Canlis

"Canlis is Seattle's most famous restaurant, known for its modernist structure overlooking Lake Union and its history as a fine dining destination. Opened in 1950, it has been a James Beard Award semifinalist or finalist multiple times for its service, wine, and food." - Harry Cheadle

"Renowned restaurant with Linda Milagros Violago recognized in Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service." - Harry Cheadle

"Executive chef Aisha Ibrahim helms this Queen Anne icon, owned and operated by the Canlis family for over 70 years. The gorgeous restaurant overlooking Lake Union has won several James Beard Awards, including for its design and its wine program, and serves as a study in how to do fine dining without stuffiness, including excellent service whether you walk into the piano lounge or sit for a multi-course meal. Ibrahim energizes the historic establishment with a super-seasonal approach inspired by Japanese kaiseki cooking, and options might include duck with bitter chicory, celeriac, and blood orange; grilled sablefish with abalone, dashi, and daikon; and dark chocolate sorbet with koji and spruce tips." - Eater Staff

"Seattle “Canlis is a place where servers walk around with portable irons to smooth out rogue tablecloth creases. But when the pandemic began, this fine-dining landmark transformed over and over again - into a takeout burger joint, a drive-in movie theater, a morning bagel shop, and they even threw some sand in the parking lot to create a summertime crab shack. Their most recent pivot was Canlis Community College, in which they offered virtual courses like ‘Wine Drinking 101’ and lumpia-making lessons. There were also socially-distant field trips, university-style merch, and fancy TV dinners to-go. Now, Canlis is planning a yurt village for the winter. What are they going to do next? Your guess is as good as mine, but it’s probably going to be pretty f*cking cool.” -Aimee Rizzo, Seattle Staff Writer" - team infatuation

"Canlis is the fanciest and most famous special occasion restaurant in Seattle. And at this marvel in mid-century modern architecture, it’s really about the whole package. You’re not just here to pay way more than you usually would for a small morsel of steak. You’re also here to wear a gala-type outfit that would otherwise rot in a closet corner with your forgotten Halloween costumes. You’re here to grab a cocktail in the lounge before dinner and listen to the classical pianist play baroque takes on Taylor Swift songs. You’re here to have at that bacon-laden minty romaine salad with croutons and pecorino matchsticks that’s been on the menu for 70 years. Don’t expect to be stunned speechless, but do expect to share a fantastic night out with anyone from your betrothed to your boss. Especially if your boss picks up the check." - aimee rizzo