Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Ocho – Seattle
Ocho - Seattle
Photo from Ocho
Ocho at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🥘 Spanish Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#406 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Spanish Restaurant out of 2 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
518
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Cramped space
- Service waits
The Spanish restaurant Ocho in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers a truly authentic experience. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for a memorable evening.
Known for its great wine list, this spot invites you to explore a delightful array of small plates and cocktails. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a full dinner, Ocho provides a welcoming setting with excellent service options, including outdoor seating.
Overview: Introducting Ocho
Ocho offers a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy creative `small plates` and expertly crafted drinks. It’s often described as a `cozy space` with a vibrant energy, making it a pleasant spot for an evening out.
The `friendly staff` generally contributes to a positive experience. However, some guests have noted that the setting can feel a bit `cramped` and occasionally `loud`, which might impact your comfort.
While the food receives consistent praise, there are mixed feelings about the overall value, with some finding certain items a bit steep for the portion size.
Good
7.6
out of 10
518
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
99
negative
35
neutral
384
positive
Ocho earns a solid `Restaurant Score` of `7.6`, indicating a generally good dining experience, and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `74.1%`, which is also a good sign. These figures are based on 518 customer remarks, with 384 positive and 99 negative observations, suggesting a predominantly favorable view.
Looking closer, the `Food` (8.3) stands out as a strong point, frequently highlighted by patrons. The `Ambience` (7.5) also contributes positively, providing a pleasant backdrop.
While `Service` (6.5) is considered average, the `Value` (4.9) is where opinions are most divided, often cited as a concern.
What people like
- Delicious, creative food
- Cozy, vibrant atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- Value concerns
- Loud, cramped space
- Service wait times
If you prioritize inventive cuisine and a lively, intimate setting, Ocho is certainly worth considering. The culinary offerings and the general vibe are often highlights, making it a good choice for a casual yet engaging meal out.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment. With a `Recommendation Score` of `7.8`, Ocho generally delivers a satisfying experience.
However, if you’re particularly sensitive to noise or are looking for generous portions at a lower price point, you might want to manage your expectations regarding the value aspect.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ocho
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.4%. Many guests rave about the delicious small plates, creative cocktails, and the authentic Spanish tapas experience. With 249 positive opinions out of 295 total, it seems there's plenty to love, especially the vegetarian and vegan choices.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some diners found the portions to be small, and a few were disappointed with the brunch menu, describing items like the tortilla as cold and dry. There were also mentions of overpriced crackers and cheese, indicating some inconsistencies among the 35 negative opinions.
Food
295
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
35
negative
11
neutral
249
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious small plates
- Creative cocktails
- Vegan/Veggie options
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Disappointing brunch
- Cold/dry tortilla
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this friendly neighborhood tapas bar was righteous. It's a small, no-nonsense, and cozy space that offers great food, solid service, and expertly-made cocktails. There's nothing fancy or affected here – just great food served with great people.
- cocktailsMy experience at this friendly neighborhood tapas bar was righteous. It's a small, no-nonsense, and cozy space that offers great food, solid service, and expertly-made cocktails. There's nothing fancy or affected here – just great food served with great people.
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great small plates and delicious drinks. While the buffalo cauliflower was a bit too sour for my personal taste, my wife enjoyed it.
- tapasMy experience at this neighborhood bar was wonderful. It's a nice little chill spot with great tapas and awesome and creative drinks. I had a bartender's choice drink, with some input from me, featuring bourbon, amaro, absinthe, and assorted bitters.
- small platessmall plates have a ton of flavor and are very interesting
- deviled eggsMy experience at this restaurant was phenomenal. The food was outstanding, and I personally recommend the tortilla espanola, croquettas, and deviled eggs. Preston provided great service.
- everythingeverything is so on point
- CroquettesCroquettes were very good
- anchovieshow great everything was from the anchovies
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was incredible! We had a variety of dishes amongst the four of us, and I ate everything so quickly that I didn’t get any photos. There wasn’t a spec left on any plate.
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was good up until we noticed there was a small black hair in the food
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the overpriced nature and small portions. For two people, a few drinks and a couple of small plates came out to $200.
- drinkmy drink because it tasted different than when I had it twice before
- TortillaTortilla: No. ... Cold, dry, flavorless, tasted day old.
- aioliThe "aioli" is not aioli: it's garlic mayo.
- appsMy date and I found ourselves critiquing each dish. The meatballs could’ve been more tender, and the deviled eggs didn’t quite hit the mark, along with the other apps. The baguette was about the best thing.
