Highlights
- Rooftop seating
oChef » Copacabana – Seattle
Copacabana - Seattle
Photo from Copacabana
Copacabana at a glance
Seattle Belltown
- 🌶️ South American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#711 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 South American Restaurant out of 2 in Seattle
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
688
Reviews
58.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Market views
- Bolivian cuisine
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Copacabana is a vibrant South American Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s lively Belltown neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly unique dining experience here, especially with its inviting rooftop seating that offers a fantastic vantage point.
This spot perfectly blends a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal choice whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal or a lively gathering. You can enjoy everything from small plates to a full selection of hard liquor, wine, and cocktails.
Overview: Introducting Copacabana
Copacabana offers a compelling setting, with many guests praising the delightful view over the market, especially from its outdoor areas. While some find the Bolivian food to be a genuine highlight, the overall experience can be a mixed bag.
Diners should be aware that some aspects, particularly the value for money, have drawn criticism, with mentions of dishes feeling overpriced. Service can also be inconsistent, with reports of slow service at times, balancing out the positive interactions with friendly staff.
Good
6.3
out of 10
688
Reviews
58.7%
Satisfaction
238
negative
46
neutral
404
positive
Copacabana garners an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 58.7%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons.
This assessment comes from over 600 customer comments, with 404 positive observations and 238 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience (8.2) is a clear strength, often highlighted for its pleasant setting.
The Food (6.3) receives an average rating, suggesting some dishes hit the mark while others fall short. However, Service (5.1) and particularly Value (3.3) indicate areas where guests frequently desire improvement.
What people like
- Stunning market views
- Authentic Bolivian dishes
- Accommodating, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Variable food quality
With a Recommendation Score of 6.3, Copacabana presents itself as a venue with distinct charms and notable drawbacks. If you prioritize a scenic view and are keen to try some authentic Bolivian food, it could be a worthwhile stop.
However, be prepared for potentially overpriced dishes and service that might not always be prompt. It’s a place that could satisfy if expectations are managed, particularly regarding the overall value and service consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Copacabana
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to savor, with 196 positive remarks out of 347 total opinions. Many diners rave about the delicious food and authentic Bolivian options like the Salteña and Lomito Saltado. The homemade hot sauce and generous portions also frequently earn high praise, contributing to a generally enjoyable dining experience.
However, the food experience isnt without its bumps, as reflected in the 118 negative comments. The overall score of 6.3 (average) and customer satisfaction of 56.5% (mixed) suggest a need for improvement. Some guests found the food quality inconsistent, with complaints about small portions for the price, soggy Paella, and occasionally dry chicken.
Food
347
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
118
negative
33
neutral
196
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Bolivian options
- Flavorful Salteñas, Lomito
- Homemade hot sauce
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions, high price
- Soggy, bland Paella
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive, largely due to its great location. Our server was wonderful, and the food was exactly what we needed on a scorching hot day. I was surprised by some of the negative reviews, but I believe this is related to individual food habits.
- sangriaThe place is chill and offers a wonderful view of Pike Place. I enjoyed the yummy sangria and the nice service. The food was also good.
- drinksI've always wanted to eat here since coming to Seattle and was not disappointed. The nice outside view of Pike Place was a highlight, and the food and drinks were great! The service was excellent as well!
- cevicheI can’t recommend the ceviche enough
- SalteñaI ordered a Salteña, Lomito and Tres Lashes. Delicious!
- homemade hot sauceThe homemade hot sauce for the ceviche is the only flavor I enjoyed
- humintaand huminta (premium cheesy corn bread)
- paellaIt was as good as it ever was. Which means to say it was awesome!
- Bolivian foodMy experience at this historic, family-owned restaurant was wonderful. For the past 50 years, they've been serving excellent fresh Bolivian food. The great view over the Market is a significant plus, allowing you to watch the busy scene below while enjoying cocktails.
- Pollo SaltadoThe Pollo Saltado was very good!
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, we don't think we will come back here. It's a shame they waste such a lovely setting with modest, simple food and slow, careless service. We experienced issues such as waiting for a table while several were empty and having our check corrected twice.
- cevichethe ceviche was watered down and sadly desiring flavor
- paellaI was seated almost immediately and my order for paella was taken within minutes, arriving about 15 minutes later. While there were no service issues like others reported, the paella itself was not authentic. The rice was soggy, the mussels lacked freshness, and the overall flavor was minimal.
- saladHowever, the food was mediocre at best. The chicken was painfully dry, and the salad was nearly flavorless. Considering there are at least five places less than a tenth of a mile away that are both less expensive and simply better, I found the overall value to be lacking.
- Bolivian foodis sad that the people go to eat there is having a wrong idea the how really Bolivian food is
- drinksThe drinks a little watered down
- seafoodThe rice was soggy, the mussels lacked freshness, and the overall flavor was minimal. The seafood, consisting of only a few pieces, seemed to be added separately to the rice. It arrived lukewarm and cooled further in the breeze, making the $19 price tag feel unjustified.
