After living in Seattle for almost 5 years, we finally had an opportunity to dine at Canlis. Canlis is one of Seattle’s fine dining restaurants where a suit jacket is required. We easily made reservations online with a credit card deposit and awaited the special day.
About Canlis
Canlis has been open since 1950. The restaurant was started by Peter Canlis and remains family owned to this day. The cuisine is contemporary New American and features ingredients local and in season in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The restaurant currently employs 94 people.
Canlis is located between the Queen Anne Neighborhood and Lake Union on Aurora.
Ambiance
After stepping into Canlis, I felt like I was in another part of the world. Everyone was dressed up and on their best behavior. Outside of Canlis, Seattle is pretty casual and we wear mostly Patagonia raincoats and windproof shoes. Every once in a while, it’s fun to dress up and have a wonderful meal.
The building was designed by Roland Terry in 1950. The original modernist architectural structure is still present in the current updated design. There are amazing views of Lake Union, Fremont and Gas Works Park.
Canlis also features a live pianist.
Service
I was noticing a lot of those things. Like genuine friendly greetings from every employee that crossed my path inside. I got a feeling that the people serving actually enjoy and take pride in their service instead of just rushing through tables and faking it for the tips.
As for coordinated service, at one point I noticed they sent 6 runners to one table at the same time to deliver courses for a party of 8 so that nobody in the party would have to wait longer than anyone else for their food. Every plate hit the table at the same time. After paying the bill, we were some of the last to leave the restaurant, but there was a host by the front door warming Alex’s coat in front of the fireplace before placing it on her. Those are the details.
It seems the servers there are also empowered to do whatever they think would make a customer most happy. When I couldn’t decide between two items for my second course, they brought out both (second one comp’d) because the server didn’t want me to miss out on the dish I didn’t choose.
Our truffle fries were somewhat over-salted, and a new (nearly perfect) plate was brought out in less than 4 minutes. When deliberating dessert choices, the server overheard us geeking out on boozy, nutty dessert wines and talking about how we rarely spring for them even though we love them so; she poured us a (complimentary) glass of one simply because she loved how well it paired with the soufflé dessert.
Food
Canlis offers a 4 course prix fixe dinner for $115 per person. They also have a very well curated beer, wine and cocktail menu. Our total was $509 (including gratuity) for 4 course pre-fixe meals for two, a bottle of wine, truffle fries a la carte, pourover coffee and dessert wine pairings with the dessert course. We were so satisfied with the service that we left additional for gratuity. Canlis is one of the rare places in that range that’s “worth what it costs.”
They also bring out a few complimentary small bites throughout the meal while you wait for your courses that have longer prep times to arrive.
Small Bites
First Course
Second Course
Third Course
Fourth Course (Dessert)
The food was excellent, but what you’re really paying for at a place like this is to have all of the details taken care of. My only regret is that it took me almost 5 years living in Seattle to make it there.
If you are dining on a budget, you can order the dishes a la carte. View the menu here.
If you didn’t make reservations, you are more than welcome walk-in and enjoy drinks or dinner in the lounge area.
Canlis
2576 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 283-3313
Open for dinner only, Mon – Fri, 5:30pm – close, Sat 5:00pm – close, closed Sundays
Join Alex and Larry on our journey, as we find love, eat great food, and travel to beautiful destinations. #weloveeattravel