Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Great wine list
oChef » Harissa – Seattle
Harissa - Seattle
Photo from Harissa
Harissa at a glance
Seattle Roosevelt
- 🥙 Lebanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#282 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Lebanese Restaurant out of 1 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
473
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Engaging service
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Owner issues
The Lebanese restaurant Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine in Seattle’s vibrant Roosevelt neighborhood offers you a truly immersive dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy delicious food.
A standout feature here is the live music, which often sets the perfect backdrop for your evening. It’s a place where you can gather with friends or family for a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting Harissa
Harissa offers a culinary journey where many find the dishes to be truly delicious, often highlighting fresh, well-seasoned Mediterranean flavors. Guests frequently commend the friendly and attentive staff, with some experiences feeling quite personal and engaging.
However, some visits have been marred by concerns over value, with reports of guests feeling overcharged or encountering unexpected fees. There have also been instances of inconsistent service and atmosphere issues that detract from the overall dining experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
473
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
84
negative
8
neutral
381
positive
Harissa generally earns a respectable standing with a Restaurant Score of 7.9 out of 10, indicating a good overall experience for many patrons. This is further supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.5%, suggesting that the majority of diners leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial base of 473 customer remarks, with 381 positive observations outweighing 84 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.4) stands out as a clear strength, frequently described as exceptional and well-prepared.
The Ambience (7.9) also contributes positively, often noted for its cozy feel and live entertainment. Service (7.2) is generally good, with many appreciating the staff’s engagement.
However, Value (4.4) presents a notable area for improvement, often cited as a concern among guests.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Personalized, warm service
- Lively entertainment options
What people don't like
- Questionable value proposition
- Owner conduct concerns
- Ambience comfort issues
If you’re seeking a place where the food is consistently a highlight and the atmosphere can be quite engaging, Harissa is certainly worth considering. The personalized service often creates memorable moments, making it a strong contender for a pleasant meal out.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value and service, and be prepared for a lively, sometimes loud, environment. With a Recommendation Score of 8, it suggests a positive experience for most, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding certain aspects.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Harissa
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds because the food here is generally a hit! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction soaring at 85.7%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Patrons rave about the authentic Mediterranean flavor, generous portions, and fresh ingredients, often highlighting the passion behind the cooking in 215 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 28 comments noting some concerns. A few experiences mentioned food not being fresh, dishes tasting bland or cold, and occasionally feeling the portions were small for the price. While these instances are fewer, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Food
251
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
28
negative
8
neutral
215
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mediterranean flavor
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Food not fresh
- Tasteless dishes
- Cold food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was truly great. The flavors were amazing, and from appetizers to dessert, everything was delicious. This was complemented by great jazz music from Dina Blade, making it a really great experience.
- FoodAll of it was delicious!
- baklavaFor dessert we had to try their baklava. ... ah, such a fitting finish
- chicken kebabWe got the combo appetizer, chicken kebab and lamb plate. The pita was amazing.
- lamb platterWe had the goat curry and lamb platter specials. Both were perfectly prepared
- lamb specialThe lamb special-3 different lamb preparations— was outstanding
- riceThe rice was light and fluffy, the perfect complement.
- Lebanese House Saladthe small Lebanese House Salad, a large bowl full
- Lebanese foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the great, well-prepared Lebanese food. The cozy atmosphere was enhanced by Fairouz playing in the background.
- Mediterranean flavorMy dining experience at Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine in the University District was outstanding. The food was exceptional, described as fresh, beautifully seasoned, and full of authentic Mediterranean flavor. Every dish offered a perfect balance of spices and textures, showcasing the passion behind the cooking.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe lack of server stations and overall disorganization made the experience extremely frustrating. The food was mediocre at best, with the wine and the concert being the only redeeming factors. While I understand the kitchen might be busy, the lack of effective leadership to manage the chaos was evident.
- falafelThe falafel smelled and tasted stale, like it was refried and old. It was also really hard.
- Salmon SeasonalOur other dishes were underwhelming (Salmon Seasonal
- Vegetable Stewand Vegetable Stew)
- angel hair pastaAngel hair was actually spaghetti
- chicken stewdaughter pulled a long, coarse hair out of her chicken stew
- drinksThe drinks were also premixes
- hairdaughter pulled a long, coarse hair out of her chicken stew
- labnehLabneh was very sour
- lamb kaboblamb kabob was tasteless
If you're craving delicious, authentic Mediterranean cuisine with generous servings, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor hiccups like occasional blandness or cold food have been noted, the overwhelming majority of experiences point to a truly satisfying meal.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.2 and a solid 70.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 74 positive comments highlight the friendly service, the owner and staff's exceptional hospitality, and their willingness to be accommodating for various needs and celebrations. Yet, there are some bumps in the road, with 31 negative remarks.