- beer optionssó queria que tivesse mais opções de cerveja
- better flavorsexpected better flavors
- brunch menurecently they switched to a brunch menu. Unfortunately I’ve tried a few from there and they were not very good
- buffalo cauliflowerbuffalo cauliflower was a little too sour
If you're looking for a spot with generally delicious small plates and creative drinks, especially for an authentic Spanish tapas experience, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some portions can be on the smaller side, and the brunch menu might not always hit the mark.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 putting it in the average to good range, and customer satisfaction at 56.1%, which is pretty mixed. Out of 107 total comments, 60 were positive, often praising the staff's patience, knowledgeable bartenders, and personable servers who make sure food comes quickly. However, 33 comments pointed to some rough patches.
Guests sometimes encountered unfriendly bartenders, slow service, and unprofessional staff, with some experiencing long waits and feeling the place was under-staffed. It seems consistency can be an issue, leading to some disappointing experiences.
Service
107
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
33
negative
14
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The tiny space offered beautiful vibes and lovely service, complemented by very impressive cocktails and beverages. The small plates were a highlight, packed with a ton of flavor and were both interesting and authentic.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the really good food and the friendly staff. My favorite dish was the Setaz de Jerez, which includes sherried mushrooms, toast, and arugula.
- bartenderone of the best bartender I have experienced
- serverMy experience at this restaurant on Sunday evening was amazing! Our server was very kind and created super yummy surprise mocktails for us. The food was absolutely delicious.
- waitressOur waitress did an amazing job
- PrestonPreston was a great server
- ServiceThe food was fantastic, with a wide selection that should accommodate any palate. We enjoyed fast tapas and every dish we tried was excellent. The Juevo del Diablo (Deviled Egg), Bistec (Steak), Baguette, Meatballs, Setas de Jerez (Sherried Mushrooms), and Croquettes were all rated 5/5.
- accommodate youtry hard to accommodate you
- amazing jobshe worked saturday brunch by herself!
- awningthey opened the awning so we could continue to stay outside
Frequently criticized
- serviceWaited +20mins, after we were seated to even get an acknowledgement
- bartenderOur bartender on Thursday evening 2/27 was extremely hostile towards me.
- waiterOur waiter was serving the inside and the patio, meaning he was often not around
- waiting timealmost 20 minutes of no service
- waitsled to some long waits for everything
- ServiceService was rough
- availabilityMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The website is outdated, and attempts to call for clarification were unsuccessful, as no one answered despite 8 attempts. This lack of availability was frustrating.
- billanother 15 min. From asking for the bill to actually presenting it
- checked onThe woman behind the bar was mostly slow and uninterested, and she was even eating. Even after another person joined to provide service, I was only checked on once after an hour of ordering a drink. The food and atmosphere were decent (rated 3/5), but the service (rated 1/5) was a significant letdown.
- gaslightto them gaslight us was really rude
If youre patient and catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy the friendly and knowledgeable staff. But be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and longer waits, especially during busy times.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
The ambience here truly sets the scene, earning a good score of 7.5 and a solid 73.3% customer satisfaction! Many guests adore the intimate setting, cozy seating, and fun atmosphere, often highlighting the great vibes and suitability for first dates or anniversaries. With 66 positive remarks out of 90 total, its clear the overall feel is a big hit.
However, its worth noting some guests found the space a bit small and crammed, leading to limited seating and a loud environment. These 16 negative comments suggest that while the vibe is generally good, the restaurant size and noise level can be a challenge for those seeking a quieter, more spacious experience.
Ambience
90
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, cozy setting
- Fun, lively atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Limited, cramped seating
- Can be very loud
- Small restaurant size
Often praised
- atmosphereit's still a vibrant-feeling little place, so the atmosphere is enjoyable
- spota great spot and I live down the street.
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating available on the sidewalk, great for people-watching
- spaceMy experience at this friendly neighborhood tapas bar was righteous. It's a small, no-nonsense, and cozy space that offers great food, solid service, and expertly-made cocktails. There's nothing fancy or affected here – just great food served with great people.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Small, charming spaceSmall, charming space
- ambianceLovely ambiance
- bright during the daybright during the day
- candle litCandle lit
- cozy seatingprovides cozy seating
Frequently criticized
- seatingvery small with tiny tables inside and very limited seating
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is tough
- bar feelMuch more a bar feel
- crammedit can sometimes be a bit crammed
- free parking nearbyNot easy to find a free parking nearby
- hotVery hot
- loudvery loud
- music was too loudthe music was just too loud
- restaurant sizeRestaurant is a bit small
- seats/tablesas the seats/tables
If youre seeking an intimate, lively spot with great vibes and dont mind a potentially cozy or loud setting, this place is definitely worth a visit. It's ideal for a fun night out, but perhaps not for a quiet, spacious meal.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed picture, with an average score of 4.9. However, 9 positive comments out of 26 total highlight some bright spots! Many appreciate the affordability and prices for tapas, finding the small plates great and reasonably priced, especially with a bonus happy hour still available.
