Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Hamdi – Seattle
Hamdi - Seattle
Photo from Hamdi
Hamdi at a glance
Seattle Fremont
- 🥙 Turkish Restaurant
€€€
Price per Person 91 – 100 €
mentioned by 134 of the guests
#135 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Turkish Restaurant out of 1 in Seattle
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1083
Reviews
82.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Food
- Warm Hospitality
- Charming Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Issues
- Loud Environment
The restaurant Hamdi, a delightful Turkish Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll discover a truly exceptional dining experience, highlighted by its great wine list.
This spot offers an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner or a trendy night out. With options for both dine-in and outdoor seating, you can enjoy the exquisite offerings in a setting that suits your mood.
Overview: Introducting Hamdi
Hamdi offers a culinary experience where the food truly stands out, often described as inventive and flavorful. Guests frequently praise the hospitality and the overall atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for special occasions.
The attention to detail from the team also contributes to a memorable visit. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the price, finding it on the higher side, especially for smaller portions.
There have also been instances where the service fell short, with issues around reservations and staff attitude, which can detract from the overall experience.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
1083
Reviews
82.8%
Satisfaction
149
negative
37
neutral
897
positive
Overall, Hamdi achieves a strong 8.4 score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction is also quite high at 82.8%, indicating that most guests leave pleased.
This positive sentiment is built on a solid foundation, with 897 positive remarks compared to 149 negative ones across 1083 customer comments. The Food (8.9) is clearly a highlight, consistently receiving excellent feedback for its unique flavors and quality.
The Ambience (8.3) and Service (7.9) also contribute significantly, both rated as good, with many appreciating the warm atmosphere and attentive staff. However, the Value (3.7) score indicates a clear area for improvement, as some diners find the pricing structure and portion sizes less appealing.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Warm, Attentive Service
- Enchanting Dining Atmosphere
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Inconsistent Service Experience
- Loud, Dim Ambience
With a strong 8.7 recommendation score, Hamdi is certainly worth considering if you prioritize exceptional food and a captivating atmosphere. It’s a place that aims to deliver a memorable experience, particularly for those special occasions where culinary excellence is paramount.
However, be prepared for a premium price point and be mindful that service can sometimes be inconsistent. If you’re seeking a consistently flawless experience without budget concerns, Hamdi could be a good fit, but manage your expectations regarding value and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hamdi
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an 8.9 score, the culinary experience is excellent, backed by an impressive 90.6% customer satisfaction. Guests rave about the amazing flavors, unique dishes, and standout items like the kebap and kereviz.
Out of 594 comments, a whopping 538 are glowing endorsements. However, a few diners (37 comments) noted some areas for improvement. Concerns sometimes arose regarding smaller portions, particularly for entrees, and occasional issues with tough meat or bland rice.
Some also found certain cuts to have too much fat.
Food
594
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
37
negative
19
neutral
538
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, complex flavors
- Modern Turkish cuisine
- Outstanding kebap, kereviz
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Tough/fatty meat
- Bland side dishes
Often praised
- foodHighlights of our meal included the refreshing, scrumptious Karpuz Salatası and Kereviz, the perfectly grilled Dorado with potatoes, and a delightful finish of a Turkish grandmother's recipe of rice pudding served with roasted hazelnuts and pistachios. Hamdi is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner, offering exceptional food, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again. Well done, Chef!
- dishesMy experience at Hamdi was truly wonderful. I was looking for delicious and inventive dishes in a warm and unpretentious setting, and Hamdi delivered. The food is elevated in the best sense of the word, offering a unique combination of flavors that you won't find elsewhere.
- FoodThe Food made me rethink my entire outlook on life
- cocktailsThis was our second time dining here, and we loved all the amazing flavors and genuine service. The cocktails are very nicely balanced, and the wine selection, though small, is well curated. All of the food we tried was delicious, with such a unique flavor profile.
- pideThe pide is a crumbly flatbread with parsnip puree (!) that is so creamy, and topped with cheese
- kebabChefs Berk Gurdal and Katrina Schult were outstanding, not only showcasing their amazing talent in every dish but also personally assisting with the evening's arrangements to make it special. The kebab tasted just like home, filled with love and tradition in every bite. Seeing my wife so happy was the highlight of the night.