These often mention issues with customer service, frustrating waiting time, and instances of rude management or an owner whose behavior has been described as less than welcoming, sometimes even leading to conflict.
Service
105
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
31
negative
0
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly service
- Owner hospitality
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Long waiting time
- Rude owner behavior
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise with amazing food and wonderful service. I absolutely loved our night here and highly recommend it!
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was delightful. The food was delicious, and the staff were both friendly and attentive. I particularly enjoyed the cozy atmosphere.
- ServiceService by Walli, the chef, was superb.
- WalidI live in England, and every time I visit my daughter, this is my favorite place. The food is to die for, and Walid makes the experience so magical and personal. Don’t miss this place and try the chicken kebob!
- ownerWalid, the owner, is so friendly and kind
- Chef WalidChef Walid is a master chef and a lovely person to talk to.
- hospitalityIncredible service and hospitality!
- owner and staffVery friendly and welcoming owner and staff
- ChefHe is a friendly guy and an excellent chef.
- accommodate ANYTHINGAli provided an abundance of food, leaving us all full, was incredibly engaging, and even surprised me with dessert. I highly recommend Harissa for hosting celebrations; Ali can truly accommodate ANYTHING. Whether you want music, a belly dancer, or to bring a cake, it's all possible.
Frequently criticized
- ownerThe music is incredibly loud some nights, and living in the neighborhood, I and other people have been threatened both in-person and over the phone, for simply asking if they can turn the music down. The owner, Walid, will explode and start screaming at you, and threaten to assault you. Please, do not give your patronage to this place and the owner, who is an unhinged and unkind person.
- serviceI was expecting better service
- customer servicehad horrible customer service and extremely disrespectful
- serverWe had to tell the server to come and give us menus
- bartendersthe two bartenders that were working had horrible customer service
- boxestwo of us asked for boxes which we never received
- busy on her phoneLooked like she was busy on her phone
- changed the agreementWe were a group of 40 people, and the owner overcharged us. To make matters worse, he did not apologize and changed the agreement we had. This was a very negative experience regarding the value and service.
- chefMet one of the chefs, an absolutely dreadful person.
- drink menusI had to stand up and get drink menus because the server didn’t give it to us
If youre looking for a place with genuinely warm hospitality and accommodating staff, especially from the owner, its often a great experience. However, be aware that some guests have encountered significant issues with customer service and waiting times, so your visit might be a mixed bag.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Hey there, fellow food adventurer! When it comes to the vibe of a place, this spot generally hits the mark. With a solid score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction of 85.1%, the ambience here is definitely considered good by many.
Based on 86 positive remarks out of 101 total, guests frequently praise the live music, romantic spot, cozy atmosphere, and great vibe, often highlighting the welcoming feel and engaging evening events. However, its not all perfect. The 15 negative comments point to some areas needing attention, such as loud music, freezing temperatures, strobe lights, and unclean restrooms.
' Some found the noise level disruptive, while others experienced uncomfortable cold or issues with the facilities, which can certainly detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
101
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
15
negative
0
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live music events
- Cozy, romantic setting
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Uncomfortable temperature
- Unclean restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was delicious, and the staff were both friendly and attentive. I particularly enjoyed the cozy atmosphere. I will definitely be returning, especially since I've heard about their live musical performances, which I'd love to experience on my next visit.
- live musicApparently, live music and belly dancer saturdayss at 9pm. Will be back for that
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was superb, complemented by a great ambiance and even live music on a Thursday. I spent two hours dining and being entertained.
- musicMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was great, complemented by good music. Walid provided exceptional service, making us feel welcome from the moment we walked in.
- belly dancerApparently, live music and belly dancer saturdayss at 9pm. Will be back for that
- conversationQuiet enough for a conversation
- Belly dancingMusic and belly dancing were good to very good
- Brazilian musicTrio played Brazilian music.
- MusicMusic and belly dancing were good to very good
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe food and atmosphere will not have us coming back
- ambienceAmbience isn't great either
- establishmentIt's gross
- exhaust fumesCaught the scent of exhaust fumes for a bit
- freezingit was freezing!
- heatThe worst part was how freezing it was, I couldn't feel my toes. When I asked the waiter to turn up the heat, they dismissively said, “it must be you, I am very hot. ” To top it off, there were strobe lights shining directly on our table.
- laughingwas laughed at the whole time people were trying to set up equipment
- musicThe owner of Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine is a terrible person. The music is incredibly loud some nights, and living in the neighborhood, I and other people have been threatened both in-person and over the phone, for simply asking if they can turn the music down. The owner, Walid, will explode and start screaming at you, and threaten to assault you.
