Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
oChef » Pink Salt – Seattle
Pink Salt - Seattle
Photo from Pink Salt
Pink Salt at a glance
Seattle Magnolia Village
- 🇵🇪 Peruvian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#497 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Peruvian Restaurant out of 1 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
532
Reviews
70.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Inviting atmosphere
- Flavorful dishes
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Slow service
The restaurant Pink Salt, a delightful Peruvian Restaurant in Seattle’s charming Magnolia Village, invites you to a truly unique dining experience. Imagine stepping into a cozy, romantic setting where a warm fireplace crackles, setting the perfect mood for your meal.
This upscale yet casual spot offers an authentic taste of Peru, making it an ideal destination whether you’re seeking a quiet dinner or a trendy night out. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that balances sophistication with comfort.
Overview: Introducting Pink Salt
Pink Salt offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating its flavorful Peruvian cuisine, particularly the fresh ceviche and well-prepared steak. The attentive service often stands out, with staff described as kind and helpful, contributing to a welcoming visit.
However, some diners have found the food to be occasionally salty or lacking the expected depth of flavor for the price point. Concerns about the value, with some feeling it’s overpriced, and occasional slow service or issues with the ambiance like loud music or strong odors, temper the overall experience.
Good
7.3
out of 10
532
Reviews
70.1%
Satisfaction
131
negative
28
neutral
373
positive
Pink Salt achieves a solid 7.3 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a 70.1% customer satisfaction rate, indicating most patrons leave content.
The restaurant particularly shines in its Ambience (8), creating an inviting setting, and its Service (7.7), where staff attentiveness is frequently commended. These positive sentiments are drawn from a substantial 373 positive remarks out of 532 total customer observations.
While the Food (7.2) is also rated well, some feedback suggests occasional inconsistencies in flavor or preparation. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.4), which falls into the average range.
Many guests felt the pricing didn’t always align with the portion sizes or overall culinary experience, contributing to the 131 negative comments received.
What people like
- Attentive, kind service
- Inviting atmosphere
- Flavorful Peruvian dishes
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional slow service
With a recommendation score of 7.3, Pink Salt generally delivers a positive experience, particularly for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and attentive staff. If you prioritize a pleasant setting and good service, it’s certainly worth considering for an evening out.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep for the portions. While the food can be quite good, occasional inconsistencies mean it might not always hit the mark.
It’s a solid choice, but perhaps not for every occasion or budget.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pink Salt
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.2, indicating a good culinary experience. Many diners rave about the delicious and authentic Peruvian cuisine, especially highlighting the amazing ceviche, flavorful pisco sours, and well-prepared lomo saltado. With 230 positive opinions out of 332 total, guests often praise the beautiful presentation and generous portions, making for a great meal.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.3%, suggesting some room for improvement. While many enjoy their dishes, 83 negative opinions point to occasional issues like food being too salty or bland, and some finding portions to be small. There are also mentions of dishes being undercooked or having inconsistent quality, which can be a letdown.
Food
332
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
83
negative
19
neutral
230
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Peruvian food
- Amazing ceviche
- Flavorful pisco sours
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Small portions
- Undercooked dishes
Often praised
- foodMy friends took us for a holiday dinner to this hidden Peruvian gem. The ambience was comfortable, the drinks were delicious, and the food was extremely flavorful and well portioned! The service was exceptional and much appreciated.
- cevicheThis was my first introduction to Peruvian food, and I’ve since tried a couple of other places. Pink Salt is still a memorable standout, especially with how the lightness and freshness of the ceviche complemented the stronger flavors of the mains. I don’t drink much and the cocktail was well balanced for me.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was marked by good food and good drinks. It's great to have outdoor dining available in the village, and the live music every other Thursday is a definite bonus.
- pisco sourThe pisco sour and pink salt margarita were excellent.
