Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Harbor – Seattle
Harbor - Seattle
Photo from Harbor
Harbor at a glance
Seattle Westlake
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 8 of the guests
#731 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 Seafood Restaurant out of 4 in Seattle
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
79
Reviews
58.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Lake views
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Health concerns
- Building upkeep
The Seattle Harbor Restaurant invites you to discover a delightful seafood experience in Seattle’s vibrant Westlake neighborhood. As a premier seafood restaurant, you’ll find an exceptional culinary journey awaiting you.
Beyond the fresh catches, you can also enjoy a surprisingly great tea selection, perfect for complementing your meal or simply unwinding. It’s a casual spot where you can truly relax and savor the flavors.
Overview: Introducting Harbor
Harbor offers a dining experience with some notable highs, particularly its delicious Chinese food and the sweeping views that create a pleasant backdrop. Many appreciate the fair price for the portions received, making it an appealing option for some.
However, the experience can be inconsistent. Reports of rude staff and extremely slow service suggest operational challenges.
Concerns about the building’s upkeep and an ‘ok’ health rating also temper expectations for some visitors.
Good
6.1
out of 10
79
Reviews
58.2%
Satisfaction
31
negative
2
neutral
46
positive
Harbor registers a Restaurant Score of 6.1, placing it in the average category. This is mirrored by a Customer Satisfaction of 58.2%, indicating a mixed reception from diners.
With 79 customer observations, including 46 positive and 31 negative, there’s a clear split in experiences. Diving into the specifics, Food (6.6) is a relative strong point, often described as delicious.
Value (7) stands out as genuinely good, with many finding prices reasonable. However, Service (5.9) and Ambience (5.3) hover in the average range, suggesting areas where the experience can be inconsistent or fall short for some.
What people like
- Delicious Chinese food
- Stunning lake views
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Slow, rude service
- Health rating concerns
- Building upkeep
Harbor presents a mixed bag, with its appealing food and views often overshadowed by service and operational issues. With a Recommendation Score of 6, it suggests a visit might be worthwhile if you prioritize the positives and are prepared for potential inconsistencies.
If you’re seeking a casual meal with a view and fair prices, it could fit the bill. However, for those expecting polished service or consistent quality, it might be best to manage expectations or consider other options.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Seafood Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
348
82.2%
- $$
- West Edge
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
6.8
out of 10
out of 10
542
62.5%
- $$
- Central Business District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
5.8
out of 10
out of 10
111
54.1%
- $$
- South Lake Union
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Harbor
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Based on 30 customer opinions, it seems like theres a lot to enjoy here. Many folks raved about dishes like the almond fried chicken, delicious pot stickers, and honey walnut shrimp, with some even calling the Peking duck a great value.
Overall, the food scores an average 6.6, with 19 positive remarks highlighting these tasty options. However, its not all sunshine and fortune cookies. With 10 negative comments, some diners found issues with the sheer quantity of food, and there were concerns about options for vegetarian patrons.
A few unfortunate experiences even mentioned the food making people sick, raising questions about quality. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63.3%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement.
Food
30
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pot stickers
- Great Peking duck
- Tasty almond chicken
What people don't like
- Made people sick
- Poor vegetarian options
- Questionable quality
Often praised
- foodeach got something different and all of it was wonderful
- pot stickersThe potsticker wrappers were light, not too doughy, and just the right balance of tender and crispy!
- Chinese foodDelicious Chinese food
- Peking duckPeking duck is very reasonable price
- almond fried chickenWe had the almond fried chicken
- big plate of foodThey offer a big plate of food
- broccoli beefWe celebrated my husband's birthday dinner here and enjoyed delicious food. We tried the almond fried chicken, broccoli beef, pot stickers, and shrimp with honey walnuts. The potsticker wrappers were particularly noteworthy – light, not too doughy, and perfectly tender and crispy.
- dim sumGreat dimsum in lake union area
- egg rollsegg rolls... it was so good!
- fried ricefried rice... it was so good!
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, we decided to give this place another try due to a "new owner. " Unfortunately, the food we received was not only underwhelming but also made everyone in the office sick to varying degrees. We are unlikely to risk it again.
- birthday lunchWe wanted a nice birthday lunch for our daughter
- dim sumTook almost 40 minutes to get one item (we ordered dim sum)
- office sickmade everyone in the office different degrees of sick
- ordersSome orders never showed up
- qualitymakes me doubt the quality inside.
