Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Conversation – Seattle
Conversation - Seattle
Photo from Conversation
Conversation at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 51 – 60 €
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#706 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#77 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
698
Reviews
58.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Stylish setting
- Friendly staff
- Tasty plates
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- High prices
- Slow service
The restaurant Conversation invites you to a memorable dining experience in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood. You’ll discover a sophisticated atmosphere where every detail is crafted for your enjoyment.
This establishment is particularly celebrated for its great wine list, offering a superb selection to complement your meal. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a trendy spot for drinks, Conversation provides an upscale setting perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Conversation
Conversation offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the attentive service and the restaurant’s appealing ambience. The menu provides some genuinely delicious options, and the drinks are often highlighted as well-crafted.
However, some diners express significant concerns regarding the overall value, particularly due to an automatic service charge and perceptions of certain items being overpriced. This can detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
6.4
out of 10
698
Reviews
58.3%
Satisfaction
237
negative
54
neutral
407
positive
Looking at the numbers, Conversation holds an overall restaurant score of 6.4, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 58.3%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons.
These figures are drawn from 698 customer observations, with 407 positive and 237 negative remarks, offering a broad perspective on the dining experience. Digging deeper, the Ambience stands out positively with a score of (7.6), often described as having cool vibes and beautiful decor.
Service also performs well at (6.8), with many praising the staff’s attentiveness. The Food receives an average score of (6.5), while Value is a clear area for improvement, scoring a low (3), largely due to concerns over pricing and automatic charges.
What people like
- Pleasant, stylish ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
- Delicious menu options
What people don't like
- Automatic service charge
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional long waits
If you’re seeking a spot with a genuinely appealing atmosphere and attentive staff, Conversation could be a worthwhile visit. The 6.6 recommendation score suggests it’s a decent choice, especially if you prioritize a pleasant setting and good service over strict budget considerations.
However, be mindful of the pricing structure, particularly the automatic service charges, which have been a point of contention for some. For those sensitive to value, it might be wise to review the menu carefully before committing, as this aspect can significantly impact the overall experience.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Restaurant
9.6
out of 10
out of 10
150
100%
- €€€
- Madrona
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
127
99.2%
- $$
- Roosevelt
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
322
95.3%
- $$
- West Edge
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
304
98.7%
- $$
- Morgan Junction
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
135
97.8%
- $$
- Yesler Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
249
98%
- $$
- Greenwood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Conversation
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! Based on 341 customer remarks, with a solid 199 positive comments, it seems many guests are quite pleased. The food generally lands an average score of 6.5, with many praising the diverse dishes, flavors, and overall quality of the meals, especially the breakfast options.
Theres definitely some culinary care happening here! However, with 101 negative remarks and a mixed customer satisfaction of 58.4%, theres clearly room for improvement. Some found issues with portions being too small, seasoning being inconsistent, and certain steak dishes or vegetarian options' falling short.
It sounds like a bit of a hit-or-miss situation for some diners.
Food
341
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
101
negative
41
neutral
199
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful dishes
- Quality ingredients
- Diverse breakfast options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Small portions
- Overcooked dishes
Often praised
- foodThey have a really nice menu with great options for a nice breakfast. The food was delivered hot and everything was delicious! Kudos to the kitchen staff and front of the house staff - I hope the management generously recognizes the gems they have on staff!
- drinksThat kind of attention to the dining experience is what sets a place apart. Dinner was absolutely delicious, and the drinks kept flowing, each one just as delightful as the last. Everything about this place—from the service to the ambiance to the food—was professional perfection.
- avocado toastI'm not sure if I was missing it, or if it was hidden within other ingredients, but I've had halloumi many times and couldn't figure out where it was. Despite this, I still really enjoyed it, and the service was prompt.
- cocktailsI had the pleasure of dining at Conversations with a couple of friends, and from start to finish, it was an outstanding experience. I arrived fashionably late, but my friends were already enjoying themselves at the bar with the amazing bartender, Oscar, who was crafting delicious, well-balanced cocktails. The drinks made their way to our table seamlessly once we were seated.
