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Dinette
Categories: Restaurants Modern European Restaurants Sandwiches Modern European, Sandwiches [Edit]
1514 E Olive Way(between E Denny Way & E Howell St)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 328-2282
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
191 reviews for Dinette
Review Highlights
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"Best bread pudding in Seattle, hands down." In 15 reviews -
"The Butter Lettuce Salad was very nice." In 7 reviews -
"the beef was delectable, and the gnocchi was just." In 39 reviews
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191 reviews in English
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Review from Leslie F.
Seattle, WA
5/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
There's no shortage of great places to dine on Capitol Hill, but Dinette is quickly becoming a favorite. The menu is limited, but I think there's something for everyone. Their little toasts are great, as are the goat cheese stuffed dates. It's an easy place to share small plates, and they have entrees as well (though, I admit, I usually just share small plates.)
Dinette also features a great happy hour in their cozy front bar until 6:30pm. The sangria is delicious and I believe $4, and the small plates and some of the toasts are featured for happy hour as well.
It can be a little pricey, but I think worth it for a nice night out. Happy hour is a great way to sample the menu as well. I've heard it's tough to get into on weekends, but I've never had a problem. Worth a visit! -
Review from Andrew M.
5/14/2012
Finding some real gems in this immediate area of Capitol Hill, and this is definitely one of them. The place is very small and intimate, with a cozy vibe (that is once you get in after searching for parking forever in one of the worst places to park in the city!).
Start with the "toast". Think a larger piece of bruschetta, cut into 4 pieces, with amazing toppings. The 2 we tried were both delicious. The "fritatta" which is topped with egg crepes sliced into small strips, a small frisse drizzled with white truffle oil. Grub. The other was topped with prosciutto with a fig and anchovy spread. Uh ya, yum. I could easily make a whole super carb-loaded meal of these toasts and love every second of it.
We tried 2 entrees, one which was outstanding, and one which was just OK. The lamb moussaka special was absolutely delicious. The fragrance of the spices and cinnamon had my mouth watering before it was cool enough to even try. The other, a Tagliatelle with peas and other veggies, was just OK. It was pretty bland to be honest.
Despite the pasta dish, the meal overall was outstanding. Reasonably priced wines by the glass, friendly prompt service, and that great vibe really added to the fantastic flavors. Will definitely be back! -
Review from Jayme T.
5/10/2012
This is a great place to grab a cocktail and solid dinner for an intimate conversation with friends. It would be a great date spot too because of the cozy vibe and the dim lighting.
We had the La Quercia Proscuitto toast and Rapini Pesto toast. Both were flavorful and great to snack to pair with wine.
The Warm Soft Pretzel was a solid choice. The mustard dip was amazing. It was simple but well done.
I loved the Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs. The chicken was moist and flavorful. I would definitely order this again.
The special of the day Lamb was delicious. I'm not the biggest fan of lamb because it can taste too gamey if not prepared well. This lamb was delicious. It was tender and moist.
The special of the day spaghetti was just okay. The sauce was understated. The sausage was the main star of the dish. I loved the sausage but I'm not sure that the sauce complimented it well.
I will definitely come back. I'd suggest taking the bus because parking sucks. Next time, I hope to try their happy hour. -
Review from Judy M.
5/1/2012
This is a cute, intimate place. Parking is a headache, but your pain will soon be eased by good food. Mangi, mangi!
We ordered the lamb, which was perfectly cooked. No gamey flavor. My pet peeve. The mashed rutabaga was such a pleasant surprise. Never had it prior to this, but if I am dying tomorrow, please have the hospital pump this in my IV.
We also had the carbonara, which was also good. Good, but standard. -
Review from Michael T.
Seattle, WA
What a find amidst the bars and bustle of Olive/Denny in Capital Hill.
Much larger space than I think would be expected. Wonderful decor, romantic setting and a truly fantastic Happy Hour menu. Went with my brother and just had a sandwich and glass of wine at the beautiful, small bar at the entry.
The sandwiches blew us away-Absolutely incredible! (Without a doubt, the best I've had in years and at $9, a steal!)
Pace is definitely slower/more European but is attentive and thoughtful. Also had a Sozo cab, one of my favorite new wineries-very happy to see it on the list.
