Shallots Asian Bistro

love the food and the atmosphere. great place to enjoy a healthy flavorfull meal!!

Posted 09/20/09

I have always enjoyed the food and the staff. I would guess from the 2 poor reviews that it is the owners ex-wife or disgruntled ex-family member whose own restaurant went out of business. Try them out and judge for yourself. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Pros: Great Food Nice People

Posted 04/22/09

I love this place. The menu has a little bit of everything for someone who likes Asian food and I've never had anything on the menu that I didn't like. It's especially nice to sit outside for happy hour and try assorted appetizers. The service has always been great, even once when I had a demanding date who was high-maintenance for the waitress.

Some of my favorite menu items are the happy hour potstickers, the Tom Yum soup, the '9 flavor chicken' and the Basil scallops, but all the entrees I have tried are nice. The various satays are also nice, but I wasn't so crazy about the salmon satay.

Pros: Service, ambience, outside dining area, happy hour, selection

Cons: none

Posted 06/21/08

Last friday i have dinner with husben in shallots Asian Bistro the food was terrible, all food like smoking flavor
. sorry this is not 5 or 4 star restaurant, no more !!

Posted 05/15/08

I love Shallots. The food is consistently good, the portions are a good size, but not excessive, and it's usually easy to get a table. On our last visit, my boyfriend and I were intiially very disappointed as the service was slow and unfriendly. It was not long, however, before I saw someone take notice of how we were being treated. He must have spoken to the staff, because they jumped into action, making every effort to not only correct their earlier lazy service, but to make up for it. Additionally, the food there was the best we've ever had there. It's very good.

Pros: Food, location

Posted 05/02/08

One of the best pan-Asian restaurants in Seattle! Its delicious and diverse menu leaves you with a unique experience every time. From wild scallops delicately seared in a spicy, sweet Thai basil sauce to the tender seabass lightly crisped and finished in a tasty Szechuan sauce, this cuisine is the superlative of piquant. Try the Salmon Hor-Mok, a traditional Thai dish combining salmon filets and cabbage with a savory curry-coconut sauce, wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf. Rotating specials and an intriguing wine list allow perfect pairings. Additionally, an extensive vegetartian selection leaves every appetite satiated. Attentive and friendly waitstaff can give the ambience of fine dining or a comfortable place to grab a relaxing drink after work.

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: parking

Posted 03/18/08

My family and I have been going for years and the food and service is first rate. If you want a great meal before heading to the Key Arena (short walk) for a concert or sports event this is the place. Don't have a favorite dish, everything I've tried so far is wonderful.

Posted 02/26/08

I have read the other reviews and it must be tough to be perfect. Some talk of visiting a number of times and one bad experience and you get 1 star. As for me, I have great food there each and every time I go. I have never met anyone who has had a bad experience. It is the perfect little bistro. The decor is warm and inviting. The deep colors invite you to stay and enjoy the meal not rush through it and get out. (A psychological trick that restaurants with red tables do. Which his why you won?t find them at Shallots.)

Go there more than a couple times and they will remember you. Become a regular and they will make you feel like family. The service was always polite and knowledgeable, if you go in with no idea of what you want, they will help you find the perfect thing to satisfy that hunger.

The food is incredible and diverse. Each time I plan on going in to try something new, but my mouth starts to water when I see the lemon grass chicken or nine flavor beef and I end up ordering one of my favorite dishes instead. That is why I always bring friends, so that I can savor multiple things.

The only MSG in the place was the text message from a friend who was running late. And they will take care of you if you have a peanut allergy. I have taken someone with a severe peanut allergy and they were so happy when they left that they found a great Asian restaurant that they could go to.

The makes the bad reviews suspect is the Sam has been the chef there for years, he has never missed a beat. And I have eaten there a lot! The food at Shallots is so good that it does set a high standard for itself.

It is the perfect little neighborhood place. If you work nearby you can grab a quick lunch. Or pop in for dinner and enjoy a good meal. They have a good wine selection that will complement the food there and a full bar. Not many beers on tap, but the bar is better stocked than you would think for a bistro. I recommend going and having a good time.

Posted 02/26/08

Every time I am in the area, Shallots is where I eat. While I prefer to be able to sit down, I have called ahead and pick upped my food when I was in the area. The place never disappoints and I usually go with friends. I highly recommend the Lemon Grass Chicken and I can?t go long without the Kung Pao Chicken. I like to have it extra spicy so that I don?t have to share.

Chef Kenny and Chef Sam are experts when it comes to the flavorful spicy, not the ?hot for the sake of hot? that you get in other places. There are items on the menu that I have not seen at other restaurants, and it is never lacking in authenticity, their Phad Thai is exactly what I have had in Thailand. I have even found inspiration for my own kitchen from some of their food. Seriously, their pork egg rolls are the best I have had and brought my game to a whole new level.