- Peruvian foodOn a quest for the perfect second date idea after a lovely day at Discovery Park, my date suggested a classic restaurant dinner. I discovered Pink Salt online and was intrigued by the prospect of trying Peruvian food. The reservation was easy to secure for a Sunday evening.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was warm and inviting, with great cocktails and unique and tasty dishes. I especially loved the bar area; it's a fantastic place to walk in, sit down, and enjoy a top-notch cocktail.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was warm and inviting, with great cocktails and unique and tasty dishes. I especially loved the bar area; it's a fantastic place to walk in, sit down, and enjoy a top-notch cocktail.
- lomo saltadoThe ceviche, lomo saltado and pisco sours were all great.
- presentationWe could sit here and drink the Pisco Sour forever. The food was awesome, with great presentation. The Italian/Peruvian owner couple adds a unique touch.
- steaksteak is cooked perfectly with crispy edge, yummy!
Frequently criticized
- foodWe tried Pink Salt for dinner, and while the service and ambiance were truly great, the food itself missed the mark for us. Both my husband's meal and mine were a bit too salty, and for the price point I expected the flavors to stand out more.
- fishthe fish was not well cut. There were very large, chewy pieces of fish
- food qualityfood quality not as good anymore
- cevicheNone of the dishes like ceviche were good
- flavorI’ve been to Pink Salt three times, but the last two visits have been a letdown. The food quality has gone downhill - my husband’s burger was undercooked and lacked flavor. Service was the biggest issue.
- friesThe kids menu was limited to Alfredo pasta or fried chicken/fish with fries. The fries were partly burned, and the fried chicken was oddly shaped and overcooked to the point of being chewy. My children mostly ate fries and rice.
- octopusWe had the coconut prawns which were very tasty but also kind of basic. We also had the octopus and that was just below the average of octopus I’ve had elsewhere. The lomo salteado was really good and the sides it came with were tasty.
- pastaNot al dente, undercooked. Even worse than that, the pasta was swimming in a lake of oil - as you can see in the photo below. There was no emulsion to the pesto.
- portiongrilled octopus but on the small side
- portion sizeThe yuca balls were absolutely delicious, with properly prepared yuca. I was a little put out that for $12 we got only four pieces, but I chalked that up to current inflation. Still, it was four fried balls of starch and cheese on an undressed bed of arugula.
If youre keen to explore authentic Peruvian flavors, especially their renowned ceviche and pisco sours, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious, theres a chance of encountering some inconsistencies in seasoning or portion sizes.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75%, its clear many guests have had good experiences. Out of 88 total comments, 66 praise the attentive staff, friendly servers, and expert service, often highlighting the waiters attention and overall excellent customer care.
However, it's not always perfect. There are 20 negative remarks among the 88 total, pointing to some areas for improvement. Concerns include slow service, distracted servers, and long waiting times for food or drink orders, suggesting that consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
88
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Expert, helpful service
- Gracious owners
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Servers get distracted
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceI loved the combination of well-thought decor and lighting. The service is truly perfect, both Manny and Fabio were great during our visit. The food is quite yummy but I felt I was missing something in the flavors.
- staffBoth my husband's meal and mine were a bit too salty, and for the price point I expected the flavors to stand out more. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, and the atmosphere was really pleasant with a perfect noise level for conversation. Overall, it wasn't bad just not as flavorful as we hoped.
- serverserver was very attentive
- ServiceService is excellent!
- waitressThe waitress was patient and extra sweet.
- BartendersBartenders are always friendly
- ChefI highly recommend the restaurant. Thanks to the Chef and staff!
- Corino the ownerCorino the owner is a great person
- GREAT recsshe gave us GREAT recs for late night dessert locations
- SarahOur server, Sarah was extremely helpful.
Frequently criticized
- serviceit took a long time for service
- waitressWhen I asked our waitress, she just replied with the fact I had ordered a pisco sour.
- server5 hours just to get our appetizer. Our server never checked in once. By the time the food arrived, we were ready to leave.
- ServiceService was the biggest issue
- appetizerPut an appetizer on our table that we didn’t order
- attentionHowever, the service was a significant letdown. Our server was distracted and it took a long time to get their attention. Even though it was not a busy night, our server never stopped by to check in on us.
- birthday celebrantbirthday celebrant was not acknowledged
- check inOur server was distracted and it took a long time to get their attention. Even though it was not a busy night, our server never stopped by to check in on us.
