Tilikum Place Cafe Reviews

4.6

6 of 3,215 Restaurants in Seattle


Reviews

Well rated small restaurant worth a reservation

By dcplanner123 |

Tasty meal of best French onion soup on recent travels, butter parmesan pasta with sage, and pork tenderloin with clams and yams that was excellent. Would definitely return for try another set of dishes. Total for meal with one soda at $52 before tip. Need a reservation if you would like to eat here.

Small but excellent restaurant close to the Space Needle

By John L |

Service, food, presentation - all excellent. Try their Halibut! Can't say enough about this gem. Close to the Space Needle

Book early!

By Gulliver07 |

There is goo reason why it's so difficult to snag a table here on short notice. Because, as you may guess, it's the food. And the ambiance, and the service. We were a group of six and had a late dinner. All the items on the menus were still available. We ordered different dishes and every one was superb. The double pork chop was so tender and tasty, it almost melted in your mouth. The goat cheese stuffed crepe was innovative and very tasty. We will be back every time we visit Seattle.

Great dinner and ambiance in a cozy establishment

By TravelerNotTourist01 |

I had finished visiting the Museum of Pop Culture and was looking for a nice dinner. I didn’t know if I’d need a reservation or would be waiting a while due to its high TripAdvisor rating and the reviews of other diners but I was able to sit down at the bar as soon as I walked in. The establishment has a nice ambiance to it, small and intimate. The kitchen is exposed to the dining area so you can see what’s going on, and even talk to the kitchen staff as they make your meal. The staff are extremely helpful and know their food and wine offerings well. The menu left me with difficult decisions to make. I can’t remember which fish I had for dinner but it was very well prepared. However, my favorite dish was actually an appetizer - the hand cut pasta with the sage butter. If that had been the whole meal I would have still walked away content. I wrapped up dinner with the ice cream cream puffs (profiteroles), another great choice. My next trip to Seattle will definitely include a stop at Tilikum Place Cafe.

Great from start to finish

By Susan E |

Craft cocktails , mostly variations on a Manhattans were good. We split the salads which were ample for two. I had the green flan vegetarian entree which was really nice. The rest had steak, chicken and daily fish which all enjoyed. We shared dessert also and enjoyed it.

Well Worth a Visit

By DennisJA |

This restaurant was near our hotel, but the first night we walked past it was packed with people obviously enjoying themselves and we could see that there were no vacant tables (and a few customers waiting). Next day as we walked past, we popped in to make a dinner reservation and that night when we appeared, were welcomed as old friends and shown to an excellent table with views out the front window. The staff members were very helpful, cheerful and attentive. The menu creative and interesting. We both elected oysters - she had them baked, I elected the raw ones. Neither of us was excessively hungry so we followed up with what we thought would be small plates - her pate was massive, as was my kale crepe, but both were very tasty. The accompanying wine, a French Grenache Blanc was formidable, just as our server had promised. Next time we are in Seattle, we will return.

So good we came back next day.

By L774LYruthp |

I loved brunch so much...dutch babies and a full English... we came back for dinner. This experience is like dining at a friend's house, if your friend is an excellent chef. The staff are helpful and friendly. The food is delicious. The atmosphere is charming.

The best

By Earl S |

We didn’t find this restaurant until our last night. If we would have we would have eaten there more often. The meal was awesome both in flavor and portions. We ordered the seared chicken with sliced potatoes and broccoli cooked in a reduced balsamic sauce. It takes 30 minutes to have it cooked. Since it is cooked individually for each patron it takes this amount of time but is well worth it. I would advise you to make reservations any time of the week to get seated. Our dinner was ended with a graham cracker s’mo

Simple, comfy and refreshing

By Annie S |

It was an easy walk from Chihuly Garden and Glass. The cafe design is for casual dining and welcoming to family. The menu is simple and earthly including special that day zucchini and 🌽 soup among many choices for brunch. We really the lightness and simplicity of the grilled eggplant tomatoes sandwiches. I selected a glass of Rose from the offering of red and white wine as well.

The best place to celebrate New Year's

By WestforkGal |

Please don't tell anyone, but if you want great food and a great place from which to watch fireworks from the Space Needle, this is it. The food is unique, well-prepared and made with the best fresh ingredients. For Seattle the prices are reasonable.

Always check the specials board.

By Keith G |

In the top 100 restaurants. Get the cucumber melon salad special and feel it crunch in your mouth, hand cut wide pasta noodles with creamy sauce, spread the pate on the toast and feel it roll against your tongue, phyllo cheesecake (cheese inside phyllo dough with salad on top, roast chicken (their signature dish), and salmon or halibut all with innovative sauces. Always check the specials board. For dessert, share the chocolate polenta cake and upside down cake.

excellent brunch

By kate554433 |

Definitely make a reservation even up to 2 weeks advance for a weekend brunch time slot or expect a long wait. The restaurant is not very big. We had a wonderful time - the food was simple but delicious, everything perfectly cooked. We tried the savory Dutch baby (pancake in a cast iron pan), which at the time was with perfectly spiced ground lamb. Everyone was happy with their food, and we enjoyed a very leisurely meal without any pressure to finish up despite the demand for a table.

Adorable Little Cafe Away From Tourist Central

By Wine Enthusiast 88 |

On the last day of my trip in Seattle I decided to stop here to indulge in some delicious food before heading to the airport. Simple bus ride from downtown and I was here in less than 10 minutes. Service was good but the location and atmosphere were adorable - it reminded me of NYC in the fall. I ordered the Classic Dutch Baby with a side of scrambled eggs. For those who have not eaten a Dutch Baby before I like to think of it as somewhat of a pancake souffle - tall and voluminous but has density. On its own it is fine but with the maple syrup and roasted lemon it is amazing!!!!! The trick is to either squeeze the lemon on to the Dutch Baby before adding maple syrup or mixing the maple and the lemon juice on a separate plate. It makes all the difference.Though there was not much else that interested me on the breakfast menu I would definitely like to return in the future for dinner.

Culinary disappointment and glacial courses

By 863glenng |

As returning guests we had anticipation of a wonderful meal, culinary disappointment followed. The pate was fine, the fennel and blue cheese salad was fine but had an odd nut purée smeared on plate. The sirloin steak entree was no edible (cold and tough), the server was kind and returned it to the kitchen. The chicken entree was similar to something form Denny’s, not enjoyable or memorable. Further, prior to the theater we had allowed 2 hours for a 3 course meal we were impaled on a ~40 minute gap between the salad course and entrees, not a busy night for Tilikum. Please eat somewhere else.

Best Brunch Ever !

By WendyB12 |

We walked in and got a table without a wait for lunch. Great location close to the Chihuly Garden & Space Needle. Cute place. We tried several entrees and were not disappointed !! I had theTilikum Fry Up : egg, bacon, sausage, baked beans on toast with tomatoes. So yummy !! I also had a blood orange soda! My husband had the roast chicken salad. It was fresh grilled chicken with potatoes, red peppers, a boiled egg with aioli. A great place with great food ! I would highly recommend Tilikum Place Cafe !

Make time to eat here when you are in Seattle

By steveles07 |

We were recommended Tilikum Place Café by the owner of the apartment we were renting nearby. We booked a table on line as there were five of us and the reservation and booking was easy. The welcome at the restaurant was really nice and the service throughout the evening very good. The choice of wine and beers was more than enough to support the food on the menu. We had a non meat eater and a vegetarian in our group and there was plenty of choice. The food was the star of the evening and everyone had only good words to describe their food. If I have one slight criticism in that it was more expensive than similar places in Seattle, but the food was very good

Excellent food.

By Myrouck |

We ended up at this restaurant by accident. We had the special of the day (Russian sandwich and Onion soup) which were beyond amazing. Great restaurant, but we found the service a little slow.

Super little gem in Seattle

By Sara M |

Fab bistro style restaurant with a good atmosphere, excellent menu (took me ages to decide what to have as just sat watching all the mouth watering dishes coming out of the kitchen!) staff very friendly and the food was delicious. Can’t recommend highly enough. Prices were reasonable as well.

