Recognized as one of The 10 Very Best Restaurants of 2005 by Seattle Magazine and one of the top five for new American cuisine by the 2008 Zagat Survey, Restaurant Zoe is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Located on the corner of 14th and Union St on Capitol Hill, Restaurant Zoe's lively urban setting provides the backdrop for Chef Scott Staple's seasonally crafted, produce-driven fare.
"We went to Restaurant Zoe for a special occasion. To begin with we were seated at a table by the door /traffic to the kitchen which we didn't love. When we asked to move, we were told that similarly sized tables in better locations (there were several empty tables that we could see) had all been specifically reserved for people "coming in soon". Made us feel like we didn't "rate" a good table! It was just 2 of us, but service was just fair as food was slow (long waits between courses) and there were times we were left with no food OR drinks! We definitely would have ordered more wine if our waitstaff had been more attentive. Every dish was very good: interesting, unique and tasty preparations. The food would bring us back for another try."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The savory dishes were truly masterful, refinely complex and full of yum. Depending on where I attacked the plate I got a different yet complementary flavor that was clearly extremely well designed. I highly recommend the tasting menu served only on certain days.
I must add however, since the 5 savory courses were so wonderful I had very high expectations, and it fell short. Don't get me wrong that dessert was good, very good in fact. But not of the same caliber as the preceding dishes. It was clearly made by a different chef. The dessert was more common and somewhat monotone. It was just dessert and nothing to rave about like the other dishes."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I truly wish I could come up with something more to say about Zoe than just "nice place" but our entire experience was so un-memorable. Not bad in ANY way. But...just...there. Nobody did a thing wrong but we will not be back. The highlight of my meal was the lime-mint spritzer and some yummy greens. Portions were small but delicious and prices were high.
I kept wishing i were across the street at Skillet where I HAVE had some memorable and interesting meals. I know they are in a different dining category, but honestly, I was bored to pieces.
Glad we got to check it out. Appreciate the hospitality. End of story."
Dined on 4/29/2013
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"I've never been disappointed by the food at Zoe at either their original or their new location. It's always a treat. The service is generally good but on this particular occasion drink orders took ages. The end results were delicious but it was a little annoying. The food service was prompt and did not disappoint. The wild boar bolognese is amazing."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The support staff with regard to water, tidbits, was exemplary but either the bartender or our waiter ran late. There were other instances where our party was left to scratch our collective heads waiting for a chance to flag some service down but, I must say, I am definitely looking forward to my return visit (loved my roasted endive salad)."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"It was a great food experience. A varied menu and lovely presentation. The quality and preparation of the dishes we ordered was outstanding! Very tasty! Maybe we had a new server or maybe training was not quite sufficient, although we had no mishaps, the service was spotty.
We did appreciate the host coming back across the room to thank us and bid us a good night. A pleasant way to leave a restaurant after a lovely meal."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Everything we had was fantastic in taste, however the portions are not very large at all. For the two of us, we expected to be able to have an entree as well as an appetizer, plus our cocktails. For one person alone it was over 60.00, which would be fine, except that there was a lot of white space on the plate. The term "large plate" at Restaurant Zoe simply means that...the plate is large, but the portion size was dwarfed by the ring of white."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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"Restaurant Zoe is always a reliable destination for a lovely dining experience. Whether you are there for small bites at the bar with one of their expertly made cocktails or seated at a corner table, the staff make you feel welcomed and appreciated. Rob S. at the bar makes the best Negroni in town."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We dined here for dinner during Seattle Restaurant Week, and with the exception of challenging parking in the area(it is Capital Hill, after all), the overall experience was a pleasant surprise. We were seated by the window, and was promptly greeted by the server who gave us excellent suggestions on appetizer, main course and dessert choices. We both ordered the gnodi; the best part of this dish we both heartily agreed were the mushrooms! I ordered the pork belly confit, which prepared perfectly and served atop a bed of shaved brussel sprouts...I ate it all. My friend had the Painted Hills burger served with crispy fries. The burger: tender and juicy, with an ample portion of fries accompanying it. Definitely would dine here again!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This is a great place to take family and friends if they're in town visiting, to go out on a date, or to have a special night out with fiends. The food was delicious, and the pace of meal allowed me to enjoy my food and not feel rushed. Our waitress was also very friendly and knew what she was talking about when it came to the menu. If you're looking for a restaurant with romantic ambiance and delicious food and drinks, I would highly recommend Restaurant Zoe."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Had a superb dining experience at Restaurant Zoe. The wait staff was knowledgeable and gracious - offered us tastes of liquor from the distillery next door, helped us pick a fine wine. The food on the selected list was outstanding - we all felt we had the "best dish". I fell in love with the gnudi and the rhubarb trifle. We have put Zoe on our repeat list."