- friesThe fries were delicious
- portionsthe food and portions are generous
- Espresso MartiniEspresso Martini was smooth
- Salmon BenedictThe Salmon Benedict was really really good
- dishesrecommended some great dishes
- eggplant lasagnaMy experience at the restaurant was amazing! The new Conversation menu was a highlight, with the burrata, eggplant lasagna, wings, and the osso bucco being particularly delicious. The osso bucco was fall-off-the-bone tender.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe waitress apologized, citing large, unruly tables as the cause for the delay, which was a red flag. We ordered food, which was about what one might expect from a hotel restaurant: overpriced and mediocre. I recall a steak that was cooked medium-well despite being ordered medium-rare, accompanied by forgettable and over-salted sides.
- steakI am 100% convinced I could have made the same steak at home for half the price. The steak was bland, and the potatoes were boring. My wife enjoyed her food, and the drinks were good.
- friesAfter we finally ordered, staff kept approaching us every five minutes trying to take our plates away, making us feel extremely uncomfortable with all the attention. Additionally, the fries were completely tasteless and dry, and the portions were very small. Overall, it was not a pleasant visit.
- menutake the burger off the menu
- drinksneither of these drinks were to die for or anything spectacular
- coffeeWe got our coffee after the food
- potatoesI am 100% convinced I could have made the same steak at home for half the price. The steak was bland, and the potatoes were boring. My wife enjoyed her food, and the drinks were good.
- wagyu burgerended up getting beyond well done patty! It was literally burned
- Avocado toastDint go for that, order something else
- Bees Knees cocktailmy bees knees cocktail was extremely bitter
If youre looking for a generally pleasant meal with some standout dishes, especially for breakfast, its worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences indicate inconsistency in portion sizes and seasoning, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.8 indicating it's generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 63.5%. Many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, with specific shout-outs to servers like Melissa and the overall feeling of being cared for, based on 125 positive remarks out of 197 total customer comments. However, not all experiences are stellar.
About 67 comments highlight areas for improvement, including instances of slow service, waiters not checking in frequently, and issues with water refills. There are also some concerns about what customers perceive as shady conduct regarding billing practices.
Service
197
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
67
negative
5
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized server care
- Prompt food delivery
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Lack of attentiveness
- Shady billing practices
Often praised
- serviceI'm not sure if I was missing it, or if it was hidden within other ingredients, but I've had halloumi many times and couldn't figure out where it was. Despite this, I still really enjoyed it, and the service was prompt.
- staffThe drinks made their way to our table seamlessly once we were seated. Although our table was ready, the staff kindly waited to seat us until our full party had arrived—a small touch that felt genuinely thoughtful. Our server, Tony, escorted us to our table and took the time to confirm which dishes were appetizers and which were entrees, ensuring everything came out just right.
- serverHis hospitality got our day off to a great start! Our server was Rose, who was lovely, efficient and attentive. They have a really nice menu with great options for a nice breakfast.
- ServiceService and food were top notch
- chefThe bartender was super friendly, and I also loved my spritz. I enjoyed chatting with the chef as well. I will definitely be coming back!
- waiterIt's misleading to the patrons & stealing from the workers their hard-earned money. My waiter was so great I wanted to pay him an extra tip but then found out he could've gotten an extremely small amount of what I paid if I didn't pay an additional tip. The manager kindly explained it's common practice for a Seattle service business, which made me even more concerned for the servers & the patrons with this shady conduct.
- bartenderBartender was super friendly
- hostwarmly greeted by the host, Matthew, who had such a kind and welcoming demeanor
- teamMartha took the best care of us, and we will certainly be back as long as she is working. Great job by the whole team, a stellar night had by all!
- JayJay was our served and made us feel like home
Frequently criticized
- servicethe pretentious atmosphere and service were off-putting
- waiterThe ceviche came in a cup with local tortilla chips that were so hard it was impossible to eat. We made a comment to our waiter about this, but it seems like he ignored it. My fish was soaking in an extremely untasty sauce and had so many fava beans that were half raw.
- seating policyrest of your party won't be seated if they don't arrive within 30 min
- serverserver also didn’t say anything about the 20% already applied
- serversthe servers who were there were useless
- staffstaff will not exceed expectations since they are receiving top tip
- waiting timeWe got the beet salad (stale bread with mushy beets) and a chicken sandwich. The sandwich never made it to our table; we cancelled the order because it took way too long. They mentioned they were behind due to a big party, but besides that, the restaurant was EMPTY.