However, the value proposition isnt always clear, especially with customer satisfaction at a poor 34.6%. A significant 15 negative comments point to concerns about the pricey nature of items, with many feeling things are overpriced. High cost for drinks like draft beer and cocktails, and small portions, are frequently mentioned.
Value
26
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable tapas
- Happy hour bonus
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Expensive drinks
- Small portions
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their delicious small plates, which were also great prices. The mushrooms in sherry sauce were absolutely incredible, and the flavor combinations they use are so creative and yummy.
- affordabilityVery affordable vermouths
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, despite its super tiny place. The food was really good and reasonably priced. Everything I tried was delicious.
- happy hourstill offer happy hour which is a bonus
- tapas pricesactual tapas prices
Frequently criticized
- priceThe waiter was argumentative, which made the overall experience uncomfortable. The happy hour food consisted of just over-priced crackers and cheese. I definitely would not recommend this place.
- cocktail$16 for a cocktail that is 50% ice cubes feels a bit stiff
- costFor the cost, I expected larger portions
- draft beer$9 for a draft beer?! Insane.
- overpricedthe food is overpriced
- pricesExorbitant prices
- priceyA bit pricey
- tapasspicier end as far as tapas go
- valueSave your money and go elsewhere— Trader Joe’s gets you more value
If youre looking for affordable happy hour deals and reasonably priced tapas, you might find some gems here. However, be prepared for potentially pricey drinks and small portions that could leave you feeling its overpriced for the overall experience.
How are the prices at Ocho?
You’re looking at roughly $42 per person – reported by 87 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Spanish Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is $42, we see that prices are quite spread out, with a good number of diners spending in the $21–$30 range, but also plenty opting for experiences in the $41–$50 range and even some higher-end options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 87 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Spanish Restaurant in Seattle, we think $42 per person feels fair. It suggests a quality experience without being overly extravagant.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ocho
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Tapas and Great Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! The food was fantastic, with a wide selection that should accommodate any palate. We enjoyed fast tapas and every dish we tried was excellent.
The Juevo del Diablo (Deviled Egg), Bistec (Steak), Baguette, Meatballs, Setas de Jerez (Sherried Mushrooms), and Croquettes were all rated 5/5. Even the Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) and another order of Croquettes were a solid 4/5. Overall, it was an amazing meal shared with three other people.
I was too busy enjoying the food to take photos, but I will definitely return!
- food10
- Juevo del Diablo10
- Bistec10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced with Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the overpriced nature and small portions. For two people, a few drinks and a couple of small plates came out to $200. The seating was also limited, and the overall atmosphere and food quality were not up to par, with a food score of 2 out of 5.
- portions2
- seating3
- drinks2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
A True Gem - Cannot Go Wrong!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a true gem, and you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5, making for an exceptional dining experience.
- menu10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Outdated Website, Poor Service, Mediocre Food
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The website is outdated, and attempts to call for clarification were unsuccessful, as no one answered despite 8 attempts. This lack of availability was frustrating.
Upon arrival, the bartender was unfriendly, and both the food and drink were incredibly MID. The price of a draft beer at $9 felt insane. I would save your money and go elsewhere, as even Trader Joe's offers better value and taste.
Plus, parks provide free outdoor atmosphere.
- website2
- availability1
- bartender2
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Sweet and Fun Spot!
My partner and I have visited this restaurant 6 or 7 times, bringing friends and enjoying date nights. We consistently love it! It's affordable, and every staff member has been really fun and kind.
They offer great drink options, are open late, and serve DELICIOUS food. Their mushroom toast is one of the best mushroom dishes I've ever had, and we always order multiple! I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a sweet and fun spot.
The only minor downside is that it's a bit small, so it can feel crammed when busy. However, this doesn't detract enough from the experience to deter us, and it's well worth it in my opinion!
- affordability9
- staff10
- drink options8
- space4
- crammed4
What Ocho offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Ocho in Ballard?
At Ocho, you can enjoy a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various dining options. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service, alongside delicious desserts. You’ll find a full bar onsite with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, making it ideal for happy hour drinks or late-night food.
Does Ocho offer convenient service options and accessibility for guests?
Yes, Ocho provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, plus charming outdoor seating. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Parking can be somewhat difficult, with paid street parking available in the area.
What is the overall rating for Ocho?
Ocho holds a `Restaurant Score` of `7.6` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `74.1%`. Its `Food` (8.3) is highly regarded, followed by `Ambience` (7.5) and `Service` (6.5), though `Value` (4.9) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about Ocho's food and drinks?
Customers frequently praise Ocho’s `small plates` for their flavor and creativity, and many also highlight the `expertly-made cocktails` and `delicious drinks`.
Are there any common complaints about Ocho's atmosphere or pricing?
Some patrons find the `seating` can be `cramped` and the environment `loud`, while others express concerns about `overpriced cocktails` and `small portions`.