Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Atoma – Seattle
Atoma - Seattle
Photo from Atoma
Atoma at a glance
Seattle Wallingford
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 81 – 90 €
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#144 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#24 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
726
Reviews
82.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great service
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Loud environment
- Staff issues
The restaurant Atoma in Seattle’s vibrant Wallingford neighborhood offers you an upscale dining experience. You’ll find a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an evening out.
With its inviting fireplace, Atoma provides a warm ambiance where you can enjoy delicious food and a great wine list. This trendy spot is ideal for dinner, offering a memorable culinary journey with excellent dessert options.
Overview: Introducting Atoma
Atoma offers a dining experience where creative food takes center stage, often praised for its thoughtful execution and unique flavors. Guests frequently highlight the impeccable service, noting the staff’s attentiveness and helpfulness, which contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment.
While many appreciate the warm ambiance and inviting atmosphere, some find the environment can be quite loud. Additionally, a few guests have noted concerns regarding the pricey nature of certain items, particularly drinks, impacting the perceived value.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
726
Reviews
82.4%
Satisfaction
91
negative
37
neutral
598
positive
Atoma generally receives a strong reception, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 8.4 out of 10. This positive sentiment is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.4%, indicating that most diners leave content. These figures are drawn from a substantial number of customer observations, with 598 positive remarks compared to 91 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Service (8.9) stands out as a particular strength, closely followed by the Food (8.5), both earning high marks. The Ambience (7.9) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, Value (4.5) is an area where opinions are more mixed, suggesting that some guests find the pricing less aligned with their expectations.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting, stylish ambiance
What people don't like
- Questionable value
- High noise levels
- Staffing inconsistencies
Atoma presents a compelling dining option, particularly for those prioritizing well-crafted dishes and attentive service in an appealing setting. The Recommendation Score of 8.6 suggests a strong likelihood that you’ll have a positive experience here.
While the overall experience is generally positive, be mindful of the potential for a lively atmosphere and consider that the value proposition might not suit everyone. If you’re seeking a memorable meal and don’t mind a higher price point, Atoma is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Atoma
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84.6%, its clear diners are consistently impressed. Out of 447 comments, a whopping 378 rave about the culinary experience.
Guests frequently praise the incredible flavors, creativity, and beautiful presentation of dishes. Signature items like the rosette cookie and baked alaska are often highlighted as unforgettable. However, not every bite is perfect.
While 46 comments express dissatisfaction, some guests have noted concerns about portions being too small or dishes occasionally being too salty or even bland. A few found certain items, like the pork collar or lions mane katsu, didn't quite hit the mark, and some cocktails were described as flat.
Food
447
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
46
negative
23
neutral
378
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional flavors
- Creative dish execution
- Stunning presentation
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Occasional tough meat
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional in every way! The charming ambience and delicious creative food made for an unforgettable meal. The menu was interesting, and the great service truly stood out.
- dishesThe food was nothing short of OUTSTANDING and without a doubt the best meal you can get in Seattle. Every dish was thoughtful, creative, and perfectly executed. What truly set the evening apart were the people.
- cocktailsThe restaurant offered a cozy comfortable atmosphere and beautiful creative food. The cocktails were particularly creative and complex. Everything we ate was unique and delicious, but I keep thinking about the Grilled Maitake in a Shawarma situation.
- mealHowever, the restaurant handled it well and made up for the delay. I walked in feeling slightly frustrated but left completely satisfied by the meal. Because of that, I could not bring myself to deduct any points.
- rosette cookieWe had such a wonderful night out at Atoma! Our dinner started with the most delicious starters; the crab toast, chickpea panisse, and the rosette cookie, and finished with the amazing sockeye and pork. It was SO AMAZING!
- menuI don't want to say too much more because it's already so difficult to get a reservation! Everything on the menu is excellent. I can't comment on the wine list, but the cocktails were fun.