Will definitely be back and cannot recommend highly enough. -
Review from Travis S.
Seattle, WA
5/10/2012
Oh I love the Dinette....upscale and delicious European inspired cuisine in a relaxing, low key environment without any pretentiousness. The menu is always changing to include ingredients that are in season and fresh and has never disappointed in the many times over the years that I have ate here. Great selection of wine, great service, and just in all around great dining experience. Also a great place for dates as it's a little more intimate and quite than other restaurants in the area. Oh and if you're a driving GOOD LUCK with parking, it's a bitch!
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Review from Sung P.
Seattle, WA
4/28/2012
Love this place. Great drinks for that little setup they have. And oh man the food.. get the toast - the frittata one is incredible. Shows that food need not be complex to be delicious - sometimes simple ingrediants (awesome crusty fresh made bread, well cooked fritatta, aioli with just enough tang) done well and combined in a complimentary way can produce a really awesome bite. To be honest, I've always been more impressed with their apps and desserts than their entrees. Not saying the entrees are bad though - they are certainly top notch, they are just so filling I get bummed that I don't have more room for more excellent food. They have the best bread pudding I've had in a long long time. A tear literally came to my eye when I bit into it for the first time. I don't even like sweets and I love their bread pudding. Great for dates.
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Review from Arry Y.
2/28/2012
One of the greatest little gems in Capitol Hill. I really love all of the food there. Cozy. Home-y. Wholesome. Delicious.
Two of my favorite things at Dinette:
1) TOASTS! I particularly love their egg truffle frittata one. It's so good.
2) BREAD PUDDING. They win for best bread pudding.
All of their food is good. Date night, group dinner, whatever the occasion - this place is good. I have to go back soon and share a yummy dinner there with my hunny soon. :) -
Review from Ellen E.
Seattle, WA
3/16/2012
Really good food. This place would have gotten five stars except for OH MY GOD THE LACK OF PARKING IN CAPITOL HILL. I circled an eight block radius for 13 minutes before finding a lot that had a space. The food was totally worth it, but I don't think I'll be back. I had the nettle and parmesan gnocchi with hedgehog mushrooms, my friend had spaghetti carbonara, and my other friend had three starters: goat cheese stuffed dates, warm pretzel with mustard-cheese sauce, and we both had an amazing kale salad with apples, parmesan, pecans and vinaigrette. Desserts were the best of all -- Valrhona chocolate terrine and the best bread pudding with caramel sauce, liqueur-soaked golden raisins and whipped cream. Wow. It was almost worth it WALKING BACK EIGHT BLOCKS FOR THE DAMNED PARKING...
Conclusion: Those of you who live near this place are blessed. The rest of us weep. -
Review from Michelle M.
Seattle, WA
1/16/2012
Everything was well-done and delicious. My favorites were the dates stuffed with goat cheese. The skin of the dates was crispy and the inside was soft and creamy. The pork belly was tender and it didn't have too much fat, and I preferred it this way. I wasn't a fan of gnocchi, but I had to admit they were so well-done. The chicken liver was creamy and tasty. And I never cared for prosciutto until I had it here. The ambience was cozy and intimate.
At first, I didn't care for dessert, but I was influenced by the guys at my table to just try it. They ordered the peppermint ice-cream sandwich and bread pudding. I admitted that I was skeptical about peppermint ice cream thinking that it would taste like toothpaste. When they arrived, both tasted great and I found out the restaurant made them fresh from scratch. What I liked best was their dessert wasn't too sweet. Since I didn't like high-carb dessert, I preffered the European style lightly-sweetened dessert.
I was pleasantly surprised when the bill arrived being a $$$ restaurant. I left feeling satisfied and money well-spent. I neither felt underwhelmed nor overwhelmed eating here. Everything was perfect. -
Review from Kara S.
1/26/2012 1 photo
Oh Dinette, you are delicious. I was a little nervous before coming here, having read a lot of mixed reviews of the service. But I'm happy to say we had great service, though it might be due to the fact that we had the place to ourselves, save a couple of patrons at the bar. I hope that isn't indicative that Dinette isn't doing well, because I loved it and want it to be around for a very very long time.
