Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Purple – Seattle
Purple - Seattle
Photo from Purple
Purple at a glance
Seattle Fremont
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#435 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#55 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
201
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great service
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Surcharge issues
- Slow service
The restaurant Purple, officially known as Purple CafĂ© and Wine Bar, in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood is a culinary gem, offering a delightful experience that truly stands out. As a top restaurant, it’s particularly celebrated for its exceptional dessert offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
You’ll discover a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion, from a casual meal to a romantic evening.
Overview: Introducting Purple
Purple offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the food for being fresh and beautifully prepared. The ambience is often described as clean, stylish, and cozy, contributing to a great time for many visitors.
You’ll find the setting quite inviting. However, some aspects of the visit can be less appealing.
While the overall experience is positive, concerns about value and certain service elements, like long waits, have been noted. It’s a place with clear strengths, but also areas that might give you pause.
Good
7.5
out of 10
201
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
49
negative
8
neutral
144
positive
Purple maintains a solid overall standing with a Restaurant Score of 7.5, indicating a good performance. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.6%, which also falls into the good category.
Out of 201 customer opinions, 144 were positive, while 49 were negative, suggesting a generally favorable reception among diners. Digging deeper, the Food (7.9), Service (8.0), and Ambience (8.0) all receive good marks, contributing significantly to the positive experiences.
However, a notable divergence appears with Value (2.6), which is rated poorly. This suggests that while the quality of the experience is high, the perceived cost-effectiveness is a significant concern for some patrons.
What people like
- Delicious, well-prepared food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Clean, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Unclear surcharge policy
- Occasional service delays
With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, Purple is generally a place worth considering if you prioritize a pleasant dining experience. You can expect well-regarded food, attentive service, and a comfortable setting.
It’s a solid choice for an enjoyable evening out. However, be mindful of the cost, as value is a consistent concern for some patrons.
If you’re seeking an experience where quality trumps budget, Purple could be a good fit. Otherwise, you might find the overall expense a bit steep.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Purple
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty good experience, with a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 79.8%. Many diners raved about the amazing food, highlighting favorites like the pizza, pasta, and outstanding burgers. With 75 positive remarks out of 94 total, its clear the kitchen often delivers.
However, it wasnt all perfect. A smaller number of guests, 15 to be exact, found some dishes disappointingly underwhelming or even flat and forgettable. There were also comments about small portions and specific items like slimy chanterelles that didnt quite hit the mark.
Food
94
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food quality
- Outstanding pizza/burger
- Diverse menu options
What people don't like
- Underwhelming dishes
- Slimy chanterelles
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodYou could tell they genuinely cared about making the night go smoothly. The adults ordered from the main menu, and everything was delicious. The food was fresh and beautifully done, and the wine list was great.
- wineIt's simply fantastic! I will be back for the pizza and wine.
- pizzaFor the food, I ordered the burger and a pizza, and both were absolutely perfect. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the pizza had a great balance of crisp crust and fresh toppings. Everything was prepared beautifully and tasted amazing.
- wine selectionMy experience at this restaurant was truly awesome. The vibe inside was great, the food was awesome, and they had a huge wine selection. The service was also great.
- Beets and Goat Cheesethe Beets and Goat Cheese starter
- Brieit was amazing
- BurgerTruly one of the best burgers I’ve ever had!
- Duck cassouletWow, amazing! Hearty, satisfying, flavorful
- Duo wine optionthis was fun!
- HH Old FashionWe were attended to by Sydney, who was absolutely delightful and very attentive. Their happy hour menu is a good value, and their HH Old Fashion was very close to perfect. I gave high marks in all categories and truly mean it.
Frequently criticized
- drinksWorse drinks.
- foodMedicore food
- appsand - gross. Total ick.
- beerBeer suggested to me was very blah.
- casual dining optionrather have a more casual dining option
- chanterellesThe chanterelles were so slimy I spit mine out.
- disappointingly underwhelmingfood? Disappointingly underwhelming
- flat and forgettableWe experienced long waits for everything – drinks, appetizers, and even getting a server's attention felt like pulling teeth. The food was disappointingly underwhelming; what used to be bold and well-executed now feels flat and forgettable. It's no longer a spot you leave already planning your next visit.
- friesWe absolutely loved their spicy prawn frites; the sauce was incredibly flavorful. However, we felt the dish could be improved by including more shrimp and fewer fries. Even better, replacing the fries with bread to soak up the sauce would be ideal.
- inventorystruggling with inventory
If you're looking for a generally good meal with some standout dishes, especially pizza and pasta, this place is worth checking out. While a few experiences mention underwhelming dishes or small portions, the majority of diners leave satisfied. Expect a solid culinary experience with a few potential minor hiccups.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.9%. Many guests rave about the attentive server and super friendly staff, noting that the team is often knowledgeable and goes above and beyond. Out of 52 comments, 40 were glowing about the excellent service.