- Baked AlaskaBaked Alaska with horchata ice cream and apples atop a churro - really nice way to end the meal
- FoodFood was great
- appetizersI absolutely loved this restaurant! I don't recall ever enjoying the appetizers as much as I did in quite some time. Their Battle of the Burgundy with a starting champagne/bubbly flight was fantastic.
- flavorsWe've already been twice and can't wait to go back. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, and the dishes were beautifully-presented with unique flavors. The cocktails were delicious, and the staff were amazing and personable, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe overall vibe felt like a bizarre dinner party in a grandma's house with loud hip-hop and Yelp reviews being read aloud. I left feeling confused, slightly hangry, and questioning my taste in trendy restaurants. I rate this experience 1/10 and will NEVER be returning.
- cocktailsstirred cocktails just tasted flat
- pork collarI did have a disappointing experience with the pork collar
- potatoesa side of potatoes that was just not good
- Baked AlaskaThe Baked Alaska was somewhat a miss
- Lions Mane katsuThey were sold out of the Lions Mane katsu which must have been the dish everyone goes to Atoma for.
- MatsutakeThe black cod’s flavor was overshadowed by the matsutake
- Saucethe sauce itself became the primary taste, but it lacked depth and complexity
- actual foodWe liked the restaurant’s warm ambiance, attentive service, and pretty plating of the dishes. However, the actual food was disappointing. Most dishes were rich (deep fried, salty, or creamy).
- bad biteI have never had a bad bite
If youre seeking a dining experience filled with inventive dishes, stunning presentation, and memorable flavors, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor critiques exist regarding portion sizes or occasional seasoning, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a treat.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.4%, it's clear guests are happy. Based on 129 positive remarks, you can expect attentive service, knowledgeable staff, and often flawless execution.
Many even shout out specific team members like Oscar for their exceptional care! However, a few of the 16 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some guests experienced slow service, long wait times, or perceived manpower/management issues.
There were also isolated reports of a rude owner, suggesting consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Service
146
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
- Flawless service
- Personalized attention
What people don't like
- Staffing issues
- Slow service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceEach plate was presented beautifully, and we thoroughly enjoyed the flavorful food. The dishes were perfectly timed, and the service was impeccable. This was our second visit, and it was just as wonderful as the first.
- ServiceService was impeccable from start to finish
- staffWe had heard great things and were eager to try it ourselves. The staff was so friendly and helpful, which truly elevated the entire experience. All of the dishes were fantastic, making it difficult to pick a single standout.
- wait timeEven with a reservation, we waited about 45 minutes, likely due to a busy Friday evening. However, the restaurant handled it well and made up for the delay. I walked in feeling slightly frustrated but left completely satisfied by the meal.
- serverOur server was also phenomenal, gracious, attentive, and kind
- OscarOscar, the brilliant wine director, made us feel like honored guests
- dining experienceIncredible dining experience.
- exceptional serviceMy experience at Atoma was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed exceptional service, a beautiful and warm atmosphere, and exceptional food. I dined alone at the bar and look forward to returning.
- experiencenever had a bad bite or experience
- AsiaMy belly is full, I’ve lost my voice, and now have a new favorite spot in Seattle. Unreal meal at Communion - thank you to both the talented team of chefs in the kitchen and our awesome friend Asia in the front. The Yeast Roll?
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe ordered a side of potatoes that was simply not good and seemed undercooked. The service was slow and unattentive, further detracting from the meal.
- cocktailsthe cocktails did not arrive till 6:59
- employee commentemployee commented on my review making a mockery of my speech
- feedbackno indication that the kitchen or management heard the feedback
- manpower/management issuesperhaps some manpower/management issues?
- ownerThe owner was very rude
- patienceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The owner was very rude and had a short patience. To make matters worse, the food was cold and was not good at all.
- reservationsreservations are a must
- staffWe sat down briefly as walk-ins, but were then told that they didn't have enough staff to serve food for where we were seated. It seems like a serious establishment and the food is probably decent, but perhaps there are some manpower/management issues?
