$32 for 6 oysters? in this economy?? used to be a regular here because the food and service were consistently great. However, I was disappointed to find they now automatically add a 22% gratuity to the bill. While I’m happy to tip for good service, forcing such a high percentage is a poor business practice—especially on top of already premium prices. Out of principle, I won't be returning until their policy changes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Alex
Wonderful starters here, ranging from the Snap Pea and Crab salad to a beef tartare. Delicious Deer Creek Oysters. The pastas are legendary. Home made tagliatelle and spaghetti. If you are hungry, try the pork shank. A small but solid wine list. Terrific friendly service. Great neighborhood spot!
Colleen
Vendemia is a great neighborhood restaurant. The salads and appetizers are excellent. The pasta dishes could use less salt. One can always add salt, but not take it away. Staff is excellent. A great addition to the Madrona neighborhood.
Gary
A good restaurant with a great concept and a very nice menu. The pasta is made in house and was excellent. Our only issue was the chef seems to be be risk adverse. The steak tartar and pasta sauce had good flavor but were a little bland. If they took a little risk and add some pop this restaurant would be a clear five star.
Barbara
The food at Vendemia is consistently good. We are never disappointed and the staff is warm, gracious, and hospitable. We are fans!
Kabria G
I booked this restaurant for New Year’s Eve dinner and I’m not sure if they anticipated it being as busy as it was. We had an 8:30 reservation and my table wasn’t ready for over 40 minutes, I was asked to sit in the bar and wait with a drink and that took about 20 minutes as well. Once we were finally seated and able to give our food orders it had been an hour and the food seemed to be coming out relatively slow. I appreciate a fresh meal so I was patient with it but I waited for quite some time between some dishes and the food was decent. Our server was friendly and offered free bread service and a drink which was nice but we were not acknowledged by the owner for such inconvenience. By the time we had left the restaurant most people that came after us were already gone. We were not greeted out by the owner like the rest of the guest I witnessed and to top it off there was a 22% already added gratuity. Imagine having an 8:30 resy and not leaving until 11:30, I almost missed the ball drop. Hopefully they can plan ahead for their next big event.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Brittny
The New Year's Eve menu was great, though there was no vegetarian option for one of the courses, so keep that in mind if you're a strict vegetarian! The food was good but the service was a bit spotty, maybe due to being super busy and the holiday. Overall the ambiance was nice and the vibe was celebratory. There was a very loud table nearby with a guy who was, by his own declaration, drunk and high, at 10pm, so that dampened our experience a bit, as it was hard to talk to each other over his loud conversation. Otherwise the restaurant is beautiful, the food is delicious, the staff friendly, and it's a nice place for a celebration.
JEREMY
We had a 9 pm reservation and arrived about 30 minutes early. We let staff know right away. After finally getting someone's attention we were told we could wait at the bar or come back at 9, which was fine. We left briefly and came back a few minutes before our reservation time. Despite that, we waited over 30 minutes past 9 before any acknowledgment. The space is quite small and was very crowded, which may explain part of the delay, but it still felt excessive. An apology and a complimentary drink came well into the wait, and we were ultimately seated about 45 minutes after our reservation. Staff were polite and friendly, but the service felt unorganized, especially for a New Year's Eve prix fixe experience. The four course menu was mixed. The clear highlight was the pasta course. Both the black pepper noodles and the pork sausage dish were excellent and easily the best part of the meal. The steak, advertised as Wagyu, was disappointing. It was overcooked, chewy, and lacked the quality we would expect. We have had steaks all over the world, and this one fell well short. The whiskey selection was solid. The Pursuit whiskey was excellent and worth recommending. Overall, the ambience was pleasant and the staff we interacted with were kind, but the slow service and weak main course made for a disappointing New Year's Eve dinner.
Kabria
I booked this restaurant for New Year's Eve dinner and I'm not sure if they anticipated it being as busy as it was. We had an 8:30 reservation and my table wasn't ready for over 40 minutes, I was asked to sit in the bar and wait with a drink and that took about 20 minutes as well. Once we were finally seated and able to give our food orders it had been an hour and the food seemed to be coming out relatively slow. I appreciate a fresh meal so I was patient with it but I waited for quite some time between some dishes. Our server was friendly and offered free bread service and a drink which was nice but we were not acknowledged by the owner for such inconvenience. By the time we had left the restaurant most people that came after us were already gone. We were not greeted out by the owner like the rest of the guest I witnessed and to top it off there was a 22% already added gratuity. Imagine having an 8:30 resy and not leaving until 11:30, I almost missed the ball drop. Hopefully they can plan ahead for their next big event.
