Canlis Reviews

It's only the best restaurant in town. With a fantastic view.

Amazing service. Food was incredible! Started with kaminbert bites. We would have loved more, but in hindsight, we would not have had room. Everything coming out of the kitchen was prepared to perfection, from appetizers to dessert.

Not counting appetizers, the menu consists of one price for four courses. Gratuity is included in the bill, but the wait staff definately deserves it.

Expect to spend at least $500 per couple, but for the experience, it's well worth it.

Here is why I would never eat there...they are afraid to put their menu and prices like other restaurants do. I don't like surprises on prices. I want to know exactly how much to bring considering the website says...$$$$

Amazing experience. If you have the money for it, it's worth it. I've never been to anything alike.

I decided to go to Canlis as a celebration for being cut off from unemployment benefits (I worked at my company for 9 years and they fired me during a buyout, relax, but thank you tax payers). The building reminded me of a Frank Lloyd Wright, overlooking the lake, with beautiful wood and stone and sharp angles, accented by large circular art pieces and Japanese kangi banners hanging from the wood raftered ceiling.

Upon arriving, we were unsure where to park, but they have valet parking included with the dining experience, which made us feel a bit awkward in our dirty Honda CR-V, but it was a very nice addition to the evening.

We had a reservation for 8pm that we made earlier in the day, and we were promptly seated. The staff was extremely friendly and brought the wine menu the size of a small dictionary, so I just ordered the cheapest sparkling wine they had.

The menu was simple and easy to understand. $135 a person gets you two amuse bouche, an appetizer of your choice, a starter of your choice, your main course, a dessert, and bread served after the amuse bouche (the bread is absolutely out of this world, we had 3 rounds of it).

It was a quiet night with food that made us say, "mmmmmmmm", after every bite. The wait staff was very patient with my many questions about the origins of the establishment, and my laughter at the constant changing of the silverware (after every course, they replace your silverware with clean ones, god forbid you use a fork you used earlier).

For two people, both with drinks, the bill came to $400, though $100 was paid during reservation ($50 a person). I have eaten at Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, and Canlis beats it in atmosphere and taste, hands down.

The only negative was nothing that could be controlled by the staff, but was guests asking the staff to take pictures of them with their phones. Please don't do this if you eat there. Leave your phones in the car, or use them to take pictures of the amazing food and nothing else.

Overall it was a fabulous night, and I will be returning shortly with another friend to try the items I wasn't able to. I can't recommend this enough.

So classy - just the most beautiful location. The architecture, styling, and view are worth a visit by themselves, but the service and offerings really put it over the top. Really enjoyed my time here and looking forward to going again!

Canlis is an experience, not just a restaurant. The family are amazing members of the community and they treat their customers as family, as a part of their community. The food is amazing, the scotch selection second to none in Seattle, and I cannot recommend the Canlis Coffee enough to finish off your night. Prepare to be amazed by subtle things that just make the night go seamlessly and for a full experience, not just a meal.

It's perfect for a special occasion. The staff are amazing, the food is incredible and the views are spectacular.

I read the reviews and was a little concerned. We went here for my friends birthday. We had a wonderful experience. The service was impeccable. The food was absolutely delightful, fresh, and the atmosphere was dazzling. Love love loved my experience here.

Best creme brulee anywhere. Appetizers/food/service not shabby either. Our granddaughter loved her birthday dinner.

Top notch service, food, wine, spirits. Best of the best. Expensive, but worth it.

Spactacular view,Everything perfect,and attentive service made for a wonderful dinning experience .

A wonderful experience, fun and enjoyable staff, interesting and exciting meals, and all very high quality.

Hands down this was my best dining EXPERIENCE. It was the best pasta I've ever had. Absolutely one of the most beautiful and memorable dining experiences in my life.

Absolutely worth the trip. Plan on coming back again in another 5 years :-)

2017/6/2
A shop with almost 70 years of history and tradition
In all of preparation, service, cooking
A restaurant with a great experience

I really wanted to like Canlis, I really did. But I did not. Went their for my birthday last year and I am just around getting to write this review as I was going through my pictures. The ambience is wonderful, the feel of this place is More

Holy moly. Canlis is Doing. IT. RIGHT.

From the moment we arrived, we were well cared for. The valet experience was awesome. The drinks in the lounge while waiting for our table? AAmazing. The food---wowsa! We had 4 courses we ordered, but there were at least 3-4 other mini appetizers or snacks or whatever that happened throughout. Seriously. We stayed for over 2 hours, but the time flew, and we left full and never felt like we were a burden on the staff.

Was this pricey? Of course. But worth. Every. Penny.

We'll be back as soon as we save up.

