Purple Dot Cafe Reviews

i can't believe i agreed to go when my friends asked me. it was a huge mistake. the service was extremely terrible. the food was tasteless and expensive!

Ate at the Purple Dot Cafe and enjoyed our meal. A large selection of Dim Sum. The restaurant was packed which speaks well for the quality of the food. If in Chinatown would definitely recommend the Purple Dot Cafe.

Fresh dim sum all day. Very quick service and they always seem to be able to seat you in spite of being busy most of the time. Also excellent value for money.

I visit hong kong almost every year and my all time favorite dish is steam fish. When i moved to seattle 4 years ago from san Francisco..i had hard time finding good steam fish restaurant. And i honestly can assure you. Purple dot cafe cooks the best of steam fish in northwest region of USA. Enjoy it!!!

We had two dim sum lunches the past week while my two daughters and their families. we chose Purple Dot because it is spacious and not as crowded and noisy like the other restaurants nearby. It offers dim sum from mid morning till 3pm. There is a good variety of tapas-like plates to choose from, both savory and sweet. Most food is steamed, some deep-fried and sweet dishes are also baked. A complete menu of dim sum selection can be found on the back of the order form. Dim sum plates are usually placed in carts pushed by servers around the tables and you pick what you want, sometimes you can place an order if you fon't see what you want. Cost of each plate depends on the variety and plate size. Those with ingredients containing shrimp (many plates have shrimp) are mosr expensive. By the way if you are allergic to seafood (shrimp especially) and nuts, you have to be very careful because you may not see them in food but they may be mixed in already. The servers do not speak very fluent English but the waitresses are better. Purple Dot caters to local Chinese and the decor and ambience may not be too appealing to westerners, but overall it is already a better choice in Chinatown. Note that its restrooms are not the most clean and appealing but better than nothing. You can also order regular dishes and noodles and plates of rice etc from its menu. In general the food choice is sumptuous and it is a place for a nice lunch or dinner. Dim sum is not served as regular cuisine in the evening but they will gladly make for you as special order but the price will be higher than lunch hour price. It is best to go to dim sum lunch with a group because you can try a variety of dishes. Most plates are small servings of one piece each for three or four people.

The menu was extensive and I have to admit that the food seemed to be fresh and tasted good as well as being good value for money. The problem was that both me and my husband were served incorrect dishes. We asked for satay sauce dishes and the waitress repeated that so we know she understood, but my dish came with a garlic sauce and my husband's with some kind of soy sauce. Worse than this was the general uncleanliness of the restaurant, especially the toilets, which were certainly not filthy, but not really clean either and the small in there was not so nice. Also trolleys filled with dirty dishes lined the walls and the floor was quite dirty. The decor was pretty dim and tired, which we might have found charming if it had felt clean and fresh, but it didn't.

I live in Asia where dim sum is easily available. With most trying to out-fancy each other. Who would think one can find authentic, old-school dim sum in Seattle. They serve more than dim sum of course. Their menu is quite extensive. What we've tried, we like. Good portion for the price charged. Only their lo mai kai (glutinous rice with chicken) is a little lacking compared to 2 other dim sum places in the vicinity. They close for renovations annually I think. But for the years we've been going, we can't see what's been changed.

Dined for a dim sum lunch; Purple Dot was recommended by locals nearby. Only a few tables were occupied at around 11:30 when we arrived, but it was nearly full soon after. Two carts were wheeled about the room, one with various buns and one with steamed items (e.g., sticky rice, dumplings). We must not have been there long enough for more variety; we never saw any chicken buns or the pineapple bun that I read about in other reviews. Otherwise, service was prompt and friendly considering the type of establishment. As other reviewers note, English was spoken, but was not fluent. Again, this should be expected when in the international district... We tried five or six items (and had leftovers) and with hot tea, our filling lunch for two was $24 with tip. Not the absolute cheapest dim sum, but not bad for the variety and experience.

food was very good and done more traditional than for example panda express but the person serving us was very unpleasant. she got no tip!

We tried Purple Dot since everyone we knew said it was one of the best Sim Sumnolacea in Chinatown! They were right! We had the staple Siomai, tofu skin, broccoli, spare ribs and side noodles one Saturday with my Mom! They had a welcoming staff and a bright and clean atmosphere ! I’d go back ! One plus is that parking is just across the street!

