McCrea Cellars Wine Maker Dinner, Friday, June 26th at 6:30pm. Call for reservations.
Complimentary Valet Parking
Mediterranean-style Restaurant
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Twelve years ago a romantic Mediterranean-style restaurant opened in the Mayflower Park Hotel. A hit from the beginning, Andaluca continues to garner awards and raves from critics and guests alike, including "Seattle's Best New Restaurant" and "Seattle's Best Mediterranean Restaurant."
Thankfully, talent and ingredients of the finest quality are found in abundance right here in the Northwest. The secret to our success? Our award-winning Executive Chef Wayne Johnson, our amazingly talented and dedicated staff, and our loyal and discriminating guests who have held us to a high standard of culinary excellence.
The Scene Though often overlooked in its hidden nook, Andaluca proves worth a trip for its better Spanish dishes. Dark rosewood walls and dim lighting cater to the privacy of lovers and business lunchers alike.
The Food Tapas comprise more than half the menu. Best are the succulent lamb dolmas, with tender, silky skins of grape leaves. The kitchen scores when staying true to Spanish flavors, as with the classic tortilla made with potato, thyme, romesco and a saffron aioli . The house paella is a very good version of the classic dish, but the best entree is the lamb chops,which are served aside a sundried tomato couscous and drizzled with a blackberry demi-glace. Traditional Spanish dessert flavors--almonds, figs, egg creams, sweet wine--are conspicuously missing among the dessert selections, so settle for the warm chocolate cake.
My wife and I come here every year after Thanksgiving for a nice meal. This year we weren't disappointed. The staff is always helpful and attentive, and the food is consistently great. They will expand the normal expectations for a meal; but the balance is always there. It's a short walk from the shopping downtown and is a much better atmosphere than some of the more trendy restaurants in the area.
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I didn't have high expectations for this restaurant going in, but left suitably satisfied. It's billed as a tapas place, but its menu has nothing reminiscent of anything from Spain. If you go with the mindset of trying fusion cooking from different Mediterranean countries and know you're not getting authentic and traditional dishes, you'll be fine. It's a good place for a dinner filled with conversation with friends or a date, because the plates are brought out one at a time. The Vegetable Meze was particularly good.
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I have been to Andaluca several times now, and I think it's a great restaurant. I definitely think that it's pricey, but sometimes that is exactly the sort of place you want. It's classy, with an interesting flare to its decor. You never know who you'll see at the place, either, since it is located in one of Seattle's nicer hotels.
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I've eaten here twice, and one time was fabulous, the other was okay. The only problem with the second time was that the food didn't seem particularly exceptional. It was okay, but not outstanding. My first visit however, the food was amazing. This place was voted most romantic restaurant in seattle some years ago. It is nice and dark and very ambient. Located at the bottom of the Mayflower Park Hotel and they do have valet parking.
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 31 reviews
on Citysearch)
Deliciously Elegant!
By sprangley
Having eaten at Andaluca a number of times now, I will never get tired of dining at this elegant restaurant. First, the food is creative both in substance and presentation. The small plates (Pintxos) are my favorites, especially the Crisp Duck Cake (the apricot chutney was a perfect complement), Seafood Risotto (perfect in creaminess and the variety of seafood), and Ratatouille Packet (roasted vegies and goat cheese wrapped in pastry). The cinnamon gelato served with the Melomakarona Fig Tart was an incredible dessert. The food is beautiful to look at, as well as to eat! The service is friendly and attentive. And the atmosphere- quietly lush with subdued lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere. It's not a large restaurant, yet the high upholstered seat backs create great private spaces. Definitely one of Seattle's jewel restaurants...
Pros: Relaxed yet lush ambiance. Valet parking. Great service, great food. Cons: none.
Posted 01/08/09
Wonderful Experience(s)
By bvercoutere
Over the past year (including last night), I have had several private and business dinners at Andaluca, all of which have been a fabulous experience. Every aspect of Andaluca from the great service, wonderful cuisine, and romantic ambiance, contributes to an incredible dining experience. The unique menu offers a wide variety of excellent choices for both full entrees or smaller tapas perfect for sampling. The food and presentation is amazing.
My business clients insist on returning to Andaluca each time they visit Seattle.
If you're looking for great atmosphere, with world class service and cuisine, I would highly recommend Adaluca next time you're visiting downtown Seattle.
Pros: Atmosphere, cuisine, service. Cons: None
Posted 01/08/09
always outstanding
By calvinbahr
i have been to andaluca on numerous occasions, including for full dinners, appetizers, breakfast, or just for a glass of wine...the pintxos (small plates) are outstanding, especially the mini crab tower, the seafood risotto, the spicy calamari, and my favorite, the broken egg papas frites (tough to beat) ... main courses that i enjoyed include the beef tenderloin and the paella (contrary to the below review, penned by an ignoramus who apparently is unaware of this classic spanish dish, and who opined that the ingredients simply do not go together!) ... there is an extensive, yet out of the ordinary, wine selection ... the atmosphere is perfect in its coziness and soft lighting ... the service never fails to surpass one's expectations, from the manager, who always warmly greets each party, to the entire dining room staff ... if one is fortunate enough, the long-time chef, wayne, may drop by your table and discuss the inspiration behind some of his unique and delicious menu items.
Posted 01/06/09
Great steak!
By cadlo
I've been to Andaluca three times in the past year with friends and all three visits, we experienced excellent service-- prompt, professional & very courteous. The general manager & server was very gracious and attentive to us. The steak and paella dishes were delicious and perfectly prepared; wine was divine!
The restaurant has a very cozy, intimate and romantic ambiance....reminds me of European dining.
Has a cute little bar too. We will be back & thank you so much to your staff for such wonderful service!
Posted 01/05/09
poor service
By LadySusan
My husband and I went here for lunch, and were seated immediately. Then we waited for 20 minutes before they brought water to us, and after another 10 minutes we had to go find someone to ask for a menu. 20 minutes after that, we caught someone's eye and were able to place our order. Eventually we had to ask for our food to go since my husband's lunch hour was up. I wouldn't have minded so much if they had been really busy, or if the server had at least apologized or seemed to care about how awful our visit was, but she seemed totally oblivious to everything. I can't even remember how the food was. Probably eating it out of a paper box made a difference in my perception of it, but it seemed unremarkable. I'd try it once more just because I hate to pass judgment based on one visit, but they're on thin ice, in my book! I'll post an update if I visit again.
Pros: nice menu variety Cons: slow service, impersonal staff
