Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Willmott’s Ghost – Seattle
Willmott's Ghost - Seattle
Photo from Willmott’s Ghost
Willmott's Ghost at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#640 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#72 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
674
Reviews
64.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Uneven service
- Bad drinks
The restaurant Willmott’s Ghost, a sophisticated establishment in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District, offers you an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying an evening out.
Prepare to be delighted by their great dessert selection, a true highlight that will leave you wanting more.
Overview: Introducting Willmott's Ghost
Willmott’s Ghost offers a distinct dining experience where the culinary offerings generally impress. Guests often praise the fresh, balanced flavors, with particular mentions of the delicious focaccia and a memorable tiramisu.
The setting also contributes positively, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere for diners. However, the overall value proposition can be a point of contention.
Some find the experience overpriced, especially when coupled with instances of aloof service. While many appreciate the staff, inconsistent attention can detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
674
Reviews
64.1%
Satisfaction
185
negative
57
neutral
432
positive
The restaurant garners an overall score of 6.8, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64.1%. This assessment comes from a substantial 674 customer remarks, showing a clear lean towards positive experiences with 432 favorable comments against 185 critical ones.
It suggests a generally acceptable experience, though not consistently outstanding. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.7) and Food (7) topics stand out as strong points, frequently earning praise for their quality and appeal.
Service (6.9) also performs reasonably well, indicating competent staff interactions. However, Value (3.3) significantly lags, suggesting that many patrons feel the pricing doesn’t align with the overall experience provided.
What people like
- Delicious Italian dishes
- Inviting interior ambiance
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service quality
- Subpar drink offerings
Willmott’s Ghost presents a mixed but generally positive picture, earning a solid recommendation score of 7. If you prioritize a well-designed atmosphere and generally good food, particularly Italian staples, it could be a worthwhile visit.
Be prepared for a potentially higher bill, as value is a consistent concern. For those seeking a reliable dining experience with attentive service and appealing surroundings, it’s worth considering.
However, if budget is a primary factor or you’re particular about every aspect of service and drinks, you might find certain elements disappointing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Willmott's Ghost
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners often rave about the delicious offerings, with many praising the fantastic focaccia, tasty pizza, and creative cocktails. The culinary experience generally scores a good 7, and with 216 positive remarks, its clear that many find the fresh and flavorful dishes to be a highlight. However, the food experience isnt always perfect, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 64.7%.
Some find certain dishes, like the middling pizza or potato pizza, to be disappointing, with complaints about small portions and mediocre quality, occasionally feeling overpriced. These concerns appear in 76 negative comments out of 334 total.
Food
334
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
76
negative
42
neutral
216
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious focaccia
- Great cocktails
- Amazing tiramisu
What people don't like
- Mediocre food
- Small portions
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- foodThe total bill for lunch for two was $165. I would recommend avoiding the potato pizza, but the rest of the meal was good. The layout is super cool and the atmosphere is inviting.
- pizzaThe food is so fresh, delicious, and perfectly balanced, it's just pure bliss. We highly recommend the foccacia (or two!), the broccoli salad, pizza, and the chicken. The ambiance is fantastic, with a modern, elegant yet casual vibe.
- cocktailsThe cocktails and pizza looked and smelled amazimg!
- tiramisuThe tiramisu for dessert was the best I’ve had.
- drinksIt’s definitely small, so plan to make reservations or hope you’re lucky and get a seat at the bar. The drinks looked amazing (we didn’t try any). The pizzas were delicious, and they give you scissors to cut them yourself!
- focacciaOh, and the service was so SLOW. When we were ordering, he kept making sure we understood that bread wasn’t included with the burrata, so we made sure to order the focaccia (which was to die for!). However, it didn’t come out with the burrata.
- burrataOur server was super accommodating and guided me through the gluten-free options. While most pizzas and mains are heavier on gluten, the server pointed out starters like the burrata and prosciutto, and mains like salmon, which could be modified and were really good. I wouldn't call it a must-try spot, but it's definitely a solid lunch option with good vibes and helpful staff.
