Prelude at McCaw Hall

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1. h

   heidic

   Central Coast

   37 reviews

   2.0

   37 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall2food1service2ambience3

   Out of many items even tho we arrived at 6:15pm. Food was mediocre at best. The restaurant should simplify their menu making it easier to deliver an appetizing dinner.

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2. LP

   LesP

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall3food2service2ambience1

   Basically it's overpriced fancy food which is inappropriate for the occasion (pre-opera dining). I would rather have a normal basic menu rater than an attempt at Haute Cuisine. To those who would ask me I would say "not worth it".

   Report
3. KS

   KarenS

   Seattle

   40 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   40 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience4

   I had lunch at Prelude before a matinee opera. In the past, they always had 1-2 gluten free options on the menu. This time, every item had gluten in it. Luckily, my server was wonderful and managed to get the things containing gluten removed from my meal. I am only gluten intolerant. I worry about those with Celiac, for whom removing the croissant or the croutons may not be enough to keep them safe.

   Report
4. TD

   TanyaD

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food2service3ambience3

   My husband and I were insulted by the high price and quality and quantity of the Ceasar salad. We have been there many times in the past and got a fairly decent salad. This time, we literally got 3 leaves of romaine lettuce! Are you serious? You want to charge almost $13 for 3 leaves of lettuce?! I don't mind paying high prices for good food. But this was just plain insulting! I wanted to go back and yell at the chef. C'mon. You guys can do better than that. Plus, we got the grilled cheese sandwich. That was just okay. But you know what would have made it better? A few dark grapes on the side. That would have made the sandwich with the cheeses really pop and compliment the dish all together. Then, I had to wait forever just for my glass of wine. Which was really good, but I don't feel it was good enough to charge the cost of a whole bottle for just one glass. Just really greedy on your prices and quantity. The food is good, but it is not that good. Prelude has done much better in the past for quality, quantity and price. Lastly, it really would be nice if you could please offer more than just one option for those of us who do not eat meat. In addition, there is zero options for vegans. In a city like Seattle, this is really unacceptable. What would it hurt to have more options like these? What exactly are you afraid of? Do better, Prelude. And have a talk with your greedy chef. Thanks.

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5. AN

   ANNM

   Seattle

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   this restaurant is convenient for dining before 2pm Opera.

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6. DJ

   DianeJ

   Seattle

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   As always our recent meal at Prelude was excellent in every way. We enjoy the variety of the ever changing menu and the portion size is just right. The food preparation is excellent as is the service.

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall3food3service4ambience4

   They were running out of all the dishes we wanted to eat so what we ordered was not our first choice. Portions were incredibly small which we also thought was related to them running out of food to serve (we overheard the staff say this to the table next to us) I wouldn’t mind if it was small if I had been more impressed with how it tasted, but for how much we paid it was just barely ok

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8. JW

   JenniferW

   Seattle

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall2food4service1ambience3

   The ambience is lovely, the location is unbeatable, the service staff were professional and nice. But we had to wait an hour for our food! By the time it arrived, we had to gulp it down to get to the performance. They need to figure out the logistics of serving people who are ALL there to get to a performance at the same time.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall3food1service5ambience4

   The service we had was excellent. The food was beautifully plated but just not good. The asparagus appetizer was way too salty and did not have good flavor. The farfale pasta was also salty but other than the few pieces of prosciutto was tasteless. Very disappointed considering the high prices charged.

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10. DH

    DanielH

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    The convenience of dining at Prelude before a performance is hard to beat. We are grateful to be seated in the section under the expert care of our server Sierra. Thank you Sierra for your wonderful service! We often find ourselves delighted or disappointed with the food. The Short ribs were marvelous and mouthwatering. The trout was overcooked as were the vegetables accompanying the plate. Our guest thought the "risotto" was tasty but not like a "true" risotto. Our previous dinner featured a Black Cod that was divine! It seems that the fish dishes are either a hit or a miss. We will return .

    Report
11. t

    tutu

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    delicious food, lovely service, great location, I highly recommend Prelude

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12. R

    Romana101

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The food was good, the service excellent, the bottle of wine really good and we could relax - a bit more room (per table) would definitely help. Last time - 3 weeks ago - it was not quite as busy and we were given a 'table for 4' which was definitely more pleasant. All in all we would recommend coming here before a performance. Note - this is not a 5 star venue for superb dining but considering the limitations, this place is very much worthwhile for a pre-performance dinner to relax and enjoy.

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13. p

    prettyinpink

    Seattle

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always enjoy the food & service at Prelude! Bravo & Brava!

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14. CM

    CarmenM

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Very disappointed to see that things have changed: 1. very limited menu 2. cash payment is not an option 3. dessert course at intermission no longer offered

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15. DU

    DavidU

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Menu is a narrow, strange assortment of appetizers and entrees. Kind of dull. Server was disinterested. Pasta entree was served cold. Endive salad had Anchovies in it; not. Chair were the absolute worst. Next time we go to the opera we'll eat elsewhere.

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16. SP

    StrangePortent

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    The bisque was amazing and our server (who also made our drinks) was delightful. The trout was disappointing, though. Would absolutely go again just for appetizers/dessert/drinks.