Post Cruise Brunch Pre Space Needle

By ArtCritic2000 |

Post cruise brunch on a Friday. Searching through the places for lunch on Friday, prior to visiting the Space Needle we came across this top rated eatery. Thinking brunch on a Friday, we thought we could just show up. Not! But with the help of Mima and some less lucky people who did not show up for their reservations, we snagged a table. Definitely put this on your post cruise list. It’s a super cool small place, which apparently is well known locally. I had the eggs Benedict with eggplant and mushrooms. Not usually an eggplant fan, but it was amazing. Partner had the egg casserole and it was as good as it looked passing by our table. We also started with a sour dough baguette and finally after seeing the French Toast passing by our table again and again, we ordered it for dessert. YUM! Not a French Toast guy, but WOW! Recommend making your reservation when you are planning your cruise or at least in advance to avoid disappointment. We were so happy that Mima was able to get us in! Won’t miss it next time we’re through Seattle!

Very close to Hyatt House. Super easy for nice meal

By Richard H |

Walked out of the Hyatt House and it seemed like straight into this restaurant. Perfect since we’d just arrived and hadn’t had time to explore. Nice host and waitress. Good choice on the menu. Had the chicken and the pork chop. Also ordered some vegetables that didn’t turn up but didn’t matter as both plates come with their own vegetables. Maybe the waitress knew and just left them off. Nice wine list. Stuck with a Willamette Pinot since we’ve just come from there. Overall impressed and will like;y return.

Last night in Seattle

By Poddy |

Well we found this restaurant just around the corner from where we were staying and what a find Could not fault the service and food, would recommend to anyone Note I had the French onion soup 10 out of 10 Also the chicken dish,my wife had the black cod and that got a big tick

A great way to start your day in Seattle

By Anna ㅅㅓㄹㅇㅕㅇ |

We started our Seattle vacation at this cafe, and we loved it! Their coffee was amazing, as well as the sweet dutch baby. We liked the baked eggs, but found them to be a little overrated. Definitely try a coffee and the dutch baby though! The decoration, atmosphere, location, and service were all superb.

A wonderful place to have just fallen upon! Great food and drinks something for everyone!

By Mischelle L |

We were just walking around and came across this restaurant for a late lunch. We were thrilled as the menus was so diverse.There were breakfast items, home made beautiful soups, salads of the freshest ingredients and more. I had a portabello french dip the aujus was made with mushroom and it was a lovely vegan meal. My husband had a incredible burger according to him. Our waiter was outstanding his name was Izzy and he recommended all the best foods and wines! Although it was a late lunch we did not fill rushed at all everyone was very friendly. I will be back for sure.

Fantastic

By Colleen G |

While in Seattle overnight friend took us out to this cafe. Enjoyable atmosphere, fantastic food & good wine selection. Waiter let us enjoy a couple of wine samples since we were interested in a bottle for dinner. Reservations recommended so that was good to know before going also. Friends ordered specials which were Tuna & LinkCod dishes. I had French Onion Soup. We shared Burrata & Pasta appetizers. Finishing with Peach Cobbler & ice cream. All food cooked to perfection & tasted great.

If you dine on Open Table and have points

By KeithGormezano |

Use them for dinner or better Sunday Brunch, particularly the custard filled Dutch Baby calling your name with their affordable $2.50 coffee.

Seattle Treasure

By Cheryl H |

I always feel welcome when I dine at Tilikum. The team is top notch and have become friends - you truly feel like you're a guest in their home, even if it's your first visit. Apart from the warm welcome, the quality of every meal is excellent. We are fortunate to have restaurants like Tilikum in Seattle: no pretense, no fads -- just delicious, expertly-prepared food in a relaxed environment.

A gem, hidden in plain sight

By N_in_Seattle |

A wondrous dining experience -- superbly inventive food, attentive yet inobtrusive service. If it wasn't tucked away on Cedar Street, off the main routes into town, the lines would be out the door and down the block. Others talk about the brunch, which I've never experienced. Dinners are beautifully composed and presented; everything I've ordered has been delightful, and from the appearance of both dinners and diners I'd bet that what I don't select is also excellent.

Mostly good, but a little disappointing

By Summer G |

The appetizer and salad were good, but the eggplant souffle left something to be desired. My friend and I only finished it do that we wouldn't walk away hungry. Expected the main course to be the highlight of the meal.

Small joint with big flavor!!

By jewles |

We just stumbled across this amazing gem!!! The people were amazing and the food is out of this world. They are know. For their Dutch Babies and this dish does not disappoint. A must try is also the baked beans.. We will put this place on our favorite list…

Cannot wait to go back

By jtfman |

Don't know how we have missed this place before, but will definitely add it to my list of go-to places in Seattle. The food was outstanding and the service excellent. Also has a great selection of Manhattans and other cocktails. I had the pan-seared chicken, which was perfectly cooked and quite delicious. My friend had the pork chop and he raved about it. Looking forward to repeated visits to the Tilikum Place Cafe!

Must have breakfast in Seattle

By SNelson |

We came here because of all the amazing reviews, reservations are recommended but by the time I was going to book all reservations were full. We still tried our luck on a busy Sunday morning, they took our phone number to call us when seats were available roughly 40 minutes we were told. Just 20 minutes later we got a call & we went back thinking we would be getting a seat at the bar but we actually ended up with a table. The service was excellent & food is to die for. The fresh bread was so good & the Dutch baby is a must try!! Don’t miss this place when in Seattle.

Nice Place for lunch

By Janny W |

我們的行程是先到Chihuly, 再去Tilikum Place Cafe午餐, 之後再上Space Needle. Tilikum Place Cafe有名的Dutcy Baby好好食. 如果有心有興趣一試, 最好先到Open Table 訂台, 因為餐廳大排長龍的, 我星期四中午去的, 一樣多人, 相信Weekend更多!

Excellent, but get reservations for brunch

By zracoon |

I'm accustomed to getting reservations for dinner, but found out you need reservations for brunch here. We happened to get there right as they opened at 9 and they had one table for us, but I saw tons of other people arriving only to leave disappointed.

What A Lucky Find!

By Comoxfoodie |

We found Tilikum Cafe a few blocks from our hotel, and what a lucky find. We did not have a reservation as we planned an early dinner and luckily they could accommodate us at the bar. Reservations are a good idea by the way. We enjoyed a wonderful meal surrounded by friendly diners on both sides of us, who were regulars at the restaurant and more than willing to share their menu knowledge. We had handmade pasta in hazelnut sauce which had an amazingly silky texture. The onion soup was deep and rich and topped with an abundantly cheesy crouton. My husband was thrilled with the wild boar meatballs on spiralized root vegetables, full of flavour and not too heavy. We shared a lovely presentation of sorbet and biscuits to finish. This was the best food we had during our trip to Seattle.

Good food, great service, super expensive prices

By herefernow |

The food here was very good, but everything was a bit disjointed. A salad that was not at all as expected, a giant lamb of leg with nothing else put out as an entree for one person. Everything tasted decent and the service was really great, but it was super pricey and I feel like there's much better (and less confusing) food to be had in Seattle.

Small place. Make a reservation.

By Nottravelmuch |

Small place. Make a reservation. Accommodating to keto requests (no sugar or grains or potatos) Brussels sprouts were delicious. Had chestnut crepes and pork tenderloin. Both were very good. The cheese portion on the meat/cheese plate was not in proportion to the meat and crackers.

Great food and service

By bbitsi00 |

After our downtown visit, this was the perfect place for a delicious meal. The server was attentive and suggested the perfect food to satisfy us. Needed with the Dutch baby desert which was amazing.

We’re a bit embarrassed

By Mark L |

We’re a bit embarrassed in that these folks have been up & running going on 12 years--, today was our first time there. Our loss. Beyond fantastic Dutch Baby pancakes, 🍅 basil soup to die for, house-made sausages, biscuits & gravy like everything else was fantastic!! Don't be like us, try them first!!!

Think “Brunch”

By GigiCSanFrancisco |

Great place for brunch on the weekends. The savory Dutch baby had bacon, broccoli, and Beecher’s cheese - it was fabulous- served in a cast iron skillet, it was puffy with crispy edges. my friend had the traditional Dutch baby - dusted in powder sugar served with lemon juice. Not many tables, but bar seating is available.

