If you’re willing and able to cover the cost of $100/person after taxes, 4% fee, and tips (drink + app + main), this is actually a great place for a date or something else special.
The Food: It’s legit good. Quick story. I was blessed enough to have regular access to Il Corvo when it existed downtown. Every bowl of pasta they served was perfect every time, and it was $12, so I’m forever spoiled and seeking pasta of that quality (if not price). All that said, I was impressed with with Haerfest’s pasta. Good sized portion, well balanced and cooked, with great taste. We had the carrots and steak tartare for apps, and both were good if not quite great, and I really wanted the tartare to be 6oz not 4oz (or that proportional increase)
The Drinks: I don’t drink all that much, and tend to be picky about mixed drinks if I’m paying Seattle prices for them, so I was surprised to find I would come back here for their Condesa. The bar tender was also very friendly and genuinely interested in us enjoying the drinks. I absolutely feel they’d fix your drink if you didn’t like it, and be able to help you find something you do.
The Space: It’s a little cramped, but still has the fancy aesthetics and vibes you want without feeling too formal or pretentious. You’ll feel like good things are going to come out of the kitchen and you’ll be right.
Service: We had one request that got missed, but they fixed it and then some, and that to me says this is a place worth returning to. If you’re gonna drop this kind of money you expect they’ll be attentive and make the experience feel special, and they do.
Constructive Criticisms: Presentation was lackluster. Everything was served on the same plate - regardless of size, shape, or color - and tho that’s undoubtedly easier for the staff, it’s a missed opportunity to further elevate a lot of great dishes. A dish like the carrots with pine nuts is a bit of work to get all the ingredients into a single bite, which a little unfortunate because it has...
Read moreWaltzing into Haerfest on a whimsical Seattle afternoon was like finding that perfect kangaroo on a rocky hike—unexpected and utterly delightful. As a seasoned traveler with more frequent flyer miles than a seagull flock, I had my reservations about this cozy restaurant with its unassuming facade on Stone Way N. But what awaited within obliterated any skepticism.
Sitting at the bar, my partner and I were treated to prime seats for a culinary symphony. The bartender orchestrated the night’s events with wit and wisdom, making us feel like old mates at a neighborhood dive. His stories were as crisp as the Sauvignon Blanc he poured, engaging us just enough to forget about the world outside.
Now, to the pièce de résistance: The food! Oh, the food! The salmon was as succulent as a summer romance, and paired with the ridiculously flavorful baby veggies and freshly baked bread, it had me believing in love at first bite. The level of detail in presentation was pure art—each dish a masterpiece that could’ve graced the walls of the Louvre under “Edible Delights.” I’m still dreaming about it at night as you do an unrequited love.
And just when we thought Haerfest couldn’t ensnare us further, in came the heartbreak. You see, we were completely stuffed, saving leftovers for what we thought would be tomorrow’s lunch. But in a tragic plot twist, we left them behind during our euphoric haze. Let’s say that was equivalent to leaving a winning lottery ticket behind at the deli. Heartbreak never tasted so good.
In summary, Haerfest transformed a typical meal into an unforgettable journey. It’s an experience that touches the soul and tantalizes the tongue. If you find yourself in Seattle, skip the usual pebbles and dive into this hidden gem—it’ll surely leave you starry-eyed...
Read moreHaerfest is a wonderful new restaurant that is a great option for happy hour gatherings, dinner with friends, and celebrating special events. The portions are large and meant for sharing and the cocktail menu is fresh and creative. There are also wines and spirit-free drink options. The restaurant is beautiful with an open kitchen and an option to sit at the counter and watch the team in action. I highly recommend visiting Haerfest and we look forward to returning to try more options.
The menu has a variety of appetizers to choose from. We ordered the grilled carrots, bread course, and burrata to start. We were surprised by a delicious asparagus amuse bouche to kick things off. The roasted carrots dish is absolutely worth ordering! The burrata is served with some delicate and freshly sliced mortadella, which is smooth and delicious. The bread course is a bit big for two people if you are ordering all courses, but definitely worth trying for a larger group or if you are only ordering appetizers.
Next we enjoyed the cavatelli, which is a handmade pasta with amazing flavors and just a little heat (but not spicy). We enjoyed the salmon as our main, and it was cooked perfectly with a crispy skin. For dessert we ordered the tiramisu, which I rank in the top three tiramisus I've ever tasted.
We went for a second visit and I am happy to say that the additional dishes we tried were amazing! Added more photos- Ahi Tuna appetizer, Ricotta Gnocchi, Prime NY Strip, and Chocolate...
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