant ever. Meet a very interesting person that night also

Everything we tried was really good, very good service - attentive but low key and very good value for money.Service was impeccable, friendly, knew when to be there and when not, excellent.Overall great service nice selection of wines and beers.We will definitely recommend this restaurant whenever you are in Seattle.

This is a fabulous restaurant. The setting is lovely but more important the service is exemplary and the food outstanding. I had one of the best restaurant experiences ever and I have been fortunate to eat in many places throughout the world. If you are in Seattle and love food then make sure you come here, you will not regret it. Of course it is not inexpensive but definitely value for money. A wonderful experience.

Not worth the money for 3 to do the 9 course meal with the wine tasting. Dishes were good but sparse. View and MCM building were the best parts.

Lovely experience. The setting is beautiful - great views of Seattle. Service outstanding. Food very good- the steak tartare was beautiful.

Canlis definitely puts the fine in fine dining. Perfectly paced evening from the first cocktail to our dessert. Lovely knowledgeable staff who treated us with respect and care. Really tasty and creative food options along with traditional fare - all done with grace and skill.

Pure heaven. The service is impeccable. The food is adventurous. The drinks are amazing. I can t speak highly enough of this Seattle institution.

Classic food. Great food and service. Excellent whiskey cocktails:)

I had dinner for my birthday. The staff was excellent. The birthday desert was amazing!

Fab restaurant, with great atmosphere! Great place to get dressed up for.

food is phonomenal, great once for people viewing. service was... not what I would expect in such place..

I visited for my birthday and loved it. I was worried because I had read the bad reviews, but this place is perfect. The ambiance was amazing and the food was wonderful. I enoyed my experience and will definitely be coming back.

We did the office dining reservation and it was an unforgettable experience. Going into it we had high hopes for the food but were really excited about the private dining room situated over the water with a breathtaking view. The service was impeccable along with the some of the best food we have ever had. The focaccia was unbelievable and the tour of the place lead by Mark Canlis was outstanding. If you have not done the office or are looking for one of the most romantic dinners offered in the NW, there is nothing superior to the experience at Canlis.

It is certainly an experience, but not sure if the price really is justified.

I really like this restaurant and had a wonderful time at here I ll come again

Single most exquisite culinary experience of my life.

Canlis has no parallel throughout the greater Seattle area. No other restaurant can match the architectural beauty, no set of staff deliver such a prime experience, and no other chefs cook with such passion and taste as those at Canlis. I was fortunate enough to attend a dinner on the second story of the building where I became a witness to stunning 180 degree views of Lake Union. The staff that served us delivered the dishes with such speed and synchronization that it might have been a choreographed routine. As for the food I had a perfectly cooked vegetarian Cabbage Pierre with an aeole sauce that was absolutely astounding. If you go to no other restaurant while you are in Seattle, you should at least strive to experience the magic of Canlis.

Went here for a girls night out! The food was delicious and the service was awesome! Conveniently located in the Fairmont Hotel and in downtown San Jose. The atmosphere is on point

The food is, without a doubt, some of the best food I've eaten in my entire life. And if I was only rating them on food, Canlis would still get 5 stars. But the entire experience was top-notch. From the second we got out of our car, we were in the best hands in the culinary business. We don't often do expensive dinners out, but a night at Canlis is worth every penny. I highly recommend it for a special occasion or celebration.

Plan ahead...it can take months to get a reservation. Tip: you can walk in for a drink and the bar bites are amazing!

Super place to meet and chat with coworkers. The staff was helpful and kind.

gorgeous food, perfectly attentive, and so far, always safe for gluten intolerance/celiacs

My husband and I came here to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. This is certainly one of the most wonderful experiences I had in my life. The night view of the city is breathtaking; beautiful piano live performance in the background; amazing seafood menu (recommend the oyster & crab); wonderful services and friendly staffs. Make sure to make reservation a week or two ahead of time.

Not my every week restaurant, but certainly my twice a year "let's celebrate something like our birthday's" a special place.

Extraordinary experience, fantastic meal, courteous and attentive staff. My favorite place in Seattle.

This is a bit tough- we had a very dichotomous experience at Canlis on my birthday. On one hand the wine list is expansive and thoughtful, the ambiance wonderful, the dishes and glassware the finest you can buy, and the sommelier was on point. But... the mixed drinks were calibrated, the food is fine but boring, and the service was completely off. We sat at the bar and nobody wanted to "own" us. Our glasses often went empty, we had to ask for napkins and plates. The bartender and waiter kept clumsily taking turns handing us off between the other and then ignoring us. We would go long periods without interaction and then multiple people would all of a sudden realize what had happened and all try to intervene at once, forcing us to remake the same requests 2 or 3 times. I could live with that if I hadn't dropped nearly a grand on the night... but we did. So are there things about this restaurant that are great? Absolutely- in many ways it's the nicest and highest end restaurant in Seattle. But can I recommend it for an overall nice evening, especially at its price point? Unfortunately not.