It had been awhile since I ate at Purple Dot and I dropped in for some late night noodle soup and gai lan. The interior has been completely renovated. It looks much cleaner and less kitschy now. The menu appears to be much the same with a bit higher pricing (probably to pay for the renovation). They still feature a Hong Kong cafe styled menu with spaghetti, sandwiches, breakfast and a decent Cantonese menu. You can watch Chinese TV while you eat. It’s not a bad alternative when the wait at Honey Court across the street is too long. Also, where else can you eat until 3:30 AM?

Quick and easy dim sum place in Chinatown Seattle at this moment. Don't look for ambience, don't even loook for cleaniness, the floor is sticky and the table is sticky. The dim sum will keep you coming back.

dont get fooled like us by the waitress getting a full price menu; look for the all day/ late night/ afternoon tea specials which is same ok food for much better price.

Real Chinese food, huge menu, the taste was very good on most of the plates we ordered. I liked the food and definitely would come back. The portions are big enough for sharing, you can buy few options and try different plates. The home hot tea is very tasty. The place looks a little old and needs some maintenance but generally it's ok.

Making a hour drive into the city for lunch? This is the place to go. My family and I have been here many times and will keep coming back. The food is varied and excellent, English is a second language for most of the staff but it doesn't matter. The Dim Sum is all of the best quality and served hot or cold as required. We have been going there for many years and will continue to do so.

We were the first ones in the door on Saturday morning. Our friend is a regular so he did the ordering - in Chinese. The selection and the quality was amazing. So many good things kept coming to the table. We all had a great time.

One of our go-to spots for late night eats. Open until 4am! And it’s not just for post night out.. It’s also one of our better dim sum options in Chinatown.

Some of my friends like to come here from time to time. Aesthetically, they try to be different than the majority of surrounding Chinatown restaurants, with bright colors, a modern feel and more intimate seatings (thanks to no dim sum). It's changed ownership a few times and has gotten more pleasant to dine at. But again, while the food is tasty and prices are competitive, to me it all tastes the same as what the other restaurants serve.

We were in Seattle visiting and had a craving for dim sum while in the China Town area. We came across this place by fluke and decided to take our chances and give it a try. We had no regrets and enjoyed everything that we opted for. My only real criticism is I tried these veggie dumplings that had some starchy, undercooked bland vegetables, which could have been done so much better if the vegetables were pre-cooked and flavored with some traditional seasonings.

Bad service! Charged us for tea, luckily I caught it on the receipt! Didn’t even bother to ask if we need help or water! Had to asked for water twice. Time to pay, told the waiter that the service was bad and they had the audacity to charges us for $1 a person for tea which we were not served. Nonchalantly said sorry! Was going to tip them cash -had to write a zero on the receipt, but the waiter had the audacity to asked why I am not tipping them. That was the last straw, he yelled at me and said don’t come then!! Hmm, didn’t want to be there in the first place if I have known that the business has bad service or the waiter is rude. Should have read the review before going!!

it's not bad

We came from Hong Kong and took our lunch there on 31/5, and ordered steamed rolls, shrimp dumplings, pineapple pumpkin buns pls a couple of others. We had to say that above mentioned dim sums were excellent at reasonable price! Servers were very efficient and friendly. Hope to come back one day!

It is open late and it is a good place to get Chinese food. Service is ok. Food is good. Prices are decent. It is known place to be packed after clubbing or events.

Of course on my next day in the International District, I saw lots and lots more dim sum places, but we ate our breakfast here and really enjoyed. The chicken steam buns were perfect as were all the rest of the dumplings we had. The sesame balls were right out of the fryer - hot and fresh. When we finished, the served came around in the old style with carts ... I had to have the egg custard tartes, just perfect. Not much atmosphere, but good reasonably priced food.

The shrimp and cilantro Har Gau was my favorite, fresh, hot and packed with shrimp and cilantro. The Hombow bun was excellent also and the tripe with ginger. I wish I could have eaten more. There were many groups of Chinese people and there was peaceful and pleasant ambience. The staff are very attentive and welcoming and I thought it was good value. We had jasmine tea to drink but there are wine and beer also. I look forward to going there again soon.