- PideA Turkish restaurant must prepare an excellent kebab, and the minced lamb was incredible. Pide, a Turkish flatbread, was so good I was glad they brought enough so that a fight didn’t break out. We treated ourselves to the ribeye special and we are so glad we did.
- flavorsThe flavors are so well done and uniformly excellent.
- steakMy partner had the steak, which was "melt in the mouth" good
- appetizersI made a reservation for the lamb roast course, but overall, I felt that the quality of the food and service did not match the price. The appetizers were varied, visually appealing, and delicious. However, they were not at the level of a $175 course (including service charge).
Frequently criticized
- portionsIt would not be fair to say anything bad about the food because everything was fairly delicious (which we could have enjoyed better had we received better treatment). The portions are small and expensive, but that's not a surprise for a place that claims to be a fine dining establishment. However, how can you be a fine dining place if you treat your customers disrespectfully and rudely?
- foodUltimately, I had to go to avoid losing my payment. I ended up spending a lot more for very very mediocre food. Anyone who rates this restaurant highly clearly doesn't know good food.
- lambThe lamb is so gamey it may as well be wild venison, and also very tough.
- steakFor our main courses, the kebab was really good, but the turk bone was our least favorite. I would recommend this place for anything other than their steak. Additionally, it was a bit difficult to hear each other or the servers in the space.
- TiramisuTiramisu has way too much alcohol
- dessert portionsurprised by how small the dessert portion was
- dry-aged steakthe dry-aged steak—it was disappointing. Most of it was fat
- entreesentrees were very disappointing
- entréesthe entrées, however, were less exciting
- excess fat and sinewThere was a pool of oil at the bottom, and some tough, sinewy pieces were mixed in. Considering the price of the course, excess fat and sinew should have been removed. Moreover, it was hard to believe that this single dish was the entire main course for a lamb roast course.
If youre seeking an innovative and flavorful Turkish culinary journey, this restaurants food is definitely worth trying for its unique dishes and excellent taste. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side, and some meat dishes might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.9%. Many guests, accounting for 205 positive remarks out of 270, rave about the attentive and warm hospitality, often highlighting the personalized experience from the owners and team, especially server Melih and hostess Katrina. However, some of the 59 negative comments point to issues like feeling rushed, abrupt cancellations, and inconsistent staff attitude.
A few experiences mention management problems and an inconsiderate approach to customer treatment, which can definitely put a damper on a special occasion.
Service
270
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
59
negative
6
neutral
205
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, warm staff
- Personalized experience
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Abrupt cancellations
- Inconsistent staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceHighlights of our meal included the refreshing, scrumptious Karpuz Salatası and Kereviz, the perfectly grilled Dorado with potatoes, and a delightful finish of a Turkish grandmother's recipe of rice pudding served with roasted hazelnuts and pistachios. Hamdi is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner, offering exceptional food, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again. Well done, Chef!
- staffI had been searching for a restaurant with flavors close to Turkish cuisine for a long time, and finally, my long search has paid off. The staff were incredibly sweet, and I haven't left a restaurant this happy in a long time. I went with my sister; the dim lighting bothered her a bit, but it didn't bother me.
- ServiceService is impeccable
- ownersEvery dish complemented the next, making the whole meal feel complete and thoughtful. On top of the wonderful food, the warm conversation with the owners, Berk and Katrina, made the evening unforgettable. Their kindness and hospitality made us feel like old friends.
- hospitalitythoroughly understands hospitality at it's core
- ownerThe owner came to the table and spoke to us, which was very nice.
- serverour server explaining what we would be eatting so gracious
- teamThe attention to detail was incredible; you could taste the passion, respect for tradition, and pure joy of craftsmanship in every plate, from vibrant starters to rich, soulful desserts. What made the night even more special was the genuine warmth of the team. Chef Berk, Katrina, and every team member, from the kitchen to the front of the house, personally wished me a happy birthday.