- appetizersThe appetizers we sampled were solid
- prosciuttoOur server was super accommodating and guided me through the gluten-free options. While most pizzas and mains are heavier on gluten, the server pointed out starters like the burrata and prosciutto, and mains like salmon, which could be modified and were really good. I wouldn't call it a must-try spot, but it's definitely a solid lunch option with good vibes and helpful staff.
- Detroit style pizzaDelicious Detroit style pizza
Frequently criticized
- foodWhile they did a good job curating the visual aspect, the booths are cramped and the water glasses are unnecessarily small. The food is quite mediocre, with the menu leaving a lot to be desired and the wine program feeling nonexistent. We tried a variety of dishes, and all were fairly mediocre.
- pizzaThe pizza was very oily and required cutting with special scissors because it was so thick.
- drinksdrinks at Wilmott's Ghost were unfortunately VERY bad
- menuthe menu it just seemed to be listing off ingredients
- burntit was greasy, stale, and burnt
- flavoror flavor
- potato pizzathe potato pizza was far from hitting the mark
- Amari flightDidn't love that - but I also don't love Amari.
- CodCod - crispy skin, perfectly cooked but overall bland
- Margherita pizzaMargherita pizza the size of a medium pizza anywhere else
If youre looking for some standout dishes like focaccia and creative cocktails, youll likely find something to enjoy here. Just be mindful that some menu items, particularly certain pizzas or smaller plates, might not always hit the mark, so choose wisely.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average 6.9 score with a customer satisfaction of 65.4%. Out of 159 pieces of feedback, 104 highlighted the positives, praising the friendly staff, attentive service, and accommodating servers who often went above and beyond. Many appreciated the professional team and their genuine kindness.
However, 47 comments pointed to areas needing improvement. Some guests experienced long waiting times, felt ignored, or encountered inattentive staff. There were also mentions of rude host attitudes and occasional delays, suggesting that consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
159
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
47
negative
8
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating servers
- Professional team
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude host attitude
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceOur server, who was working through an injury, was perfection. She provided us with impeccable service and excellent recommendations for our visit. I couldn't be happier with our visit!
- staffWhile most pizzas and mains are heavier on gluten, the server pointed out starters like the burrata and prosciutto, and mains like salmon, which could be modified and were really good. I wouldn't call it a must-try spot, but it's definitely a solid lunch option with good vibes and helpful staff.
- serverOur server was Breck and he was awesome.
- JamesThey are truly amazing, kind, genuine individuals who honestly care for you and your experience. James is a big part of that welcoming presence and high-quality service, and recently, Nick and Alex have also been outstanding! This place honestly checks every single box for an amazing time.
- bartenderthe bartender looked to be very skilled.
- serversthe servers were very friendly and helpful
- wait staffask the wait friendly wait staff how to get back inside
- AMAZING BreckAMAZING Breck, and marvelous Meagan !
- Meganthe woman that took care of us, Megan, was incredible
- Nick and AlexNick and Alex as well!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. We found it to be an overpriced restaurant with aloof service. The bill for four adult beverages, two cups of milk, and a lemonade, along with a pepperoni pizza, came to over $235, which included a mandatory 22% gratuity.
- serverI was really excited to celebrate my ten-year work anniversary in person with my boss, as I don’t get to Seattle often and love Italian food. Unfortunately, the server we had acted like we were putting him out, with a disdainful attitude and a mullet that was not ironic – it really set a whole vibe. As a queer person myself, I was mortified to be treated like a second-class citizen by someone from my own community.
- hostessThe hostess was extremely rude to us
- serversThe only thing I could recommend was the oyster mushroom panini. The servers during lunch were a bit cold, and the timing of the food was odd.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was quite negative. Though there was an empty table that just needed clearing, the staff took over 15 minutes to finish cleaning it. During this time, no one apologized for the delay.