Had Mixed Grill on Sat night. Better than expected.

As of 2017 this is one of the best Dim Sum dives in Seattle. Quality and flavour as good as any found in Hong Kong. I would recommend.., Ha Gowe -Steamed shrimp dumpling, in a delicate wrapper Steamed beef meat balls seasoned with a hint of dried tangerine peels Pineapple Bun - Baked sweet custard buns with cracked crust that's suppose to resemble a pineapple..,the bun does not contain any pineapple but it's still delicious Don Tot - Mini Egg Custard tarts in buttery and flakey shells I am told the braised chicken feet is delicious, they smell amazing but I am still not brave enough to place one in my mouth. A fantastic noisily authentic Dim Sum lunch, just grab a table and wait for the parade of little dishes pushed along in carts; point to any dish that looks or smells good and enjoy.

During our recent visit to Seattle we wanted some authentic Chinese food which we made known to our tour director on the Emerald City Hop On-Hop Off. He, a former actor in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle", recommended the Purple Dot Cafe in China Town. As my group of 4 was going into the restaurant we met a couple coming out telling us there was very little English spoken but the orders were understood and the food was excellent. I might add the servings are huge enough for 2 or 3 to share. We ordered different entrees so we could have a sampling of several items. None of us cared for the lo mein but everything else was great.

Can't review the food... because we never got to that point. This restaurant smells like remnants of an old casino. Wait staff seated us quickly, then forgot about us. Maybe "forgot" is the wrong word, it was more like being ignored. Wait staff awkwardly avoiding eye contact while racing by our table more times than we can count. Dirty utensils were being tossed onto a table right next to us. We're tolerant and forgiving, but less then a block away is far better, more welcoming restuarant. We went there with no regrets.

Some friends from out if town was told to try the Purple Dot in the international district in Seattle. Long story short, (1) the make servers didn't understand even basic English, (2) the main dishes were served first and appetizers last, and (3) they just made excuses for everything. To top it off the food was just average at best. If you don't want to be embarrassed with your guests do not/not take them to eat at this restaurant. You'll regret it if you do. The place was not even crowded when we went there.

Enjoyed the dim sum with a huge variety of offerings on the menu. Great atmosphere and location. So much food was provided. Good experience if you're in Chinatown.

I tried Kung pao chicken and Chicken curry. Both of them were too good. The price was reasonable. The staff of trolley bus, which tours the downtown, recommended this place , so I gave it a try and I was happy to try it.

I went to Purple Dot last Sunday for a late dinner. My husband hadn't gone in years so he didn't really remember the hours, but we got there around 10:30pm and it was open (unlike other businesses at the International District). The place is really cool looking, very bright colors (they all make you think of anime). We sat down and immediately we got water and our orders taken, speedy speedy. Food was also there quickly. The place wasn't busy, but it wasn't empty, so it was a pleasant surprise. I got the pork lo main - be warned that you get pork with all the fatty parts - so if you don't like to eat the lardy parts of the pork you can scrape them off. The lo main, the pork and the spinach by themselves didn't taste quite right, but once mixed together...really good! So mix it all together. Cam got the beef with the thick egg noodles (sorry, I don't know what they are called) with peppers and onions in satay sauce. Also, very good. Portions are rather generous, so people could easily split dishes. Prices are very reasonable. The staff is also nice and willing to answer questions about dishes. My general rule is that if you see locals eating at a place, it's probably good. I think that's very true of Asian restaurants. I'm thinking this is a good place for a large group that wants to try different dishes. Would definitely go back!

We were there on 14 June 2015. We asked the locals which one was the best yum cha and was told Green Islands was the best (in Chinese). Don't understand why Green Islands' English name is Purple Dot Café. It was packed with customers at about 3 pm for yum cha. Luckily we got a table, we chose the dim Sims, most of them were straight from the kitchen, fresh and steaming hot. The quality of food was excellent though it was a bit hard to find the waiters as they were too busy in doing everything. We were so full that we packed some for take away. We went back there again on 21 June and the quality of food was still excellent and the prices were reasonable. We will back on 17 July.

