The George: Washington’s Most Beautiful Restaurant
Washington State is home to a vibrant culinary scene, but one restaurant stands out above the rest for its breathtaking beauty and refined dining experience: The George. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle inside the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel, The George has been repeatedly named the “most beautiful restaurant” in Washington, earning accolades from national and local publications for both its stunning design and exceptional cuisine.
A Storied Setting in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
The George’s home, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, is itself a Seattle landmark. Originally opened in 1924, the hotel’s grand dining room has served as a social hub for generations, hosting everyone from legendary musicians to fashion icons. The George emerged from a $25-million restoration project that transformed the former Georgian Room into a modern brasserie while preserving the space’s historic Art Deco bones.
Art Deco Glamour Meets Modern Elegance
Step inside The George and you’re immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of effortless glamour. The restaurant’s design is a masterclass in Art Deco style, featuring:
- Huge, curved windows that flood the space with natural light
- Mirrored ceilings reflecting striking custom light fixtures
- Abstract artwork and intricate tiled flooring
- Tall ceilings and gold accents that echo the building’s original 1920s architecture
Every detail, from the lush wall treatments in the private dining room to the gleaming brass and verdant foliage in The Parlor, has been thoughtfully curated to create a space that is both timeless and contemporary. The result is a dining room that feels simultaneously grand and inviting—a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly.
A Menu That Celebrates the Pacific Northwest
The George’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. The menu, overseen by Executive Chef Guillermo Carreno (and previously by renowned Seattle chef Thomas Cullen), is a modern take on the classic brasserie, focusing on seasonality and impeccable local ingredients.
Signature dishes include:
- The Olympic Seafood Tower: A show-stopping array of Dungeness and king crab, oysters, prawns, mussels, clams, salmon belly, and geoduck—perfect for sharing or as a luxurious starter.
- Bouillabaisse: A hearty, flavor-packed stew brimming with mussels, clams, scallops, prawns, and fresh catch, finished with a classic rouille.
- House-made agnolotti pasta with lamb neck, fromage blanc, favas, and pecorino.
- The 32-oz. dry-aged bone-in ribeye, topped with black truffle jus and cipollini onion rings—ideal for those seeking a decadent main course.
- Standout brunch options such as S’mores French Toast, Lobster Benedict, and the Olympic Smash Burger.
The beverage program is equally impressive, with a curated wine list, inventive cocktails, and a scone cart at brunch offering house-made scones with lemon curd, Devonshire cream, and jams.
Private Events and Social Gatherings
The George is designed to accommodate both intimate dinners and grand celebrations. Private dining options include The Petite, a room adorned with mauve and burgundy hues and a statement crystal pendant, and The Parlor, a semi-private space perfect for cocktail hours or small gatherings. The main dining room can also host larger parties, making The George a popular choice for special occasions and business events.
A Lasting Legacy of Beauty and Hospitality
What truly sets The George apart is its ability to blend the grandeur of its historic setting with the energy of contemporary Seattle. As reviewers and critics note, the restaurant “oozes Art Deco-style glamour” while offering a menu and experience that are thoroughly modern and rooted in local flavors. Whether you’re visiting for a celebratory brunch, a romantic dinner, or a milestone event, The George delivers a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Location:
411 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours:
- Breakfast: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Weekend Brunch: Saturday–Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Dinner: Monday, Thursday & Sunday, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The George is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination where Seattle’s history, architectural beauty, and culinary excellence converge, earning it the well-deserved title of Washington’s most beautiful restaurant.
Sources
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-03-03-striking-washington-eatery-named-most-beautiful-restaurant-in-the-state/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60878-d1049185-Reviews-Gorgeous_George_s-Seattle_Washington.html
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-09-25-washington-spot-crowned-one-of-the-most-beautiful-restaurants-in-the-us/
- https://www.thegeorgeseattle.com
- https://www.fairmontolympic.com/dine/the-george/