Just Walked In

By Mick B |

1900+ reviews. But I’ll add mine. Atmosphere is warm, causal and inviting. Service. Should’ve gotten het name. Informed, helpful and diligent. Not to mention cheerful and kind. Lastly. But most importantly, The food. Oh. My. Goodness. Maybe it’s that my expectations (based on the menu) were, “This could go very wrong.” Or maybe it’s because we were hungry, but not overly so. Whatever the reason we picked this WITHOUT EVER HAVING LOOKED AT THE REVIEWS! Wife and I had the Baked Eggs that used poblano cream. The homemade sausage? Just “Yes!” Son had the French Toast. I can’t say enough about the food. Simple flavors intertwining to create incredible depth of flavor. And it was good! We walked in about noon on a Friday. The food without the atmosphere or service would’ve still been great. But the server and surroundings made it perfect. Thanks for my second only 5 star meal!

Intimate setting for wonderful foodie experience

By mshbnyehud |

I went solo for lunch and had a very high value experience. Sat at the bar looking right into the open kitchen, and thoroughly enjoyed watching the chefs do their thing. Ordered ice tea (reasonable and tasty at just $2) and then a lunch soup and sandwich special ($9). The soup was sausage lentil, really delicious and hearty in a light broth. Sandwich was turkey with cream cheese on a french roll, and slices of jalapeno. Not too spicey and lots of added flavor. Service was outstanding considering the place was completely full. Word is out that this is a highly rated TripAdvisor location. The menu is somewhat limited, but if you like breakfast-like items, they do a nice job on those as well. Dinner menu seems more limited but I'm sure everything is delicious. Can't wait to return.

An Awesome Place to Eat

By Mimi B |

The Dutch Baby was so gooood! Thankfully they were able to fit us in last minute without a reservation (but definitely make one if you go) The staff was also super friendly.

Outstanding

By David L |

We visited this restaurant on two occasions and can only HIGHLY recommend! The flavors were just fantastic

Great service, good food. NEED reservation

By Wannatravelmore |

We went for Sunday brunch. It’s about a 10-12 min walk from The Sound Hotel. Our reservation was at 9am and they had the table ready and waiting. This place fills up so make a reservation. I had the quiche which was super flavorful. The dressing on the salad was simple and light. My friend had the goat cheese omelette. She is a vegetarian and the menu was a bit limited for her. We shared one order of the French Press coffee and it was more than enough for us to have at least two cups each. We both had mimosas which were excellent. And we shared the classic Dutch Baby—Lemon. We came because the reviews all tout the Dutch babies. Again, she is vegetarian and the lemon was one of two non-savory options. I would’ve liked a savory (not sweet) Dutch Baby but it had pancetta. The Dutch Baby IMHO was dense and not flavorful enough without syrup. I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be like since this was my first time ever to have one but I don’t know that I would order that again. It was a good experience though to try it and it seemed every table had at least one. The service at this restaurant is outstanding. All the wait staff and other table staff were super attentive and catered to our needs. We walked off breakfast by going to the Olympic Sculpture Garden at the suggestion of our server. It was a pleasant 15 min walk from the restaurant. If going to the space needle after, it a 5 min walk to the needle.

Wonderful service and food!

By Stephanie |

This cafe has a wide range of options, including coffee, wine, vegan options, and sweets. I had the cappuccino and savory tart (goat cheese) that came with a salad tossed in a light dressing. Both were excellent! The customer service was also superb. Very fast, very friendly.

Exceptional, creative restaurant

By Alantripper247 |

This neighborhood restaurant in Seattle is a gem. I can attest to the marvelous brunch and it’s superb offerings. Their homemade sausage is perfectly spiced. A regular menu item, the babbas waffles are especially worth the 25 minute creation time. Served in a seriously hot pan, after choosing from three succulent types, we chose the sweet multiple berry. Oh my!! Nothing like it, ever. The puddings are also outstanding with various assortments of fruits. Fresh squeezed juices and juice cocktails were easily consumed without complaint, to good effect. Even the toast was elevated to superb when topped by the singularly best jam on planet Earth. No kidding. There is always a waiting list in part due to the smallish capacity but mainly because anyone who has ever eaten here jeeps coming back often. Only open four days a week currently and limited hours, one must reserve ahead or get lucky with a wait list. I suggest calling ti speak with a truly helpful and understanding reservation manager who actually tries to accommodate . There is a quaint genuine ambience here with some of the most personable wait staff. Everything here is delicious. You can close your eyes, put a finger randomly on the menu and have be a winner. That’s the way a truly exceptional restaurant serves it’s patrons and proud community.

Family style delight

By Hiebej |

We did a family style. We shared oysters, fig dish, pasta, veal and the steak. Meal was well paced and delicious. My brother is a food snob and he is still talking about the steak and how he is going to recreate the fig salad. Excellent local wine recommended by our server.

Short menu but great food

By wharr024 |

We found it! Was easy to get turned around. It looks more like an alley than a street. It is a small place but comfortable. Call first they might be busy.

Real gem near space needle.

By John F |

My wife had been once before. She took me there for brunch and it was amazing. The Bloody Mary was delicious and the pork belly hash was divine. We will be back and won’t hesitate to recommend this place to everyone. Skipping this restaurant would be a mistake.

Great ambiance, very pricey

By Marilinda69 |

I made dinner reservations for Tilikum before even leaving home due to its popularity. I loved the Belltown area and this street with it's twinkling lights, dog walkers etc. The café is lovely, dark, romantic, (although tables are close together), hip and trendy, ..had a knowledgeable waiter. The food is expensive for what you get. My husband had the special which was scallops for $32. ..three half-dollar size scallops with a few mashed potatoes, (period.) I had a cup of French onion soup (I didn't care for the pork taste), and a green bean salad. With two glasses of win, it was $94.00.

Speachless

By LouGarri |

I don't like doing rant reviews because people are often disappointed... I don't care, this is a rant review! If you go and do not like it, it means you have no clue! This place could get some Michelin Stars with no problem! I had rabbit leg with mustard sauce, spaetzle, sweet potato, spinach....to die for. Then my totally fetish desert, profiterolles...I have had many in my life....many.... I am speachless.... home made cream puff, homemade ice cream, home made chocolate sauce.... only once have I had it this good.... My utter respect to the chef, she runs a tight ship, knows how to bring out the best of everything....

LOVED THIS PLACE!

By HipNJMom |

We had lunch here after the chihuly museum (researched first). We wanted something close to the museum but in retrospect we would go out of our way to come here. They are famous for their Dutch Babies. We had the sweet blueberry ricotta baby and it was delicious! Everything else we ordered was yummy (summer Omelette, egg salad, corn chowder, quiche) and service was friendly and top notch. Highly recommend. Tip: make a reservation even for lunch. We didn’t have a reservation but they squeezed us in before the lunch rush.

Soooo DELICIOUS we went twice !

By valericl2018 |

WOW stumbled across this place during a stroll & decided to give it a go. So glad we did as the food was SPECTACULAR. We each had something different so we could have a try of each others choice. My red meat (Terres Major Steak) was cooked to perfection - It was served with tasty fresh greens & yummy gnocchi - must admit when it arrived I thought OK this looks a bit different but I can tell you even though we ate there 3 months ago (May 2018) my mouth is watering as I write this review. Hubby had the Pork chop which was also delicious. My hubby had a taste of my steak & agreed it was "WOW" - he loved the gnocchi so much that I had to stop him from eating all of it (after all it was MY meal !) Second time there we both had the Terres Major Steak. Have to also mention that the sourdough bread & butter was also simply divine! YUM YUM & more YUM.

Make the world your (baked) oyster

By Marjorie M |

If you've never tried baked oysters, here's your opportunity. Amazing! I paired this app with a side of sauteed greens, and with the bread on the table, made a light and economical meal for me. My companion was pleased with his pan seared halibut on a bed of beans. Sunday evening no tables available; we sat at the bar (many reservations). Service was painfully slow, but the seat at the bar gave us an entertaining view of the cook at work in the kitchen, who was a fast worker.

Seasonal specials

By V. Wilson |

Had an amazing brunch at Tilikum Place Cafe. My omelet was cooked perfectly and my sister loved the seasonal Eggs Benedict. We also ordered a pumpkin Dutch baby for dessert, the seasonal flavor. Definitely big enough for a few to share. Although it wasn't busy when we arrived, there was quite a crowd when we left. I would recommend making a reservation if you can!

Understated excellence

By Andy V |

One of the only truly quality restaurants in Seattle. Understated excellence, like you find throughout New York. A real hidden gem.