- Uber rideWaste of an Uber downtown
- acknowledgementanother 15 minutes before anyone acknowledged our existence
- additional tipif we pay Additional Tip, then the servers get the full amount
If youre looking for a place where personalized attention can make your day, youll likely find it here, especially with specific servers. However, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or a less attentive experience, which might be a dealbreaker if you're in a rush or expect seamless efficiency.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here is generally a hit, with a good score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 79.4%. Many of the 77 positive remarks praise the atmosphere, decor, and vibe, often highlighting comfortable seating and even a lovely waterfront view or outdoor seating area. Guests frequently describe it as beautiful, intimate, and classy.
However, not everyone is charmed, with 14 negative comments pointing to a pretentious atmosphere or lack of care in some details like worn cutlery or lackluster decor. Some found the overall cleanliness lacking, or noted issues like a bathroom on another floor, which can detract from the experience.
Ambience
97
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Beautiful decor
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- Pretentious atmosphere
- Lacking care
- Worn cutlery
Often praised
- atmosphereI especially recommend the Espresso Martini. The atmosphere had cool vibes and a nice atmosphere, with funny coasters adding a touch of humor. We will definitely be back.
- locationThe staff was extremely kind, and they offered a delicious selection of breakfast options. It's conveniently located on the ground floor of the Hyatt Thompson, making it a great choice for anyone staying there or nearby in the mornings.
- ambianceThe waiter was awesome and the food was delicious. The restaurant is conveniently located right by Pike Place and has a nice ambiance.
- decorBeautiful decor and lighting
- placeAesthetically, this place is beautiful
- vibethe vibe is moody and chill
- lightingBeautiful decor and lighting
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Saturday morning vibeSaturday morning vibe was nice and chill
- ambiencegreat ambience
Frequently criticized
- ambianceThe ambiance was hasty and understaffed
- atmosphereplanting you in a corner on a tiny table, with a loud mouth group pinning you in
- bathroomBathroom is on the second floor which wasn’t amazing
- cleanlinesscleanliness Wait staff finish dressing the dishes
- coldMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its great little location, situated just off the main street and basically within the Thompson Hotel. The reviewer noted that while it's way too cold to be sitting out this time of year, the outdoor area is a nice looking spot.
- conversation cardsWe were served by Carlos and his female trainee on Saturday, October 8th. The “conversation” cards are stupid when the only people dining are a couple who’ve been married for 37 years (and we told the hostess that but she insisted on leaving the cards anyway). There is NO NEED to pour/refill water with an arm flourish—it’s JUST water!
- cotton napkinsCotton napkins were worn with fuzz
- decorLackluster decor
- dirty carpetsSpecifically, I saw waiters use their bare hands to garnish plates after handling dirty dishes, which is unacceptable. The overall lack of care was evident in worn cotton napkins, dirty carpets, and tarnished cutlery. Despite the good food, these issues detracted considerably from the dining experience.
- hotel restaurantmediocre hotel restaurant rather than a high end restaurant
The ambience here is a major draw, offering a beautiful and comfortable setting that most guests adore. While a few minor details like worn decor or a perceived pretentiousness might occasionally surface, the overall vibe is overwhelmingly positive. If a great atmosphere is key for you, this place is definitely worth checking out.
Value (3 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests have found some delightful surprises! The brunch special and late night happy hour are often highlighted as fantastic deals, with some even noting that prices were surprisingly reasonable and drinks fairly priced. While a small group of 6 out of 63 customers expressed satisfaction, giving an impressive 9.5 for customer satisfaction, the overall sentiment is a bit more nuanced.
However, the general feeling, reflected in a poor score of 3, points to significant concerns. Many find the restaurant overpriced, with the high price not matching the quality. Frequent complaints revolve around the automatic gratuity or service charge, often a mandatory 20%, leading to frustration over the final bill.
With 55 negative opinions, this is clearly a major sticking point.
Value
63
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
55
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Brunch special deal
- Late night happy hour
- Fairly priced drinks
What people don't like
- Automatic service charge
- Overpriced menu
- High final bill
Often praised
- brunch specialthe brunch special with the mimosa carafe was such a good deal
- burger priceDon’t let the price scare you, the burger is worth more than what it is listed for.
- fairly priceddrinks were great and fairly priced
- late night happy hourdid late night happy hour and it was a fantastic deal
- pricesthe prices were surprisingly reasonable for such quality
- valueThe value was excellent
Frequently criticized
- priceMy wife enjoyed her food, and the drinks were good. However, the main issue is that it is simply not worth the price.
- service chargea 20% service charge added when I do not think it was deserved
- billMy bill alone after the 20% gratuity charge was a whopping $76!!
