Big John's PFI — Local services in Seattle

The product selection is good and includes many excellent brands, including imports from Europe; however I found a large number of items are easily sourced at other local grocers or reputable on-line purveyors for SIGNIFICANTLY less cost (including shipping). I did not expect to find “discounts” but also was disappointed to find the exorbitant markups on items like vanilla extract and pastes, canned tomatoes and dried pastas, specialty crackers etc. I spent approximately $200 and could have easily saved $50 if I had ordered online. I was happy to find several varieties of Greek cheese and pre-made pastry shells that were good values. I did not look carefully to see if the deli has a slicer (their website says they do not but will cut you a half pound or more of any item) - a nice range of meats and cheeses but it seems absurd to sell prosciutto that can’t be sliced. I’m not sure about the availability of street parking but the garage parking area was small and awkwardly laid out. It is a good resource if you need the convenience of a lot of different specialty items same day - it’s less valuable as a place for cooking enthusiasts to do a...

New updated review.

I've been coming to PFI for 11 years and it always been one of my favorite hidden quirky places.

I always enjoyed the fact that unless someone took you to the old location you would never find it, it the back of a parking lot, in a warehouse by the railroad tracks.

The new location is completely different and while I miss the clandestine charm of the old spot the new location has so many modern amenities it's hard to argue for any reason other than being an old Seattle elitist that it's not a huge upgrade.

The selection is the same and at least for the time being they are open on Sunday now!?!?! What reality am I even in?

The nostalgic in me likes to think that even know the shiny new building that has a better location it still has some old PFI charm to find the shop. From the parking lot its in a door, up an elevator, through a door, down another hallway and another door. Wouldn't be PFI if you didn't have to work for it at...

My husband and I love Big John’s! The newer location is ideal as it’s closer to us but we do miss the previous locations charm. This place is definitely a hidden gem in Seattle.

I will say - the BEST imported cheese selection - their Treccione and Tres Leches is chefs kiss! Also, great prices on their large wine selection. If only they had a meat slicer and served imported meats by the slice :)

I would give this place 5 stars but sometimes the staff isn’t the friendliest and they could do more to help customers understand/explore all of their amazing cheese options (since their minimum is .5 pound), it can be a bit intimidating to ask for samples. With the quality and price of these delectable cheeses, it would be nice to have an easier way to try before you buy. Sometimes they aren’t too keen on giving multiple samples and wish there was more guidance on which cheeses to...