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Great small restaurant.Cool yet cozy setting with high ceilings and simple tables and chairs lets the food be the star. Two of us ordered restaurant week menu, great deal for food of that quality. The grilled char was done to perfection. Desert alone are a reason to visit this place. Waitress was knowledgable and very attentive. I will definitely return."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We decided to have small plates and share. It was delightful. Fabulous flavors, elegantly presented. Our waiter was very knowledgable about the food and the wines, and how they were paired. We finished with the Rhubarb-Pistachio Trifle and dessert wine. Wow. Wow."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I so enjoyed the old Belltown restaurant... I was a little disappointed in the new one. This was my first time at the new location. I thought the dining room was like a cafeteria setting. Not sure I would go back."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Wonderful environment with very helpful staff that are very knowledgeable about what they are serving and give great advise as to what to choose in a conflicting food dilemma. Restaurant Zoe is a place that I will recommend to all who visit Seattle."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We enjoyed our experience very much. The waitress was excellent, very helpful, w/o being over bearing. Perfect timing for service and letting us enjoy our time together."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We have dined at Restaurant Zoe many times but this time we took our kids (boys, ages 7 and 10). They had wanted to dine at a "fancy" restaurant and while we have no plans on taking them to this caliber of restaurant on a regular basis it was an interesting and enjoyable experiment. Our waiter was great with the kids and the food, while not kid focused, was delicious as always and we all had a wonderful evening."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Once again I enjoyed everything about Zoe. This being my 3 time there, the service is always great and super friendly, the food delicious, and the ambiance is amazing. If you haven't been make sure you make a reservation you won't be disappointed."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Food very good and creative. However, the number of selections were limited. Service was friendly, attentive, helpful, and efficient. Great open atmosphere."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"Had a very good vibe. We got there early before the Friday night rush so we didn't have to wait to be seated. Our server was great - polite, answered all of our questions and brought us our cocktail almost immediately after we ordered them. The food was delicious and I thought the portion sizes were perfect. I would definitely recommend Zoe for any occasion."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"The food was great as always and the staff handled some unusual special requests with grace and ease. Thanks for hosting a great relaxed evening with our friends!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The ambiance was great, it was lively without being too loud to hear the conversations, service was very nice. The dish I had - chicken fried tofu, the grain came with the dish was way to salty that it was hard to eat."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2005
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"Our dining experience was exceptional. Outstanding roasted endive salad and delicious chestnut soup. The bolognese Was superb. And the cheesecake was wonderful. We had a great bottle of Bordeaux. Derek has built a superb Wine list and he always stops by with friendly advice and good words. Service was excellent. Zoe has taken it to the next level!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Wonderful food and service. There were only 3 other tables but still exceptional service. One person in the group didnt eat meat and the calamari was stuffed with sausage (to be fair they list the name of the sausage but none of us foodies knew that was sausage cause it wasnt called out in the menu). The server took that into account and gave us the ghnocci app for free (which was soooo good). I will definitely be going back soon."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Our first time back to Zoe since they moved to the new location. Wonderful server (professional and friendly and knowledgeable; the trifecta.) Every dish we ordered was excellent, both in taste and appearance. And as in the past, they have a killer list of specialty cocktails that are worth sampling through. Thanks RZ 2.0 for the great experience."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We love ZOE! We used to enjoy the adventure of the former, downtown location, but the neighborhood did get scary toward the end of their tenure there. When they first opened in the present location, the food was very rich, and they had changed many of their standbys that we had come to love. Recently, however, they've added back some great salads and are bringing back our favorites (including the seared foie gras.) Service is always friendly and professional and the ambiance is surprisingly "downtown" for Capitol Hill, which we like."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"My wife and I tried Restaurant Zoe while on vacation in Seattle. What a great find! We greatly enjoyed the short rib and apple/cranberry crisp dessert.Also, when ordering a drink, ask for a "bartender roulette"! You won't be disappointed."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"A wonderful experience from the outstanding small plates (the steak tartar and the pastas were as good as I've eaten anywhere - including France and Italy respectively), drinks, and service. Examples of great service: the manager offered to move us if a large party about to be seated proved too noisy - they didn't; the server wrote out several suggestions for dinner the following nights.
