Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GEORGIAN
CONTINENTAL
$$$
( 206-621-7889; 411 University St; express lunch $15, mains $20-35; 6:30am-2:30pm Sun &
Mon, 6:30am-2:30pm & 5:30-9:30pm Tue-Sat; University St)
A treat above treats, the Ge-
orgian at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is one of the most imposing restaurants in the
city - the ornate high ceilings and dripping chandeliers, shiny silver and gilt details will
have you swooning. The food is equally eye-catching, and it's inspired by regional in-
gredients, such as scallops with truffles or roasted sea bass.
Service is tops, and it's one of the few places where Seattleites tend to be sharply
dressed; jackets aren't required, but they're certainly not discouraged. Reservations are
recommended. Bargain hunters or those short of time should try the express lunch,
which includes soup, salad, sandwich and dessert delivered all at once.
PURPLE CAFE & WINE BAR
INTERNATIONAL
$$$
( 206-829-2280;
www.thepurplecafe.com
;
1225 4th Ave; mains $20-32; 11am-11pm, to mid-
night Fri & Sat; University St)
Instantly impressive with its high ceiling, lofty mezzanine
floor and spectacular tower of wine bottles, the Purple Cafe almost always seems to fill
its ostentatious interior, providing an atmosphere not unlike King Street Station five
minutes after the Chicago train has just pulled in. The multifarious menu reads like
War
and Peace
.
To save time, opt for the lobster mac 'n' cheese and a bottle of wine pulled from the
collection of 5000 stashed in that tower.
MCCORMICK'S FISH HOUSE & BAR
STEAK, SEAFOOD
$$$
( 206-682-3900;
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
; 722 4th Ave; mains $17-36;
11am-10pm Mon-Fri, 4-10pm Sat & Sun; Pioneer Sq)
A mainstay of traditional Seattle din-
ing and the flagship of a small Northwest chain, this classy, wood-lined place is a net-
work of cubbyholes that looks like an old boys club (it was built as a hotel in 1927).
The food is consistently good, with daily fresh fish specials (mostly grilled with zesty
sauces) and a fine selection of local oysters, chops and steak.