- Chef BerkThe Çiğ köfte, pide, and kebab were all marvellous. We were impressed by the gracious host Katrina, Chef Berk working his magic among the flames in the open kitchen, and the attentive service from Melih. It was perfect!
- wait staffOur wait staff’s first question was on our preference and allergies
Frequently criticized
- serviceanother woman came out looking concerned and said we should definitely order more
- customer servicecustomer service was a bit disappointing
- reservationMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely unacceptable. I had made a reservation well in advance for an important guest visiting from overseas, only to be repeatedly harassed by the restaurant about changing the time. Then, just ten minutes before our confirmed slot, they abruptly canceled and claimed the kitchen was closing—while we stood there watching it fully operational.
- advanced noticerequire a 48hr avdanced notice
- attitudeton of attitude from owner lady
- cancellationI had made a reservation well in advance for an important guest visiting from overseas, only to be repeatedly harassed by the restaurant about changing the time. Then, just ten minutes before our confirmed slot, they abruptly canceled and claimed the kitchen was closing—while we stood there watching it fully operational. There was no apology and no alternative offered, just blatant disregard for their customers.
- checkthe check was dropped on our table
- check was presentedthe check was presented, and we were asked to leave
- courtesyThe staff’s attitude was dismissive and disrespectful, making it clear that they simply didn’t care. If you value reliability, professionalism, or even basic courtesy, avoid this place at all costs. It was the worst food service experience I’ve ever had, and I was so disappointed.
- credibilityeasy way to lose credibility with your customers
If youre looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond with genuine care, its worth a try. Just be mindful that a few guests have encountered issues with feeling rushed or reservation hiccups, so it might be best to confirm details for special occasions.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and boasting a good customer satisfaction of 84.2%. With 149 positive remarks out of 177 total, guests frequently rave about the ambiance, atmosphere, and vibe, often highlighting the engaging open kitchen concept and its suitability as a date night spot. Many describe it as cozy, chic, and radiating warmth, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
However, not everyone was entirely charmed, with 23 negative comments noting issues like the restaurant being noisy and the music being too loud, sometimes making conversation difficult. Some also mentioned the dark inside lighting and challenges with parking. While these points are fewer, they suggest that the atmosphere might not suit everyone's preference for a quiet, brightly lit space.
Ambience
177
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, chic ambiance
- Engaging open kitchen
- Perfect date night spot
What people don't like
- Loud music/noise
- Dim lighting issues
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereHighlights of our meal included the refreshing, scrumptious Karpuz Salatası and Kereviz, the perfectly grilled Dorado with potatoes, and a delightful finish of a Turkish grandmother's recipe of rice pudding served with roasted hazelnuts and pistachios. Hamdi is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner, offering exceptional food, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again. Well done, Chef!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceOur experience at Turkish Delight was truly amazing, a perfect setting for a double birthday celebration. The celebration began the moment we opened the door, and the restaurant's incredible ambiance and terrific music set a wonderful tone. We were asked to arrive 15 minutes before our reservation, and everything flowed seamlessly from there.
- vibeThe atmosphere was enchanting, the bites were decadent, and the hospitality was courteous. We came for a weeknight date night and felt transported to the trendy, luxurious vibe of a romantic vacation dinner for two hours. I highly recommend making a reservation for you and someone special to visit Hamdi.
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with excellent food and a superb ambience. The menu offers a modern twist on Turkish/Anatolian cuisine, featuring fresh ingredients and super well-prepared dishes.
- experienceThe entire experience radiates warmth and attention to detail
- open kitchenget a seat in front of the open kitchen which lets you see the entire kitchen operation
- dining experienceWe had the best dining experience. The owners were lovely, and we were fortunate to have our own private dining room.
- interiorMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional! The ambiance was absolutely perfect, with an interior that’s beautifully designed and thoughtfully put together. The service was top-notch, and the food was simply delicious.
- musicOur experience at Turkish Delight was truly amazing, a perfect setting for a double birthday celebration. The celebration began the moment we opened the door, and the restaurant's incredible ambiance and terrific music set a wonderful tone. We were asked to arrive 15 minutes before our reservation, and everything flowed seamlessly from there.