From the entrance waking into the Resturant greeting us with pleasant welcoming to a lovely service lead by supper sweet Sarah all the way to delicious food with great selection of wine.
Perfect place to celebrate my 42 birthday. Thank you Canlis for making this day so special.

Lee

Really fun dining experience. Incredible staff throughout the restaurant.

It's Canlis. It's worth the time and the money. All there is to it.

The service was excellent and the food was amazing. They even wrote Happy Anniversary on the desert plates when they found out why we were there. The Steak Tartare was unbelievable, one of the best things I have ever eaten.

The food at Canlis is very good, but to me, the highlight (other than the fantastic view) is the service. Everyone from the valets, to hosts, to servers and sommeliers, everyone at Canlis is there to make your visit absolutely everything you want it to be.

The attention is kind, prompt, and custom to your party.

I've also got to say, I haven't had wine pairing suggestions that worked so noticably for me.

Coming from New York, I found the prices extremely reasonable for the food, service and location. I will definitely be back.

Great food, sluggish and inattentive service at the Crab Shack. Canlis should have service manager observe outdoor tables and make sure dishes are cleared promptly, water pitchers refilled.

End to end, one of the most impressive dining experiences you can find in Seattle. They've spared no expense and it shows. The staff is excellent.

Food was simply delicious and beautiful. Service was the best I've ever experienced. Lightning and ambience were so relaxing.
My only complaint was the small serving size and the overall value for the money (especially if you buy drinks with your meal).

My wife and I enjoyed the atmosphere and the steaks were superb.

Spectacular service! We went with our three year old son and they were amazing with all of us which is pretty rare for upscale restaurants like this one. They have a spectacular wine selection. While they may not have hundreds of options, More

Canlis has really embraced my word of 2020... PIVOT. They did a great job of creating an adorable and well thought out crab shack environment! Even equipped with tiki bars and a "beached boat." If you want to tge summer nights events they did last year, think similar set up, but double the size. They brought in the nice mobile bathrooms, and adhere to the covid rukes in WA. The food was very good, and I really liked my drink (The Fish Punch) - not to sweat or sugary. I would say, the price is a bit steep for a lunch outing for me, but we knew what it was going in. Presentation and service was fantastic, as usual. We did have one major problem, and im really hoping it was just new to them that day or so, and is gone by now... THE BEE'S! So so sooo many, and they seemed to be most focused in our area. It made it extremely hard to enjoy the meal, and even have conversation. We literally had 3 trapped under cups, and at least 6 more swarming our crab and table. On first request to move, we were told (very kindly!) that they were everywhere, but they brought us covers for our crab. About 15 minutes later, it became frustrated to be quickly shoveling 100 crab in our mouth, sucking down our cocktails, while swatting bee's. Just wasn't the dining experience we signed up for. At that point, we asked again, and were moved to another table between the 2 tiki huts. It was SOOOO much better! If we would have been there the whole time, everything would have been amazing, but unfortunately, we were really only there for dessert. We each had 3 drinks, so our meal came to 150 each. Again, the staff was great, the food was delicious, but i wish the bee problem was under control, or we were at least moved sooner. I recommend calling ahead to ask the "bee status" haha. Sounds so silly, but it made a huuuge difference in our experience.

Perfect place for a meal, enjoyed every minute of it. Food was excellent, service was great!

Came here for the Hawaiian BBQ popup that Canlis hosted in their parking lot. Very different atmosphere than what I would imagine they're normal dinner service is but very well done. Our group thoroughly enjoyed the small plates and cocktails.

Everyone knows the name Canlis for fine and expensive dining. A strong consideration to wow a client or celebrate an important occasion. Set menus are provided, and you get to select one item each from four courses for $115 per person (Plus drinks and options). I can't highly recommend this to friends as I find the dining room seating arrangements awkward if you get a table like us, for two, and end up sitting next to each other in the main dining room. Even though my reservation was made on October 26th for a birthday celebration on January 18th, we did not get a window seat. Our necks were so sore that we switched spots half way, as the dinner takes just over two hours. Two hours is a very long time to twist one's neck to speak to someone. We enjoyed the food, the polite service and valet. If you go, don't miss out on the twice-baked potato which has a long-standing tradition at Canlis.

Everything about this place is amazing, the atmosphere, the view, and especially the food

Have had the chance to come here twice. Once for Seattle Restaurant Week and once for finding one of their keys from a marketing campaign/game they did last month.

The food here is amazing! Seriously do yourself a favor and come here for the tasting menu, you will not be disappointed. As soon as you drive up you're greeted by the valets who take your care away and treat it with kid gloves. As soon as you walk in the host(ess) or even one of the Canlis brothers greets you and seats at your table. If you're luck you get one of tables in the NE corner where you get an unobstructed view of Lake Union and Gasworks park.

