Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
oChef » Fairmont Olympic – Seattle
Fairmont Olympic - Seattle
Photo from Fairmont Olympic
Fairmont Olympic at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 40 of the guests
#750 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#83 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
327
Reviews
51.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive Service
- Grand Ambiance
- Delicious Pastries
Frequently criticized
- High Cost
- Inconsistent Food
- Loud Environment
The restaurant Fairmont Olympic, a distinguished restaurant in Seattle’s Central Business District, invites you to experience the renowned Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Olympic Hotel. You’ll find yourself drawn to its cozy atmosphere, where the promise of great dessert awaits.
This establishment is celebrated for its exquisite culinary offerings, making it a prime destination for those seeking a memorable dining occasion in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Fairmont Olympic
Fairmont Olympic offers an afternoon tea experience where guests often praise the delicious pastries and sandwiches, along with the attentive service from staff. Many find the ambiance to be quite beautiful and grand, especially when seated in the intimate Library side.
However, some aspects of the food quality and overall value have drawn criticism. While the scones can be a highlight, other food items, like the bread and petit fours, have been described as stale or underwhelming.
Service, though often friendly, can sometimes be slow or inconsistent, and the overall experience is frequently deemed over-priced, particularly given the occasional loud environment.
Average
5.9
out of 10
327
Reviews
51.7%
Satisfaction
139
negative
19
neutral
169
positive
The Fairmont Olympic holds an overall restaurant score of 5.9, placing it squarely in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a 51.7% mixed level. This indicates a somewhat balanced experience, where opinions are quite divided.
With 327 total opinions, including 169 positive and 139 negative remarks, there’s a clear split in how guests perceive their visit. Looking closer, the Service (6.8) and Ambience (6.9) generally receive more favorable feedback, suggesting these are stronger points.
However, the Food (5.6) is perceived as average, with some notable inconsistencies. The most significant area for improvement appears to be Value (2.6), which many guests found to be quite poor, often citing high costs for what they received.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Beautiful, grand ambiance
- Delicious pastries and tea
What people don't like
- High cost, poor value
- Inconsistent food quality
- Loud, awkward environment
With a recommendation score of 6, Fairmont Olympic presents a mixed bag. While the elegant setting and often attentive service create a pleasant atmosphere, the overall value and inconsistent food quality can be a point of contention for many guests.
If you’re seeking a special occasion tea experience where ambiance and service are paramount, it might be worth considering. However, be prepared for a higher price point and potentially variable food offerings.
It’s a place that shines in certain aspects but has room for improvement in others.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fairmont Olympic
Food (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.6 and customer satisfaction at a 47.5% mixed rating. Many guests, however, have raved about the food presentation, delicious pastries and sandwiches, and thoughtful vegan menu options. With 84 positive remarks out of 177 total comments, there's certainly a lot to enjoy, from scones to sweet & savory bites.
On the flip side, 76 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Concerns frequently arose regarding stale sandwich bread, bland fillings, and disappointing desserts, with some finding the overall food quality to be underwhelming. It appears consistency might be an issue, as some experiences fell short of expectations.
Food
177
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
76
negative
17
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pastries, sandwiches
- Accommodates dietary needs
- Excellent food presentation
What people don't like
- Stale bread, nibbles
- Underwhelming food quality
- Bland, uninspired flavors
Often praised
- foodI was initially concerned due to many negative reviews, but my afternoon tea experience was mostly pleasing. We had plenty of food and tea for two, even taking desserts to go. The finger sandwiches were delicious, with only the wheat bread on the egg salad being hard.
- teaThe tea itself, and all the accompanying food—the pastries, sandwiches, and desserts—were delicious
- afternoon teaYou can never go wrong with an afternoon tea, especially at the Fairmont. The kids had a great time and enjoyed the lemonade tea.
- dessertsThe scones were good, though not exceptional, and the lemon curd, jam, and cream were insufficient for two. The desserts were quite good, and the tea, including the hotel's Centennial offering, was excellent. Our server, Caleb, provided perfect service – pleasant, knowledgeable, and even offered to take pictures.
- pastriesthe pastries, sandwiches, and desserts—were delicious. Every single bite was amazing
- tea selectionThe food was pretty much blended and lacked uniqueness. While the tea selection was good, our teapot was constantly empty, and we had to ask for hot water multiple times. The Champagne Mimosa was pricey; two afternoons and two mimosas cost almost $300, including tax and tip.
