Where to take friends for special dinner in Seattle?

[benmeddle]

I'll be in Seattle in two weeks for a friend's wedding and I wanted to take a small group of people (5 including myself) out for dinner on a Sunday night.

I'm not concerned about price. However, I'd like something casual or business casual where we can enjoy a nice atmosphere and some good wine (or other type of beverage). No steakhouses or seafood-only joints (one non-meat eater and one non-seafood eater in the group, though a seafood restaurant with a variety of non-seafood options can work).

Thanks in advance for suggestions!

[bosanova99]

I love Purple Cafe as well. Canlis is nice if money is no object. Haven't been, but I've heard Union is nice.

[AGW510]

Union is great. I would highly recommend Restaurant Zoe, too, I always have a great time and great food there, and my veggie husband always enjoys it.

Cafe Flora is an all-veg restaurant that does an amazing job, and many non-vegetarains love too. Ray's Boathouse doesn't have veg. options on the menu, but puts together beautiful veg. options!

[jme1beachbum]

Purple. Its a wine bar/resto in downtown. Very nice atmosphere, good food, great wine list. Call ahead for reservations.

[Leper]

Ben, I suggest the Dahlia Lounge. It always seems to please a variety of people with diverse tastes and has a very nice atmosphere. Service tends to be more professional than most Belltown eateries. Don't miss the donuts in a bag for desert.

[PAO]

Everything is casual or business casual here in Seattle.

If you're really not concerned about price and someone in your party has a car, I recommend Cafe Juanita, an Italian restaurant near Kirkland. The chef just won a well-deserved James Beard award for top NW chef. They have a nice wine list, albeit pricy. http://www.cafejuanita.com/

Alternatively, for an even pricier option, but with more vegetarian choices, you could try Rover's, here in Seattle--French with NW influences. www.rovers-seattle.com
It also has a lovely but pricy wine list.

Either of these easily fits the bill for a "special" dinner. Attire ranges from dressed up to business casual or casual. Could you show up in a tank top and flip flops? I don't know--that might be a little far. . ..

[mb5070]

Rover's is a wonderful, very expensive special occasion restaurant. However, when I ate there, I was one of a handful of men not wearing a jacket. I was comfortable there in just a tie, but I would not consider this a casual place by any means!

Dahlia can be a crowd pleaser, but many like Palace Kitchen (same owner) better; not as upscale, but food is great here.

What about:
Harvest Vine (Basque cuisine)
Lark
Crush
Matt's

[PAO]

We have gone to Rover's many times and my partner has not worn a tie or jacket and it was fine.