The servings are just right, not like other places that have a tasting menu but fill you up so much that you leave feeling bloated and ready to bust a seam in our pants. The ambiance is very mellow but current. The last time I was there the pianist played everything from Michael Jackson to Adele to Rick Springfield.

They are also VERY accommodating when it comes to allergies or food restrictions. We had some interesting food restrictions in our group last time and they found a way around each and every one of them without sacrificing taste or presentation.

I would say the last thing that I really enjoyed is the ticketless valet - as soon as you're on your way out they already know which car is yours and have it ready or pulling up without having to worry about where you left the ticket/stub!

I loved this place such nice staff. Food was Amazing

Incredible place. Service is awsome...food is right on.

I was underwhelmed. The service is amazing and the view is very nice. They bring tidbits to the table between courses, which of course is very classy.
I did not find the food all that good. Interesting ingredients don't necessarily make for interesting flavors.

At my table, the Fluke was reported to be good. The Canlis Salad over-dressed. The rabbit fazzoletti (casserole) was OK. The Abalone porridge was very plain.
The lamb was declared excellent, as was the ribeye. The pork loin was very tender, but otherwise bland.

Just under $ 1,000 for 5 people is too much. In fairness that includes the built in tip, valet parking, tip for the parking, etc.
Maybe go once for the experience of the excellent service. Just don't expect the fancy names and ingredients in the food to translate to a great palate pleasing experience.

Delivery and this is the menu. Everything is perfect and if we want to watch livestream pianist from 6-9, we can (and we will).

Exquisite food, wonderful atmosphere and absolutely perfect service. This is old-style, high class, service yet not pretentious. The wait staff and sommelier were attentive but not bothersome. This is the best service that we have received anywhere, ever. The food was the best I've had- we enjoyed the 8 course tasting menu with the wine pairings and each one led us to greater heights of delight. I'd recommend this to any friend looking for the perfect evening out.

My first time dining here, they made a special occasion very special. We had the four course, everything was excellent.
Service, view & food were unlike anyplace I've ever been. Truly remarkable, not like any other place in Seattle.
Unique and worth every penny.

What's a cooler way to spend a Friday/Saturday evening than at Canlis (well... Canlis' parking lot) but they have a great area all decked out in Hawaiian flair and also was happy to see both brothers running around handling the door and taking drink orders. Also cool to see their father was hanging out as well.

We went last weekend and all we can say is, "Wow". The ambiance, the tasting menu and the service were all excellent. Our server, Ashley, was amazing and the meal was exquisitely prepared and served. This is a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. After a specially prepared, vegetarian dinner, we thoroughly enjoyed the Amuse-Bouche series. Five stars!

The worst restaurant experience that I've had in my life. The server was inappropriate, condescending, racist, antagonizing, and disrespectful. I would expect that a restaurant supervisor would come in and intervene when they know a guest is feeling uncomfortable - but a lack of operational oversight is a weakness at this restaurant. Ownership should remove the server and ensure supervisors are watching customer interactions closely.

But what do I know, I don't have a decade of experience in optimizing business operations.

My experience although anecdotal is only one experience, but if Canlis claims to be the restaurant they are, they will act swiftly and professionally.

Great place to experience fine dining. Service is always superb and the food is amazing. They are also very accommodating to allergies as well.

Awesome food, awesome service, awesome views! Gourmet at it's finest!

For the best restaurant in the Pacific Northwest, I was expecting more. The bread, and especially the orange souffle were excellent. Valet parking was exceptional.

It's hard to nail down vegetarian food. While Canlis was fantastic with awing us with ambiance and hospitality, food lacked the lustre and taste we were expecting. Surprisingly the entree and main course were extremely sour. It felt as if veggies were roasted on the same grill that meat got roasted on ; after-taste was a let down. I would say that you are better off spending the $135 some place else, if you are a vegetarian.

I was here for the Superbowl. I stayed for the hospitality.

Exquisite dining experience. The Canlis treat their clients like royalty.

Wonderful restaurant, the best in Seattle. Good luck with reservations.

Service was good. Too many "small bites" that are deep fried and thus fatty. The Pullet Egg was way too salty, maybe because of too much soy sauce or something like it?

A bit of an odd place. Staff were unhappy that I wasn't wearing a jacket and went away to find me one. Customers at neighbouring table played yiu tube and sand along to songs while staff watched and clearly didn't know how to handle situation. Nice view. Food nothing special. While experience seemed very old fashioned and stuffy. If I was visiting again I wouldn't bother to return.

Great ambiance and very good food, but at these prices I expect spectacular and memorable food, and none of our courses made it to that level.