- sandwichesthe pastries, sandwiches, and desserts—were delicious. Every single bite was amazing
- sconeAll bread or cracker components were stale or dried out, and the egg salad and mousse lacked moisture. The scone was fresh and the starter sweet fruit cream mousse was good, but the rest of the food was a disappointment compared to other afternoon teas in town. The service was also confusing; waiters performed tasks incorrectly a couple of times and were inattentive, requiring manual flagging for water or cream.
- sconesThe standout? The scones. They were warm, moist, and just the right amount of crumbly—easily the best we’ve ever had.
- Centennial teaI had the centennial tea which was 💯
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food and service for this Holiday Tea was terrible
- afternoon tea" While Caleb adjusted the bill to just over $100, we were shocked that the Fairmont would consider their offering worth $200+ given the "horrendously loud and chaotic environment. " While all staff were kind and helpful, the overall experience was marred by "bad food and mediocre tea in an unpleasant environment. " I won't be returning and advise others to find a different spot for afternoon tea.
- dessertsThe cream that accompanied them was described as crème fraîche, but it tasted like sweetened whipped cream. The desserts were attractive but lacked good flavor. This afternoon tea is over-priced, and there is honestly nothing to recommend it.
- food qualityThe food went drastically downhill compared to the high quality
- sconesscones were not really scones—they tasted like and had the consistency of a biscuit-y croissant
- teatea was all burnt and bitter
- breadThe food and tea were both very underwhelming. The bread for the sandwiches was stale, and the cakes were strange and/or stale. The tea itself was incredibly weak.
- Darjeeling teaDarjeeling was unbelievably rancid
- Earl Greymy earl grey was overtly floral in flavor and a bit weak
- Petit foursHowever, the food was underwhelming, especially considering the cost and the expected level of presentation associated with the Fairmont name. The Petit fours and mini bites were stale and dry, which was quite disappointing. Additionally, the service was not warm or inviting.
If youre considering dining here, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent food experience. While some aspects like presentation and specific items can be delightful, theres a noticeable chance of encountering stale or bland offerings. It might be worth a try if youre flexible, but dont go in expecting culinary perfection across the board.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had a genuinely positive experience, with 44 positive remarks out of 68 total. Youll often find friendly staff and an attentive waiter who is knowledgeable on teas, making for a pleasant visit. Theres also praise for food allergy accommodation, showing a caring touch.
Overall, the service scores a respectable 6.8, indicating a good effort. However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.7%, reflecting some areas for improvement. A number of the 24 negative comments mention slow service and an unhelpful or rude receptionist.
Issues like a lack of refills for tea pots and staff being unwilling to accommodate certain requests also pop up, suggesting inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
68
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
24
negative
0
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable on teas
- Accommodates food allergies
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Staff can be rude
- Lack of tea refills
Often praised
- serviceI was hesitant to book tea here due to the reviews not being great, but I was so happy I did and had a wonderful time! It’s a beautiful room, service was great and the food was fantastic! It was also large enough portions that I was barely able to try everything so you will not leave hungry.
- staffMy experience at the Olympic Bar inside the Fairmont Olympic for High Tea was truly wonderful. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel so welcome and taken care of. They went above and beyond to accommodate my food allergy, ensuring everything was safe, delicious, and beautifully presented.
- DavidDavid our tea guide, if you would, was super knowledgeable and very nice
- server DavidOur server David was wonderful
- Servicealways taken care of with refills on our tea and waters
- assistantsFrom start to end, he was always sweet, warm and generous, making sure we were taken care of. His assistants were also kind, stopping by to make sure we had warm tea and snapped lots of pictures for us to remember forever. We had a special book room reserved next to the main tea party room and bar.
- attentive waiterThe waiter was attentive
- child's experiencehow kind and thoughtful the team was with my child
- customer serviceThe atmosphere was phenomenal, and the food was unique and delicious, with plenty of vegan friendly options. Our server, Kassie, provided some of the best customer service I’ve ever had. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be back!
- employeesThe employees were awesome—super friendly and they totally knew their stuff
Frequently criticized
- serviceI probably will not return for afternoon tea as it doesn't meet the value per dollar. Additionally, the service was attentive but very slow, and to top it off, we had to pay for parking as they no longer offer validation.
