Seemor
VioletB+Worth Trying
1734 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
· Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (270 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Creative New American with an optional 5-course omakase, excellent service, and polished plates—worth it for special nights, but expect slow pacing at peak times and premium pricing.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Violet delivers excellent food quality and gracious, attentive service that make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, particularly for special occasions. However, inconsistent execution at peak demand and notably slow pacing between courses prevent it from reaching grade A territory. The stylish, cozy setting appeals to date-night diners, but the 3+ hour tasting experience requires patience rather than delivering seamless fine dining.
Restaurant Summary
Violet reads as a neighborhood fine-dining room with warm, attentive service and plates that look as good as they taste. Guests gush about birthdays and anniversaries, noting details like a chef hello or a surprise pour, while one diner put it simply: "the lamb was unforgettable and the staff made the night." At peak times, pacing can stretch, so settle in for a long, cozy evening rather than a quick bite. The culinary approach leans contemporary New American with global nudges: think seafood, lamb, and risotto with polished, seasonal touches instead of theatrics. The 5-course American omakase draws raves for presentation and flavor, though a few guests wished for faster cadence or a firmer scallop sear. Wines are a strong suit, pairings feel thoughtful, and when a bottle is out, staff tend to land on smart alternatives. Families should know the menu is adult-leaning—seafood, lamb, steak, and risotto dominate—and there is no kids menu. That said, simpler picks like the chicken breast, mixed green salad, or potato puree can work for selective eaters. For most parents, this is a date-night destination rather than a casual family dinner spot.
At a Glance
- Elegant New American cooking with a creative omakase option
- Gracious, attentive service with chef engagement on some nights
- Pacing of the tasting menu can run 2.5–3.5 hours
- Premium pricing; confirm prices on after-dinner drinks
- Allergy handling generally good but one serious lapse reported
What Sets It Apart
- five_course_american_omakase
- chef_owner_table_visits
- robust_gluten_free_offerings
What People Love
- Memorable lamb and risotto
- Thoughtful wine pairings and mocktails
- Refined plates without stuffiness
- Chef engagement that personalizes the night
Points of Concern
- Pacing can be slow on busy nights; plan for a long meal especially with the tasting menu
- A few execution lapses (light scallop sear or small fish portion) noted intermittently
- One severe allergy incident reported; proactive confirmation with staff advised
- After-dinner drink pricing may surprise; request prices up front
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$78-$108 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose the risotto or lamb as reliable anchors; add octopus to start for a seafood-forward arc
- If doing the tasting, consider the wine pairing but confirm any supplemental pours or spirits pricing
Perfect For
- A celebratory date night with wine pairings
- Small-group birthdays where service matters
- Solo treat at the bar on quieter evenings
- Food-focused travelers seeking a neighborhood gem
Location Insights
Area: Lively urban neighborhood known for dining, nightlife, and arts; attracts date-night diners and food-focused locals.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban cautions at late hours.
Nearby: Near Capitol Hill light rail, bars, and boutique shops; strong evening foot traffic supports late dining.
Central DistrictThe dining scene in the Central District is eclectic, featuring a blend of traditional soul food, modern American, and international cuisines. The atmosphere is vibrant and community-oriented, with many locally owned restaurants and cafes reflecting the neighborhood's cultural roots and contemporary influences.
Central AreaThis micro-neighborhood retains much of the Central District's historic character with a strong sense of community and a growing number of trendy eateries and bars, balancing tradition with modern urban living.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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