- quantityquantity was too much even for ten adults
- vegetarian patronsHow could a long running restaurant treat their vegetarian patrons?
If you're looking for classic Chinese dishes like pot stickers or Peking duck, you might find some real gems here. Just be aware that consistency can be an issue, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are sensitive to food quality.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely some sunshine! Many guests raved about the friendly service and how attentive the staff can be, with some even calling it the "BEST. " The new ownership and their team are often highlighted for being very welcoming.
Out of 20 customer comments, 11 were positive, contributing to an average score of 5.9 and a 55% customer satisfaction rate, which is a mixed bag but leans slightly positive. However, its not all smooth sailing. There are 8 negative comments that point to some significant issues, particularly around waiting times and staff attentiveness.
Some folks experienced rude staff, had to chase down a waitress for basic items, and felt that servers were slow or inattentive, leading to a really terrible experience for a few.
Service
20
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly service
- Fast, attentive staff
- No wait time
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe service was the BEST
- experienced restauranteursI appreciated the good prices, plenty of parking, and easy walking access. The new ownership is very friendly and clearly experienced restauranteurs. You have every reason to come here and feast!
- new ownershipNew ownership is very friendly
- ownersOwners are great people
- staffthe staff is very nice
- wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- dishesThe dishes were extremely slow!
- experienceReally terrible experience
- serverno server came to ask if plate is needed cleaned or replaced
- soy sauce or utensilsHad no soy sauce or utensils again chased down a waitress
- staffThe staff was rude
- waiterswaiters and waitresses stood in front of kitchen and chatted loudly
- waiting timeTook almost 40 minutes to get one item
- waitressHad to chase down a waitress
So, whats the verdict on service? It seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many praise the friendly and attentive staff, a notable number of diners have faced long waits and inattentive service.
If youre willing to take a chance, you might get excellent service, but be prepared for potential delays.
Ambience (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average 5.3 score and 50% customer satisfaction. However, many guests absolutely rave about the stunning views and the generally pleasant atmosphere. Out of 24 total opinions, 12 positive comments frequently highlight the gorgeous sweeping views of Lake Union, the convenience of plenty of parking, and a surprisingly quiet noise level that makes conversation easy.
On the flip side, an equal 12 negative opinions point to some significant drawbacks. Concerns include the lack of an accessible lift for those with mobility needs, issues with air circulation making it uncomfortable, and a general feeling of shabbiness to the building. Some also noted a small entrance lobby and disruptive elements like children running through the restaurant.
Ambience
24
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing views
- Plenty parking
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- No accessible lift
- Poor air circulation
- Shabby building
Often praised
- viewThe view is the best part though. Gorgeous views of Lake Union!
- Seattle landmarkThis beautiful venue has sweeping views
- ambianceVery nice ambiance of dining room
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also enjoyable
- easy walking accessThe Chinese food was delicious, and the venue itself is a Seattle landmark with sweeping views of Lake Union. I appreciated the good prices, plenty of parking, and easy walking access. The new ownership is very friendly and clearly experienced restauranteurs.
- event hall viewsthey have an event hall upstairs with amazing views too
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- parking spacePlenty of parking
- plenty of parkingThe Chinese food was delicious, and the venue itself is a Seattle landmark with sweeping views of Lake Union. I appreciated the good prices, plenty of parking, and easy walking access. The new ownership is very friendly and clearly experienced restauranteurs.
- sweeping viewsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Chinese food was delicious, and the venue itself is a Seattle landmark with sweeping views of Lake Union. I appreciated the good prices, plenty of parking, and easy walking access.
Frequently criticized
- PA systemsdid not have build-in PA systems
- accessible liftno accessible lift for people on sticks or in wheelchairs
- air circulationWhile there was a balcony, we were prohibited from using it. The air circulation was very bad, leading many to remove their jackets within an hour. The lighting and table settings were fair.
- buildingthere is a bit of shabbiness to the building
- children running through restaurant screamingchildren running through restaurant screaming the entire long and frustrating meal
- effortThat lack of effort gives the impression of low intentionality
- entrance lobbyentrance lobby was way too small to handle hundreds of check-in
- health ratingMy experience at this restaurant was concerning due to its health rating. Unfortunately, they only have an ‘ok’ health rating versus excel or good, which makes it concerning to eat at this restaurant.