No negatives - this restaurant is a gem; unconditionally recommended."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The service was great. I'm sorry I cannot recall his name, but he didn't blink when our table unexpectedly went from 3 to 5. The squid, salads, gnocchi and sole was very good. The ribs were overcooked and way too chewy...although the red wine sauce was tasty. We had the rhubarb dessert and coconut/chocolate torte = delicious!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
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"This place is for serious foodies! This is some of the best cuisine I have ever eaten, true works of art. The server was very knowledgeable about wine parings and I was very happy with his suggestions. He even did a variety of 1/2 glasses with each of my entrees for me. There are not words to describe this place, you just have to experience it.
I have eaten at many fine restaurants, and paid significantly more for food that I now consider substandard to Restaurant Zoe. It's amazing food. Go there!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Restaurant Zoe was an experiment for my friend and I to explore new places. Unfortunately, we won't be headed back to this place for a number of reasons. The was good not great and for around $30 an entree we were expecting a little more. Although beautiful on the plate, the entrees of short rib and char were just ok. Nothing to order a second time. The salad was oily. The service was a little off and over solicitous. The best thing was the bread. For $120 for dinner, without any alcoholic beverages, my friend and I didn't feel that the price matched the dining experience."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2010
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"The food was fantastic! The menu is relatively short, but we still had trouble picking; everything sounded so good and we were not disappointed with our selections. And the service was notable too. The staff made us feel comfortable, and they were really helpful. Overall - a very enjoyable dinner out!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Had high hopes for Restaurant Zoe and had wanted to dine at Zoe for some time. We were disappointed. The menu was interesting, but limited. The starters seemed more like first courses. We may have just ordered the wrong entrees, but shouldn't everything be good? Many many people we know LOVE Zoe and we expected to also, so we are not sure what to make of our evening there."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2004
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"The noise level is high, making hard to have conversation. Took forever to take our order and get our bill. The food came quick, so it was not the kitchen, it was the Waiter. Charged for each individual soda, which seemed excessive."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We live on the Kitsap Peninsula and were in Seattle for a medical appointment, so chose Zoe for its proximity to First Hill. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Zoe!
I had the mixed green salad with baby beets, the quail small plate and a side of sauteed greens. My husband had the burger. We enjoyed our bottle of Cristom Pinot Noir. The food was delicious and served perfectly. The wait staff timed their visits to our table impeccably. We never felt rushed. While we had no room for dessert, the small square of chocolate ganache the waiter brought was perfect. We will definitely come back to Zoe!"
Dined on 02/19/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list
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"Food was delicious; most noteable was the gnudi with oyster mushrooms. Loved the small plates to share so that you can try more of the flavorful dishes the chef has to offer. Service was excellent and very accommodating. I will come back!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This is a nice restaurant, but doesn't live up to it's cult reviews. The menu is limited and I experienced a little let-down, maybe because of the over-hype. It has a very good wine list, complete and diverse. The portions were reasonably large."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list
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