It is well worth driving from Lynnwood for and I am happy to stop in whenever I am in the area. My 7 year old daughter loves the food and it remains one of her favorite restaurants. Service is and knowledgeable and helpful. I have never had a bad meal there. The law of averages suggests that at one point they would be off their game, but I have found the experiences consistent.

Maybe it is because I look forward to going there, or maybe entering the comfortable setting with warm, relaxing colors and wooden interior that I like it so much. Every time I go I am relaxed and leave happy. More often than not with leftovers neatly packaged for me. Clearly I recommend visiting it and giving Shallots a try.

Pros: Great food, diversity and selection in menu, friendly service

Cons: It is not closer to my house, menu is overwhelming for first timers

Posted 02/25/08

The Service was extremely slow and we were there early (before 6pm) and the food was terrible. We ordered the satay sampler (which they didn't get right) then the smoked crispy chicken which was so bad we hardly ate, then the Garden bird nest and lo mein. There was no carry out boxes here, and there was ALOT leftover!

Pros: There are many other restaurants in the area

Cons: None

Posted 01/08/08

I have dinner on tonight food no good. and this is last time. bey-bey sssslots(shallots)! good luck.

Posted 08/19/07

Since the beginning of 2007 I have regularly ordered phad thai from Shallot's Asian Bistro. Without fail, it was some of the best I've had, and at a very reasonable price. You could even have considered it my weakness. (I live right around the corner from the place, and it's just hard to resist stopping in when you can smell the food cooking every afternoon.)

Sadly, something has happened. My last two orders were not only smaller in size, (I used to make two meals out of one order,) but the flavour was way off the mark. The texture of the noodles was different, the number of bean sprouts were drastically reduced, there's hardly any peanut bits in it, there was no slice of lime included, and now 5-star hot is more like 1-star hot used to be. It's gone from incredibly good to something that almost seems like it can be purchased in one-gallon cans at the grocery store.

I'm sad to say this, but if it's this bad the next time I order it, I'm going to have to start driving ten blocks instead of walking half of one in order to get my fix.

Pros: Still great service, good prices.

Cons: Quality of food has slipped significantly

Posted 08/04/07

Talk about frustrating. This was once my second favorite Asian cuisine restaurant in Seattle...probably anywhere -- until we ate there last night. Wow. What a difference. Shallot's slipped from incredible value/quality option to "never will go back". Apparently they have lost their chef of the past 7+ years and the "original" chef has returned. OMG. All three of us came home with rumbling stomachs and now one has, eh, di@#$%e@ [word I wanted to use is banned by City Search].

In the past, we would often come to Seattle from Redmond to specifically eat at Shallot's and would *always* consider it when in town for whatever reason (games, shopping, sightseeing, whatever). We're talking dozens of times over the years. Never again. While never in the class with Wild Ginger, I don't think the old chef/management tried to be either. The Shallot's I loved delivered fresh, appealing entrees. This was more like the Eastside chinese dive Chan's. Gack. I'd rather eat at Panda Express in the Bella Bottega QFC than drive to Seatlle to eat at Shallot's. By far. To the new owners: Good luck. You'll need it.

Last commnents: We are not big beef eaters, but the beef teppanyaki was phenomenal in days gone by. Yesterday: Practically inedible leathery bits of chopped up beef in a sweet and salty sauce. And the signature fried rice? Overly salty and slightly greasy. I remember when the previous chef sent us a plate of that for the first time as a "comp" -- it was just amazing. So fresh and light. Yow. I guess when you have developed high expectations over years of excellent performance, you just cannot believe such a precipitous drop off. No worries though, Seattle has a pretty good mix of restaurants. When we want Asian something: Noodle Ranch and Wild Ginger, here we come!

Pros: At this point, can't think of much. General Tso's chicken was fair

Cons: Big dropoff from prior performance

Posted 07/29/07

Excellent food, this is one of my favorite places in seattle. No reservations .needed. Good portions and fair prices. Shallots fried rice, Thai basil chicken are just too good :) . Also try Egg plant if you dont mind the sweetness.

Pros: Service is fast and tasty food

Cons: No Parking

Posted 03/15/07

There were five in our party on Dec 15th - the other four enjoyed their meals which included sea bass, and pad thai.
I ordered the sizzling rice soup, which listed "shrimp, scallops, and chicken as ingredients.
My soup had one little veined shrimp, two pieces of chicken the size of a nickle, and no scallops (or even a scallop). Also, the rice was two 3" x 3" x 1/2" squares that were white, rather than a nice roasted brown.
The owner would do well to either remove it from the menu, or have the chef copy the hot sizzling rice soup from China Jade, in Greenwood.
Also, it was very cold in the restaurant - maybe 59 degrees?
Otherwise, the staff was very attentive, and the vibe was great.

