sbaes13

I am planning a birthday dinner, 4 guests total for this weekend, in seattle, and have found both Canlis or Nishino as good choices on the net. Im not from Seattle so any recommendations between either of the two... or something better would be greatly appreciated. Ideally, looking for great food and great atmosphere... age of the groups is mid 20's. Price is not an issue.. just want to have a fun/special evening. If there are any post dinner activities you can think of.. please share. THANKS!

suze

Canlis is very "old school" and would not be my choice for your age group. Nishino is known for good food but it's basically in a shopping mall out towards Madison Park. So neither downtown.

I would instead recommend Restaurant Zoe on 2nd & Blanchard. Then you'd be in Belltown where there are lots of bars and some music venues (Crocodile, Jazz Alley, Triple Door) for after dinner.

I also like Bistro 1200 on Capitol Hill (but it does draw a gay-leaning crowd if that is a drawback for your group). Again then you are in a district with lots of bars and some music venues (Chop Suey) all walking distance for after diner in the Pike/Pine corridor.

suze

On Capitol Hill, 15th Avenue East there's Coastal Kitchen, or on 19th Avenue East Kingfish Cafe and Monsoon... all are nice restaurants in an interesting neighborhood. With cocktails afterwards at Liberty or 22 Doors (on 15th). None of these are fancy places but all well-respected & attact and younger and mixed crowd.

enzian

Nishino is out choice for celebrations, but it is way away from the downtown area. Atmosphere is nothing special.

For atmosphere and good food in the Belltown area, we like Brasa (wonderful lighting and decor), and Suze's suggestion, Zoe.

happytrailstoyou

Everything considered, I go with Braza as the best choice for you and your guests: http://www.brasa.com

lovesadventure

We tried a new restaurant a few weeks back, QUBE. The chef is formerly of Napa Valley's French Laundry. The interior are stark with funky lighting, but the food was varied, thoughtful, and generally well executed. The restaurant is located in downtown, not far from Tom Douglas's Dahlia Lounge, I believe.

Other special occasion favorites (aside from those already mentioned), Waterfront Grill at Pier 7, El Gaucho (with the Pampas Room downstairs), Palisade (which is near nothing but has spectacular views of the city).

As a side note, I really like Canlis, old school and all. The service is always top notch and they make every outing there feel special.

christy1

Canlis does have atmosphere in spades, and you will have a very good meal and great service. I do think there is better food in the city, though, and though I have enjoyed myself there, if I'm going to spend that kind of $$ again I would personally rather spend it somewhere with even better food (like Mistral). But it might be just the ticket for your occasion. It has a very classy old school feel, and you can't beat the view.

But if you are looking for someplace more trendy/hip/with a younger crowd, and someplace that is well located so that you can walk to bars or clubs after, I'd go with some other places mentioned (Zoe is a good idea, haven't been to Brasa in ages so I can't really say, El Gaucho is great and very snazzy but you need to be in the mood for stuff like steak and cherries jubilee).
I've never been to Nishino, so I can't comment on that.

Johnnyman7

RESTAURANT ZOE!!!!!

My girlfriend and I...also in our mid 20s...serious foodies....STILL remember eating at this restaurant more than 3 years ago. Just incredible food. The Lemon Cheesecake is other-worldly. And the wait staff were professional, but young, hip, and personable as well.

Eating at other Seattle restaurants after this...even the Dahlia Lounge...was unfulfilling after Zoe's.

Good luck!