The Walrus And The Carpenter

I was going for sea food but ended up loving the veggies. Really, the roasted leeks were remarkable and the kohlrabi (an interesting root I had never tried) was well rounded with peppers and creamy dressing. The rest of the dishes were very good but cold and I was craving something warm as it is October. Excellent service and environment. Loved the music.

A hidden gem restaurant and bar famed for its fresh oysters, crudos and other small plates. Also had a solid cocktail and wine selection. They don’t take reservations so you’d have to plan enough time for it. We got there at 5:45 on a Sat night for a party of 6 and didn’t have to wait. Our fav dishes were the fried oysters and the scallop crudo. The food was good but I’ve had better seafoods for the price. Overall one of the best restaurants in Seattle for fresh seafood and small plates.

We had a fantastic meal at The Walrus and the Carpenter, ordering just about every dish that could be made gluten free, as well as three of each of the six oysters on the menu plus one special. Everything was very good, and some were fantastic, especially the scallops of which we ordered a second dish. Ambiance was great, service was lovely. An unexpected pleasure was a remarkably good Negroni mocktail (also reordered). The dishes were quite a bit smaller than I expected. I wish they would take reservations because the having to wait for ages annoyance is the main thing that would put be off from returning.

It's definitely worth the experience. It's on the pricier side but super fresh oysters. We didn't try anything else since the oysters were $5 a piece. This is a place I might not go again because of the price but would suggest it to friends who prefer fine dining. Even the bread needs to be bought separately. Service is super polite and welcoming, the vibe is beautiful and bustling. I liked that they make sure to give you half small, half big oysters so you don't feel like you got all the tiny ones.

What a special little restaurant- the epitome of a "hidden gem". They do not take reservations, which can be a little problematic for those of us that want to make plans for our evening (hence the only reason I am giving them a 4 star instead of a 5). The food is of the highest quality. The service is fast. The atmosphere is quaint, fresh, friendly and vibrant, in that classic and hip Seattle vibe sort of way. If you're looking for that unique and special way to celebrate friendship over oysters on the half shell, this is the place! Due to them not accepting reservations, either go on a day/time that isn't typically as busy for dining, or set your expectations for not being seated. I have eaten here 2 out of the 4 times I have visited, due to 2 of the times having exhaustively long waits of over an hour and a half. IMO, restaurants that do not take reservations are not considering the fact that people driving 45 minutes from the east, north, west or south to dine, especially people with parties larger than 2, need a reservation service. Also, food isn't always the only thing on the menu for people trying to create a night on the town. What happens if people are trying to see a show, ball game or have other plans besides dinner? Anyone that has timing requirements for their evening should definitely create a backup reservation in the area just in case Walrus and Carpenter is too busy to seat you. Like I said, the wait was too long 50 percent of the time I have attempted to go. But yes... don't give up. It's that good.