Purple Café and Wine Bar — Restaurant in Seattle

Nestled in downtown Seattle lies a hidden gem that defies the urban clamor and transports its guests to a realm of refined elegance: the Purple Café and Wine Bar. This establishment, with its enchanting ambiance and culinary prowess, offers an experience that is both memorable and profoundly satisfying.

Ambiance & Setting

From the moment you step inside, the Purple Café and Wine Bar distinguishes itself with an air of sophistication. The wine staircase spirals into the ceiling, and stands as a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to excellence and detail. It draws the eye and ignites the imagination, promising a wine list as grand as the staircase itself.

There’s a golden glow over the dining area, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds apart from the hectic streets just outside. It’s an environment that invites you to linger, to savor, and to lose yourself in the culinary journey that awaits.

Service

One of the highlights of my visit was the impeccable service provided by Laupa (hope I got that right), Laupa has a unique talent for conveying the intricacies of the dishes and wines in a way that feels like an inspired suggestion you might have thought of yourself. It was with her guidance that we discovered some of the evening’s most delightful pairings—gems that we might have otherwise overlooked. After requesting permission, Laupa allowed us to share her secret pairing combinations in this review, so others might benefit from her expert insights.

The Culinary Experience

The evening began for me with the special of the day: Alaskan King Salmon. This dish was nothing short of extraordinary. The salmon itself was tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. The accompanying vegetables, far from being mere side notes, were vibrant and full of unique, complementary flavors. Surrounding the plate was a hummus-like dip that had a pleasant, yet distinct flavor. Each bite was a revelation, making it clear that the chef understands the art of balancing subtlety and boldness in equal measure.

However, the true star of the evening was the Purple Rose Tart—a dessert that transcend the ordinary culinary experience. From the first bite, this tart delivered an experience unlike any other. The initial bite triggers a rose flavor that blossoms in your mouth, which was followed by a smooth transition into the tart’s buttery flaky soft crust, it was a rich base, and rolled over the tongue with a refined elegance. And just when you think the journey has concluded both flavors—rose and tart—combine to trigger a third sensation, creating a taste so distinct and powerful that it leaves you in awe. It’s a three-stage flavor experience, a rarity in the culinary world, where typically only two flavors dominate. The Purple Rose Tart is, without a doubt, the most delicious dessert I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.

The dessert offerings did not end there. The Crème Brûlée, while perhaps unremarkable on its own, was elevated to near-perfection when paired with the secret port wine recommended by Laupa. The combination created a flavor profile that seemed to stretch on endlessly, making this pairing the second-best dish of the night.

For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Brownie Dessert, paired with another secret port, is the ultimate chocolate experience. Each bite triggers every chocolate receptor in the mouth, earning its place among the restaurant’s finest offerings. An honorable mention must also be given to the caramel chocolate desserts.

Final Thoughts

The Purple Café and Wine Bar is more than just a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary of taste, elegance, and refinement. The combination of its unique setting, exceptional service, and unforgettable dishes makes it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the art of dining. Whether you’re seeking an intimate evening out or a culinary adventure, this establishment will exceed your expectations. And with Laupa’s secret pairings now revealed, your experience is sure to be nothing short of phenomenal.

Shout out and special thank you to my friends for...

I’ve been here a handful of times at this point being that I live right up the street. More often than not, we do takeout and tonight’s experience reminded me why!

My daughter loves their pizza which is always a win! Service is really hit or miss (more on the miss) which is the sucky part considering the prices you pay for food. There is one waitress, I am not sure of her name which is horrible to say, but she is fabulous! She is friendly and attentive and remembers us when we come in which always makes you feel good! The bartender is also absolutely wonderful! The two gentleman that work the front of the restaurant, who may be the owners or managers I don’t know, lack friendliness all the way around. Never a smile or a “hi, welcome in”. It’s not a good vibe and it is off putting.

Tonight we decided to eat in and I instantly regretted it. They sat my 4 year old and I at a small table right next to another table (not uncommon) even though I asked for a different table prior to actually sitting down there. The waitress was kind enough to move us which I appreciated. We ordered my daughter’s pizza since she already knew what she wanted and the waitress was going to return in a few minutes for my order because I wasn’t ready just yet. My daughter’s food came out well before she even came back to the table for my order which was great that her food was prompt but also disappointing because kids have little to no patience once they are done eating and are ready to go! I knew that I was not going to be able to eat in peace at this point 😂! When the waitress did come back over, I just asked for a box to take the food my daughter had to go because there was no need to order my food at that point. We didn’t even get a drink order in and the water at the table was warm. Overall, a pretty crappy experience for $30. We had reservations for Mother’s Day brunch, but I think we will go elsewhere after this experience.

As someone who runs a local business (like within 500 feet of this restaurant), I really enjoy supporting other local businesses. I had recommended this restaurant to many people based on my positive experiences with the previous waitress and the bartender. But I cannot continue to do so now. Maybe they prefer a certain clientele and my daughter and I do not fit this image (iykyk). Overall, decent pizza and fries for sure! Shitty service which is honestly what you’re paying for. The bar across the street will treat you better and not make you feel like you’re in the...

My wife, daughter, and I were staying at the hotel across the street when the concierge recommended this restaurant, noted for its impressive wine list and pairing recommendations. Intrigued, we walked over early, around 5:00 p.m., and requested a table. The host staff informed us that they could accommodate us, but they had reservations starting in 90 minutes. I asked if there was a table available immediately, and they confirmed, leading us to our seats.

Our server, Tobias, was exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and talented. The several wine pairings we enjoyed were delightful and perfectly complemented by the well-curated wine list. However, the positive experience was short-lived. While I was in the restroom, a host staff member approached our table and informed my wife that a reservation was arriving and we needed to vacate our table. My wife explained that we had not yet received our entrees, prompting the host to check with the kitchen. They returned shortly, stating that we could stay for another 20 minutes.

This request was an egregious faux pas, demonstrating a severe lapse in hospitality. It made us feel unwelcome and as though we were imposing on the staff. When our entrees arrived, we felt rushed to eat quickly, pay, and leave. Had we not been pressured to leave, we would have gladly ordered another round of drinks and dessert. Instead, we left feeling frustrated and offended.

On our way out, I spoke with the floor manager about the host's request for us to leave. Unfortunately, he defended the practice, further souring our experience. In my opinion, fine dining establishments should never create an environment where customers feel like a burden. The service industry thrives on creating warm, welcoming atmospheres where ambiance, service, and product combine for an exceptional experience.

The faux pas executed by this restaurant, coupled with the management's defense of such practices, has left me with no choice but to not recommend this establishment. There are many other places where patrons are not subjected to time limits or asked to vacate their tables before they have finished their...