Seattle, help me spend $150

[Pirate]

I need somewhere for a nice treat for Mrs P. Ideally would like something “Quintessentially Seattle” whatever that is; rather than say French or Italian, which of course available at home (England).

So far I’m thinking Dahlia, but welcome some input.

Food is of course paramount, but romantic atmosphere and/or a view always welcome.
Prepared to spend up to $150 for two, including tip, tax and a sensible bottle of wine.
We prefer to walk home after dinner, so big plus for within a mile of the Sheraton.

Thanks for your help,
Pirate

[SeaGal]

How about the newly reopened Matt's in the Market? It's got a view, great NW cuisine, and is very Seattle-ish. Not necessarily very romantic, although ymmv.

[jme1beachbum]

I just recently visited Steelhead diner in Pike Place Market. It was excellent- very Seattle. In fact the chef gets all his ingredients directly from the market. Its not really a diner, its a spin on one, but much better. Dahlias is also good, albit a little more expensive. I guess its a tie for my vote :) Let us know what you chose.

[bighound]

HERE'S A SECOND VOTE FOR CHEZ SHEA. IF YOU COULD MUSTER THE COURAGE TO TAKE A CAB BOTH WAYS I HARDILY RECOMMEND LE GOURMAND IN BALLARD.

[christy319]

Steelhead is good but not romantic in the least. I'd also say Chez Shea.

[CRHtoo]

Here's my take--given your criteria:

Canlis is top notch but you won't get out for $150 inclusive. (I have eaten here often and often had the steak tartare--too bad 'howard 1st' got ill but that can happen just about anywhere).

As for Cascadia, it's a great Seattle / NW choice but you will spend all the $150.

Wild Ginger is, well, too wild and too trendy. Dahlia has seen better days except for the coconut cream pie but you can treat Mrs.P to that out of the bakery next door!

I like to take out-of-towners to Zoe. You'll meet your budget and be ensured of having the best from our fine NW larder.

[savorlicious]

Zoe's is a great choice

[barleywino]

i would nod "yes" to all your comments except that i'm not sure Zoe would be my first choice if Mr. P is looking for romantic atmosphere and/or view, Zoe is more bistro/coffeehouse in feel imo.

[savorlicious]

I think Cascadia is worth checking out. It meets all of the criteria you mention. You can peruse their menu at www.cascadiarestaurant.com

[southendeater]

Wild Ginger is delicious and quintessentially Seattle, with a host of yummy seafood (I still think of their scallops) and Asian flavors/influences. I think you're on the right track with Dahlia as something great and Seattle, too - their coconut pie is delicious. Neither of these has a view (or maybe I've been seated in the wrong section?)

[howard 1st]

without tom douglas in the kitchen (and he hasn't put in a shift at the stove in years) any of his restaurants are a crapshoot as to quality; i have been both very pleased and quite unhappy on my visits to them. than being said, dahlia is a temple of northwesterness and probably worth taking the chance. sorry, no view other than the lovely room itself but close to the sheraton. for view (but much added distance) i would choose ray's boathouse (the downstairs dining room). avoid canlis under any circumstance; i was physically ill (improperly prepared beef tartare?) when last there

[barleywino]

For $150 for two inclusive of wine, tip and tax, I would suggest Crush except that it is 1.7 miles from the Sheraton. A more walkable option would be Chez Shea at Pike and 1st. Canlis would be a good option for romantic/view but it's 2.4 miles from the Sheraton.

[Bunson]

This isn't a direct response since I dont' have any firsthand experience, but I'm hoping someone replies with some info on Canlis which I first heard about through a friend.

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Canlis Restaurant
2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109