However, its not always perfect. A few of the 12 negative comments mention struggles with staffing, leading to long waits for things like the check or drinks. Some experiences also pointed to a server being rude or unhelpful with wine related questions, suggesting theres room for a little more polish.
Service
52
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Excellent overall service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Staffing struggles
- Rude interactions
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was a tasty dinner with excellent service. We had an early reservation and it was very quiet upon arrival, but it became super busy by the time we left.
- staffthe staff couldn’t have been more accommodating
- ServiceService was excellent from start to finish
- serverMy experience at the new location was fantastic! The food was very good, and our server was amazing, expertly pairing wine with each of our mains. I also enjoyed one of their cocktails, which was great.
- AlexThe service was also great. Alex went above and beyond to ensure we had an awesome experience, and our server Hannah and the kitchen were also fantastic. I will definitely be going back soon.
- AlexanderAlexander (our server) as well as the chef that evening were absolutely amazing
- Sydneyattended to by Sydney who was absolutely delightful and very attentive
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- chefthe chef that evening were absolutely amazing
- consistently solid serviceI used to love this place when it was Fiasco. It was always a guaranteed great night with amazing food and consistently solid service. There was a perfect mix of energy, quality, and attention to detail that made me want to return repeatedly.
Frequently criticized
- serviceService needs just a little bit of polish
- first impressionWay to make a bad first impression in the neighborhood
- incomethis surcharge has actually hurt their income
- long waitslong waits for every round
- platesdid not get plates for them
- serverour server told us none of it is shared with them
- staffingstruggling with staffing
- time between order and getting our drinkstime between order and getting our drinks: 22 minutes.
- wait for the checkwait a pretty long time for the check
- wine related questionsdid not want to answer any wine related questions
Overall, the service here is quite good, making it a pleasant experience for most. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or staffing, the friendly and attentive team generally ensures a great visit. It's definitely worth a try if you value good customer care.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 8 and leaving 75.7% of customers satisfied. With 28 positive remarks out of 37 total, guests frequently praise the decor changes, atmosphere, and vibe, noting the location and seating options as particularly inviting and comfortable. However, its not without a few minor snags, with 6 negative comments.
Some found parking a challenge and mentioned the decorations felt less vibrant than before. A mediocre vibe was noted by a few, and the restrooms' route could be a bit circuitous.
Ambience
37
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Stylish decor
- Great seating options
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Circuitous restroom route
- Less decorated vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereThis restaurant is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. My experience was fantastic, with good food, service, and atmosphere. I'm definitely planning on coming back.
- ambianceservice, and ambiance! The food was so incredible
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- cleanClean, stylish, and cozy.
- cozyClean, stylish, and cozy.
- creative use of wine bottlescreative use of wine bottles, it is beautiful and functional
- cute placevery cute place
- decor changeslike the changes in the decor changes
- great timeWe had such a great time
- locationthe location is excellent
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is on the street, which at times can be a challenge
- decorationsThe place is far less decorated than last year.
- kid sprinting lapslittle kid literally sprinting laps around all the diners
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restroomscircuitous route you will be sent on just to find the restrooms
- vibeMediocre vibe.
If youre looking for a place with a generally good vibe and comfortable setting, youll likely enjoy it. Just be prepared for potential street parking challenges and a slightly less decorated feel than some might expect.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some serious work to do, with a low score of 2.6 and customer satisfaction at just 5.6. However, out of 18 total opinions, one positive comment highlighted that their happy hour menu offers genuinely good value, suggesting a potential bright spot for budget-conscious diners. Unfortunately, the overall sentiment leans heavily negative, with 16 critical remarks.
Many customers felt misled by surcharges and a general lack of transparency , especially concerning a 4% or even 20% service charge often hidden in fine print . Others found the regular prices expensive for the portion sizes, leading to disappointment.
Value
18
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour value
What people don't like
- Hidden surcharges
- Lack of transparency
- Expensive, small portions
Often praised
- happy hour menuTheir happy hour menu is really a good value
Frequently criticized
- priceI enjoyed the pizza and pasta. However, I found the portions to be small for the price.
- 4% added food chargeDidn’t love the 4% added food charge
- 4% surchargeadd a 4% surcharge to every bill
- Wednesday night dealbooked a reservation when their Wednesday night deal was listed as $50
- compensation and benefitsMy experience at this restaurant was marred by what I perceived as blatant deception regarding a 4% surcharge. The receipt stated the fee "ensures competitive compensation and benefits for our team, " which strongly implies it goes to the staff. However, our server informed us that none of it is shared with them.
- competitive wages and benefitsThe food was solid, earning a perfect score, but I won’t be returning. The main issue stems from a 4% surcharge added to every bill, which they claim is to support competitive wages and benefits. However, it's disappointing that the restaurant keeps all of this, especially with already high prices.
- employee compensationcustomers footing the bill for basic employee compensation
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was just OK. It felt a little too similar to other Italian wine bars in the vicinity, and it was also pretty expensive. I would have preferred a more casual dining option that was open for both lunch and dinner.