- owner working on a carSounded like the owner was working on a car next door
- restroomThe restroom smells bad
If youre looking for a lively spot with great live music and a romantic setting, this place could be a fantastic choice for a fun night out. Just be aware that some guests have experienced issues with loud music' or uncomfortable temperatures, so it might be a hit or miss depending on the night and your sensitivity to noise.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found a few bright spots, noting the cost was affordable and the price offered a great deal for the quality. With 6 positive remarks, theres a sense that some felt they got a "reasonable price" for their experience. The overall score for value sits at an average 4.4.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as customer satisfaction is a poor 37.5%. Many felt the prices were too high, with complaints about a hidden cover charge and small portions for price. With 10 negative comments, it seems some diners felt overcharged and that the experience wasn't value for money at all.
Value
16
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable cost
- Great deal
What people don't like
- Hidden cover charge
- High prices
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- costand cost
- dealit's a GREAT deal, because the food was EXCELLENT
- priceis not expensive for the quality of the food
- pricedextremely reasonably priced
- reasonable priceservice at a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- pricenot worth that money compared to the price
- Cover chargeThere is a $10 per person cover charge that is not clearly in the menu
- checkit was all of us in the same check
- nickel and dimesIt feels every place nickel and dimes you
- overchargedowner overcharged us
- pricesFor these prices, I won’t be back
- tax and serviceTax and service was about $625 thats crazy $$
- value for moneyThe food and experience is not value for money at all
Deciding on value here is a bit of a gamble. While some find the pricing reasonable for the quality, a significant number of guests feel the costs, including potential hidden charges, just dont add up. If youre sensitive to price, you might want to proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Harissa?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Lebanese Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, while 39 is the average, we see a good mix of diners enjoying options in the $21–$30 range, and others opting for more premium dishes in the $41–$50 bracket. So, there’s a nice spread for different budgets!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this Lebanese Restaurant stacks up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Lebanese Restaurant in Seattle, offering a good balance for different dining experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Harissa
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Freezing Cold, Mediocre Food
I went for a flamenco show and while the show was amazing, the overall experience was far from it. The service was terrible; our waiter never came over, and I had to chase them down. It took an hour and a half for our food to arrive, which was very mid with small portions for the price.
The worst part was how freezing it was, I couldn't feel my toes. When I asked the waiter to turn up the heat, they dismissively said, “it must be you, I am very hot. ” To top it off, there were strobe lights shining directly on our table.
- show9
- food5
- service1
- portions3
- price3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Harissa: A Tasty Mediterranean Gem!
My experience at Harissa was a delightful discovery in Ravenna! I found it to be a tasty little find with excellent Mediterranean staples and some unique and equally tasty chef’s specials. The service was wonderful, thanks to our host/chef who was very welcoming and genuinely fond of all his customers.
We’re definitely going back!
- Mediterranean staples8
- chef’s specials8
- service10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Must Visit Seattle Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was exceptional. The chef is truly the best 😄.
If you find yourself in Seattle, you absolutely must visit. Everything on the menu is fantastic.
- atmosphere10
- food10
- menu10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Stews and Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The food was delicious, and I especially recommend trying the stews, which were so good and unique. The service was great, and the atmosphere was also very pleasant.
I'll definitely be back for sure!
- stews10
- food9
- service9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Food, Fun Atmosphere, Amazing Hospitality!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, with the salmon skewers being the absolute best. The atmosphere was fun, and the hospitality was top-notch, making me feel like the chef was my best friend.
I'd give it 10 stars for hospitality!
- food10
- salmon skewers10
- atmosphere9
What Harissa offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of culinary delights and dietary options can you find at Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine?
At Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine, you can explore a rich menu featuring healthy options, small plates, and late-night food. The restaurant also proudly offers Halal food and a variety of vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate. You can pair your meal with coffee, beer, wine, or cocktails.
What kind of atmosphere and services can you expect at Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine?
You can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere at Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine, often enhanced by live music. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including its entrance, parking lot, and seating. For your convenience, you’ll find free street parking, Wi-Fi, and a bar onsite. Delivery, takeout, and outdoor seating are also available.
How does Harissa rate overall?
Harissa holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.9. Its strengths lie in Food (8.4), Ambience (7.9), and Service (7.2), while Value (4.4) is an area where some customers express concerns.
What do customers enjoy most about Harissa?
Diners frequently praise Harissa for its delicious and well-prepared Mediterranean food, often highlighting the fresh flavors. Many also appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, and the cozy atmosphere with live music and belly dancer performances.
Are there any common complaints at Harissa?
Some customers have reported issues with value, citing concerns about price and unexpected cover charge. There have also been negative experiences regarding the owner‘s service and ambience issues like loud music or uncomfortable temperatures.