Posted 12/15/06

The food at Shallots is an absolute delight! The menu boasts of a good balance between seafood, red meat and vegetarian delights and the service is excellent. The dumplings in spicy peanut sauce is to die for! The catfish and scallops are delectable and the service is quick and prompt!...but the proof is in the pie!!

Pros: Cozy Ambience, Prompt Service, Friendly Staff

Posted 10/04/05

This place is good! Very good and flavorfull noodles. Best if enjoyed outside in the summer on the sidewalk. The birds nests are really yummy!

Pros: Value, Flavor

Posted 05/03/05

Went to Shallots for the first time last month. It was nothing special. My Singapore noodles was spicy without being very flavorful. I wouldn't recommend it to any one of my friends...

Posted 05/15/04

I had fine wine, scallops wrapped w bacon, spinach w mushrooms, and 9 flavor chicken. Quantity was more than expected at a "bistro." Quality was excellent all 'round. Complex and interesting flavors. They must have learned from a previous negative review to hold back sweets. Don't miss this place. Wonderful music.

Posted 01/17/04

My boyfriend and I came up to Seattle for the weekend and went to Shallots for dinner. It was a wonderful experience! The food was excellent..you couldn't go wrong with anything on the menu. The service was excellent..the waitstaff and owner are extremely friendly, attentive, and accomodating. The ambience is elegant and relaxed. Eating here was the best part of our weekend! Thanks!

Posted 07/20/03

here at Shallots. Being a first timer, it was nice to be welcomed with smiles. Thanks! From the Vietnamese egg rolls, served with a sweet & tangy dipping sauce, to the wild greens that garnished, dressed with an orange marmalade-like dressing, this place has my attention. The 9 flavor beef (I sub'd for chicken) was PHENOMENAL. I could've bathed in the sauce. Ya, it was that good! The basil, red chilis, and coconut are a marriage of mouth-watering tastes. Shallots is convenient, beautiful, and delicious. Thanks for great eats! I will highly recommend Shallots to many.

Pros: nearby, great hours

Posted 05/04/03

A quiet place with a view of the space needle. Great service and excellent food. My guests loved it !!!

Posted 02/20/03

Food, service and ambiance are wonderful! Prices are reasonable - especially considering the healthy portions and incredible flavors. You must order the Nine Flavor Beef! (It's loads more savory than Wild Ginger's Seven Flavor Beef.) Servers are attentive, warm and knowledgable. Chefs are quick, dedicated and creative! The food is wonderful. This is a great place for a date - or for dinner with your in-laws - or for lunch with a co-worker.

Pros: Beautiful, Tasty, Comfortable

Posted 01/20/03

A real find. Creative asian menu, artfully prepared and presented. Neighborhood feel - busy, but not too loud for conversation. Call for reservations and allow a little extra time to find parking.

Pros: Great food, Affordable, Attentive service

Cons: Parking, Small

Posted 12/08/02

Great little place for a date! Good service. Excellent food. Outstanding serivice. Amazing specials. Price is a good value.

Pros: food, service, cost

Cons: parking, small

Posted 11/02/02

Excellent food. Fair prices for dinner. Generous servings. Pleasant staff. Avoid going for lunch - too pricey. If you haven't been you gotta go. Get the 9 flavor beef or chicken.

Posted 11/01/02

The decidely urban setting reminds me of a bistro in NYC located just off of Central Park, with less hustle-bustle. Your choice of small restaurant or sidewalk-roped off dining areas (summer only); large windows for light and people-watching, trees and grass strategically across the street, often with people walking their dogs or just sitting on the grass during the dinner hour, giving the Central Park-esque feel. Once parked, you are within walking distance of Seattle Center, the concert pier, downtown. Go friday or sat nights before 7 p.m. to get 20% off of your total bill -- go on Sundays for buy-one-get-one 1/2 price dinner entrees. Try the Pacific stir fry, avoid the too-sweet-doused in too-much-sauce spicy seasame chicken. A great way for you to discover for yourself a good Seattle dining find.

Pros: good food, urban setting, park once, walk later

Cons: price reflects qualit

Posted 10/08/02

We discovered Shallot's by accident several months ago and now are addicted. This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to anywhere - I cannot say I've had a bad dish, and the prices are right on. I would very highly recommend this place to anyone.

Pros: Excellent Food, The Price is Right

Posted 06/18/02