ELDR - Reviews

My experience at this restaurant was marked by a warm and comfortable room, beautifully highlighted by two wood fires. The food offered fresh yet still very accessible flavors, served family-style. The serving size was optimal for four people. Paired with a fun wine list, this restaurant is a terrific and unpretentious addition to this side of town.

My experience at ELDR was nothing short of a revelation, offering a dining experience that seamlessly blends artistry, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From the moment I stepped inside, the rich, smoky aroma of wood-fired cooking welcomed me, instantly setting the tone for an unforgettable meal. The open-fire cooking isn’t just a technique here; it’s part of the restaurant’s soul, infusing every dish with depth and complexity. The tasting menu was a masterclass in refined flavors and exquisite presentation. Each course was thoughtfully crafted, showcasing bold yet harmonious combinations that highlight the finest ingredients. Highlights of the meal included the Salmon Tartine, a perfect balance of richness and brightness with smoked king salmon, garlic aioli, and pickled fennel. The Winter Citrus dish was refreshing and vibrant, featuring Castelvetrano olives, shallots, and pistachios for an unexpected yet delightful contrast. The Roasted Leeks were elevated by mojo picante and dill vinaigrette. The Lasagna was possibly one of the best renditions ever, with layers of smoked beef rib, pomodoro, lemon ricotta, and parmesan, all baked to perfection. The Steak, a dry-aged prime hanger steak kissed by the open flame, was cooked masterfully, served with Swiss chard, chorizo, and a rich jus. For dessert, the Roasted Apple was comforting yet elevated, with caramelized apple, cinnamon ricotta, and a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The oysters were incredibly fresh, served on a bed of ice with all the right accompaniments. The side dishes, from the roasted potatoes to the house-made bread, were just as impressive. Beyond the food, the smoky, wood-fired atmosphere is a defining feature of ELDR. The scent of slowly smoked meats and open-flame cooking fills the air, adding to the immersive experience. It’s a warm, rustic, and deeply satisfying part of what makes this place so special. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the meal, from the stunning plating to the seamless service. ELDR doesn’t just serve food—it curates an experience. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply someone looking for a phenomenal night out, this is a must-visit destination. ✨ 5/5 – Absolutely Outstanding! ✨

I really enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. The venue itself is perfect, simple, and feels like an upscale neighborhood place. The food and flavors were cozy. The rotating skewer trio was really impressive, offering a lot of flavor in just a couple of bites. The burger, which was highly recommended by various blogs, was good but perhaps a little overhyped. The steak was cooked perfectly, and the roasted cabbage was also good. Overall, I definitely liked it and would go back to try more things. The staff was super friendly, helpful, and brought a fun, casual energy to the dining experience.

I visited ELDR on February 21, 2025, for a belated Valentine's Day celebration with my husband. We had a counter reservation and thoroughly enjoyed being in the midst of the action. The food was absolutely amazing; we savored the bread, dips, butternut squash, bistro steak, and sausage with grits. It was truly one of the better meals we’ve experienced in Seattle during our 10+ years here. Our only minor complaint was that we felt a bit rushed towards the end, as our total stay was only 80 minutes. Despite this, we would definitely return and highly recommend ELDR to others, whether you choose counter or standard seating.

My experience at ELDR was exceptional, especially with the Chef's tasting menu. I highly recommend it! The flavors were great, and the steak & lobster were perfectly cooked. The oysters & hot sauce were incredibly delicious. We initially planned to go to Bakers for drinks afterward, but we enjoyed the cocktails at ELDR so much that we stayed. The service was attentive, friendly, and efficient without being overbearing. The restaurant boasts a great aesthetic and vibe. I'm happy to have this restaurant in the neighborhood and definitely plan on returning for date nights in the future.

My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the tasting menu. The portions were incredibly tiny. The only redeeming part of the tasting menu was the steak, but even then, it was just one small, unappealing slice. I had high hopes for this place, but they were dashed by the crappy tasting menu.

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was some of the best I've had in Seattle. The atmosphere was also incredible, and it was a pleasure to watch the staff perfect their craft in the open kitchen. The team genuinely wants to be there, making it a great experience. We'll definitely be back!

My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the service was wonderful. I highly recommend trying the "bread service, " as it's all made in-house.

We celebrated our engagement at ELDR, and the experience was absolutely fantastic. The entire staff was incredibly friendly and kind, making us feel very special. They even provided complementary oysters to start and espresso martinis to finish, which was a true class act. The ambience was really cool; I definitely recommend sitting at the bar top to watch the chefs cook over the fire. Of course, all the food was delicious. We highly recommend the gnocchi and the steak!

Our experience at ELDR had some positives, including a very nice waiter and a really nice atmosphere. The drinks were also good. However, the food was overwhelmingly underwhelming. We ordered the steak for two, which was essentially burnt. While charring a steak is understandable, this was excessively done, resulting in meat with no flavor. The black cod was also very salty and disappointing, lacking any unique flavor profile, and the vegetables were overly salted. The albacore crudo was perhaps the best dish, but still nothing remarkable. The music was quite loud, making conversation with the waitstaff difficult. Overall, ELDR proved to be a very expensive and disappointing restaurant. I would highly recommend saving your money and eating elsewhere. Despite it being a new restaurant, I cannot see myself returning.