MariPili - Seattle

My wife and I celebrated our birthdays here a few weeks ago, and everything from the atmosphere to each beautifully crafted plate was incredible. As a transplant from southern France who has spent considerable time eating throughout northern Spain, I’d been craving genuine Spanish-inspired cuisine—not cliché interpretations, but authentic flavors. Chef Grayson masterfully balances Spanish tradition with Pacific Northwest ingredients in a way that feels both true to its roots and distinctly regional. We ordered one tasting menu alongside several à la carte items to sample a range of dishes, and I strongly recommend both approaches. Planning a date or celebrating a special occasion? The tasting menu is perfect—let the chef transport you from the PNW to the Galician coast through a thoughtfully composed five-course journey. Coming with friends and want to share? Order family-style and don’t miss the iconic croquetas or the bright, refreshing citrus salad. The wine list is impressively comprehensive and should satisfy even the most discerning enthusiasts. The staff struck the perfect balance of warmth and expertise, offering helpful guidance throughout our meal without being intrusive. I would absolutely return.

Maripili is an intimate gem, wrapped in eclectic Spanish décor that feels both personal and inviting. It’s the kind of space that instantly sets the tone for a memorable meal. We opted for the tasting menu, supplemented with a few shared starters from the à la carte offerings, and the experience landed beautifully from start to finish. The kitchen’s approach blends Spanish flair with the freshness of Pacific Northwest ingredients, resulting in dishes that feel vibrant, expressive, and thoughtfully composed. Service was polished and attentive, and the pacing of the menu—along with spot-on wine pairing notes—made the evening unfold seamlessly. I try not to single out individual dishes since tastes vary, but the fried olives were irresistibly addictive, and the Flan de Erizo is a dish I’m still thinking about long after the meal ended. Maripili fires on all cylinders, offering warmth, creativity, and culinary confidence in a space that makes you want to linger. It’s absolutely worth seeking out.

My experience at this restaurant was marked by great food, which was served and presented in an elegant manner. The drinks were also very well made. However, like all dining in Seattle, it was very expensive.

My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative, starting from the moment I walked in with my 15-month-old. The staff's attitude made it clear we were an inconvenience, evident when they sighed about needing a high chair. This unwelcoming sentiment escalated when the manager approached us after only two tapas, asking us to "keep our baby quieter" to avoid disturbing other guests. My son was making normal toddler sounds, not crying, in a restaurant with loud music and significant conversation. Expecting silence from a toddler is unreasonable and the request was rude. Despite our efforts to manage our son with snacks, food, and a tablet, we were made to feel guilty for bringing a child. No other guests seemed bothered, yet we felt pressured to end our meal early. We left hungry, having barely eaten, and still paid over $150 for disrespectful treatment. This restaurant is absolutely not family-friendly, and the service was unacceptable. I cannot recommend it to anyone seeking good food, good service, or a welcoming environment. To the Manager, parents deserve grace. You never know what a family is carrying when they walk through your doors. It takes effort and courage to bring a toddler out in public, especially when they may not have a support system. You mentioned you don’t have kids, so I don’t expect you to understand what parents juggle. But that is exactly why empathy matters. Instead of showing tact or offering a solution, you singled us out, made us feel unwelcome, and pushed us toward the door. That is not hospitality, nor is it leadership. I hope you take this as a learning moment. Show compassion. Treat families with respect. Remember that the people who walk in are trusting you with their time, money, and precious moments together. You failed us in that, and I truly hope you do better for the next family who walks through your door.

My family and I had a disappointing experience at this restaurant. We brought our 15-month-old, who is teething and understandably had a few moments of crying. The manager approached us and asked if we could keep our baby from crying—an unrealistic request for anyone familiar with children. The way he addressed the situation made us feel singled out and uncomfortable, especially since the conversation was made within earshot of other guests. It drew more attention to us instead of handling the matter discreetly. Rather than offering any kind of accommodating solution or assistance, the interaction placed responsibility and pressure solely on us, which ultimately affected our ability to enjoy the evening. It left us feeling as though we were being treated unfairly simply for having a child with us. Beyond that, the food portions were noticeably small given the price point, and one of the dishes we ordered never arrived before we had to leave for a scheduled event. Overall, the combination of poor handling of a sensitive situation and underwhelming value made this a disappointing visit, and unfortunately, we left feeling unwelcome and dissatisfied.