Chris
My partner and I have dined with you several times in the past, and we've always had truly wonderful experiences; excellent food, thoughtful service, and a sense that we were enjoying something special. That's why we chose your restaurant to celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately, this experience was far below the standard we've known you for. Service was extremely slow, and it was nearly 40 minutes before our first course arrived and 20 minutes between subsequent courses. When the dishes began to come out, they felt inconsistent and underwhelming. The beef tartare lacked seasoning and was unusually fatty; several of the small composed dishes felt simplistic or repetitive, the pasta course lacked any flavor or depth, and the main and dessert courses didn't reflect the level of execution we've previously come to expect from your team. Overall, it felt less like a curated New Year's Eve experience and more like something rushed and underprepared. It honestly felt as though your “A-team” wasn't there that night, and the care and attention to detail we've always associated with your restaurant just weren't present. This was disappointing, especially given the roughly $400 cost of the evening and the fact that this was meant to be a special celebration. More than anything, it just didn't feel like the same restaurant we've come to appreciate.
This is the second year we have dined here for NYE and I would be happy going again next year (or sooner, of course!). The food is exceptional, the details are not overlooked, and all of the staff works so hard to make sure you have a wonderful experience. The space got a refresh earlier in 2025 and it looks great, but is still cozy and wonderful. LOVE!
sharon
This is our favorite place to eat. The food is outstanding, the staff is amazing and they hold on to their employees somehow. It's nice to come back and see the same faces.
Noemi
First time at Vendemmia. We won an auction prize from Project Feast. We were delighted by the tasting menu. The flavors were unique and complementary. The courses were more than satisfying. A really lovely restaurant in a beautiful neighborhood. Thanks! We will be back.
Cyndie
This is one of our favorite places to eat in Madrona. Outstanding servers, crazy amazing chef & support team, great food and flavor pairings... you can't go wrong with this place. Their focaccia-burrata-fig appetizer was one of the BEST dishes I have ever had (and we dine out a LOT). Only disappointment was they didn't have the meringue dessert available when we were there last night. But we will be back!
$32 for 6 oysters? in this economy??
used to be a regular here because the food and service were consistently great. However, I was disappointed to find they now automatically add a 22% gratuity to the bill. While I’m happy to tip for good service, forcing such a high percentage is a poor business practice—especially on top of already premium prices. Out of principle, I won't be returning until their policy changes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Wonderful starters here, ranging from the Snap Pea and Crab salad to a beef tartare. Delicious Deer Creek Oysters. The pastas are legendary. Home made tagliatelle and spaghetti. If you are hungry, try the pork shank. A small but solid wine list. Terrific friendly service. Great neighborhood spot!
Vendemia is a great neighborhood restaurant. The salads and appetizers are excellent. The pasta dishes could use less salt. One can always add salt, but not take it away. Staff is excellent. A great addition to the Madrona neighborhood.
A good restaurant with a great concept and a very nice menu. The pasta is made in house and was excellent. Our only issue was the chef seems to be be risk adverse. The steak tartar and pasta sauce had good flavor but were a little bland. If they took a little risk and add some pop this restaurant would be a clear five star.
The food at Vendemia is consistently good. We are never disappointed and the staff is warm, gracious, and hospitable. We are fans!
I booked this restaurant for New Year’s Eve dinner and I’m not sure if they anticipated it being as busy as it was. We had an 8:30 reservation and my table wasn’t ready for over 40 minutes, I was asked to sit in the bar and wait with a drink and that took about 20 minutes as well. Once we were finally seated and able to give our food orders it had been an hour and the food seemed to be coming out relatively slow. I appreciate a fresh meal so I was patient with it but I waited for quite some time between some dishes and the food was decent. Our server was friendly and offered free bread service and a drink which was nice but we were not acknowledged by the owner for such inconvenience. By the time we had left the restaurant most people that came after us were already gone. We were not greeted out by the owner like the rest of the guest I witnessed and to top it off there was a 22% already added gratuity. Imagine having an 8:30 resy and not leaving until 11:30, I almost missed the ball drop. Hopefully they can plan ahead for their next big event.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
The New Year's Eve menu was great, though there was no vegetarian option for one of the courses, so keep that in mind if you're a strict vegetarian! The food was good but the service was a bit spotty, maybe due to being super busy and the holiday. Overall the ambiance was nice and the vibe was celebratory. There was a very loud table nearby with a guy who was, by his own declaration, drunk and high, at 10pm, so that dampened our experience a bit, as it was hard to talk to each other over his loud conversation. Otherwise the restaurant is beautiful, the food is delicious, the staff friendly, and it's a nice place for a celebration.