- PaellaThe rice was over cooked to the point of mush
- dishestwo of our three dishes were bad enough we hardly touched them
- food qualityfood quality felt comparable to a fast food restaurant
If youre seeking authentic Bolivian flavors and specific dishes like Salteñas or Lomito Saltado, this spot might be worth a try. However, be mindful of potentially inconsistent food quality and portion sizes, especially if youre sensitive to value for money.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have praised the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting their great recommendations and excellent customer service. Out of 147 total opinions, 61 were positive, with many appreciating the personal touch and quick order delivery. However, the experience isn't always smooth sailing, with 79 negative opinions pointing to significant inconsistencies.
The service score sits at an average 5.1, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 41.5%. Common complaints include slow service, long waiting times, and sometimes an unprofessional attitude from staff, leading to frustration.
Service
147
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
79
negative
7
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Slow, careless service
- Long waiting times
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceI was seated almost immediately and my order for paella was taken within minutes, arriving about 15 minutes later. While there were no service issues like others reported, the paella itself was not authentic. The rice was soggy, the mussels lacked freshness, and the overall flavor was minimal.
- staffThe best part, however, was talking to Pam, the granddaughter of the original owners, and hearing the history of the place. The view was almost as enjoyable as the staff and food. I absolutely would recommend this as a can't miss place to eat.
- serverOne of the servers apologized for the slowness. Our server was nice but just incredibly slow to provide any service. Overall, we enjoyed our experience and had a lovely day.
- ServiceService was wonderful
- serversInitially, I checked Yelp reviews and thought I might have made a mistake by sitting down. However, the food was great and the servers were very nice!
- waitressIt's a beautiful spot located near the market, offering excellent food. The waitress was very nice, contributing to a positive experience. Both the food and drinks were very good.
- FreddyOur server, Freddy, was friendly, attentive
- HUGE familyMy HUGE family was amazingly accommodated, even with separate checks here. The food is very authentic and we loved ALL the items we tried!
- Pambest part was talking to Pam
- Vivian's advicetrust her advice and you will have wonderful food experience
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe were refused service because we wanted to order a drink
- waiting timeThere were two women servers. The service was extremely slow; it took them 15 minutes to clean a table and seat us. I've never seen such slow service.
- stafflast time a staff member will come to your table
- 5 star servicedon't expect 5 star service.
- ServersServers could be a little more courteous and smile
- adventureRuined the adventure
- advertisingmake a false advertise
- attention to detailmore attention to detail
- attitudeeveryone's attitude is bad
- billingcharged us for another table so we were basically charged twice
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter wonderfully friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for the possibility of slow service and longer waits. If you're not in a rush and value a personal touch, it could be a pleasant experience, but patience is key.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, making it a fantastic spot to soak in the surroundings. With a strong score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91%, it's clear most diners love the vibe. People consistently rave about the incredible views, especially from the balcony and outdoor seating, creating a wonderful atmosphere for people-watching, as noted in 142 positive remarks out of 156 total.
However, a few guests (9 mentions) felt the place had a bit of a tourist trap feel, and some found certain areas unclean. While the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, be aware that parking can be an issue, and a couple of patrons found the general hygiene lacking, which can leave a distasteful impression.
Ambience
156
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible market views
- Fantastic balcony seating
- Lively outdoor atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unclean areas
- Tourist trap feel
- No parking
Often praised
- viewMy experience at this restaurant was very pleasant. The place is chill and offers a wonderful view of Pike Place. I enjoyed the yummy sangria and the nice service.
- atmosphereI thoroughly enjoyed the salmon a la huancaína, and since I arrived at the end of breakfast, I also got a great cinnamon roll. The weather was perfect, the food was quick, and the atmosphere was perfect. It was definitely the highlight of my Seattle business trip!
- locationAs Peruvians, we didn't find the food to be authentic, feeling more like a fusion of styles. There's definitely room for improvement, especially considering the great location and the excellent service provided.
- viewsenjoy views of the market and the Puget Sound
- people watchingI concur with other posts. The food was good and the people watching was enjoyable. Don't listen to the sign about waiting to be seated; you will stand there for 30 minutes.
- patioMy experience at this restaurant was a beauty spot for lunch on the patio. I enjoyed the great views of Pike Place, which I've captured in the photos.
- outdoor seatingBeautiful outdoor seating up and above the ruckus of the market
- balconyenjoy a cold beverage on the balcony
- outside seatingI'm a food allergy problem child, and they found me all kinds of stuff I can eat. Sit outside if you can. It's a balcony type thing with a good view of the goings on in the market area.