We started our meal with a couple of cocktails, which were good but not groundbreaking. We moved on to the toasts, which were outstanding. We shared the croque monsieur and prosciutto toasts. My boyfriend favored the cheesy, bechamel and ham concoction and I was more wowed by the prosciutto toast, and the strangely delicious fig and anchovy jam that topped it. I actually felt like it didn't even need the prosciutto, it was all about that jam and the chewy, hearty bread. We were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday night when they featured half price bottles of wine, which was a great bonus.
And our entrees? As great as the toasts. I had fluffy, delicious hand made gnocchi that made up for the horrible gnocchi experience I had the week before at a mediocre restaurant. It came topped with a rich, complex beef short rib ragu, perfect comfort food fare. Mark invoked his German roots and had the cabbage roll special which was equally delicious. And we finished it off with a tasty bread pudding, the only flaw of which was that the caramel was a tad too thin to fully sop up and enjoy with the bread.
I can't wait to go back to try more toast, indulge in the happy hour, and try their communal Sunday supper, if I'm lucky enough to score a seat.Listed in: Seattle's Best (Restaurants,…
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Review from Heidi M.
12/12/2011
I had dinner here in September, with a friend who assured me this is one of her favorite spots in Seattle. The restaurant is quite small, yet on a Thursday night we were able to get a table without a wait. The ambiance of the restaurant was charming, and the dining room was quiet enough to easily hold a conversation over dinner. It felt classy yet comfortable at the same time and would be a great date spot.
Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients and checked on us frequently through our meal. While most everything on the menu looked enticing, I chose the squash & gruyere toast and gnocchi. The gnocchi was delicious, but the toast was out of this world - subtly but perfectly seasoned. The prices were very reasonable, particularly given the quality of the dishes. The menu seems to have changed since I had dinner here, so I am eager to try this restaurant again on my next visit to Seattle.Listed in: Hello, Seattle
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Review from Ted H.
Seattle, WA
3/15/2012
I was amazed by their Rainbow trout special, it was a great flavor sensation and my server recommended a fabulous wine to go with it. Great service, perfect food, the only downside and I am guessing it is because I was there on a Friday night at 8 pm is that it was loud due to a table of 8 behind me. Not a problem though because my server was fantastic and the food was amazing! Definitely will go back.
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Review from Chelsea J.
Seattle, WA
11/16/2011
Dinette is simply charming.
I went here for dinner with a friend and everything was wonderful. The menu changes often and according to what's in season. I had the croque monsignor toast with Gruyere and the prawn polenta entree. To drink I ordered the Earl Grey vodka martini. The martini was very strong. I'm not sure I detected the Earl Grey flavor of the cocktail but I enjoyed the flavors and the orange zest.
The entree consisted of shrimp & grits with wild prawns, roasted eggplant caponata and creamy mascarpone polenta. The cost was $19. I finished almost all of it although I was getting very full.
There was live piano music which was very entertaining and pleasant. Props to them having live music on a Tuesday night and not reserving entertainment for weekends only!
Parking is a pain on Capitol Hill but luckily I only had to hoof it for 3 or 4 blocks. :/
Service was great. I'm happy I found this little spot, everything about the meal was fantastic! Dining at Dinette is like eating in a little European Bistro.Listed in: Favorites
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Review from Daren D.
11/9/2011
Part of something fun to come, perhaps, we came here for JP's Fancy Din-Din Event:
Staff was pleasant and the space is warm & inviting in the evening. The food was delicious... those toast... "O!" the... toast... funnel please! omnomnonm...
My main dish was the chicory salad. Very good and love beets in my salad. -
Review from Corinna K.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 10/6/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I feel superbly guilty writing yet another review update when I have a queue of 10 or so places in first draft mode. Still, I can only review what I'm moved to review and Dinette is up at bat again.
I met up with a friend about a week ago on a terrifically rough hangover day - the kind of hangover day where you suffer deep unhappiness until bed time. We decided we had to soldier through the pain, though, and force some nutrients into our broken systems. I figured Dinette would do the trick, since it's amazingly delicious, affordable, and both comfortable and soothing.