Hawaiian night was super fun! Great cocktails and bar food

Canlis is a great special occastions restaurant. Takes a while to get a reservation but well worth it. Great ambiance with spectacular views and the food is scrumptious. The service really is amazing at this place, you feel very well taken care off. I like that they have prix fixe menu, so no avoiding the dessert.

Amazing experience from start to finish. Loved every bite of the tasting menu and every sip of the wine from the classic pairing. All of the staff are super knowledgeable and well ensure you have an experience you won't forget.

My husband and I booked this restaurant to celebrate an important birthday. When we got there we discovered that we had inadvertently booked the previous night. Despite the fact that the restaurant was busy, the manager could not have been kinder. He quickly found us a nice table and we had a celebration to remember.

Well worth it. Amazing service, creative food and great views. Arrive a little early and get a drink or small bite in the lounge. Add the twice baked potato to your 3rd course. It's worth it. Extensive wine list. Be prepared to pay $18-$25 for most cocktails or glasses. My one gripe was the desserts. They all had a fruit component to them, Grapefruit, Rhubarb or Orange. Would like to have seen something more indulgent.

Have had the pleasure of dining at Canlis many times and always am amazed how such great service and food can continue great for decades!

Amazing evening at canlis..I underestimated how much food they serve. Though they have a four course meal it's more like eight different dishes by the time your done ..I was so incredibly full. Each did was delightful. Great mix of savory and sweet. My personal favorites were the lamb and the rabbit

Came for the Dive on Thru lunch. Delicious cheeseburger, fries, salad, citrus soda and ice cream sandwich. Expensive, but tasty. They do a good job of keeping traffic moving. At 6 oz the burger could feed two not-very-hungry people. (Or you could split the burger and the salad.)

The service was superb, the food was a little strange

Canlis is the only restuarant I've been to in Seattle that requires a dinner jacket. The food was amazing in our visit and took the two of us roughly 2.5hrs to get through dinner. The pace was a tad slow but I think the server was feeling our pace based on how fast we ate. Awesome service, as should be expected from a restaurant like Canlis.

When somewhere has a 6 month waiting list and a $250 per head price tag, you can't help but build it up in your mind. Canlis is in a great location with amazing views, and the service is impeccable. However, the food is... fine. I have had better meals at less expensive establishments, and better cocktails almost anywhere. I didn't have an awful time, but I can't say I'll be anxious to return.

The side of fresh fruit was also generous and perfectly ripe. A very good experience! Add this to the best dining view on the island on a gorgeous Fall day, and it adds up to perfection!

I enjoy the atmosphere, service and opportunity to dress up when coming here. Unfortunately the food has really not lived up to the reputation of this almost institutional establishment in Seattle. While the starters are always fun and mostly tasty, the 2nd and main courses have really been disappointing especially for the price. This has been our experience at least 3 times in the past years. The tabs are often over 1K for a party of four. Unlikely to try again given the cost and repeated disappointment.

This was the BEST service that I have ever received at a restaurant. Our server, I believe her name was Anna, was professional and personable......

Every restaurant needs to look towards Canlis as the bar for amazing customer service.

Get their salad and their souffle!

Probably the most famous/fanciest restaurant I know of in the area. This is the pinnacle if you're looking to treat your special lady friend to a night on the town. Just be ready to throw down some serious cash.

Excellent, wonderful service, gorgeous view of Seattle and food was delicious and sufficient. We'll go again. Outstanding wine list.

The best restaurant with the best service in Seattle. You won't regret spending more!!

Coming here for my birthday, we all went for the $115 Summer 2012 seven-course tasting menu as required with a group of five or more. The view over Lake Union is serene, the atmosphere enlivened by a pianist, and you can't really be overdressed here. (Spoilers coming up...) The tasting menu is well presented and intensely flavorful, with particular highlights for me the watermelon gazpacho, the asparagus with smoked steelhead roe, the kampachi ceviche, and the pineapple and passion fruit palate cleanser. On the downside I though the main fish and meat courses, smoked black cod and lamb with couscous, weren't quite so well integrated. The service was also a little inconsistent, with a whole host of different wait staff announcing each course and the bread not being offered to every guest. Overall, a memorable experience and well worth the 20 minute drive from downtown Seattle.

This restaurant delivers in every single level possible within the food and beverage industry. I was fortunate to secure a reservation a month in advance to celebrate my partner's 26th birthday, and it was more than a memory. Most importantly, our waiter treated us like royalty during the entire experience. Every dish was delicious and worth its price!