- staffingThe outside looked outdated for such a "fancy" establishment. My complaints conclude with the staffing; a poorly organized group of pompous 20-somethings that had little to no regard for my experience at their pretentious so-called "restaurant. " The nail in the coffin came just one day after my review, when one of the employees commented on my review, making a mockery of my speech and implying stupidity.
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, often described as attentive and knowledgeable. While there are occasional hiccups with wait times or staffing, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest you'll likely enjoy top-notch care.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
If youre looking for a place with a truly inviting vibe, the ambience here generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction of 77.2%, its clear most diners appreciate the warm atmosphere, urban chic location, and stylish decor. Many of the 88 positive remarks highlight a not noisy environment, perfect for normal conversation, and an engaging open kitchen concept.
However, it's not without its quirks. A few of the 19 negative comments point to a small, cramped space, which can make the restaurant feel a bit tight. Some also found the noise level to be an issue, and parking options, along with concerns about the neighborhood, occasionally caused frustration for guests.
Ambience
114
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Stylish, chic decor
- Quiet conversation
What people don't like
- Small, cramped space
- Difficult parking
- Perceived unsafe area
Often praised
- atmosphereA place that takes flavor and presentation seriously but still makes it all feel comfortable and welcoming.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was very warm and inviting
- ambianceThe ambiance was equally impressive: stylish and modern, yet inviting
- ambienceIncredible ambience.
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional in every way! The charming ambience and delicious creative food made for an unforgettable meal.
- musicsome afro jazz funk music that transitioned into Khruangbin which was a great vibe
- vibeOutstanding service and a great vibe.
- vibesThe service was also wonderful, and we left eagerly anticipating our next visit. Thank you to the Atoma team for the great vibes!
- warm ambianceliked the restaurant’s warm ambiance
- CopineComparable to Copine but much closer
Frequently criticized
- restaurantRestaurant was quite loud, which I expected from the reviews but it was even louder
- atmospherePure chaos disguised as fine dining
- chairschairs were really narrow and hard
- conversationI had to basically yell to have conversation with my party
- dishesmind your dishes if you eat here.
- glassesThe first glasses our waiter brought out were dirty and had seafood on them.
- house atmosphereMy only suggestion for the potatoes is to cut them a little smaller. Overall, I didn't love the "house" atmosphere. Parking was available on the street, but I'm unsure about other options.
- low ceilingsin a home so low ceilings and small space
- noise levelblasting hip-hop
- outsideI was having trouble finding parking, and the spot seemed to be in an unsafe area for a family. The outside looked outdated for such a "fancy" establishment. My complaints conclude with the staffing; a poorly organized group of pompous 20-somethings that had little to no regard for my experience at their pretentious so-called "restaurant.
Overall, if you prioritize a warm, stylish setting for your meal and don't mind potentially navigating a smaller space or street parking, this spot is definitely worth a visit. It promises a good dining experience, though those sensitive to noise or concerned about parking might want to plan ahead.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests have found the experience to be well worth the money and even felt it won't break the bank, suggesting that for a select few (3 remarks), the price felt justified for a potentially unforgettable meal. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with 10 negative remarks. Many found the drinks to be an absolute waste of money, with non alcoholic drinks being particularly expensive.
Guests often felt they paid handsomely for outrageous amounts and tiny, laughable portions, indicating poor value for money. This is reflected in an average score of 4.5 and a poor customer satisfaction of just 15.8%, highlighting significant issues.
Value
19
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- Drinks overpriced
- Outrageous prices
- Tiny portions
Often praised
- moneywell worth the money
- pricespend $300 here. You might just have the best dinner of your life, too
- won't break the bankwon't break the bank
Frequently criticized
- pricewished the food was less pricey for the quality received.
- CocktailCocktail was delicious, though pricey.
- drinksDrinks are an absolute waste of money
- hundreds of dollarsBy the end of the meal, I felt ill — and was sick by the time I got home. Not the best way to spend a special evening out — or hundreds of dollars.