- accommodate one personunwilling and cannot accommodate one person for tea
- hot waterasked for hot water multiple times
- hot water methodkeep adding hot water" method of steeping tea
- informationDidn't know the information
- milk for our teaWe were never offered milk for our tea
- receptionistthe receptionist was so unhelpful and rude
- refills of my tea potI didn't get any refills of my tea pot
- responsepathetic that the Fairmont has not responded
- samplesThey didn’t have any samples you could see or smell
Overall, service here can be quite good, with many praising the attentive and knowledgeable staff. However, with customer satisfaction being a bit mixed, you might encounter slower moments or less accommodating interactions. If you're patient, the positive experiences often shine through.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 6.9 score indicating a good experience, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69%. Many guests rave about the stunning atmosphere and vibe, often calling it the best selling point. With 40 positive remarks out of 58 total, people particularly love the beautiful decor, live plants, and the elegant blend of old architecture with modern, lux vibes, creating a peaceful escape.
However, not everyone finds the setting ideal, with 17 negative comments highlighting some drawbacks. Concerns include uncomfortable chairs and small tables, especially in the Olympic Bar area. Some guests felt the experience was awkward, being in the middle of a busy hotel lobby, and found the environment loud and chaotic, particularly during tea time, with slouchy furniture around undersized coffee tables.
Ambience
58
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning atmosphere
- Beautiful decor
- Grand, elegant feel
What people don't like
- Loud, chaotic environment
- Uncomfortable seating
- Small, low tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was also confusing; waiters performed tasks incorrectly a couple of times and were inattentive, requiring manual flagging for water or cream. It's a shame the service and food didn't match the beautiful atmosphere, parking effort, and the high price point of $100+. I wish the quality was better, as I would have returned, but it wasn't good enough for the effort.
- ambianceThe ambiance was incredible; the room felt so grand that I honestly felt like I had stepped back into time
- settingThe food, the service, the setting. We looooooved it!
- environmentI absolutely loved the tea, pastries, and the abundance of smol things. Everything was beautifully presented and served with excellent service in a decadent environment. This was a wonderful experience that would impress anyone.
- ExperienceI thought it was a fun experience
- Kid-friendlinessthey had a great time
- Library sidewe sat in the library side and it was super cute and very intimate feeling
- Olympic BarThe space was breathtaking the first time I saw it
- ambiance and feelWe loved the ambiance and feel with the old architecture
- ambiencerestored glory really adds to the ambience
Frequently criticized
- Teddy Bear Roomthe "Teddy Bear Room" was a bit creepy
- atmosphereSuper awkward and in the middle of a lobby?
- bearssad looking bears and no color
- environmentthe environment. Our table for two was very small
- hotelCunningham's review. I would love to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at a fine hotel, but apparently the Fairmont is not such a place.
- lobbyThe food was "disappointing": the scones tasted like KFC biscuits, the finger sandwich bread was stale, and the desserts were "nothing special. " While Caleb adjusted the bill to just over $100, we were shocked that the Fairmont would consider their offering worth $200+ given the "horrendously loud and chaotic environment. " While all staff were kind and helpful, the overall experience was marred by "bad food and mediocre tea in an unpleasant environment.
- loud environmentLoud environment for tea time
- seating areaThe seating area is next to their bar, so you don’t feel like you’re having a unique experience.
- sharing the spacewe were sharing the space with the hotel guests
- slouchy, lounge-y furnitureslouchy, lounge-y furniture situated around a comically low
If youre looking for a visually stunning place to soak in a grand atmosphere and take photos, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that seating might be less comfortable and the noise level can be higher, especially if youre hoping for a quiet, intimate experience.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres only a glimmer of hope. Out of 24 comments, just 1 positive sentiment suggests that the experience might be worth it for a special occasion. However, with a customer satisfaction of just 4.2% and a score of 2.6, its clear that most guests dont feel theyre getting their moneys worth.
The overwhelming sentiment, with 22 negative comments, points to significant concerns about Price and high cost. Many felt it was not worth the price and questioned the value per dollar, especially with added afternoon tea charges, tax, and even parking' contributing to the overall expense.
Value
24
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
22
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Special occasion worth
What people don't like
- High cost
- Poor value
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- experiencewas worth it for a special occasion
Frequently criticized
- priceThe desserts were attractive but lacked good flavor. This afternoon tea is over-priced, and there is honestly nothing to recommend it.
- Champagne MimosaWhile the tea selection was good, our teapot was constantly empty, and we had to ask for hot water multiple times. The Champagne Mimosa was pricey; two afternoons and two mimosas cost almost $300, including tax and tip. I believe there are better places in town offering a better experience at a more reasonable price.