Frequently criticized
- musicHowever, the customer service was a bit disappointing, likely due to it being quite busy during dinner. Additionally, the music was too loud, which detracted from the dining experience.
- atmosphereThe restaurant was extremely noisy, with music blaring like in a nightclub. The atmosphere did not feel at all like that of a high-end establishment. Considering the quality of the food and service, a total price of $100, including service charges, would have been more reasonable.
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- ambienceThe ambience was more like a dim bar
- bathroomsBathrooms are same level as McDonald
- birthday celebrationthey just brought out a candle only so it wasn’t very special
- dark insideit was so dark inside I could not read the menu
- dim lightingThe staff were incredibly sweet, and I haven't left a restaurant this happy in a long time. I went with my sister; the dim lighting bothered her a bit, but it didn't bother me. That might be the only negative aspect.
- hotit was SO hot
- lightingthe lights were just tooo low
If you're seeking a lively, intimate spot with a great vibe and an open kitchen for a special occasion or date night, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic atmosphere and plan your parking ahead of time.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
While a small number of guests (5 out of 42 comments) found some value, calling it a special treat for a very fine price and worth a visit, they often acknowledged the higher price was justified by the overall experience. For these diners, the investment felt worth every penny. However, the overwhelming sentiment, reflected in 30 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
With a score of just 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a mere 11.9%, many felt the price was too high, often citing issues like pre-payment for the meal and unexpected service fee charges. Guests frequently described the experience as overpriced and questioned the payment system overall.
Value
42
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
30
negative
7
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Special treat value
What people don't like
- Overpriced experience
- Mandatory pre-payment
- Unclear service fees
Often praised
- priceThe food was wonderful, the service was attentive, and the ambience was great. While it is on the expensive side, it was definitely worth it. Our out-of-town guests were blown away.
- worth a visitWorth a visit
Frequently criticized
- priceOur server, possibly Katrina, seemed too busy managing other staff to attend to us, though she was clearly working hard. The food itself was great, but as is typical in Seattle, it was very expensive, with small appetizers costing $25+. While I don't regret the experience, I likely won't return.
- pricesHigher prices than most restaurants in the area.
- service feenot sure why I was charged a 20% service fee.
- bill20% tip is already included in the bill
- appetizersSmall appetizers are $25+
- deposit' Normally, this amount is held as a guarantee and only charged if you don't show up. However, you directly charge the money and make us pay, without clearly stating this. It's not right to force people to spend money in ways they don't intend.
- expensive mealIt was also not clearly marked, so we were unaware of it in advance. This policy creates an unfair situation where customers might feel compelled to tip their servers on top of the service fee, potentially leading to an extra 40% charge on an already expensive meal. This practice erodes customer trust and is likely to deter repeat visits.
- fine dining placeThe portions are small and expensive, but that's not a surprise for a place that claims to be a fine dining establishment. However, how can you be a fine dining place if you treat your customers disrespectfully and rudely? We had a reservation for 5 people, but at the last minute, we had one more person who wanted to join us.
- forcing people to spendHowever, you directly charge the money and make us pay, without clearly stating this. It's not right to force people to spend money in ways they don't intend. Furthermore, I'm not obligated to eat a meal worth the amount paid in advance.
- gratuityautomatic 20% gratuity which would be nice if they mentioned
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill and a unique payment system. While a few found it worth the splurge, the majority felt the value didnt match the cost, so manage your expectations carefully.
How are the prices at Hamdi?
On average, you’ll spend around 93 € per person – based on 134 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 91 – 100 € category. For a Turkish Restaurant in Seattle, thats definitely on the higher-end side.
Looking at what people actually spend, it seems many guests opt for even pricier options, with a good chunk spending over 101 €. So, while the average is high, theres a clear lean towards premium experiences here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 134 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the premium pricing for a Turkish restaurant, wed recommend ensuring the quality of ingredients, service, and ambiance consistently justify the higher spend. Its all about delivering that exceptional value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hamdi
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food and Service at Hamdi!