- health violationsI suspect there were health violations
- restroomcharged me another $20 to use the restroom
If you're after incredible views and easy parking, this place might hit the mark, but be prepared for a potentially mixed experience. Consider if accessibility and the overall upkeep of the venue are dealbreakers for you before visiting.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid 7 score and a great 80% customer satisfaction. Many folks rave about the good prices and fair price points, with 4 positive remarks highlighting how surprisingly reasonable everything feels. Youll often hear praise for items being offered at a very reasonable price compared to competitors.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. Theres one notable concern among the 5 opinions: a cover charge. One diner was particularly put off by a significant cover fee just to browse the menu, which definitely feels like a hurdle before you even get started.
Its something to be aware of.
Value
5
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Cover charge
Often praised
- fair priceat fair price
- good pricesGood prices
- priceAll of these photos are my favorite ❤️. The Peking duck was a standout, offering a very reasonable price compared with other Chinese restaurants. The service was friendly.
- pricesprices are surprisingly reasonable
Frequently criticized
- cover chargea $20 cover charge just to be allowed to look at the menu
Overall, this place offers good value, with many finding the prices quite reasonable. However, be sure to check for any potential cover charges before you commit, as that could significantly impact your overall perception of value. If you can avoid that, you're likely in for a reasonably priced experience.
How are the prices at Harbor?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 8 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks seem to land right in that $21–$30 sweet spot, with a few venturing a bit lower or higher. With only 8 diners reporting, its a good indication, but keep in mind its a small sample.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 8 reviews. While it’s a small sample, it gives us a good idea!
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
We think this pricing feels pretty fair for a Seafood Restaurant in Seattle. Its a solid mid-range option if youre looking for good seafood without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Harbor
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Amazing View & Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the fried rice, egg rolls, and honey walnut shrimp, all of which were incredibly delicious. The service was impressively fast and attentive, and the view was absolutely amazing.
It's a great spot with plenty of parking and a quiet atmosphere perfect for conversation.
- fried rice9
- egg rolls9
- honey walnut shrimp9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food, Friendly Staff, Wonderful Owners!
My experience at this restaurant was great! The food was really good, and the staff was very nice. The owners are great people.
- food9
- staff9
- owners9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Yummy Food with a Great View
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was yummy, and they served a big plate of food at a fair price. Adding to the great experience, the view was so good, allowing us to see the harbor through the window.
The atmosphere was also enjoyable, rated a 4 out of 5, and the food itself received a perfect 5 out of 5. Service was also excellent, rated 5 out of 5, with no wait time.
- food10
- big plate of food9
- fair price8
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
4
Signage Raises Doubts About Quality
I celebrated my wedding anniversary at the restaurant formerly known as China Harbor. The new name, "Seattle Harbor, " feels rather sloppy. It appears the old sign was simply half-covered, with "Seattle" swapped in.
This lack of effort suggests low intentionality and makes me question the quality of the experience inside. I strongly recommend fixing the sign to demonstrate pride in the restaurant.
- sign2
- effort2
- quality3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Substantial Improvement in Dim Sum
My experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I found great dim sum in the Lake Union area. The dining room has a very nice ambiance, with wooden Chinese walls and doors.
I believe they recently changed owners or at least chefs, as the food has improved substantially. I was initially apprehensive because my previous experience was poor, but I was very surprised that the food turned out to be great and completely different from my last visit.
- dim sum9
- ambiance8
- food9
What Harbor offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Seattle Harbor Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Seattle Harbor Restaurant prioritizes accessibility for every guest. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and convenient dining experience for everyone who visits.
What dining options and beverages are available at Seattle Harbor Restaurant?
Seattle Harbor Restaurant offers a full dining experience, from brunch to dinner and dessert, with catering and table service. You can choose from a wide range of beverages including hard liquor, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails, plus a great tea selection and small plates.
What is the overall verdict for Harbor?
Harbor receives an overall Restaurant Score of 6.1, indicating an average experience. While Food (6.6) and Value (7) are noted as strengths, Service (5.9) and Ambience (5.3) tend to be more inconsistent.
What do customers enjoy most about Harbor?
Many customers appreciate Harbor’s delicious Chinese food, especially items like Peking duck and pot stickers. The restaurant also receives praise for its stunning lake views and generally reasonable pricing.
What are some common complaints about Harbor?
Recurring issues include slow and sometimes rude service, concerns about the restaurant’s health rating, and observations regarding the building’s upkeep and poor air circulation.