Great little spot

By Joan L |

This is a cosy, or at dinner crowded is probably more accurate, spot. The food was fresh and inventive, beautifully served, and tasty. The wine selection was good and favored many local vineyards. It is convenient to my favorite Seattle attraction—the Chihouly museum.

Just a superb cafe.

By Terry H |

We have never been to Tilikum Place Cafe in all our years in Seattle; our loss. It is not the type of restaurant you'll want for a romantic meal, but it is the place you'll want to go for delicious food. It reminds me of a French Bistro with small tables and wood chairs that always seem to be making scraping noises along the floor, but saturated with lively conversations that fill the room. There were four of us and we each ordered from the daily specials - so sampled both surf and turf. The men said the pork was great (one taste and I agreed) and my scallops was similarly wonderful. I think Tilikum is now in our top two restaurants to go to. Just wish we had known about the Cafe some decades ago.

Tiny place, big win

By 323Julie |

Dinner was exceptional. My chicken was tender and sauce was flavorful. Hubby had steak that was tender and cooked perfectly. Charcuterie board ( appetizer) had interesting and tasty cheeses. Wait staff was very nice. Highly , very highly recommend.

Fantastic place in a great location

By PaulR142014 |

Really enjoyed our dinner here for the last night of our vacation. Food was delicious, service excellent and view of the space needle from our window table made us smile. Thoroughly recommend this cafe. A special location to end our visit to Washington State.

This is Seattle!

By Slynch8 |

There are certain places that have that THING that screams, “this is Seattle!” This place has it! Great neighborhood with a funky vibe, an eclectic mix of tourists, locals, and business men and women, all looking for a good meal. This is the kind of place where you can get a great cappuccino and also not be judged for having a cocktail at 11:00 am. Very comfortable place to be, regardless of your reason....and the food was stellar.

Great local spot

By Marmagmarmag |

Ended up here on a recommendation from someone at my hotel nearby. Had the decadent pasta appetizer, halbut special and a cocktail. I recommend sitting at the bar and eating. It’s a great way to talk to other people and get the “local flavor.” Very enjoyable evening.

Oh that chicken!

By Garvin56003 |

We had one night before departing on our cruise and we picked here for dinner. We had the chicken and the fish of the day (halibut). Both were cooked similar, with a charred top but very tender below. We loved the food and wine! Reservations a must!

Nothing special

By Antanina K |

Based the reservation on people's review,but actually was quite disappointed,nothing special,food is average.The service is nice,but other then that,i wouldnt recommend it

Very Good Restaurant

By Douchka N |

Great bistro type of place with excellent food. It happened to be close to the hotel and it had great reviews. Did not disappoint. Great food, nice atmosphere, and great service. We were lucky to walk in and get a table but better make a reservation. The weekend brunch is so busy we could not get a table two days ahead. I can highly recommend Tilikum Place.

The perfect place!

By mdpai79 |

My cousin and I came here last week for dinner. The ambiance of this restaurant is fantastic. It is warm, but also quiet and comfortable. The food is delicious. We shared the hand cut pasta appetizer and the entree special (Halibut). Everything was seasoned to perfection. The wine selection is decent and paired well with the food. We shared the chocolate terrine for dessert which was amazing! I would certainly come back next time I'm in town.

Unique Culinary Delights! Worth the wait!

By Healthy94920 |

Apricot tarts-oh my! Fresh & I mean fresh, Salmon Salad Sandwich w/French onion Soup loaded w/sumptuous cheese piled high as it melted before my eyes....my oh my were our tummy’s happy! Savory, hand-made right in front of our hungry lil faces! Seriously worth the wait! The price? Crazy affordable, under $15 w/a hand-crafted Latte or Mimosa for the lil lady!

Excellent food and service. Note: book in advance!

By PerfectDayToPlay Blog |

We've been looking where to eat lunch and walked-in here but the place was packed! It was a Saturday in DT and no ppl on the streets so we were quite surprised. we nevertheless read reviews and booked the dinner right away, went to eat lunch somewhere else. Dinner - amazing experience. great wine selection, good food choices. My scallops where very good. Servers were also very accommodating around our 2yo - got him baby-friendly soup portion and very patiently assisted us with the baby. As a result we were able to enjoy a romantic dinner atmosphere, outstanding food and all of this WITH our 2yo son. Koodos to the servers.

Outstanding!

By marfak |

This is a tiny place whose ambience is nothing special. The menu is limited. They promised fresh and local ingredients, and they delivered. The oysters were fabulous; fresh and briney and perfectly shucked. I tasted the pasta starter and it was creamy, rich and savory. For mains I had the stuffed trout with fiddlehead ferns, pancetta, and shoestring onion rings. It was awesome! The trout was deboned and was quite large, so much so that I could not finish it. Others tried the pork chops, halibut and chicken and they drew raves. We never got to dessert. The wine and beer list is also limited, but it is local. I had the IPA and it was great. Others had the rose and syrah and thought they were very good wines. My only issue was that the service was glacial, which was hard to explain given the small size of the restaurant. Better service would have bumped this to five stars. Instead I give it a 4 1/2.

Great brunch place

By behka |

We made a reservation for 11 and when we got there there was already a line waiting so I really recommend making a reservation The service was great everyone was really friendly. We got the classic and sweet dutch baby. The classic was my favorite, not to sweet great texture. The sweet looked amazing but the berries took away from the great texture.

Wow! Wow! Wow!

By QR365 |

I recently had a lovely dinner at Tilikum Place Cafe. Everything was outstanding: the food, atmosphere, and our server, Matthew. Matthew was a delight, steering us to excellent choices and making us feel so welcome. I will be back the next time I am fortunate enough to visit Seattle again.

Great lunch

By Bill P |

One of us ordered chicken orzo soup, green salad and Earl Gray tea. Very tasty! While waiting on food, we read on the Internet about Bergamot orange that flavors EG tea. The other had frittata special (in an individual small skillet) with arugula and beet salad and an Americano. Also delicious. I’ve never been disappointed at Tilikum Place. My favorite neighborhood spot.

Date Night Dynamite

By Eric S |

The place is tiny, and a bit hot inside, but those tiny discomforts disappear against the fine service and excellent meals. We've been a few times, and the oysters are the best thing we've eaten in town. Of the main courses, we've enjoyed the steak and chicken above all others. The chicken is not a cast away here, never has the bird been so crisp and tasty on the outside and so moist and delicious inside. It's amazing. Perfect for date night, it's the kind of place that keeps the night special. Bravo!

Quiet place with good food

By Zeituni |

We were there by chance - have stayed nearby and looked for some place to dine. It turned to be a good choice - at least, pork chop and Teres Major Steak were tasty. Reasonable price. Recommend.

Little Cafe With Superb Food

By HCTAY |

We prebooked before arriving and was given a very early slot of 8.00 am. As we just arrived the night before after 17 hours of flying, on that morning, got our concierge at Hyatt to call them and inform that we would be a little late.When we arrived the cafe was already quite packed. Ordered 2 coffee, an Egg Benedict and a Dutch Baby Pancake. The servers were also friendly and helpful in explaining to us the food on the menu. Although the price was quite expensive but it was worth the dollars as the quality of the food was very good. This was our first trip to Seattle and also the first restaurant that we went whilst there. We enjoyed the food and the ambience. Hope to be back soon.

One of the best meals I’ve ever eaten

By Tom S |

Seriously— it was that good. Good selection of wines and mixed drinks. A couple of good beers. Service was friendly and professional. Order the ravioli. Peach cobbler was fantastic and much bigger than I expected.

Go-to brunch spot in Seattle

By Jason Park |

Go-to brunch spot in Seattle. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who asks. It's also great that they change up the eggs benedict every couple of weeks it seems (maybe weekly even?).

Amazing Brunch!

By John S |

Absolutely amazing brunch. The food was as good as it looks. We will be back when we are in Seattle.

Small Menu But Very Good Food

By dcgrandma |

We enjoyed our dinner here. However, if you are a picky or conservative eater, this place might not be for you. Their menu is fairly small, and the entrees come plated with their chosen sides. (Though they might make substitutions....we didn’t ask.) Several of the entree dishes might be considered a bit exotic by some (e.g. leg of rabbit), but they do have more conventional options. Lots of fresh, local, farm-to-table fare. It’s an informal spot with nice servers, an eclectic crowd, well-prepared food and a decent beverage menu. We reserved ahead-a good thing, as the place is popular.