We bypassed cocktails, although I'm sure they're still excellent. We both nibbled at some toasts - the summer squash/gruyere/mint for her and the truffled frittata/frisee for me. It was a monumental task to eat at all but the food was so good that I managed to actually eat one whole piece of toast. Truly a miracle. When our entrees came (gnocchi for her, the lamb merguez meatballs with spinach and chickpeas for me) I was sad to note that I could only eat a few bites. It was, as usual, outstanding composition and the dishes showcased that careful balance of texture and clean flavors that Dinette has such a flair for. The waitress noted our full plates and made concerned eyes at us, but we assured her the problem was with our horrid bodies and not at all with the food. And honestly, getting to eat my toast & lamb for breakfast the next day was a treat.
Dinette consistently impresses me and all the friends/parents/guests/whoever I take there. It's a great place to have in your arsenal if you want to assure people of your good taste. I think, between the easy ambiance and the stellar food, it takes my #1 spot in the pantheon of great Seattle restaurants.Listed in: You're the BEST arooouuuund!, The Slightly Nicer
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/13/2011
Time to update, since I've been in many times since the last review. And I've got to say, they have… Read more »
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Review from K D.
Tuckahoe, NY
12/9/2011
Loved my evening at Dinette.
It is a warm, cozy, inviting, and intimate restaurant with great service and fantastic food. I buy Rue La La coupons for destinations that I travel to so that I can try out "off the beaten path" and "up and coming" type restaurants. Dinette is at the top of my list for Seattle.
I haven't been to Europe but I imagine the feeling of sitting and enjoying a meal at dinette is like enjoying food while traveling abroad. Dim lights with flickering candles and beautiful plastered walls with gold leafed appliques that reflect the light. The best part...Tuesday night...featured musician Casey MacGill plays amazing jazz piano.
I started with a large soft pretzel and my beau had the toast with pork belly. We shared both which were so different and exquisite. For dinner we shared a bottle of house red wine (Delicious) and then I had the gnocci, he had the crispy chicken thighs. The portions weren't extreme but were filling. All this for about $70.
Value. Quality. Different. Fantastic.
I'll be back! -
Review from Justin M.
9/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Small little restaurant with a fabulous menu, great wines, and pretty stellar service. Love, love, loved it!!
So I went here because it was one of the restaurants participating in donating a portion of the bill for the Country Doctor Community Health Centers, figured that's as good a reason as any to have a night out. Anyway, on to the review.
I gathered a group of friends to check out this little gem I've been meaning to hit. First off, our party grew from 6 to 8, we made reservations and they were gracious enough to be able to accomodate us! That alone is reason enough for a shining comment. But on to the food!
We all ordered something different, I had the king salmon dish. My meal was cooked perfectly and the veggies that went with it complimented the dish perfectly. The service was steller and even with a large group (like ours) we still managed to get our meals at around the same time.
I wanted to offer kudos to the staff here, I plan to start some "Fancy Dinner Club" UYEs and I figure that starting at Dinette is a good way to kick it off.
5 grubbin-for-a-good-cause stars out of 5 -
Review from Kelly M.
Break out the trumpets and doves, I have officially fallen in love!
Oh Dinette, you are so chic and classy with your modern look and dim lighting, how could I have not fallen head over heels. You simply had me at first sight, or umm bite?
From the outside as you walk along this cozy part of Capital Hill, it's easy to miss this little restaurant. I advise you to slow down, take a peek and walk on in. This place is amazing, kudos to Justin Prince for inviting us out here for his Fancy Dinner Club UYE.
Since we strolled in just after 5pm, we were able to indulge on tasty apps offered on the HH menu. My eyes shot right to the toast with pesto. I wish I could recall the names of all the things we ordered but sadly I cannot. Just know that they all were absolutely scrumptious.
I personally didn't order a main dish because the appetizers were all so tempting. Bread is love for me and so I was sold. Delicious flavors in every bite and it all seem to just melt in my mouth.
The service was also impeccable, our waitress was very friendly and helpful. I will indeed recommend and bring others to Dinette. It's perfect for a date or just when you want to relax in a chic setting.
Pay no heed to the prices, it is without a doubt, worth every single cent. -
Review from Fred V.