With no guilt or doubt, I advise "skip this one", based on experience. ​Even though I went early, and the restaurant was not very busy, the waitress forgot to bring my drink, and even a menu. The Environ is spacious, and of chrome and glass. However, it does not have sufficient Staff; I saw at least three other tables seeking the attention of the one waitress at the same time as I was. As well, if you don't bring your own screaming kids, you will have the inconvenience of other diners'. When one family's screamers left, another would take their place doing the screeching. Not the fault of the establishment, I know. But it just adds to the totality of the negativity I experienced. Worst, the Food leaves a lot to be desired. I ordered a dish that was entitled Shrimp. I swear I could not find any in there. Along with the other ingredients being devoid of flavor, the soup was bland -- not an easy thing to accomplish when Chinese restaurants are supposed to be known for their soup stock. The entire dish needed seasoning and taste. ​ ​This place needs to put more capital into staff, both wait and kitchen, and better products to serve unknowing customers. I would definitely feel justified in talking anyone and everyone out of patronizing this eatery until it does so.

The food was good. The service was also very prompt. Despite a slight language barrier everything was great.

Yummy dim sum.

So, my sister who used to live here moved to Arizona with her family. Then they came back go visit for a couple of days. They wanted to go to Purple Dot since they miss authentic Chinese good food. Apparently, Arizona does not have any. So, about 9 of us decided to have dinner over there. The staff they have are amazing. They are helpful, polite and courteous. But since they are Chinese, communication is a little bit a problem. My sister ordered chocolate milk but mentioned the brand name "Milo". She likewise said it is for the kids. A few minutes after, when they started serving the drinks, 3 glasses of RedWine arrived. Apparently the waiter thought she wanted Merlot. He apologized when we said its for the kids. Can't blame him though. Milo-Merlot slang.. they sound almost the same. Lol. We just feel bad though. The Peking duck which we think is their signature dish didn't come with much meat anymore. It was mostly skin. Good, yes. But they became cheap. Their spaghetti is the bomb! I know, Chinese restaurant.. but they make spaghetti like back home in the Philippines. Of course, we had other dishes and they were all good. Definitely our Chinese go to place in Seattle. Do check them out!

Folks, We just returned from our Seattle vacation over our BC Day long weekend. After days of pasta, burgers our family was craving some Chinese food. We decided to make our way down to Seattle Chinatown. While there were a few streets and a number of restraurants to choose from we decided to make out way into the Purple Dot Cafe as it had modern feel to it. Not too mention the pictures outside looked appealing. I have to agree with a few of the other reviews as the service absolutely SUCKED. Sure one typically doesn't expect first class service from most Chinese restaurants in Chinatown but this takes the award for the worst. When we sat to order we noticed that another table had a different menu. I then asked the wait staff (middle age, frumpy female). Her response was that that menu does not take affect until 6pm. We were there at 5:45pm. Keeping in mind that other tabels were looking at that menu during that time. Really I guess I could've asked why we were different but if she knew we wanted it so it was a mood point in asking. In any event the food was decent, the fried rice was tasty, the fried crispy noodles were crunchy but the salty squid was a bit overdone and dry. I'm sure there are other Chinese establishments that are better.

Headed into China Town for a take out meal to help the local restaurants during the Covid-19 regulations. We ordered ahead and the food was waiting for us when we arrived. We had a feast, very tasty meal. Bottom line, I would go there again for sure.

Staff here are mean in general (I asked for a napkin once and the old lady who served our table asked why, and what happened to the one on my setting. There was none.), and they're hella slow here...even when it's a quarter-full. And that's from a comprehensive visit of about...4 times? Yeah, they're wack.

Wound up in Chinatown around dinner time with my out-of-town friends and they picked this place. It was a weeknight and not crowded. They also picked all the food and everyone was happy with what came out. This includes what was ordered for the kids’ table. Service was also good. The dish pictured is broccoli and tofu. The broccoli was a little crunchy, but it was good. Also had fried chicken wings, gailan with oyster sauce, fried rice and beef chow fun. Basic food but the picky Chinese guests were satisfied.