- PricePricey, yes
- afternoon tea chargeThere was an added 23% afternoon tea charge
- champagne priceit came out to $35 a glass!!!
- high costbesides the high cost
- optionswe would have appreciated more options, including some for mimosas.
- overall experienceI certainly wouldn't go back
- parkingwe have to pay for parking
- price per personwouldn't expect high quality tea from a place that charges 100+ per person
If youre looking for a splurge for a truly special occasion and budget isnt a concern, you might find some enjoyment. However, for everyday dining or if youre mindful of your wallet, this spot likely wont deliver the value you're hoping for.
How are the prices at Fairmont Olympic?
On average, you’ll spend around 90 $ per person – from 40 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For a Restaurant, that’s definitely higher-end.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out, with a good number of diners opting for experiences over 101 $, suggesting a premium experience for many.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 40 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the average spend and the spread of prices, we think the pricing feels appropriate for a higher-end restaurant experience. It’s good to know what to expect for a special meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fairmont Olympic
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Spectacular Afternoon Tea Experience!
My recent afternoon tea experience was absolutely spot on from start to finish. I was incredibly impressed by the full vegan menu offered for my friend, which allowed us to share the experience fully – a truly spectacular touch. Beyond the menu, the entire experience was next-level.
The employees were awesome, exuding friendliness and expertise, which made me feel instantly welcome. The ambiance was incredible; the grand room transported me back in time. The tea and all the accompanying food, including pastries, sandwiches, and desserts, were delicious.
Every bite was amazing, showcasing the evident effort put in. Exploring the second-floor displays detailing the building's rich history was a cool bonus to an already perfect afternoon. Highly recommended!
- vegan menu10
- employees10
- ambiance10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Wonderful Birthday High Tea Experience
I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant for my birthday high tea. Our server, Cassie, was absolutely wonderful and the food was good too. While it was an expensive experience, it was definitely worth it for a special occasion.
Thanks, Cassie!
- high tea8
- server10
- food7
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Baby Shower at Fairmont Olympic
My sisters hosted a wonderful baby shower for me at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Our server, David, made our day very special, not just for me, but for the entire party. We are very grateful for him!
It was our first time here. He helped us with the menu, including special teas to choose from and scrumptious food and desserts from the tier. From start to end, he was always sweet, warm and generous, making sure we were taken care of.
His assistants were also kind, stopping by to make sure we had warm tea and snapped lots of pictures for us to remember forever. We had a special book room reserved next to the main tea party room and bar. We loved the ambiance and feel with the old architecture, modern interior designs, and lux vibes.
If you’re looking for a place to have tea with friends and family or a place to host a gathering with friends over tea, I highly recommend the Fairmont Olympic Hotel! You must request David if we’re not there. Tehehe.
Happy tea time.
- David10
- scrumptious food and desserts10
- ambiance and feel9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Experience with Phenomenal Food!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing! The atmosphere was phenomenal, and the food was unique and delicious, with plenty of vegan friendly options. Our server, Kassie, provided some of the best customer service I’ve ever had.
I highly recommend this place and will definitely be back!
- atmosphere10
- food10
- vegan friendly10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Wonderful Experience with Great Food and Service!
My first time here was a fantastic experience! The tea and food were great. Our server, David, was wonderful and incredibly helpful, answering all our questions and explaining everything.
He even did a great job taking our group photos! I highly recommend this place and suggest asking for David!
- tea9
- food9
- server David10
What Fairmont Olympic offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Fairmont Olympic?
At Fairmont Olympic, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and delightful Dessert. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal with table service available for your convenience.
What payment methods and accessibility features are available at Fairmont Olympic?
Fairmont Olympic accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for your convenience. The establishment is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How is Fairmont Olympic rated by guests?
Fairmont Olympic holds an overall score of 5.9, indicating an average experience. Guests generally appreciate the Service (6.8) and Ambience (6.9), but find the Food (5.6) to be average and the Value (2.6) quite poor.
What do guests say about the food quality at Fairmont Olympic?
Opinions on food are mixed. While some praise delicious pastries, sandwiches, and scones, others describe items as stale, underwhelming, or lacking flavor, particularly for the price.
Is Fairmont Olympic considered good value for money?
Many guests feel the experience is overpriced, citing high costs for afternoon tea, additional charges, and expensive drinks like Champagne Mimosas, leading to a low value score.