    Report
17. W

    Woody

    Seattle

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall4food2service5ambience4

    Menu changes according to the crowd selected for McCaw Hall performances. Some menus are better than others

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18. DG

    DavidG

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Service was prompt and courteous. Food served quickly after placing order. Surprised there were no real "brunch" items on menu such as an egg dish or breakfast items as prior years...in addition to "more lunch items." Price wise, have always thought a bit pricy. Continue to recommend to others due to convience and food/service is acceptable. dg

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19. TL

    TheLyonKing

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    These people required masks and vax cards. Unbelievable. I will never go back. The food was just ok. Chocolate desert had some gross fish ball on top. Who does stuff like that?

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20. TS

    TerryS

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Good general menu and convenient for events at McCaw Hall.

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21. C

    Catcher

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall1food1service3ambience2

    Awful food, will never eat there again! Have gone several times this season hoping it would improve. Did not! Just bad bad bad!

    Report
22. MO

    MONICAB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience1

    We never experience this before at any restaurant, unfortunately we have to say that the food was terrible. I will not go back. Thank God we got a piece of bread with butter. That was our dinner.

    Report
23. CS

    CarrieS

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Food is generally good, but trout was dry and they tend to not do well with meat when asked to not have bloody steaks.

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Opening night of “Figaro.”

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25. c

    cnem

    Seattle

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience2

    Compared to the previous visit a week before, this was a disappointment. We were seated right in front of a bussing station and were greeted with hostility when we asked to be moved to a different spot, and were told the tables were preassigned. This clearly was not the case, since the hostess was asked where to seat us. Then we were moved to a dark, unpleasant spot where we were ignored for a lengthy time. There were a number of so-called 'preassigned' tables that were quite nice and remained empty the entire length of our meal. The one bright spot was that the waiter was helpful in accommodating my dietary request, which I had called in the night before. I did appreciate that. But overall it was not the kind of experience we have come to expect from this upscale establishment.

    Report
26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    El Salvador

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Opening night at the Opera! Dinner was fantastic! Service excellent!! If you are lucky enough to sit in Charle’s section, you will be delighted with over the top service, and treated to his sparkling wit and personality!! Highly recommend!!

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Opera night

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28. B

    Beeeater

    Seattle

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Menu options seemed over salted and more attention should be taken towards taste rather than appearance.

    Report
29. S

    Susal

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    For the first time in probably five visits, I had a delicious meal--the pork rillette. My friend had a wonderful short rib. Well done!

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30. S

    Suzi

    Seattle

    14 reviews

    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    We were surprised by our appetizer, but that was our fault for not knowing what "rilettes" meant. The food was good although rather bland. The crostini was burnt in spots. Service was good and fairly quick, although we did have to wait a bit for our check. Dessert was delicious - I had the opera cake, and it was a decent size serving. My daughter had the cheesecake - a tiny serving. I gave her some of my cake. Overall, the prices are high for what you get, but it is nice to be able to get to the opera house early and have something to eat.

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31. CP

    ColleenP

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    The service was good, but clearly short staffed. The food was alright. The meat and fish were dry. The mixture of flavors was excellent and very attractively served.

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32. JK

    JeanK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Menu much improved since initial opening after Covid closed the opera house. Food has always had appropriate selections. Only one meal of lamb was half fat. Never had anything but excellent comments otherwise. I do love lamb but always choose fish. Thanks for opening again as it makes a relaxing time before opera and after a drive in from the eastside. Wait staff has always been perfect. Thanks!

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33. KD

    KerryD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was perfectly portioned and delicious. Our waiter, Charles, was amazing and went above and beyond our expectations.

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34. OG

    OliveGirls

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    Really expensive for the quality of the food. For 3 of us for dinner & dessert it was $300 with tip. I don’t mind spending money on great food but it just wasn’t great. It all tasted like it had been sitting for awhile. Dessert was stale. Short ribs were dry and flavorless. Appetizers were ice cold. They were meant to be served chilled but it was TOO cold. I ordered a cappuccino and it was by far the worst I have ever had

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35. T

    Twograms

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was a special occasion for all the girls in the family including an 8 year old ballerina!

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36. KM

    KaMa

    Seattle

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience3

    I was very disappointed. The amount of food and the quality was not like it was pre-pandemic. I ordered an endive salad that consisted of half a head of baby endive lettuce (maybe 8 small leaves), and little else on it. The meal was billed as brunch so all but the French toast equivalent was served with gooey, watery scrambled eggs with cheese and an unrecognizable herb that did not add to the flavor. The short rib was well done, very tasty and tender; however, the side of eggs plus four little potato halves and a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes left me hungry. In addition, almost nothing was suitable for my companion who was a vegetarian -- almost everything had some form of pork on it.

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37. B

    Barbara

    Seattle

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    This is an excellent place for a pre show meal at MCCaw Hall. The food is very good and the service excellent. It is expensive however and has a limited menu, so be sure to check out the menu before you decide to go. The servings are small and not really shareable.

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38. P

    Pauletted

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Charles is a lovely waiter. Food is great but the portions are a bit small.

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39. R

    Romana101

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Having dinner before a performance right there is most convenient. We have made the reservations at Prelude as soon as we bought tickets. When we arrived the doors were still locked with the "hall" attendants waiting behind the locked doors until exactly 5:31 before opening the doors - which is ridiculous. However the Restaurant people were very friendly and we got a very nice table in the very back corner which we truly appreciated. The food was surprisingly good and the service was simply outstanding (our server's name is Charles). We will be back in 3 weeks for the Opera.

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40. ER

    ElizabethR

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Comfortable and pleasant for dining before the ballet.

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