The menu looked interesting but they had a bad attitude

By Ms_R33480 |

The host took a while to sit us even though it was toward the end of lunch time and the place had a few empty tables, his attitude was "I'll see what I can do". Then we were seated for nearly 15 minutes and no one came to our table, one waiter was cleaning the tables all around us and never even made eye contact, then the same host came by and starting setting the table next to us and didn't even address us or asked if we were being served at which point we told him we were leaving since they didn't appear to have any interest in serve us, he just looked pouty and said nothing

Delicious

By Nurun |

This a great little restaurant which serves delicious food. The fish was beautiful cooked and the desert I had was the perfect finish to my meal. Rhubarb tart with ginger ice cream.

Lovely night out

By Tao of Woo |

We loved this little gem. Don't underestimate the mushroom pasta. I'll be trying to make that sauce for the rest of my life. Just delicious. Service was excellent.

One of our favorite brunch in town!

By Philadelphians in Sydney |

One of our favorite brunch place in Seattle. Came back for the second time while we were in town. Food is absolutely lovely but the baked potatoes were a bit too dry for my taste. Overall, great place for brunch.

Amazing Again!

By dhartwell |

We went here three years ago and were thrilled that it was every bit as good if not better than last time! The service was amazing…our waitress (I think Elaine was her name) steered us in the right direction on the menu for our tastes and she was just a joy! We had the stone salad and hazelnut pasta appetizers and both were delicious. Followed by the chicken and finally the best profiteroles we’ve ever eaten. Thank you for another wonderful experience!

Small, quaint, and yummy

By fftravelers |

We enjoyed a brunch as soon as they opened (11 a.m.) along with a long line of other customers. That's a promising sign you're in for a treat. We were not disappointed, as we enjoyed quiche and potato pancakes. Both were excellent choices. Our waitperson was friendly and helpful and prompt. We declined to indulge in a glass of wine so early in the day, but did enjoy a nice cappuccino instead. Place was very busy, but we didn't seem rushed. Visiting other venues near the Space Needle? Make a point of stopping here, either before or after. Get reservations first.

Delicious food, great atmosphere

By Meredith H |

I hadn’t planned to have a restaurant meal - I was tired and just wanted to grab some takeout. But I walked past and it was so inviting that I changed my mind! I was not disappointed - the food was fresh and delicious,and the service genuine and attentive. I highly recommend this place.

Fresh and fantastic 🌟

By S.E. |

I wasn't sure what to expect in a tourist location. I was extremely happy to enjoy attractive clean surroundings , terrific service and healthy tasty food. Reservations are highly recommended

Amazing

By Al T |

Exactly the kind of down to earth kind of place you would expect to find in downtown Seattle. Simple decor, and an open kitchen with a short but gourmet menu offering something for everyone, vegans included. Do not miss eating at Tilikum Place Cafe.

Make reservations

By Thomas |

We attempted to eat at Tilikum for lunch. Despite a few empty tables, we were told they were being held for those who had reservations. We decided to try again at dinner, again without a reservation. We were offered a seat at the bar or if we wanted to wait a minute, a bar height table. I'll ignore the lunch-time slight because the food was so good at dinner. The French Onion Soup is outstanding. Service was great.

Old World Cafe with Lots of Character

By PackUpNGoNow |

Tilikum Place Café is a small restaurant that looks like it has been around forever. The front of the restaurant is a wall of wood framed windows, The restaurant oozes old world charm with its wobbly wood tables and well worn leather banquettes. One wall of the restaurant is the "bar" covered with nooks holding wine, liquor and glassware. It really is a beautiful space (see photos posted by other Trip Advisor reviewers). The food was just as wonderful. We had the onion soup and turkey sandwich lunch combo ($12), quiche ($9) and sardine sandwich ($10). Each lunch entrée came with a small side of salad. Everything was delicious. Nothing fancy - just a nice tasty well prepared lunch at reasonable prices in a special space with friendly service. Perfect :0)

Appetizers were good, but the main course was not

By rudyboomer |

The Tilikum is an informal trendy cafe in Seattle, Wa. The seating is close enough to eat off the next table. The service was excellent & friendly. We ordered several appetizers & main courses to taste different combinations. We ordered oysters, mixed greens & french onion soup, all of which were excellent. The ravioli was very good, the chicken & lamb average. The Teres steak was tiny & tough, with a small vegetable skewer & a gigantic glob of mashed potatoes and vastly overpriced at $28

Lovely Atmosphere and Great Staff

By Heather M |

This is a lovely little place only open on the weekends. The atmosphere is relaxing and the staff were outstanding. There were a couple of issues with my meal, but they were very fast to fix them. My husband's dinner was just perfect. We started with the soup which was good, though I did have to send mine back because it wasn't hot, but I got a fresh hot one right away. I had the duck breast and he had the chicken. Both were very tasty. Overall, we liked this place and would recommend it.

Repeat for sure!

By Marie B |

Make your reservations! It’s not a fancy restaurant with a view. It is a restaurant with consistently great food, knowledgeable servers, & a limited menu with very fresh ingredients. Parking is not too bad, depending on the day of the week and it’s definitely worth it. Everything simply tastes better here. They are happy to accommodate special diets within reason. And the coffee is terrific! On the list for a return visit or two or more ...

Great Dutch Baby!

By foodlovergirlny |

We found this spot with a raving review and tasty looking food, we decided to check it out. It looked pretty busy from the outside, and busy it was…seems like a super popular spot. They have a bar at the entrance, nice, fully stacked bar. The dining area was pretty packed, and all the empty tables were all reserved already. We didn’t have a reservation, but luckily for us, they had a few seats left at the bar counter. We saw one table getting Dutch Baby with blueberry in it. We decided we will get that for dessert. For the main, we went with Baked Eggs. Our server told us that our order of Baked Eggs and Dutch Baby both will take a while. We were ok with that. The server also asked if we wanted them out at the same time, or the savory one first and then the sweet one. We asked for the savory one first. Baked Eggs came in the cast iron skillet not big but not too small, and it was piping hot! It had loads of fresh veggies, all nicely cut up. It was cooked to perfection, we really enjoyed it! When we were almost done with the savory one, the sweet Dutch Baby came out. Their timing was incredible! It came in the iron skillet that was the same size as the Baked Egg. It was still steaming hot, fresh out of the oven. It was fluffy and creamy at the same time. It was delicious! The service here was very friendly, welcoming and polite. We received really nice service. The food tasted amazing, the quality was high, with fresh ingredients and everything made with love and care!

Deliciously Delightful

By Vortem |

There's something about this location...the intersection of quiet streets, soft light and big-city-yet-intimate feel. In a downtown bursting with glass and steel, it feels special in every way. Then there's the people. Exceptionally accommodating and welcoming. Hostess Lotta went above and beyond to secure us a table on a busy Saturday night. Then there's the food. Perfectly seared scallops nestled atop a nicely balance risotto. The warm, atmosphere cozy atmosphere was the ideal spot for couples and families to savor a wintry night.

Wonderful place for brunch

By psturge0n |

Tilikum Place Cafe is a delightful place for breakfast/lunch/brunch. We visited here with my wife's cousin who is from the area and highly recommended it. She was absolutely spot-on about this place. I had the sweet Dutch Baby and my wife had the Eggs Benedict - both were incredible! A quaint, wonderful spot to dine in the mid morning!

Tilikum service disappoints

By CanuckAlberta |

After seeing the good reviews on trip advisor we made a reservation to assure we would get in. We arrived promptly at 5 and proceeded to wait 15 minutes to get our drinks. After another 15-20 minutes they actually took our orders and then by 6:05 we finally got our meals. At no point did anyone offer us another drink or apologize for the slow service. It appeared they were struggling to keep up as they filled all the tables in the place at exactly the same time(5PM) and then the severs and kitchen was swamped. We did actually enjoy our meals, especially the ling cod and the corn chowder, but the poor service ruined the experience.

Fantastic brunch

By Arthur L |

Delicious brunch. Absolutely delicious. And fantastic service as well! The Dutch baby is a must try, and the Fry was a fabulous brunch dish.

Cute Place

By Charlie |

My wife and I went here for dinner. We shared the pea salad which was excellent had the best green goddess dressing that I've ever had. For dinner she had the French onion soup which was delicious and I had the steak with asparagus and gnocchi. We both enjoyed very much and the atmosphere was very relaxing.