- waiting timeWe waited for over 20 minutes without any service
- General Manager Breck GaultGeneral Manager Breck Gault actually breaks through to new lows
- avoiding eye contactwaiters are doing anything possible to avoid eye contact
- bartenderthe bartender on our visit last night was just “unpleasant”
- delayno one apologized for delay
If youre looking for a place where service can truly shine, its worth a visit, as many have had wonderful experiences. However, be prepared that there's a chance you might encounter some inconsistencies, especially with wait times or staff attentiveness.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The atmosphere here truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a strong 81.7% customer satisfaction, indicating most guests adore the setting. Many of the 107 positive remarks rave about the charming ambiance, decor, and unique location, creating a fantastic vibe that genuinely enhances the dining experience. However, its not without its quirks, as 21 negative observations highlight.
Some found the tables too close or the environment loud, while a few mentioned weird vibes or even flickering lights, ' suggesting some inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Ambience
131
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming decor
- Unique location
- Great vibe
What people don't like
- Tables too close
- Loud environment
- Flickering lights
Often praised
- atmosphereI found the food to be overpriced for what it is, and mediocre at best, not worth the money. It seems you are paying for the location, atmosphere, cheap garnishes, and food presentation, rather than for quality ingredients, preparation, or flavor.
- decorThe pink, greens, and gold decor combo is lovely to look at
- locationThe food tasted pretty decent, and the drink selection was good. The location of the restaurant is great!
- placeThis restaurant was adorable! It’s definitely small, so plan to make reservations or hope you’re lucky and get a seat at the bar.
- restaurantThe dinner would have been wonderful without him, but he was the icing on the cake! Otherwise, the restaurant is gorgeous and the food and drink were absolutely lovely.
- ambianceThe interior decor is beautifully serene and cozy, providing the perfect ambiance
- musicout some overbearing loud music
- buildingI understand my menu preferences might differ from the typical Seattle palate, as I would have preferred a nice steak, shrimp, or at least one more traditional dish. The building and neighborhood are gorgeous. I also appreciated the relaxed timing, allowing us to fully enjoy our time with Megan.
- vibeThe Vibe, The Service, The Atmosphere, THE PLAYLIST
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- tablesthe tables though were extremely close together
- aesthetic or decorationDidn't love the aesthetic or decoration.
- bathroomthe bathroom was out of order
- boothsthe booths are cramped
- bugswith bugs
- consistencyMostly because of the lack of consistency - the theme and tone was not the same throughout.
- ghost townreason this place is a ghost town
- horticulturewon't see any of the horticulture from the restaurant
- large groupnot the best selection for large group
- lightsThe lights were flickering or in some cases shutting off
If you're seeking a dining spot with a truly unique and charming setting, this place is definitely worth a visit for its impressive atmosphere. Just be aware that some areas might feel a bit cramped or occasionally loud, so consider your seating preference.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
A few diners (5 out of 50 opinions) did find some silver linings when it came to value, appreciating the convenience of free parking and even noting that some prices felt fair or offered a good value for the price. It seems certain aspects might hit the mark for a select few. However, the overwhelming sentiment (41 out of 50 opinions) paints a different picture.
Many felt the experience was expensive and overpriced for quality, with frequent mentions of a mandatory service charge making it feel like a rip off. This leads to a poor score of 3.3 and a very low customer satisfaction of just 10%, indicating significant concerns about the overall value.
Value
50
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
41
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free parking available
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Mandatory service charge
- Poor overall value
Often praised
- experiencesThe drinks were also mediocre. I believe you can find MUCH better and worth it experiences in Seattle downtown.
- foodThe food is pricey, but worth the experience.
- free parkingfree parking across the street
- pricesPrices were fair
- value for the pricea good value for the price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. We found it to be an overpriced restaurant with aloof service. The bill for four adult beverages, two cups of milk, and a lemonade, along with a pepperoni pizza, came to over $235, which included a mandatory 22% gratuity.
- priceyA little pricey for what it is
- service chargethey charge 22% service charge which is probably why 5$3 bartender didn’t care
- billThis gratuity felt unwarranted as we hardly saw our server. The hefty bill would have been justifiable if the food had been memorable, but unfortunately, none of what we had was memorable. This lack of memorable quality made the experience disappointing.