- fair paybuild fair pay into its pricing
- fine printThe restaurant was near empty, which made the experience even stranger. Adding to the frustration, there was tiny, tiny fine print on a postage-size stamp bill that hid the fact they add a 20% service charge. Given the poor service, it's unclear what this charge was for.
If you're considering this spot, stick strictly to the happy hour menu for potential value. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially high prices, small portions, and unexpected surcharges that have left many customers feeling misled and dissatisfied.
How are the prices at Purple?
On average, you’ll spend around 61 per person – from 16 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, the prices are quite spread out. While the average is 61$, some guests spend less, in the 21-50$ range, and others go for a more premium experience, spending 81$ or more. It’s a real mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the diverse spending patterns, we think the pricing offers flexibility for different diners. It seems fair for a Restaurant in Seattle, especially with options for both more modest and more indulgent experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Purple
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Stylish Service and Outstanding Food
I had an excellent experience at Purple Café and Wine Bar. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt upscale yet inviting. The host stood out immediately—wearing a sharp suit jacket and looking incredibly dapper, which set a great tone for the evening.
For the food, I ordered the burger and a pizza, and both were absolutely perfect. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the pizza had a great balance of crisp crust and fresh toppings. Everything was prepared beautifully and tasted amazing.
Overall, the combination of stylish service and outstanding food makes Purple Café and Wine Bar a spot I’d highly recommend.
- atmosphere10
- host10
- burger10
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Deceptive Surcharge and Impact on Staff
My experience at this restaurant was marred by what I perceived as blatant deception regarding a 4% surcharge. The receipt stated the fee "ensures competitive compensation and benefits for our team, " which strongly implies it goes to the staff. However, our server informed us that none of it is shared with them.
To make matters worse, they mentioned that this surcharge has actually negatively impacted their income because customers now tip less. This suggests the restaurant keeps the money for itself while misleading customers into believing it benefits the employees. This practice felt deceptive and disrespectful to both guests and staff.
If the restaurant intends to increase its profits with an additional fee, honesty about its purpose would be appreciated. Hiding behind language that suggests support for the hardworking staff, who genuinely enhance the dining experience, is unacceptable. The dishonesty, the negative impact on servers, and the overall lack of transparency were significant enough to ensure I will not be returning.
- surcharge1
- compensation and benefits1
- server2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Fantastic Service, Comfortable Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I found the food and drinks to be absolutely delicious. The service was equally impressive, described as fantastic.
Furthermore, the atmosphere contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment, being very comfortable.
- food and drinks10
- service10
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Similar Italian, Expensive, Lacks Casual Options
My experience at this restaurant was just OK. It felt a little too similar to other Italian wine bars in the vicinity, and it was also pretty expensive. I would have preferred a more casual dining option that was open for both lunch and dinner.
- Italian wine bars6
- expensive3
- casual dining option3
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Perfect Birthday Dinner Experience!
We had such a great experience at Purple Café for my son’s 10th birthday dinner! We had a group of ten-year-old kids, and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. They were so kind, patient, and organized, which made it easy for all of us parents to actually relax and enjoy the evening.
I really appreciated that they offered a kids’ menu — it had great choices, and the food came out quickly, hot, and nicely presented. The kids loved it, and the servers even took the time to make sure everyone got exactly what they ordered. You could tell they genuinely cared about making the night go smoothly.
The adults ordered from the main menu, and everything was delicious. The food was fresh and beautifully done, and the wine list was great. Service was excellent from start to finish, attentive but never rushed, which can be rare with a big group.
The restaurant itself has such a nice vibe, comfortable enough for families but still feels special. Everything from the food to the service made it a really memorable birthday dinner. Highly recommend for anyone planning a celebration or just a nice night out!
- staff10
- kids’ menu9
- food10
What Purple offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Purple Café and Wine Bar?
At Purple CafĂ© and Wine Bar, you can enjoy a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for dinner or brunch. They offer a diverse menu with excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a great wine list and delicious desserts. You’ll also find small plates and a full bar with cocktails and hard liquor.
What are the service options and amenities available at Purple Café and Wine Bar in Fremont?
Purple CafĂ© and Wine Bar in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including parking and restrooms. While parking can sometimes be difficult, free street parking and a paid garage are available.
How does Purple generally perform according to customer feedback?
Purple achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 71.6%. Its Food (7.9), Service (8.0), and Ambience (8.0) are highly rated, though Value (2.6) is a notable area for improvement.
Are there any common concerns about pricing or additional charges at Purple?
Yes, many customers express concerns about the value offered, citing small portions for the price and a 4% surcharge that some found misleading regarding its purpose for employee compensation.
What can I expect from the food and atmosphere at Purple?
Guests frequently praise the food for being delicious and well-prepared, with items like the burger and pizza often highlighted. The ambience is generally described as clean, stylish, and cozy, providing a pleasant dining environment.