Something different and lovely

By Darina S |

I wanted to review this restaurant not only because of the food but for the outstanding service. After our meal we couldn’t get a cab and one of the staff stood outside with us to help us and was genuinely concerned about us getting home. I had an extremely tasty and filling pea salad. I also had a side of beans that were homemade and gorgeous. I couldn’t recommend this place more.

Delicious and satisfying

By Mariana M |

We enjoyed our first visit here on a Saturday and were surprised by the short menu. But everything was had was delicious! The salad, soup, and main entrees were just the right amount. We found the entire meal very satisfying!

Breakfast

By Fintan K |

Wonderful!!! I stumbled upon this gem completely by chance and what a treat. Coming back for dinner tonight too to sample some of the tempting menu!

Luncheon

By William P |

Had a business meeting at this restaurant. The food is tasty and they have many unique things on the menu. Overall I would recommend

Great lunch with a view of Space Needle

By Becki L |

We managed to get a last minute reservation for lunch on a friday. The cafe is quite small and the table quite close together but this gives it a cosy feel, which was great on a cold wet December day. I ordered french onion soup, which was divine and very cheesy! and the sandwich of the day, chicken salad, on a samll french baguette, which was very tasty. Overall great lunch, with a nice view out the window of the space needle.

Disappointed

By MEMDallas |

Given the reviews, we were expecting something fabulous. My quiche was apparently reheated from this morning or even yesterday - the crust was rock hard! My husband’s Dutch Baby was extremely dense.

I want to share ... but I also DONT want to share!!!

By Ann D |

I'm feeling a little like the people who travel and then complain about "all the tourists" who bothered them when they arrived at their destination!!! Faced with no reservation made we turned up at the door about 10 minutes before the cafe was due to open. There was a pleasant buzz of conversation in the people, with reservations, waiting. We were placed on two high chairs at the bar and attended to with grace by the bar tender and every other staff person with whom we interacted - including the chefs and kitchen workers. From the simple salad, with amazing dressing ( which the chef cheerfullly shared the secret of the dressing - lemon oil) through the stuffed kale crepe - my companion had a small steak "done to perfection" - it was all simply perfect. It couldn't have been bettered in any way. The cafe is small and busy ( as others have noted ) but we did not feel rushed in any way. As I said ... it ones of those places you want everyone you know to go ... but then "everyone" might go and it might be harder to get a table. Reservations a necessity. Enjoy.

Great Food and Service

By JoeManzso |

Genuine customer interest from our server Mario who was engaging and informative. The French Onion soup was rich with well balanced flavors without overpowering the dish. The delicious & unusual Cauliflower sandwich provide wonderful texture, flavor and color. A great lite lunch in an inviting atmosphere.

Pretentious BS

By frogprince |

We stood for 5 minutes at the maitre d' stand waiting for him to acknowledge us with our three week old reservation. Finally seated and waiter took forever to show up. Latte arrived; asked for some artificial sweetener; it never arrived. Some dishes were great (the dutch baby) and some just ok (the baked eggs). Not sure what people are so bowled over by at this place. It's good but not great and the staff is full of themselves. Get over it already.

Great

By jehenson81 |

I am really happy that I sought out this restaurant when I was in the Seattle Center area. It is very popular for brunch on Sunday, but as I was by myself I nabbed the last seat at the bar. It took a bit for me to be noticed but once I was, the service was great. The daily eggs Benedict did nothing for me so I opted to get the quiche and some baguette with melted cheese (they did that special for me). The quiche was nice and creamy and the chunks of potato nice and tender. Could have done with a little more bacon (but who couldn’t). It also came with a little salad that was nicely dressed. The Beecher’s cheese on the baguette was so good. It was a nice meal and very filling.

Cruise stopover

By Paul P |

Fun day in Seattle prior to cruise..Tilikum Cafe was recommended to us by a friend and let met just say...Eggs Benedict was possibly the best I've ever had and spouse's basic breakfast was superb. Ambiance is fun, place was hopping at 1 PM...Absolutely everything homemade in house, fresh hot and plentiful. Eileen is awesome..personal, professional and a dynamic personality..!!! We definitely recommend at the highest level...

Great Local Find

By 123jimBoston |

Just moved to Seattle and this local art store owner tells me about Tilikum, small bistro on the north end of Bell Town. Started with the local favorite broiled oysters in a semi- spicy miso sauce, excellent. Hand cut fresh pasta with sage hazelnuts and parmesan was delicious. Great Pac NW pinot finished the evening. Please don’t disclose the weather is actually great and so is Tilikum..

Delicious and welcoming

By Michel_J_L |

Great location on the South side of Seattle Center. Street parking is easy (pay parking). Tables are not too close to each other. Delicious varied North West cuisine, served with a smile. The kitchen was willing to accommodate the special needs of a guest in our party of 4. Great imagination in the solution offered by the chef. Very tasty approach even though the prepared ingredients were not allowed. Thanks for being so accommodating.

Wonderful food and window seat

By Jennifer K |

Arrived around 11:20 on a weekday without a reservation for 2. I think we got lucky to get a seat and a window one at that! Many parties behind us had or needed reservations. Get there early if you don't have a reservation, Ordered the classics - dutch baby, French onion soup, and grilled cheese sandwich from the specials board. Wow! A perfect combo of sweet and savory. Food was hot and oh, so satisfying.

Excellent food, great service!

By foxwire |

Simple menu but enough choices for everyone (veggie, gluten free etc.). Had the chicken with "sauce Robert" and it was out of this world. Service was excellent!

Unique

By dennisrivers |

Checked TA and this place was highly recommended. Suggest securing a reservation. Only 3 had meals while in Seattle. This one intrigued me the most. It didn’t disappoint. I had the tpc breakfast and the Dutch baby classic lemon. My wife had the baked eggs. Everything was excellent. The Dutch pancakes are part pancake and part soufflé. The baked eggs were unlike anything my wife had ever had. I don’t know if this is the best breakfast place in Seattle but I would stack it up with the best I have had.

Good food & ambience, standoffish service

By Christy H |

The food was great and the coffee was amazing but please be aware that you need a reservation to eat at this restaurant if you don’t want to wait. We showed up around 1045a and were asked if we had a reservation. We did not so they offered us counter seating which was fine. The service was somewhat slow and not very friendly or inviting. When asked what the waitress’ favorite item was on the menu she repeated back all of the menu items and offered no further input. Don’t get me wrong, the food and location are great but the other staff members weren’t very friendly either and kind of set a weird tone for our visit there.

Small, local cafe with delicious food

By Lovetotravel11177777 |

Local cafe in Belltown neighborhood of Seattle that was recommended to us by locals. I suggest making a reservation on the weekends for brunch, or be prepared to wait. Staff was friendly and accommodated our gluten free restrictions. It's small and quaint, and we got seated at the counter in the window, which turned out to be lots of fun people watching while we ate.

Small Lunch Spot Good Food

By Denver_Lass |

My husband and I visited this small cafe while on our way to visit sights on the northwest side of Seattle. I had the French Onion Soup and it was delicious. He had the soup and sandwich of the day. He wasn't overly impressed while his meal was okay the serving size didn't meet his expectations. The cafe is more suited for women. The selections are very nutritious. He's a big eater so burgers, steaks and beer fit him better. Still a good lunch spot in my minds eye.

Delicious Food

By MEG |

We were in Seattle for my son's wedding and a friend of the mother of the bride set up a private bridal brunch and Tilikum Place Cafe and the food choices were plentiful and delicious. The owner and staff were gracious. We will definitely be back next time we are in Seattle.

Yummy Dinner

By Patricia H |

We were looking for a light dinner option for our first night in Seattle when we stumbled upon this cafe. We could have ordered heavy, but we chose to share the handmade pasta and tart appetizers, followed by a cup of French onion soup each and profiteroles for dessert. Lovely, lovely dinner! Loved it.

Nice dinner spot

By Cindy D |

Arrived in Seattle and had dinner at the café with our 2 adult kids and a local friend of one of them. There was something for everyone (daughter is a vegetarian) and we were all satisfied with our selections. I had a chicken/pasta dish (if I recall correctly) and really enjoyed it. We all shared a dessert. This is a nice place to have a meal. We did think the menu could have contained a few more choices. The service was friendly and the location is a short walk from several hotels.