- view of the marketthe view of the market is really unique
Frequently criticized
- fun to be atnot fun to be at
- hygieneShe kept having cough and didn’t want to contaminate the food
- impressionleave me with this distasteful impression
- other patronsthe other patrons are obnoxious
- parkingthere is no parking
- patiotried to have a bunch of drinks on they're patio
- tourist trapplace is a tourist trap
- touristic placeVery touristic place that will be always full
- uncleanwas unclean
If you're looking for a place with stunning views and a lively atmosphere, especially from a balcony, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential crowds and the usual city parking challenges, but the overall vibe is a major draw.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, a small group of 5 opinions found some bright spots. They felt certain items were reasonably priced and that the prices were appropriate, especially considering youre often paying for the fantastic views. Some even called it the most worth it restaurant in the area, suggesting that for specific experiences, the cost felt justified.
However, the overwhelming majority of 32 opinions paint a different picture, leading to a low score of 3.3 and a poor 13.2% customer satisfaction. Many felt the food and drinks were overpriced and portions were small for the price, often describing it as pricy side or expensive. There were also concerns about tips and being charged' incorrectly.
Value
38
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
32
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Expensive drinks
- Small portions
Often praised
- $15It was worth the $15
- pricedvery reasonably priced
- pricesprices are appropriate
- restaurantthe most worth it restaurant in pike place
- viewsyou pay for the views
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant, located on the second floor across from Pike Place Market, was a mixed bag. While the food was delicious, the portions were a bit small for the price, making it feel a little expensive. The staff was adequate but not overly friendly.
- overpricedThis place was overpriced
- tipTip of 20% already included for parties of 5+ for counter service, plus a line for additional tip
- charged for another table's mealcharged me for another table's meal
- dishpaying $26 per dish to have a bad tasting rice served
- drinksOverpriced drinks
- expensiveA bit expensive for what you get
- foodthe food was quite overprice
- full mealcharge for the full meal
- lunch70$ lunch but don't think I'll go back
If youre solely after a great view and dont mind potentially high costs for small portions, this spot might work. But if youre looking for good value for your money and food, you might want to save your time and money' and look elsewhere.
How are the prices at Copacabana?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a South American Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, prices are quite varied. While many diners spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, there’s also a good mix of those opting for more premium experiences, with prices spreading up to 101 $ and beyond. So, it offers options for different budgets!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a South American restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good range of options, so you can tailor your visit to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Copacabana
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Overheated Hot Chocolate, Good Vibe
My experience at this restaurant involved trying their Dubai hot chocolate. Unfortunately, the milk was overheated to the point of burning. It's a shame because the place itself has a good vibe to it.
- good vibe8
- Dubai hot chocolate2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Beautiful Spot with Excellent Food!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a beautiful spot located near the market, offering excellent food. The waitress was very nice, contributing to a positive experience.
Both the food and drinks were very good.
- food9
- waitress9
- food and drinks9
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Bolivian Flavors
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing regarding the authenticity of the food. While the food itself was decent, it did not taste like Bolivian food at all. My parents and I, who are from Bolivia, were particularly disappointed by the lack of authentic Bolivian flavors.
Although the food wasn't bad, it shouldn't be labeled as Bolivian cuisine.
- food5
- Bolivian food2
- flavors2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Glad it's still here!
It's been 45 years since I last ate here, and I'm very glad it was still there! The place seems smaller, but the outside seating is a nice change. I had to wait for the corn pie to be finished, but it was worth the wait 😋.
- outside seating8
- corn pie10
- waiting time6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Peruvian Flavors
I knew this wasn't Peruvian food, but I had high expectations because I read they sold Papa a la Huancaína and Lomo Saltado. I was hoping for the authentic flavor of Huancaína, but it was nothing like it. It wasn't bad, but it's not the taste of Huancaína.
As for the Lomo Saltado, it had 6 small, thin pieces of meat that looked like steak; it's not worth the price of the dish. I wouldn't go back. The attention was good, but they took too long to bring us the appetizers, and all the food arrived at the same time.
My wife ordered a ceviche and found it to be very bad.
- attention7
- Papa a la Huancaína3
- Lomo Saltado2
- price of the dish2
What Copacabana offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and seating options can you expect at Copacabana Restaurant?
At Copacabana Restaurant, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can choose from comfortable indoor seating, enjoy the fresh air with outdoor seating, or even experience the unique rooftop seating. They also offer curbside pickup and takeout for your convenience.
What types of beverages and food are available, and is Copacabana Restaurant accessible?
Copacabana Restaurant offers a wide range of beverages including hard liquor, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails, alongside delicious small plates. For accessibility, you’ll find wheelchair accessible restrooms and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What's the overall verdict on Copacabana?
Copacabana holds an overall score of 6.3 with customer satisfaction at 58.7%. While the Ambience (8.2) and some Food (6.3) aspects are noted, Service (5.1) and especially Value (3.3) show room for improvement.
What makes Copacabana's atmosphere special?
Many guests appreciate the view of Pike Place Market, with outdoor seating and a pleasant atmosphere making it a good spot for people watching and enjoying the surroundings.
Is Copacabana considered good value for money?
Opinions on Value are quite varied; some customers found it overpriced with small portions for the cost, while others felt certain items were worth the $15 or reasonably priced given the location.