Matt's in the Market — Restaurant in Seattle

I wanted to like this place, I really did. I don't write poor reviews often but felt the need to share my truth because "stellar reviews" (and the deviled egg flight lol) are what drew me here.

Take 1 I got lost trying to find my way to Matt's in the Market and ended up not being able to dine. I walked in behind a couple who were asked if they had a reservation. They said no, but the hostess quickly seated them anyway. I was relieved because I hadn't made a reservation either. The hostess returned to me BUT it wasn't to seat me, it was to let me know it would be a moment. She then proceeded to go pick up food and deliver it to tables while I waited. A few times the chef made eye contactwith me, but didn't say anything. Had the hostess taken a moment to properly greet me before rushing off to drop off food, I could have asked her if I needed a reservation when I returned. Instead I had to wait before finally being able to ask. Waiting...little did I know, this was just the beginning.

On the day of my reservation I showed up right on time. Gave the hostess/waitress my name and she sat me and handed me a menu. I perused the menu already knowing what I wanted to feast on but was unsure of drinks because there was no menu for them. She returned a few minutes later and ran down some nice specials. I didn't want to interrupt her because she was on a roll. I told her I knew what I wanted but asked about drinks. After giving me a puzzling look she told me they were on the back of the menu, I then showed her they were not. She said Hmm and grabbed a menu with the drinks on the back. THAT WAS MY BIG MISTAKE!!! After handing me the correct menu, she went ghost! I don't mean the avoiding my table kind of ghosting, I mean the nowhere to be found kind of ghosting. After several minutes others started noticing her absence as well. The chef came out and started delivering food, taking plates away and obviously scanning for the server. Unfortunately I wasn't one of the lucky ones he checked in on, so I continued to wait. After 20+ minutes of waiting (I was on a 1 hour lunch) I approached the gentleman mixing drinks and asked if there was anyone I could place my order with. He said yes, he just needed to get some drinks out. I let him know that I was interested in the deviled eggs and seafood chowder. About 5 minutes after returning to my seat, my server returned to see if I was ready to "rock and roll". I let her know that I had given my order to someone already.

I had time to try the eggs but then had every intention of leaving because it was time for me to head out and I wasn't feeling it. As I got up to look for someone, my server was heading my way with a big bowl of chowder. I asked her if it could be wrapped and she looked at me like I had grown a second head. I clearly confused her with my request. I told her I had to get back to the office. She didn't seem too happy to have to prep it to-go but I wasn't too happy that I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy my food.

As I left everyone sent me off with a nice "thank you, goodbye"! It was the most attention I had received since walking in. I did everything I was supposed to...I showed up on time, I was patient, and I even tipped as if my experience was pleasant. I just wish that others had done what they were supposed to.

The food: I would give the deviled egg flight a 3 out of 5. The egg base wasn't my cup of tea. The chef did a great job with the topping selections. I especially liked the mushrooms. The texture along with the burst of saltiness made the egg absolutely delicious. I enjoyed the scallop and sausage topped eggs as well. The seafood chowder had a velvety creaminess that was perfectly sweet and savory.

Would I discourage anyone from dining here? No. The tables around me seemed to have been enjoying themselves, hopefully you will too. A good dining experience just wasn't written in the stars...

Matt's in the Market is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Seattle, Washington. This charming restaurant offers a dining experience that is both intimate and unforgettable. Located on the second floor of the historic Pike Place Market, Matt's in the Market offers stunning views of the bustling market below and the iconic Seattle waterfront.

The moment you step foot inside, you are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cozy space is adorned with rustic wooden furnishings, vintage decor, and large windows that flood the restaurant with natural light. The friendly and attentive staff make you feel right at home, providing exceptional service throughout your meal.

The menu at Matt's in the Market is a celebration of Pacific Northwest cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the natural flavors of the region, resulting in a menu that is both innovative and comforting.

Start your culinary journey with a selection of small plates that showcase the chef's creativity and attention to detail. From the perfectly seared scallops to the flavorful roasted vegetables, each dish is a testament to the chef's skill and passion for creating memorable flavors.

For the main course, the restaurant offers a variety of options that cater to all tastes. Whether you're a seafood lover, a meat enthusiast, or a vegetarian, you'll find a dish that satisfies your cravings. The quality of the ingredients shines through in every bite, and the expert execution of the recipes ensures a delightful dining experience.

To accompany your meal, Matt's in the Market offers an impressive selection of wines, carefully curated to complement the flavors of the dishes. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide recommendations and guide you through the extensive wine list, ensuring a perfect pairing for your meal.

Save room for dessert, as the sweet offerings at Matt's in the Market are simply irresistible. From decadent chocolate creations to refreshing fruit-based desserts, each sweet treat is a delightful indulgence that will leave you craving more.

Beyond the exceptional food and drink, what truly sets Matt's in the Market apart is the view. As you dine, you are treated to panoramic vistas of Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline. The combination of delicious food and breathtaking scenery creates a dining experience that is truly unique and memorable.

In conclusion, Matt's in the Market is a culinary destination that should not be missed when visiting Seattle. With its exceptional cuisine, warm ambiance, and stunning views, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both memorable and enchanting. Whether you're a local looking for a special night out or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of Seattle, Matt's in the Market will exceed your...

*Service was outstanding Beef quality was so so. (The tenderloin had a grainy texture that I would not expect at the $68 price.) Salmon quality was amazing given climate change conditions Roasted beet salad with burrata was the best I have ever had Great creme brulee, but skip the grainy maple corn doughnut topping Cocktail menu is geared toward men's whisky drinks. Even the girly "Sarah in a Pink Dress" cocktail was too cognac and bitters heavy to appeal to any girly girl I know.

Surprisingly the meat was the worst part of the meal.

The roasted beet with burrata salad was the best roasted beet I have ever tasted! I am sure if you have tasted roasted beets, you know they can range from dry and bitter to grainy to flavorless. However, Matt's roasted beet salad flavor but still MOIST! WHO KNEW IT WAS POSSIBLE? The quality of the burrata was beyond expectations. I must have hit it on a good night.

The salmon was also the best ever! It was crisp on the outside and perfect pink on the inside. Many chefs can do this, but again, it was the quality of the salmon that shined through. It did not have that "washed out water and bitter flavor" that we can attribute to salmon less than cold climate change.

Sadly, the beef tenderloin at $68 was the worst part of the meal. It was cooked perfectly. However, the chef did not account for the fact that the meat was bland and grainy. So when you bit into that 2 inch piece of meat there was no char or sauce to make up for grainy, flavorless, bland middle part of the steak. I was so surprised, I had to laugh. That was probably the worst steak I have had in years at any restaurant. It was not what I was hoping for.

But, I had to appreciate the view of the Pike Place Market at sunset.

The wait service was outstanding! Wow. The service was thoughtful, unobtrusive and caring.

Also, what you see on the online menu is not what you can expect at the restaurant menu. Beware!

Given all that and the high price, as a local Seattle resident, I would not go back. I can see the views elsewhere and make a much better...