- Fantastic Atmosphere - Excellent Food - Nice People

This place looked great, so we decided to try it. We were seated right away, then waited 5 min for a menu, 20 more minutes for our order to be taken. Now 25 min later we are STILL waiting for our order. Waitstaff totally ignoring us, not even a glance or smile. I don't get it. We are very nice, not impatient at all yet...nothing. Patrons seated 20min after us at table beside us, not only have received service, but already are finishing dinner.... Going on an hour now and I am so hungry & frustrated I'm about to cry.

Coming from Asia, I get to eat the best in Cantonese/Chinese cuisine and Purple Dot just doesn't cut it. Perhaps my expectations were too high but there are certain dishes that just 'have to be' of superior quality to rate a pass in my book. The standard offerings of Siu Mai and Har Gau lacked finesse and lacked the delicacy that these steamed parcels of pork and shrimp deserve. The roast duck was obviously thawed out and fried resulting in an over salted and decidedly tough offering. The noodles were palatable. But no complaints about portions. If you want to fill up with what passes as Cantonese food, Purple Dot will fit the bill but don't expect a gourmet repast.

Nice facility, well lit, a bit too warm. No annoying background music. The busy hubbub did not inhibit conversation. We went there on Christmas night, the busiest night of the year for restaurants in Chinatown. We got a nice booth at 5:30, but a line had formed by the time we left at 7:00. The menu is typically Chinese: hundreds of fish, pork, chicken, meat and vegetable options. Food was average. Service was poor, although the overworked staff was professional and polite and made an honest effort to keep up with the crowd. My coke came in a can. My wife's house wine was cheapo depot. No sugar for the hot tea. Would we eat there again? My wife certainly not. I might.

Good option for dim sum on an afternoon. Open late until 4am makes it for a really solid choice for a late night pick me up. Big portions, fast service.

We were so tired after a flight but still decided to go out for some food. Very generous portions. A main could be shared over 2 people. Fresh food and nice seafood. Good value for money

I stopped in here after driving around the International District for 25 Minutes just to find a parking spot (I had a package to drop off 3 blocks from here). It was lunch time and I was parked right out front so i went in for some dumplings. It was kind of strange since there were 2 girls walking around with carts asking if you wanted food off of it... I couldn't understand what they were saying and the food looked weird so I choose to order off the menu. I just wanted dumplings so I got the Pot Stickers of the appetizer menu and she asked if I wanted 3 or 6, considering pot stickers are always the same size I figured 3 would be nothing but a tease so I said 6! I also ordered the WonTon's. When the Pot stickers came i was SHOCKED how huge they were they were 2-3 times the size of regular pot stickers and they were very delicious. Then the wontons came and i was stuffed already but what ever of course I ate them BUT they weren't as good :( The service was spotty and they need to seriously clean the place really good. I sat at a 2 person table up by the window in the front and the wall next to me was totally splattered with food also the salt, hot sauce and soy sauce containers looked like they've never been cleaned. ewwwww. the pot stickers were very good but other than that i probably wouldn't return.

This place serves some very delicious Chinese food. A nice place to go for the younger crowd and reasonable prices

We normally go with all the friends and family and we like the way we can share all the food that we order. Taste so good and definetely you have to try the spaghetti, sounds crazy but s the beeeeeeest!

My friend and I were in the area and felt hungry. We saw the Purple Dot Café and checked the menu, surprised it was a Chinese restaurant. In the menu you will find a wide choice of menu. When we entered, we were the only not Asian people. I always find that very promising. The waitress was very kind and the food... simply the best! Fresh, great vegetables and taste. I wish I'd live closer to that place.

We went there after driving all day and their service was really quick. Most of our orders were comfort food, such as noodle, rice soup and vegetables. Too late for dim sun this time. Feel this restaurant could be better if they get floor clean and change their decorations a little bit.

Happened into the International District, to enjoy the new year festivities, dropped in for a snack. Old school here with dim sum carts but also hot from the kitchen if you ask. Always thought Vancouver had the best Chinese food but this place is 2nd to none..

Waited 10 minutes for someone to come to our table so we left. I would definitely not recommend this restaurant. It didn't have a good feel when we walked in.

Still Open?

We ordered few kinds of dim and all of them are good, delcious, healthy, not greasy. Service is good and friendly staff