Seattle, WA
12/15/2011
The restaurant is quite small, however, the ambiance of the restaurant was charming, and the dining room was quiet enough to hold a conversation over dinner. It felt classy, yet comfortable at the same time is a great date spot. There was live piano music which was very entertaining and pleasant (jazz-style) and not overbearing on our conversation - although my girl and I both did more listening to Casey jam the keys than talking to each other.
Props to them having live music on a Tuesday night!
My lady started with a large soft pretzel and I had the toast with pork belly. We shared both which were so different. I actually couldn't speak for a bit after the first bite of both. For dinner we shared a bottle of house red wine. She then had the gnocci, and I inhaled the crispy chicken thighs. The portions weren't excessive, but were filling. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients and checked on us frequently throughout our meal.
Parking is tricky on Capitol Hill, but luckily we had an early reservation and only had to circle the block a few times to find street parking close enough not to get soaked on a raniy Seattle evening.
Dining at Dinette is like eating in a little European Bistro - although I haven't been to an actual quaint (non-touristy) European bistro, I definitely got a taste of it - and now want more.
Thanks, Dinette! -
Review from David P.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011
Not a lot of hype around this restaurant but it is quietly one of the best places in Seattle.
Two pro tips:
1) Get the ice cream sandwich for dessert. It will make your day.
2) Check out their (non-ice cream) sandwiches at lunch time. -
Review from Christine K.
Seattle, WA
2/8/2012
Dinette=Crumby Snobatorium
Let me start by saying, I hate to write bad reviews. But my last experience at Dinette left me with no choice. We've been there many times before and been very happy, in fact we always refer friends, but no more.
We had a table reserved at 6:15, but because of cab issues and traffic we were 15 minutes late. When we spoke to the hostess and apologized, she informed us that they have a 15 minute grace period, and we said "great we just made it" and at that moment the chef came out and said " you know we expect a phone call if you are going to be late, everyone these day has a cell phone." WOW. REALLY?.....We made it there within the grace period but they still refused to seat us, and they are lecturing us. They then said there was no longer a table for us and we could stay and eat at the bar....or not. Clearly we were not welcome. I'm not really sure what the hell they had against us, and can I add that the restaurant and bar was totally empty!
In the end we called La Bete around the corner, did they have a table? No, but they welcome us at their bar and we had an incredible meal!
Do not waste your time with Dinette, I had been a fan since it's inseption, but honestly the food is not as good as it used to be. Obviously their service has gone to sh*t.
PS. As a fellow business owner in a sevice industry, if I treated my clients this way I would be out of business. -
Review from Robyn S.
I have mixed feelings on Dinette. We arrived early on a Friday night for dinner. We started off with a carafe of their house red, a pretzel with cheese dip and the croque monsignor toast. All were delicious!! I was very, very happy with myself because I practically had to bribe the bf to come here with me! He didn't think he'd like a place called Dinette, and it took over a month to convince him to give it a shot. We were both in love with our appetizers and wine. Yay!
Then came the main dishes. We ordered the pork crispelle and pannocchie - a pasta with large chunks of shredded beef. We were really looking forward to the ricotta gnocchi, but they weren't serving it that night. Boo. Anyway, when the dishes arrive, we both thought the pasta dish looked like something you'd get at your grandma's house (not in a good way). It looked plain, bland and peppered with cooked frozen peas and carrots. The pork crispelle smelled like lasagna, but had an interesting taste IMO. I preferred the pasta out of the 2, and the bf preferred the pork, so it worked out for us...but we both agreed, the appetizers set a high standard, and the main dishes let us down.
I think happy hour would be a great option for Dinette! A lot of their small plates/appetizers (where they excel) and drinks are cheaper and you can still enjoy the cute, warm ambience. I'll be back to Dinette for a pre or post dinner snack. -
Review from Melissa T.
Seattle, WA
7/29/2011
Dinette is serving lunch now! At lunch prices!
The lunch menu is all sandwiches, which, I count as its own food group. The owner has thrown together some fantastic themed sandwiches, I had the Cuban inspired one. Braised pork, house made pickles, potato bread, meat juice dripping all over the place...I think you get it. My friend had some beef diddy with house picked peppers and Au jus all over. Vegetarians, don't fret, there were some delicious options for you as well. Alcoholics and day time cocktailers, dont worry your pretty little heads and livers, there are also some fancy lunch cocktails available as well.