Canlis is by far the most spectacular treasure of Seattle. It's history has deep roots in the beginning of this great city. The service, food and history make it one of unforgettable proportions.

A heartfelt thank you to the owner and workers for making our celebration special, romantic and memorable!

Keep going! You are the best!!!

I've been going to Canlis for the past 4 years almost on the regular. The food has always been different in the best of ways. With some of the things that I've never found enjoyable to be incredibly delicious (Think of a chocolate dish with Tobacco, Black Licorice, and Pecan.) You wouldn't assume some of the dishes would be as incredible as they are, as a result I would suggest trying out things that you'd never like in general.
Outside of that, the service has been impeccable yearly. They're always there to make sure you're doing well and you're enjoying the food, and have been courteous. The vibe with the pianist is great.
This is one of the last places in Seattle that really emphasizes service and meal quality.

Seattle institution. First class, and priced accordingly.

Unimpressed, mediocre, and overpriced... $300 for two to eat (not including any alcoholic drinks) and I left hungry is wayyy overpriced... First, Valet thought we were an Uber when we pulled in and tried to stick two people in my back More

I can say hands down the best restaurant I've ever been to with the best service I've ever had. Waitstaff was very attentive, knowledge, and passionate about the food; I never found them overbearing. Our waiter was particularly friendly and had a wealth of knowledge about all the meat. I've been to a lot of advertised high end restaurants that...

An outstanding venue, with excellent service, food and view, but our experience was marred somewhat by a long wait for an order correction and for less than ideal seating. The view is extraordinary, overlooking Seattle from a ridge, and although we did ask to get moved to a better table, they said they did not have any available, untrue but typical. Generally, the service was excellent and attentive, but my spouse waited an excessively long time for her corrected undercooked fish - they cooked her a fresh fish dish - and I finished my meal before she could start her meal.

I went here a few months ago for my birthday dinner. Excellent service & food. Would highly recommend!

The company did a good job repairing my washer. The washing machine started making a funky sound. So I called for help, and they took care of business.

Lovely wiew. Great service. Get ready for a very expensive dinner.

When we lived in Seattle this was our go to spot for semi special occasions. We ve had a handful of things on the menu, but 80% of the time we d get the duck for two... it s probably what I d order as a last meal.

Very nice experience. The canlis salad and ribeye were my favorite.

The service were very friendly and the view were fantastic, food was decent.

I couldn t reserved window seats with 2 people but when we arrived I asked if we could sit by the window and we did get window seats. All the servers were very friendly since you set foot in the restaurant.

The view was beautiful especially on a sunny day in Seattle. We get to watch the sun set a bit from the restaurant.

It was my son's wedding today at Canlis. And it just couldn't have been more perfect it is a fabulous place with fabulous staff

My boyfriend took me here for m 20th birthday this year and it was by far one of the nicest dinning experiences in my life. The atmosphere is so relaxed (the live piano was amazing!) and the waiter and the rest of the crew treated us so kindly. The best part of course was the food... We chose the fall/winter themed course dinner and I loved every single one. I can't wait to come back here again!

This is the second fanciest restaurant I've ever been to. VERY high end. I believe the meal was $1100 with tip and tax for two people. The food was good, we had some sort of cherries jubilee for dessert that was really spectacular. The interior of the restaurant was sort of boring but the bathrooms were really neat. The view was amazing and the service was outstanding. We really felt like they catered to us and it was a very special meal but to be honest, I do think the experience was overpriced for what you get.

Our dining experience was magnificent. The wait staff was exceptional and the views breath-taking. Attention to detail, gourmet four course dinner and superior hospitality make this a place not to be missed.

The experience was second to none, although I typically don't wear my suit coat when I'm sitting down or eating.
The food itself was very tasty, but don't be fooled by the high price, you won't get much to eat. That's not to say that I went away hungry, but the same money will get you several meals at other high end restaurants around Seattle. You might want to have your driver stop at Dick's for a snack on your way home.

Nice view, service was excellent. Some very strong courses, but the tuna was definitely disappointing.

I rarely give 5 stars. Canlis is deserving of this in all areas: service, quality, ambiance and food.

For first timers, don't come here expecting a one hour, fast paced meal. This is a dining experience, our last visit was four hours long and worth every second. Average cost is about $200 per person. Also, dress the part, slacks, jacket and tie. Don't be the grown man I saw last night in jeans and a sweater with race cars on it. Food allergies? No problem, they happily accommodate! One of our party was gluten/dairy/corn free.

Save up some money, skip that other "nice" restaurant you were planning on going to and try Canlis, you won't be disappointed!