Great find in Seattle

By Troonie1 |

Was lucky enough to get a seat at the bar in this popular cafe late morning. Really friendly staff, great choice of menu. Had quiche and coffee. Promptly delivered and tasted fantastic. Busy and clean kitchen. Accessible and clean restrooms. Would certainly make it a regular spot if from Seattle.

Cozy, great food

By Diane W |

We were a walk-in on a Friday evening. Food was way above par for a small place like this. Salad great and the onion soup amazing, although unique to me. A cozy place for couples.

Don't miss this place!

By Debbie R |

I looked on Trip Adviser for somewhere for dinner on our Seattle trip. This place got great reviews and they are well deserved. It's a small place within walking distance of the space needle. It's a small menu but there is something for any taste. Don't miss this palce, it was one of the highlights of our trip!

Wowwwww !!!

By GB3VLO |

Accidently walked into this Boutique Cafe and Hostess mentioned they only do reservations as they only have about 9 or 10 tables. When i mentioned that we did not, she took my number in case of a cancellation. To our surprise, I received a text that we had reservations for the next day. Quite unexpected, as she mentioned they were booked til February. So glad we were able to make it. One of the BEST breakfast we have had. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The staff is amazing !!! Can't wait to go back. Call first before going.

Always creative always high quality

By D S |

Tilikum never misses the bullseye on foodies palate. We had a nice wine, salad and a fish entree. Along with an I ecream sandwich. Everything was delicious.

Excellent food and excellent service

By Emptynestdublin |

This is an expensive restaurant when on a holiday budget but well worth the visit for a special night. We shared a salad starter and then had the specials of the day. The scallops were particularly good and the wine was perfect. Our waiter for the evening also added to the sense of occasion with the perfect balance of informed attention and banter. Delighted we ate here and definitely the best meal of our trip to Seattle

Great for Lunch

By riny |

The Tilikum Place Café is a popular restaurant near Seattle Center. It's small - so reservations are recommended especially on weekends. Lunch/brunch is particularly good. We had 2 unusual dishes - “Dutch Baby” - something like a quiche- in this case “savory”/spicy with chorizo. And the best sardine sandwich I ever had - with tapenade, arugula & roasted red peppers. The service was friendly & efficient. It's a special place.

Make a reservation ahead of time!

By Jodi M |

I found this place after looking for places near the space needle and the reviews were accurate. This place is a little gem. We went as a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teens). We shared 3 appetizers, 2 mains and 3 desserts and left feeling comfortable. Each dish was amazing. Our waitress was great. She even offered bread to help soak up the delicious sauce left over from our pasta dish. This place wasn’t busy at 5pm, but was packed when we walked by at 8:30pm. We wanted to go back for brunch, but it was booked out for over a month!

Our first night dinner... and our favorite!

By Nancy S |

We booked this in advance for our first night dinner. Our hotel was in walking distance and after a long flight it was so nice to walk to this quaint neighborhood restaurant. I ordered the Halibut special and it was exquisite. But the bread, wine, and pasta appetizer were amazing!!!! You must order the pasta appetizer!!! The waitress was so helpful, she even gave us names of places to go in the Ballard neighborhood on our visit.

equally amazing!

By Samantha |

The Dutch baby original at this place was undoubtedly the most delicious breakfast item of my entire trip. The combination of a crispy, yet soft and fluffy texture, made the bread absolutely delightful. The jam and smooth butter complemented the dish perfectly, adding even more flavor to the already mouthwatering experience. I can't wait to come back and explore more of their menu, as I'm sure every item will be equally amazing!

Cozy, Friendly, Good Food

By Ferns444 |

We arrived at the end of the Sunday brunch hour without a reservation and were lucky to be seated at the bar. The place was cozy and welcoming but packed. The menu is rather limited and a bit egg heavy for my taste. Options such as quiche, benedicts, omelette and savory tart are consistent, but the ingredients used to prepare them are rotated. The specialty is the Dutch Baby with sweet and savory options. They looked beautiful. I ordered the tomato soup which was slightly too spicy but tasty, and the savory tart which was a mixture of figs, nuts and goat cheese. Unfortunately, someone forgot to add the goat cheese to the tart before baking it, so our very friendly server brought me some on the side. It was ok, but would be a lot better when prepared correctly. It came with a small salad which was fresh and delicious. We also ordered the roast chicken salad and added mixed lettuces at our server's great suggestion. Dessert was a variety of six small cookies on a plate. Only two of the six, a lime shortbread and a ginger cookie were worth the calories. All in all this was an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend reservations.

Exsperience

By shannon m |

My wife and I really had a great time! The staff were polite and knew what they were talking about. The dinner and show were awesome. Shannon/Charles 15 September 2018. And we are from Seattle and live in Kitsap County

Great experience

By James D |

My wife and I recently dined at Tilikum. We had an overall great experience - one bad lamb chop which was rectified. Our server Matt was fantastic - he was behind the bar when we visited. The bar seats were the only ones available when we called since the opera was opening that evening. We were grateful for getting us seats. Do give Tilikum a try and hope to get Matt as your server.

Cosy

By Wesley W |

Cosy place for lunch, service was excellent and food fantastic. We had booked in advance and pleased we did as it was constantly busy while we dined.

Dinner before space needle

By Collin M |

We used TripAdvisor as we always do when visiting new locations to seek out the top restaurants. And as always this did not let us down. Fun location near the space needle. We ate at the high tables near the bar. The service was good the food was tasty and it serviced what we required before visiting the space needle. Highly recommended.

Brunch

By Mary M |

We visited for a late brunch. We had the Classic Dutch Baby and Brisket Eggs Benedict. Both were delicious. Fun place and great service!!

Amazing

By Sandi K |

In Seattle for a concert this past weekend and at the suggestion of our hotel had dinner at Tilikum Cafe. It was amazing. Food was excellent, service was excellent. As a matter of fact, enjoyed it so much we made reservations for the following evening. When we returned on Sunday we where welcomed back and given one of the best seats in the house. Felt very special. Highly recommend this Restaurant. Also recommend you make a reservation ahead of time as it is very popular.

Perfect, Relaxing Lunch

By Kevin W |

While visiting Seattle we had lunch at Tilikum Place Cafe, and was it perfect in every way. We arrived just as they opened for lunch without a reservation. We were seated right away, but I do recommend a reservation as the cafe is fairly small and fills up quickly. Our lunch was delicious! We both ordered soup and sandwich which that day consisted of their “out of this world” clam chowder and a fresh halibut salad sandwich....also amazing! We ordered coffee which was served in a French press, very good, with a little shortbread biscuit on our saucers. The service was excellent in that the wait staff was courteous, professional, and at the same time there was a comfortable casualness (friendliness) about them. The atmosphere was relaxed, warm, and cozy...I didn’t want to leave! The cafe is located in a beautiful part of downtown within walking distance of the Space Needle. We will go back every time we’re in Seattle!

unique and Tasty Breakfast

By 206GlobeGirl |

The Dutch baby was to die for! My baked eggs and vegie dish was incredibly delicious. Great service as well. Make reservations for breakfast on a weekend or you won't get in.

Still great food and wonderful staff!!

By Z9579VWpeter |

I returned to Seattle last week for some appointments. I took advantage of the overnight and ate TWICE at my favorite Seattle restaurant, the Tilikum Place Cafe. Ba, Brian and Chino in the kitchen still make the best baked eggs on the planet! And April at the bar has the best attitude about how to make drinks and serve food with joyful panache! Couple months ago, I did the take out a few times, too., It's delicious food. The Tilikum Place Cafe has my vote for Where to go Eat in the NewTimes. Thank you!

Recommend the shrimp salad!

By thetompsons57 |

This place had a lot of great food, but my favorite was a salad with shrimp in it. I forgot the name unfortunately, but it was delicious, highly recommend it both that and the chocolate cake style dessert!