Will I be back? Duh. -
Review from Azita M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/8/2011
For a long time, every time I walked by Dinette and its cozy, stylish interiors, I'd think, "I should reeeeally try this place some time." Last night was the night!
The prawns & polenta dish I ordered was RIDICULOUSLY delicious. It was basically a shrimp and grits dish, but with some kind of awesome eggplant sauce on top. The shrimp were perfectly cooked (not overcooked), which was impressive. And the polenta was creamy and buttery-tasting. So fantastic.
Service was attentive and prompt, and the food came out really quickly. Also, the bread they served at the table was just okay, but the salted butter they served with it was incredible. I could have just eaten it with a spoon.
I had to knock off one star, though, because their cocktails weren't very impressive. The Rosemary Lemon Crush was just okay, and the Old Fashioned I ordered was the worst Old Fashioned I've ever had. It was bland and watery and had as much ice in it as a fountain drink. Oh well. -
Review from Luis P.
Seattle, WA
7/19/2011
After living in Tampa for 10 years and recently moving to Seattle, i've been jonesing for a good Cuban sandwich! Luckily, and surprisingly, Dinette was offering a Cuban for their nightly special. It was really good, not as traditional but very good and artisan! It def hit the spot! Their toasts are really good too!
Great ambiance, service and location.
I will be coming back for more yummy toasts and hopefully they'll have my cuban too! -
Review from Annie L.
I was giddy and formulating this review in my head during our entire experience at Dinette - about our appetizers (chicken liver, prosciutto), green salad, entree (gnocchi, salmon), drinks, quaint and rustic ambiance, and the perfect Seattle summer evening.
Everything was a perfect 5-star confirmation of my Dinette curiosity that was finally explored after Rue La La offered a deal online. Dinette has always been on my list thanks to raving reviews from friends and glad the food was exceptional beyond expectation - no plate left was behind or disappointed.
Until we overhead a conversation between the our waitress and the table next to us. For the sake of privacy, I won't divulge the details, but it was more than enough to make me lose my appetite. It was a good thing I was on my last heavenly piece of gnocchi, but upset my dining experience was ruined because I have a really soft spot for bread pudding.
I didn't want to believe the pretentious rumors I would seldom read in these reviews and a little piece of me dies as I write this post. I'll definitely go back for the food (it's truly amazing), but I hope my experience will be different given I live down the street and can see this place as a regular establishment.Listed in: the all-star list!!
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Review from Aly M.
Seattle, WA
8/13/2011
My husband and I ate at Dinette last night, and I'm still thinking about our wonderful meal.
We started with a drink: a Cucumbertini for me, and a beer for my husband. No beer on tap here, just FYI. The Cucumbertini, despite its embarrassing name, was delicious and strong.
For our appetizer we got the Rapini Pesto toast, which was to.die.for. Oh my goodness was this delicious. I loved the pickled hot peppers on top that provided the perfect amount of heat.
My second drink of the night was the Earl Gray Martini, which was quite something. It tasted like Earl Gray, which wasn't my favorite, but it would be great for tea lovers.
I chose the gnocchi for entree, and my husband went with the special - a Cubano Pork Sandwich. I was really, really disappointed with my gnocchi. The texture was unlike any gnocchi I've had before. Instead of being firm and browned, it was extremely soft and cut into squares. Not what I was expecting. The zesty marinara that accompanied it was good, but that's not a meal.
Now let's talk about that Cubano Pork Sandwich. Oh my goodness! My husband's first mistake was letting me try a bite. I thought I had died and gone to sandwich heaven. I looked down at my pale, soupy gnocchi and then back to that sandwich, and it was over. I gladly ate half of my husband's sandwich, despite his protests. It was incredibly flavorful, with a nice thick pickle that gave a wonderful crunch. A thing of beauty, that sandwich!
We finished our meal with the ice cream sandwich of the day, which was Earl Gray ice cream on a ginger cookie. I think I might have dreamed of this sandwich last night in my sleep. It was everything a high-end ice cream sandwich should be. The cookie and ice cream were both made in house, and you could tell.