- drink orderForgot our drink order
- timeour two main complaints are time
If youre looking for a place with generally good service, youll likely find it here, as many praise the attentive and friendly staff. Just be prepared that on occasion, you might encounter slower moments or a distracted server, so patience could be a virtue.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 8 for ambience and a strong 84.5% customer satisfaction, its clear many appreciate the thoughtful interior decor, cozy atmosphere, and its suitability as a fantastic date spot. Patrons frequently praise the welcoming feel, often enhanced by live music, making it a fun experience, as noted in 71 positive remarks.
However, not everything is perfect. A few of the 10 negative comments point to issues like an overwhelming cigar odor, music being too loud for conversation, and less-than-ideal bathroom conditions. Some even reported flies, which can certainly detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
84
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Tasteful decor
- Great date spot
What people don't like
- Strong cigar odor
- Loud music
- Bathroom issues
Often praised
- atmosphereBoth my husband's meal and mine were a bit too salty, and for the price point I expected the flavors to stand out more. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, and the atmosphere was really pleasant with a perfect noise level for conversation. Overall, it wasn't bad just not as flavorful as we hoped.
- ambianceThe portions were pretty decent too - my partner and I both had leftovers we took back home. The ambiance is cute. Overall a great experience - would recommend.
- ambienceloved everything about the place with the ambience
- barI love the bar
- locationI was so impressed with the excellent customer service and the excellent food. The awesome location and atmosphere also contributed to a wonderful dining experience. I loved this place so much that I was amazed and purchased gift certificates for my small business customers.
- parkingMy experience at the restaurant was very enjoyable. The location was good with plenty of parking in the area. The sides were good, the mains were good, and the cocktails 🍸 were good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Jazz bandthey had a Jazz band outside. The music was great
- Peruvian decorationslove the Peruvian decorations
- aromasthe aromas made me feel right home
Frequently criticized
- Parking lotParking lot is on the street, if your lucky you'll find a spot
- Peruvian themea little pretentious, with the "inspired" Peruvian
- bathroomthe bathroom, but it was a tad underwhelming
- bathroom paper towels garbage binthe bathroom paper towels garbage bin, please use a different one
- cigar odorAnd the place seemed clean. But as soon as we sat down, we were both overwhelmed by the vile odor of a really, really stinky cigar. The two of us looked at each other as we were turning green and both asked each other if we should get up and leave.
- flies near windowcaught two big flies near the window
- live musicit can be loud enough that it is hard to hold a conversation
- menuhanded me a dirty, wrinkled and old menu
- musicOverall, I recommend skipping this place. The music was too loud, the food was bad, and the friendly service did not make up for the lack of a good meal.
- smell of cigarsstrong smell of cigars at the top
If a charming, cozy atmosphere for a date night or special occasion is what you seek, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some have encountered issues with loud music or occasional strong odors, which might affect your experience.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
It seems when it comes to value, some diners found reasons to smile, with 6 positive opinions highlighting good value and reasonable price for certain offerings. Many appreciated the happy hour for a great deal, noting that large portions could deliver overall good value, making the overall experience feel worth it. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 18 negative opinions painting a different story.
While the score for value sits at an average 4.4, customer satisfaction is a poor 21.4%, suggesting a significant disconnect. Many felt the "price" or "price point" was "overpriced for the amount" or simply didnt match the experience, leading to bill shock and a feeling of being on the pricier side.
Value
28
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Good value portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Bill shock
- Price point mismatch
Often praised
- billGastamos $54 USD incluyendo impuesto, propina y la comida
- good valuelarge portions that deliver overall good value
- happy hourgo there during happy hour first - they have a great deal
- overall experienceoverall it was worth it
- pricepaid $45 each
- reasonable priceTraditionalists will appreciate the great variety, including aji de gallina and arroz con mariscos o pollo. The kids' menu offers basics like pasta and hamburgers at a reasonable price.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's great to have outdoor dining available in the village, and the live music every other Thursday is a definite bonus. However, the primary issue with this place is that it is extremely over priced. I am consistently shocked by the bill.