- pricesprices adjusted re: how much bread should be served
- expensivehow expensive it is
- gratuityWe found it to be an overpriced restaurant with aloof service. The bill for four adult beverages, two cups of milk, and a lemonade, along with a pepperoni pizza, came to over $235, which included a mandatory 22% gratuity. This gratuity felt unwarranted as we hardly saw our server.
- $30not worth $30
- appetizersBoth were good and a good size to share for a lunch. The paninis and pizza appeared to be priced normally for Seattle, but the appetizers were a bit overpriced.
- bad dealit just felt like a bad deal given the tiny portions
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially high bill, as the value proposition here is a major sticking point for many. With a poor score of 3.3 and very low customer satisfaction, its likely you'll find the cost outweighs the experience.
How are the prices at Willmott's Ghost?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others have spent, prices tend to cluster around this average, though there’s a nice mix of options for both slightly cheaper and more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good balance, allowing for a pleasant dining experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Willmott's Ghost
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food and Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The location and decor were impressive, creating a wonderful atmosphere. The food was excellent, and I was particularly pleased that they were able to accommodate food sensitivities.
Overall, a highly satisfying dining experience.
- location9
- decor9
- food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Awesome service during fire alarm!
My experience at the restaurant was made exceptional by our server, Breck. Despite a fire alarm causing an evacuation, Breck remained super nice and handled the situation with grace. He even offered us a glass of bubbles while we waited outside.
It was a super nice experience, largely thanks to Breck!
- server10
- service9
- bubbles8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Charming Decor, Delicious Pizza, and Great Wine
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pistachio colored decor was very cool, and the views all around of the city offered a beautiful backdrop, even with the privacy provided by the fauna. Fresh flowers on the table added a lovely touch.
The pizza was super delicious, and the service was impeccable. I also appreciated the eclectic and affordable wine selection.
- pistachio colored decor9
- views all around9
- pizza10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good Vibes, Okay Pizza
I stopped by for happy hour and had a great experience with the vibes and atmosphere. The drinks were good, and the overall atmosphere was enjoyable. However, the pizza was just okay.
While they offered unique flavors, the ham pistachio pizza was bland, and the breading lacked crispiness and flavor.
- drinks8
- vibes and atmosphere10
- pizza5
- ham pistachio3
- breading3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Underwhelming Experience, Disappointing Food
My overall dining experience was underwhelming. Despite having a reservation, we were seated in a mostly empty restaurant right next to the door. The lights were flickering or shutting off in our section.
The appetizers were solid, though the burrata seemed to necessitate purchasing focaccia, which was an interesting choice. However, the potato pizza was far from hitting the mark; it had a burnt bottom that was impossible to cut and lacked the flavors we ordered. There were no check-ins on service, yet a 22% gratuity was automatically included.
We ended up boxing most of the pizza to take home and improve it ourselves. We won’t be planning on returning.
- appetizers7
- burrata6
- lights2
- potato pizza2
- burnt bottom1
What Willmott's Ghost offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Willmott's Ghost in Seattle?
At Willmott’s Ghost, you’ll find an upscale, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Enjoy table service for brunch, lunch, or dinner, with comfortable seating options. Planning ahead is easy, as they accept reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended for a seamless visit.
Does Willmott's Ghost offer accessible options and convenient services for guests?
Yes, Willmott’s Ghost is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, they provide delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in services. You can also enjoy free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi during your visit.
How does Willmott's Ghost rate overall?
Willmott’s Ghost holds an overall score of **6.8**, indicating an average experience. While **Ambience** (7.7) and **Food** (7) are rated well, **Service** (6.9) is average, and **Value** (3.3) is a notable weakness.
What are the standout food items at Willmott's Ghost?
Customers frequently praise the fresh and balanced flavors, with specific positive mentions for the focaccia, pizza, and tiramisu. However, some found the potato pizza and certain drinks to be disappointing.
Is Willmott's Ghost considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed, with a low score of **3.3**. While some found prices fair, many describe the restaurant as overpriced due to the cost of dishes and a mandatory service charge.