What a wonderful meal, even despite the gnocchi misstep. We'll be back, and I suspect it won't be long! -
Review from Mel C.
Seattle, WA
2/4/2012
Loved everything from the service, atmosphere, drinks, and food. We started with the pork belly toast which was fantastic. I had the gnocchi which was light, airy and amazing! I'm very picky when it comes to gnocchi and very few places can do it correctly, do when some place pulls it off, they deserve accolades. Their house wine was pretty good too. The only downfall is the parking. Like any place on Cap Hill on a Friday night, it took us 30 mins to find parking.
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Review from Lauren B.
1/9/2012
Delicious. Went a few months ago and can't remember exactly what I ate (sorry, that's unhelpful), but suffice to say, delicious. Very positive memories.
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Review from Lauren B.
Seattle, WA
8/12/2011
Toast. I've always loved toast. A friend of mine invited my husband and I to hit up the happy hour at Dinette last night. What a brilliant idea on her part. Mike and I were running late, and the friend texted to announce she had ordered an assortment of toasts for us to enjoy upon arrival.
The toasts showed up shortly after we walked in. They were warm and crusty and topped with piles of delicious spreads and cheeses that I never would've thought to apply to my average piece of humble toast. I think we pretty much drained the toast menu, and mentally prepared ourselves to roll out of the restaurant (many of the toasts are quite generous in portion). I drank something gin-y and bubbly (very nice, very powerful) that the waitress recommended followed by some strong Sangria.
After the toasts we ordered dates stuffed with goat cheese and drizzled with a balsamic reduction, another excellent idea. Probably could be moved to the dessert menu, but delicious nonetheless. After our pile of appetizers we moved straight to dessert. We ordered two ice cream sandwiches (yes!) for the three of us. There was way too much to go around, but they were amazing.
I will definitely be back at Dinette. -
Review from Michele H.
Alameda, CA
10/10/2011
What a lovely spot for dinner! Our party of four had a great time here on recent Saturday night. Nice ambiance and unobtrusive service. Imaginative and interesting dishes all around. Really good desserts.
A cozy, happy spot for a good dinner any time. -
Review from Brian D.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2012
What a cute little place! Excellent, well priced food. Try the toasts! Good wine list. These folks know what they're doing. Support them!
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Review from Katy H.
2/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love is in the air! I came here on a date after many MANY attempts to eat here in the past. Whether it was the weather keeping us from stopping in or the fact that our schedules didn't quite cross paths, I was so glad we finally got the chance to eat at Dinette.
With a menu chock full of so many tempting entrees it was almost impossible to make a decision about what to eat. I literally had to ask our waitress to come back again because I needed extra time. It almost came down to tossing a coin!
Warm bread was served up while we waited and a cheese plate we'd ordered came through. Yum! When dinner was served we scarfed it down and practically rolled our fat selves home. I couldn't even entertain the thought of dessert (my favorite meal of the day) because the meal was so satisfying. Can't wait to come back and try more! -
Review from Nina T.
4/17/2011 2 photos
I've had nothing but good experiences at Dinette. It's a small, charming space, and the food is delicious. I'm the type of person who will guiltily order the same thing over and over at a restaurant, so I'm thankful for Dinette's constantly changing seasonal menu because it forces me to eat something new each time.
Favorite thing is, hands down, the toast. There are about a half dozen choices, all sounding super-fancy, and for $5-7 each, it's a fantastic deal for an appetizer or snack. Yesterday, I went in, asked the waitress for a recommendation, and ended up eating toast with pork belly, date relish, and blood orange mayo. How yummy does that sound?! And for $6!
And don't forget to get on the mailing list for the Sunday suppers. They tend to fill pretty quickly, and for good reason. Each time it's a mystery menu, but the email will tell you the cuisine. They tend to fill up fast, and for good reason... the cassoulet I had at a French Sunday supper was a wonderful, wonderful meal.
Dinette is pretty small, so if you're set on dining here, you definitely should have reservations. They take them on Opentable now, which is convenient. I've come on a weekday night and have them turn me away. But yesterday (a Saturday night), there was plenty of space in the bar for a walk-in. You never know. -
Review from Tony E.