- non alcoholic drinksnon alcoholic drinks were $18 each
- pay handsomelyyou do pay handsomely for what you get
- value for moneyoutrageous amounts for tiny, laughable portions
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option or expect generous portions for your money, this might not be the place for you. While a few found it worth the splurge, the overwhelming feedback points to high prices, especially for drinks and small portions, making it a risky choice for value.
How are the prices at Atoma?
On average, you’ll spend around 90€ per person – based on 93 guests. That places this restaurant in the 81 – 90 € category. For a Restaurant in Seattle, this is definitely a higher-end spot.
While the average sits at 90€, our data shows that a good number of diners are actually opting for a more premium experience, with many spending over 101€, indicating a strong offering for those looking to splurge a bit.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the average spend and the clear trend towards premium experiences, we think the pricing feels fair for a higher-end restaurant in Seattle. It’s a place where you can expect quality for your investment.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Atoma
Price per Person
- 81 - 90 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Memorable Experience with Delicious Vegetarian Dishes
I finally stopped in after walking past this place many times. The experience was truly memorable. The ambiance was clean and cozy, and the service was amazing.
I loved watching the kitchen magic happen while sitting at the bar. I ended up trying 2 vegetarian dishes and absolutely loved them. It was a lovely experience, and I'm already looking forward to returning.
- ambiance10
- service10
- vegetarian dishes10
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Exceptional Vegetarian Food, Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding. I had the best meal I have had in Seattle. Every dish was executed to perfection, with flawless presentation and rich, layered flavors.
I have never tasted vegetarian food with this much depth, and every plate impressed us. The only downside was the wait time. Even with a reservation, we waited about 45 minutes, likely due to a busy Friday evening.
However, the restaurant handled it well and made up for the delay. I walked in feeling slightly frustrated but left completely satisfied by the meal. Because of that, I could not bring myself to deduct any points.
We will definitely be back.
- meal10
- dish execution10
- presentation10
- wait time4
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Exceptional Dining Experience!
I absolutely loved this restaurant! I don't recall ever enjoying the appetizers as much as I did in quite some time. Their Battle of the Burgundy with a starting champagne/bubbly flight was fantastic.
I opted for the blind option of the two glasses each course and managed to get 2 out of the 3 correct. I was shocked an OR chadonnay had more complexity in taste than one from France. The rest of the meal was amazing; we ended up ordering all their mains and two of their sides.
In hindsight, we should have ordered some of their sides for veggies or carbs. Looking forward to the next time. It's comparable to Copine but much closer for us.
- appetizers10
- Battle of the Burgundy10
- OR chadonnay9
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
3
Staffing Issues Prevented Food Service
We sat down briefly as walk-ins, but were then told that they didn't have enough staff to serve food for where we were seated. It seems like a serious establishment and the food is probably decent, but perhaps there are some manpower/management issues? I will update if I ever get a chance to try again.
- establishment4
- food3
- staff2
- manpower/management issues2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Unique Food, Great Service, Lovely Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I found the food to be unique and the wine selection to be excellent. The servers were incredibly nice and hard working.
I also appreciated the open kitchen concept, which added to the overall atmosphere. I truly love this place.
- unique food9
- excellent wine selection10
- nice and hard working servers10
What Atoma offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Atoma?
Atoma offers you an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a trendy night out in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. You can enjoy dinner with table service, and reservations are recommended to secure your seating.
Does Atoma cater to specific dietary needs and offer outdoor seating?
Yes, Atoma provides you with excellent vegan and vegetarian options on its menu. Additionally, if you prefer dining al fresco, outdoor seating is available for you to enjoy the Seattle weather.
How does Atoma generally perform across different aspects?
Atoma holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.4, with Service (8.9) and Food (8.5) being particularly well-regarded. The Ambience (7.9) is also appreciated, though Value (4.5) receives more mixed feedback.
What do customers appreciate most about Atoma?
Diners frequently praise Atoma for its creative food and impeccable service. Many also enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere that contributes to a pleasant dining experience.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Atoma?
Some customers have noted that the restaurant can be quite loud, impacting conversation. Additionally, the value for money, especially concerning drinks and portion sizes, is an area of concern for a segment of guests.