- overpricedAs a local in Seattle who has seen this restaurant before the pandemic, I can assure you that unfortunately, the high price doesn't match the quality you are getting. First of all, the menu is very, very small and extremely overpriced. Unless you just want a burger and beer, you're fine, but don't expect a culinary experience like it was before.
- automatic gratuityfrustrated that we were charged an automatic 20% gratuity
- gratuitycheck came with 20% gratuity already included which they did not earn
- service feeautomatic 20% service fee... is a real let down
- $200 dinnerfor $200 dinner we were very disappointed
- 20% tipthey automatically add 20% tip to the bill
- Service chargethey add a 20% Service charge to the bill
If you're eyeing specific deals like the brunch special or late-night happy hour, you might find some good value. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially high menu prices and an automatic service charge that many find frustrating, which could make your visit disappointing.
How are the prices at Conversation?
On average, you’ll spend around 51 per person – from 109 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 51 – 60 € category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
However, looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is 51, a significant number of guests spend between 21 – 50 €, indicating more budget-friendly options. Yet, there’s also a notable segment opting for premium experiences above 90 €.
This suggests a diverse offering rather than a tight cluster around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the variety of price points available, from mid-range to more premium, we feel the pricing offers flexibility for different diners. It seems fair for a restaurant in Seattle, especially with options for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Conversation
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Food, Great Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was quite pleasant. The atmosphere was great, and the conversation flowed nicely. I enjoyed the king salmon and the steak, which was cooked perfectly medium-rare.
The drink menu was extensive, and the fries were delicious. The oysters were also fresh. However, the orzo was just okay and lacked flavor.
While I wasn't completely overwhelmed by the overall food quality, it was good, and I would recommend it.
- atmosphere10
- king salmon9
- steak9
Price per Person
- 61 - 70 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Mediocre Food, Slow Service, Overpriced
My experience at this restaurant was nothing special. The food was "meh", and the drinks were the same. The service was exceptionally slow, and like the rest of Seattle, it’s overpriced.
For a mediocre restaurant, it wasn’t worth the cost.
- food2
- drinks2
- service2
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Seasonal Menu Disappointment
Generally, this place is pretty good, but the seasonal menu is a huge dud. I would avoid it for the next 6 months or so. The food quality was rated a 1, which is a significant concern.
On the positive side, the atmosphere and service were excellent, both receiving a perfect 5. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. However, the vegetarian options were not good, and I would not recommend them.
- atmosphere5
- service5
- noise level10
- seasonal menu1
- food1
- vegetarian options1
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
No Response for Nut-Free Inquiry
I saw they were open on Thanksgiving and called numerous times to see if they could do a nut-free menu. No one answered. I called the hotel and asked if they could get in touch with someone from the restaurant.
She put me on hold, came back and said she talked to a server who thinks they could do it but someone would get back to me in the next day or two. No one has ever returned my call. I will not be eating there.
- nut-free menu5
- no one answered1
- no one has ever returned my call1
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food, Drinks, and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The Risotto with addition of shrimp was incredibly good. The staff tonight truly hit the mark, and the drinks were amazing.
A special shoutout to Reggie for crafting such great cocktails. I'm eagerly looking forward to coming back soon!
- Risotto with addition of shrimp10
- staff9
- Drinks9
What Conversation offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Conversation in Seattle?
Yes, reservations are accepted at Conversation, and they are recommended for both dinner and brunch. Planning ahead ensures you secure your preferred seating time for an enjoyable dining experience in South Lake Union.
What accessibility and parking options are available at Conversation?
Conversation offers excellent accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For parking, you’ll find both paid parking garage and paid street parking options conveniently located near the restaurant in Seattle’s South Lake Union area.
How does Conversation generally score with diners?
Conversation receives an overall restaurant score of **6.4** out of 10, indicating an average experience. While **Ambience** (7.6) and **Service** (6.8) are rated well, **Food** (6.5) is average, and **Value** (3) is a significant concern.
What do customers appreciate most about Conversation?
Diners frequently praise the restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere, often highlighting its beautiful decor and cool vibes. The staff’s attentiveness and friendliness also receive positive remarks, alongside a selection of well-crafted drinks and specific delicious food items.
What are the main drawbacks or concerns at Conversation?
The primary concern for many customers revolves around value, specifically the automatic 20% service charge and the perception that some menu items are overpriced. Some also noted occasional long waiting times for service.