Seattle, WA
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Executive Summary
Bistro style w/ limited menu
Window seating along Olive
A little pretentious
$70 for 2 entrees, 1 app, 2 drinks
This place has been intriguing ever since moving to The Hill. We decided to check it out as it seemed almost necessary passing it multiple times a week. The dishes are OK, nothing too strong to make me say "hell yes" and nothing to bland to say "hate it". Service was fine. Seating was great! Overall, I don't think I would go back as there's nothing really special about it.
Had the:
Cheese filled dates
King salmon cakes
Lamb Meatballs -
Review from Danielle F.
Seattle, WA
6/7/2011
Honestly what's not to love about this place. It's quaint, a great date spot, the food is awesome and Melissa ( the owner/chef) is amazing.
Dinette is known for their toasts, there are usually six or so on the menu and they are in the 5-7 dollar range usually. They typically include four pieces and are pretty good sized. The last time I was in we had the rabbit rillette toast, the pork belly toast and an asparagus and cheese toast.
The entrees are quite good as well. I love their chicken it's always nice and crispy.
Try coming in for happy hour too! They have Sangria for 3 dollars, and toasts and other bites discounted. -
Review from Hannah L.
9/19/2010
My favorite type of dishware: a bowl. My favorite piece of cutlery: a spoon. Knives, saucers, dessert forks...all helpful but ultimately inessential kitchen tools when it comes to my very favorite types of foods. Foods involving broths, sauces, beans, small chunks of salted pork, perhaps some minced vegetables, flecks of herbs, small pieces of cavatappi or conchiglie....
Even not all at once.
Given that, it's no surprise that on both of my visits to Dinette, I've ended up with a variation on pork and beans. Granted, an extremely French influence, with an added peasant twist, but all the same....Think chorizo with spiced beans touched with cool rosemary, or a beautiful pink smoked pork chop nestled on brothy white beans, carrots, and hints of fines herbes. The menu is simple and authentic with lovely French notes of seasonal fruits and vegetables, appearances by various reductions of preserves, and an emphasis on straightforwardly unadorned yet utterly satisfying dishes.
All of this in a lovely small-ish space, with some of the best servers I've had in Seattle. Plus, the rare $20 carafe of house wine that is truly a steal. If you're looking for an uncomplicated but expertly crafted menu, with a seasonal French emphasis and a lack of pretension, Dinette is a must. When I want what I might make in my kitchen, but I don't want to be in my kitchen, this is a first idea for a dinner excursion. Make it yours.... -
Review from Chas R.
Seattle, WA
6/9/2011
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this place.
They have a small menu that changes every week. Their small staff is knowledgable and passionate. Their food is delicious, attractive and well made. There is absolutely nothing else you can ask for. -
Review from Steve C.
Seattle, WA
7/25/2011
SUMMARY: Good food (though far from great), good setting, horrible service
If you're under 30, or even 35, they don't think you are sophisticated enough to appreciate their food. They will make sure that point comes across. They might even tell you (though not too your face, that's not passive aggressive enough).
The food was good (simply good, not fantastic, not breath taking, simply good). The setting was good. Plenty of seating and simple and elegant decor. The service, to put it simply, was pathetic. So, if you're someone who enjoys decent food and likes to spend good money for terrible service, this is the place for you! If not, read on.
As mentioned above, the food was good. My girlfriend and I started with the chicken liver pate and proscuitto appetizers. Both were tasty and decently put together. Not particularly elegant in appearance, if not a bit coarse in appearance, but appetizing and more than satisfactory. I'd order them again, if I were interested in returning to Dinette. Our entree was similarly satisfactory. Both the salmon and gnocchi were fine enough, not out of this world but definitely enjoyable.
The service on the other hand, left me with a bad taste in my mouth. The entire time she was serving my girlfriend and I, she was voicing her concern about naive and unsophisticated twenty somethings in her restaurant to the older couple next to us. Something along the lines of how she found people around 27 or 28 to know nothing about fine cuisine and thought they just bumbled their way around in fine restaurants.
I guess our money was too young. I guess our taste too unsophisticated. Oh well, they won't have to worry about us coming back. But I do love to be helpful so I'll be making sure everyone I know under the age of 30 (better make it 35..) will be advised to stay away from Dinette.