My husband surprised me as a beautiful birthday dinner during our trip to Seattle. Canlis provides an adventure in the culinary world. You will not be disappointed trying anything they bring to the table. They painstakingly pair all dishes with flavor and serve it on Beau Rush pieces of art.

Fantastic dining experience. Each dish was expertly presented and equally delicious! Was great being able to select our own music in the Cachet. View was beautiful too.

This place is consistently the best restaurant in Seattle. Save it for a special meal and be sure to order the Peter Canlis Prawns. The dishes are wonderful, atmosphere and view are stunning, and service is the best of any restaurant I've been to.

I really love this restaurant because they don't only serve delicious and sumptuous meals but their customer service is one of a kind! They make their customers feel relaxed because of the ambiance of the place! I am so happy with the service I had at this restaurant!

This is not a presidential debate but your names of use were mentioned by the other gas so you can sleep and you get more than 15 secondsis rice a statement and disgusting flowers about Ed attacks and targeting people of color but I do think there is part of the base I just have to face it when it's hard just weather the fake news deny everything strategy

People complain about portion size as if you're only supposed to eat one dish. Spend the money, go big, and enjoy yourself. If you can afford it, this place is truly exceptional.

I cannot express how excited we were to eat here for our honeymoon! Canlis is truly a piece of art in every aspect. We walked into the restaurant, where they have thought of every single detail to make your dining experience something truly memorable. We waited in the lounge for a short time while we took in the architecture and the ambiance of the building, and listened to live piano. We were escorted to our table where Miranda flawlessly explained the menu, our dining options, and the difference between the wine pairing menus. After finishing our drinks from the lounge and having taken a moment to look at the menu, we decided on the full tasting menu with the classic wine pairing. Miranda came back to the table with so much excitement to be able to offer us a special table with a beautiful view in honor of our honeymoon. We later learned that this room is dubbed "the most romantic table in Seattle" and they have earned that title! The flavors on every plate were well thought out, creative, and plated beautifully. The sommelier did an excellent job of describing every wine and answering any questions that we had. While I could go on and on about the entire menu, being a pastry chef I absolutely adored the salt water sourdough! As well as the Chocolate, licorice, walnut, tobacco palate. (Thank you Chef!) We had a wonderful time geeking out over the entire experience and were so honored that y'all let us have a sneak peek into the kitchen during close down. We have the deepest gratitude for every single person in this establishment for having given us such a beautiful evening.

Company holiday party. Food was awesome. Service was spectacular. Wonderful view in an elegant setting.

The Canlis Crab Shack was great! All outdoor patio seating, with luxury trailer bathrooms on site

Canlis gets five-stars from me, not because of the food (which was amazing) nor the service (which was spectacular) nor the views/atmosphere (which is top notch).

They did something no other fancy restaurant has ever done to me.

I went with my boyfriend for our anniversary, and we ordered a bottle of wine. When they poured a tasting sample, they gave ME the sample. The bane of my existence is that every other restaurant gives it to the man, and I sit there and watch while the man decides if the wine is acceptable for him.

Given the reputation of Canlis, I thought it was going to be another boys club kind of place. But I was really pleasantly surprised that they treated me and my boyfriend with the same amount of respect.

I've never before seen a 5-star, jacket-required, James Beard-winning restaurant give the women the wine taste. And for that, we are going to Canlis every year.

PS- Get the tartare.

What can you say...A Seattle institution. The service is impeccable and the food is very good. It is pricey but is worth a splurge for a special occasion every now and then. You always feel special when you dine here. I would recommend the tasting menu and a wine flight if you can swing it.

I proposed to my girlfriend here and the staff was very helpful in making sure everything went perfect. Awesome service and food. Highly recommend!

View is more than amazing. The view along is worth 6 ! The atmosphere is also worth 6 !! Food on the other hand is not as impressive...i have been to other restaurants with similar atmosphere, cheaper price, and with much better food. They definitely price in the view on their menu price. I think the most disappointing element for me was that the oyster was not fresh..... I think if you set your expectations correctly, you will nevertheless have the most amazing time there.

Every dish was amazing! The view was fantastic. Definitely recommend the upgrade to A5 marbled steak.

Excellent I enjoyed the dinner very much. Nice view

Wow. You have to have deep pockets and a desire to have an amazing experience. Incredible.

Went for the crab shack. It was a fun outdoor experience.

Weekend BBQ is really good. Food up to canlis standards & surprisingly excellent service for such a casual thing. Do NOT get two wrecked ships unless there's like 7+ of you.

Awesome experience. Special occasion and it turned out perfect.

Emily was an amazing server and we will definitely be back! Food was spot on and the service was an experience like no other, would recommend a thousand times over.

I love going here. I will be back with my friends. It has a great interior.