Tantalized by Tilikum Place Cafe

By TravelTripin |

While many of the reviews for Tilikum Place Cafe focus on breakfast, this review pertains to the amazing dinner we enjoyed there. Granted we did try to get breakfast reservations but unfortunately 5 days in advance wasn’t quite enough. The restaurant is quite small with just a small number of tables and a communal high top that could probably fit 8 guests but wasn’t being used the night we visited. As with all Seattle restaurants right now (Feb 2022) we were Covid carded on entering. Within the first few minutes of being seated I noticed something happen twice - and that was the wait staff wished two sets of guests good night by name. I just don’t see that very often with the patrons and staff both genuinely glad they came in. The food was delicious, but further enhanced with the great staff and cozy environs. I started with some of the best French Onion soup I’ve had in a long time. Family ordered the black garlic gnocchi, scallops and two of us the lamb ragu pasta. Problem with good food is you always wish the portion sizes were bigger by the time you are half way into the dish. For dessert we had the chocolate fondue which was just fun and the custard tart. Looking forward to coming back next time time we’re in Seattle for both dinner and breakfast.

Wonderful place.

By NDtravelerSeattle |

Had a great Sunday dinner with mother-in-law and husband. Halibut and pasta dishes excellent. Wait staff really professional and helpful. Martinis among the best in Seattle.

Incredibly awesome minus one

By Steinwayfan |

We have been to this place many times and, as always, the food is amazing. Top notch with generally excellent service. However, if you can endure one person who seems to be at the helm of all things service related, then this is your place. This individual, who functions as hostess, expediter, server when needed and overall “personality” of the restaurant, needs a major attitude adjustment. She exudes, anger, disgust and disdain towards her customers that impedes the dining experience.

Good

By Danielle C |

Very good. Small menu, but I like the focus on the specialities. We had the Greek omelette and the vegetarian quiche. Both were delicious! Staff was friendly, make sure to come early. The place fills up fast!

Very hard to get a table or a seat

By InSeattle |

On 6 different attempts at getting a table or a single seat, I've only succeeded 2 times - the wait was too long (close to an hour or longer). I see that they take reservations now, I can't remember if they've always did or not. Anyways, on those two occasions, breakfast and lunch, we tried the Dutch baby, eggs benedict, salad, soup, and etc. Good food and it shows that lots of thoughts and efforts went in. Only sat around the tall and long shared table with high chairs which wasn't all that comfortable nor did we have chance to really soak in the ambience. Considering the wait time without reservation, limited number of tables, and value and portions of the food, I probably won't try again.

Great Local Hang

By mariaaba |

Nice quaint local restaurant. Small and intimate, great setting. Had a few apps to start, and ended with chocolate profiteroles..yum! The waiter was attentive and great.

Best meal I had in Seattle

By ellenhdoyle |

Had the Halibut special. It was absolutely delicious. Excellent waitress. Would definitley recommend.

Great atmosphere, wonderful food and service

By Peter T |

Amazing! Superb vibe and atmosphere in the restaurant, superb food - such well defined tastes, nice drink selection. The starters were a very strong start and the mains excellent. Not seen my wife enjoy a plate of food like that in ages!

One of Seatlle's finest restaurants!

By SeattleTravelLover1 |

I've enjoyed lunches and a dinner at Tillikum and couldn't recommend higher. Food was delicious and creative. The room is busy and active, not the quiet upholstered eatery for sure. I will certainly be back. Superb!

Great food!

By duckyfan |

We are visiting Seattle for the week and this has been my favorite restaurant up here so far. Love the vegaterian options. My daughter is has lots of allergies and they took great care of us! We Will remember Your cafe when we visit next!

Torn - Share, Not Share! AWESOME LOCAL HOLE IN THE WALL

By Ms.LoveTravel |

I can not say enough about this quaint, well groomed, well run kitchen, sweet neighborhood location close to touristy "Space Needle city" area. They are known for their brunch but dinner is probably one of the best kept secrets as well as their Pan Seared Chicken w/Yukons and Broccolini resting in a rich brown sauce. They make a killer French Onion soup from Pork Bone with some of the richest cheese nestled over the top. I strongly suggest you do not miss these two items if it is your 1st or only visit to this melt in your mouth experience. We finished our evening with Profiteroles-Vanilla ice cream, bourbon caramel so yummy. Tilikum also offers seasonal ice creams and sorbets just take a look at the chalk board upon arrival where you will also find the specials. Cocktails lean toward whiskey concoctions and I would have liked to seen a few lighter ones on the menu but they do offer a fine selection of wines, too. Note: Limited street parking so an Uber type ride is best.

Quaint, trendy and just right

By agioe |

This was our first meal in Seattle. Quaint little neighborhood venue. We made a reservation and i"m glad we did. Excellent service and food was outstanding. Server made great recommendations and the atmosphere was energetic yet I could easily hear the conversation at the table.

Charming Spot with Delicious Eats

By Amaya G |

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for brunch. The menu offers a great variety, and the dishes are well-prepared and flavorful. Service was friendly, though a bit slow during peak hours. Overall, a delightful experience worth revisiting!

Great little place

By douchka n |

My husband and I had dinner at Tilikum Place Cafe the evening we arrived in Seattle. The restaurant was close to the hotel and had good reviews. It did not disappoint. This is a delightful small restaurant with excellent food and good service. The place feels like a French Bistro. It has a small menu and daily specials. We both had the specials and enjoyed it. I can highly recommend this place. It is small so make a reservation or go early.

Nice Lunch

By The World is My Oyster |

Stopped there for a quick lunch today and enjoyed the atmosphere as well as good service. I ordered the chicken salad which was good, but nothing spectacular. The fresh baguette was really good. Decent place with a view of the Space Needle.

The breakfast in Seattle

By Frank s |

The dining room is decorated with taste and is not too crowded. The service is impeccable. The breakfast food is lovely. The Dutch babies nature or blueberry are succulent. It was our first breakfast in Seattle…certainly the best! Beware seats for breakfast are rare, reservation easy and highly recommended.

Maybe I should have waited for the Dutch Baby

By Taughboyne |

Our party of six showed up without reservations but managed to get seated at two separate tables with only a couple of minutes wait. Plus points. My Eggs Benedict was pretty routine but competently made and served. I was tempted by the Dutch Baby pancake but the advertised waiting time for them was more than my hunger could stomach. Maybe, next time, I should learn the lessons and prepare better for breakfast at this small cafe. BTW the Five Points cafe staff next door were charming and encouraged us to try the Tilikum when they couldn't accommodate us. Nice to see that.

Tasty Tilikum Treats

By Denise N |

Special weekend breakfast of Eggs Benedict with thick sliced bacon was beautiful to see and a treat to taste. Roasted side potatoes crispy with special seasoning. Foam art topped my mocha and the grapefruit juice was fresh squeezed luscious. Tilikum Place is tucked in a almost invisible location with a peak-a-boo view of the Space Needle. Everything was lovely - I highly recommend.

Warm and Friendly

By VinBlanc70 |

Good food at decent prices. The service was slow to start and a bit sluggish to follow, but all with warmth and smiles. My wife and I had dinner from the Starters list. Ample and tasty.

Evening meal

By Lewis1901 |

Nice little cafe, nice staff, clean tidy with a good choice of food. Not the best I’ve visited in the area, however it ok

So glad we were able to get in without having a reservation!

By disneykathie |

We were visiting Seattle for the first time and this restaurant came highly recommended. Thankfully we were staying close by in Belltown. The four of us thought we would pop in and luckily got a table. The restaurant is quite small and opened limited hours. I loved what I had: Dungeness crab macaroni. Not your typical cheese sauce. Yummy. My friends got the French onion soup. Wonderful! So tasty. The other had the halibut sandwich, which was made in the same vein as a lobster roll. It came with soup and both were quite good. Oh how I wanted to make room for a Dutch baby, but could not. Service was friendly. Definitely would recommend to others, although menu quite limited and my friends didn't see much they liked on the menu.

Late night surprise!

By Judy J |

We got to Seattle late in the evening after a 5 hour flight. After checking in the Hyatt House, we walked to the café. It was 9:45 by the time we ordered. (kitchen closed at 10) I ordered the special, scallops. They were delicious.

Absolutely delicious

By Pjcary |

We had dinner here on a weekday. Quite crowded but we got a table without a reservation. Lovely ambience. Stained glass windows n exposed brick columns. Rather dim lighting using candles at tables. I had to use my phone torch light to see the menu clearly. My husband had the French onion soup n a glass of wine. We shared the baked oysters, fresh fig salad n the pan seared chicken. All were excellent. Portions r not large like a typical diner. But just right for us as we weren’t very hungry . We spent about $84. For special occasions Tilikum is a lovely restaurant.