We had a 9 pm reservation and arrived about 30 minutes early. We let staff know right away. After finally getting someone's attention we were told we could wait at the bar or come back at 9, which was fine. We left briefly and came back a few minutes before our reservation time. Despite that, we waited over 30 minutes past 9 before any acknowledgment. The space is quite small and was very crowded, which may explain part of the delay, but it still felt excessive. An apology and a complimentary drink came well into the wait, and we were ultimately seated about 45 minutes after our reservation. Staff were polite and friendly, but the service felt unorganized, especially for a New Year's Eve prix fixe experience. The four course menu was mixed. The clear highlight was the pasta course. Both the black pepper noodles and the pork sausage dish were excellent and easily the best part of the meal. The steak, advertised as Wagyu, was disappointing. It was overcooked, chewy, and lacked the quality we would expect. We have had steaks all over the world, and this one fell well short. The whiskey selection was solid. The Pursuit whiskey was excellent and worth recommending. Overall, the ambience was pleasant and the staff we interacted with were kind, but the slow service and weak main course made for a disappointing New Year's Eve dinner.
I booked this restaurant for New Year's Eve dinner and I'm not sure if they anticipated it being as busy as it was. We had an 8:30 reservation and my table wasn't ready for over 40 minutes, I was asked to sit in the bar and wait with a drink and that took about 20 minutes as well. Once we were finally seated and able to give our food orders it had been an hour and the food seemed to be coming out relatively slow. I appreciate a fresh meal so I was patient with it but I waited for quite some time between some dishes. Our server was friendly and offered free bread service and a drink which was nice but we were not acknowledged by the owner for such inconvenience. By the time we had left the restaurant most people that came after us were already gone. We were not greeted out by the owner like the rest of the guest I witnessed and to top it off there was a 22% already added gratuity. Imagine having an 8:30 resy and not leaving until 11:30, I almost missed the ball drop. Hopefully they can plan ahead for their next big event.
My partner and I have dined with you several times in the past, and we've always had truly wonderful experiences; excellent food, thoughtful service, and a sense that we were enjoying something special. That's why we chose your restaurant to celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately, this experience was far below the standard we've known you for. Service was extremely slow, and it was nearly 40 minutes before our first course arrived and 20 minutes between subsequent courses. When the dishes began to come out, they felt inconsistent and underwhelming. The beef tartare lacked seasoning and was unusually fatty; several of the small composed dishes felt simplistic or repetitive, the pasta course lacked any flavor or depth, and the main and dessert courses didn't reflect the level of execution we've previously come to expect from your team. Overall, it felt less like a curated New Year's Eve experience and more like something rushed and underprepared. It honestly felt as though your “A-team” wasn't there that night, and the care and attention to detail we've always associated with your restaurant just weren't present. This was disappointing, especially given the roughly $400 cost of the evening and the fact that this was meant to be a special celebration. More than anything, it just didn't feel like the same restaurant we've come to appreciate.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is the second year we have dined here for NYE and I would be happy going again next year (or sooner, of course!). The food is exceptional, the details are not overlooked, and all of the staff works so hard to make sure you have a wonderful experience. The space got a refresh earlier in 2025 and it looks great, but is still cozy and wonderful. LOVE!
This is our favorite place to eat. The food is outstanding, the staff is amazing and they hold on to their employees somehow. It's nice to come back and see the same faces.
First time at Vendemmia. We won an auction prize from Project Feast. We were delighted by the tasting menu. The flavors were unique and complementary. The courses were more than satisfying. A really lovely restaurant in a beautiful neighborhood. Thanks! We will be back.
This is one of our favorite places to eat in Madrona. Outstanding servers, crazy amazing chef & support team, great food and flavor pairings... you can't go wrong with this place. Their focaccia-burrata-fig appetizer was one of the BEST dishes I have ever had (and we dine out a LOT). Only disappointment was they didn't have the meringue dessert available when we were there last night. But we will be back!
Great restaurant in a buzzing area
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