My experience at Hamdi was truly amazing! We had an outstanding night filled with warm hospitality and, most importantly, amazing food. A special thank you to Chef Berk, Kat, and Asli for making our evening unforgettable!
- amazing food10
- outstanding service10
- warm hospitality10
Price per Person
- 31 - 40 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Delicious flavors, small portions!
My experience at this restaurant was marked by incredibly delicious food, packed with lots of flavor. While the portions were small, the taste was exceptional. I wish I had taken more photos of other dishes we ordered, but we ate them before the camera did!
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5. Parking was somewhat difficult to find, though free street parking is available. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- food10
- portions6
- flavor9
- parking3
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely Amazing Food Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I had some of the best food I have ever eaten. I highly recommend trying the "kaburga" and "kebab, " but honestly, everything else was also very amazing.
The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service was equally outstanding with a score of 5. The atmosphere was also rated a 5, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- food10
- kaburga10
- kebab10
Price per Person
- 61 - 70 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Unacceptable Treatment Despite Delicious Food
I am sorry to leave a bad review because I can see how this restaurant could be managed better, but the treatment we received last night was unacceptable. Unfortunately, we keep hearing different bad experiences from different people, indicating serious management problems. It would not be fair to say anything bad about the food because everything was fairly delicious (which we could have enjoyed better had we received better treatment).
The portions are small and expensive, but that's not a surprise for a place that claims to be a fine dining establishment. However, how can you be a fine dining place if you treat your customers disrespectfully and rudely? We had a reservation for 5 people, but at the last minute, we had one more person who wanted to join us.
They have this weird policy of a more expensive set menu for 6 people, which we were not interested in. Fortunately, a couple of hours before our reservation, we were able to book a table for 2, just 30 minutes after our reservation time. We were not being dishonest, and at the door, we told them that we were expecting someone else for our second reservation and when that person arrived in 30 minutes, one of us would join them at another table.
We were told that it was fine, so we sat down and ordered some food and drinks to start with. When our last person arrived, the owner showed us her ugly face and told us that we were being disrespectful by intentionally not following their policy. I told them that we booked a second table because we had vegetarian friends who did not want to opt for a set menu including all the meat products, but she roasted us like a high school principal and did not give us the second table that we had booked.
This was a shame because 1) you lost a customer on the spot, 2) we didn't order more food and drinks because we felt bad after this treatment, and 3) you lost a bunch of future customers. I respect your efforts to serve excellent food, but you need customers; you can't treat customers so rudely. There are various ways to accommodate customers.
Showing an angry face and accusing us for being disrespectful for a miniscule thing should be your last option. Your behavior is disrespectful to customers.
- food8
- treatment1
- management problems2
- portions3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
7
Fancy NYC Vibe, Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere and good service, both receiving a perfect score. The food presentation was also excellent. However, the portions were really small, with the exception of the steak.
The prices were higher than most restaurants in the area, and the lamb dish was quite spicy. Overall, Hamdi is comparable to a fancy NYC restaurant.
- atmosphere10
- service10
- food presentation10
- portions3
- prices4
- lamb4
What Hamdi offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Hamdi?
At Hamdi, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for dinner. You can enjoy table service and seating, with dessert options also available. Reservations are required, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.
What amenities and accessibility features does Hamdi offer its guests?
Hamdi offers convenient amenities including an onsite bar and restrooms. You’ll find excellent accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Plus, free street parking is available for your convenience.
How does Hamdi rate overall?
Hamdi holds a strong overall score of **8.4**, with customer satisfaction at **82.8%**. Its **Food** (8.9) and **Ambience** (8.3) are highly rated, while **Service** (7.9) is good, but **Value** (3.7) is an area for improvement.
What are the standout features of Hamdi's dining experience?
Guests frequently praise Hamdi for its inventive and flavorful food, often highlighting unique dishes. The restaurant also offers an enchanting atmosphere and warm hospitality, making it suitable for special occasions.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Hamdi?
Some diners have noted that Hamdi can be quite expensive, with concerns about portion sizes and additional fees. There have also been occasional reports of inconsistent service and a noisy or dimly lit ambiance.