- price pointWe tried Pink Salt for dinner, and while the service and ambiance were truly great, the food itself missed the mark for us. Both my husband's meal and mine were a bit too salty, and for the price point I expected the flavors to stand out more. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, and the atmosphere was really pleasant with a perfect noise level for conversation.
- billshocked every time by the bill
- happy hourdo not recommend coming to happy hour
- mealfor a meal that was over $150 before tip, this wasn't it.
- overpriced for the amountthought it was overpriced for the amount you get
- pricier sideA bit on the pricier side
- regular portionsThe regular portions are pretty pricy
If youre looking for a deal, hitting up happy hour might be your best bet, as many found it offered good value. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially higher prices that, for many, didnt quite align with the overall experience or food quality.
How are the prices at Pink Salt?
You’re looking at roughly 62 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Peruvian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while some guests spend less, there’s also a good chunk opting for more premium experiences, showing a pretty wide spread in what people choose to spend.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Peruvian spot in Seattle, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality meal without completely breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pink Salt
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Delicious Food, Service Needs Improvement
I came here for Thanksgiving and was pleased that they were open on the holiday. The food was extremely delicious. I have already made a reservation for Christmas Eve to bring my family.
The service was good, not great. They forgot our drink order and put an appetizer on our table that we didn't order.
- food10
- service6
- drink order2
- appetizer3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Service, Okay Food
We tried Pink Salt for dinner, and while the service and ambiance were truly great, the food itself missed the mark for us. Both my husband's meal and mine were a bit too salty, and for the price point I expected the flavors to stand out more. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, and the atmosphere was really pleasant with a perfect noise level for conversation.
Overall, it wasn't bad just not as flavorful as we hoped. I'd still be open to giving it another try in the future because the service and vibe were wonderful!
- service9
- ambiance9
- staff10
- food4
- salty3
- flavors4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Pretty Small Portions, Just Okay Taste
My experience at this restaurant involved trying the Causa al Olivar (Octopus), Asado de Temera con Puré (Steak), and Suspiro Limeño for dessert. The portion sizes were very small, though the presentation was good. Unfortunately, the taste was just 'meh'.
I found the restaurant a bit pretentious with its 'inspired' Peruvian theme.
- presentation7
- taste5
- portion sizes3
- Peruvian theme3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Amazing Food and Service!
If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would! My experience at this restaurant was amazing, with both the food and service being outstanding. It's definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle.
😍
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Peruvian Food & Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible. The food was some of the best Peruvian cuisine I've had outside of South America. The staff were extremely friendly, and the cocktails were spot on.
I will definitely be back!
- food10
- Peruvian food10
- staff10
What Pink Salt offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- 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
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Pink Salt Restaurant & Lounge?
At Pink Salt Restaurant & Lounge, you can anticipate a dining experience that is both casual and upscale, set within a cozy, quiet, and trendy atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a relaxed lunch, or a vibrant brunch, you’ll find comfortable seating and table service. They also offer a private dining room for special occasions.
Does Pink Salt Restaurant & Lounge cater to specific dietary needs and offer special beverages?
Yes, Pink Salt Restaurant & Lounge provides excellent options for various dietary preferences, including both vegetarian and vegan dishes. You can also enjoy a wide selection of beverages, from hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails to coffee, alongside their popular happy hour drinks and food. Small plates are available for a lighter experience.
What is the overall rating for Pink Salt and what aspects contribute to it?
Pink Salt holds an overall score of 7.3, reflecting a good dining experience. Its Ambience (8) and Service (7.7) are particularly strong, while Food (7.2) is also well-regarded. The Value (4.4) is considered average.
What makes the atmosphere at Pink Salt stand out?
Guests frequently praise Pink Salt’s inviting and comfortable atmosphere, often highlighting the pleasant decor, outdoor dining options, and even live music. Many find it a warm and welcoming place to dine.
Are there any common concerns about the food or pricing at Pink Salt?
Some diners have noted that the food can occasionally be inconsistent, with comments about dishes being too salty or lacking expected flavor. Additionally, the pricing is sometimes perceived as high, leading to concerns about overall value.