Skip to content

Restaurant Roundup: Swiftie Brunch and Persian Tea Service

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

By Ben McBee October 17, 2025

Three women sit on floor cushions around a low table, pouring tea in a sunlit room with large windows, modern furniture, and potted plants.
Minimalist design meets Persian warmth at Open Form.
Photo courtesy of Open Form

Nadi Mama, one of Seattle’s small-but-mighty restaurant groups, is leaving the industry behind. Its last outpost, Mbar, the rooftop restaurant that wowed guests with sunsets and fine foods from the Levant region, will close following its last day of service on Saturday, Nov. 1. Moving forward, owners will focus on grab-and-go mezze and wraps, which you’ll be able to find at local cafes and grocery stores.

Phew, they say it’s always best to get the bad news out of the way first, so hopefully these will cheer you up.

Whiskey on the weekend

Louisville-based Angel’s Envy is bringing the party to the Emerald City by partnering with the W Seattle to make a single-barrel bourbon that is exclusive to the hotel called Ambrosia. Those interested in tasting this nectar of the gods can attend The Ambrosia Sessions, a quarterly event series that kicks off with a speakeasy-themed launch party on Saturday, Oct. 18. Enjoy curated mini bourbon cocktails, seasonal small bites, and immersive pop-ups from local artisans and makers.

Put this on your “Wi$h Li$t”

Swifties, if you had any plans for Saturday, Oct. 25, they are hereby “CANCELLED!” because the “The Brunch of a Showgirl” is happening at Water’s Table inside Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Don’t “Ruin the Friendship”—invite your “Eldest Daughter” of your “Father Figure” to this themed brunch, featuring pop-star-inspired breakfast dishes and cocktails like the “Bad Blood-y Mary” and “Look What You Made Me Brew.” The event will also feature a DJ set for singalongs, friendship bracelet making, and photo opportunities.

Experience Persian tea service in Capitol Hill

Open Form is a new cafe and event space founded by Iranian-American creative Tara Almassi—ideal for private gatherings, workshops, or if you simply need a morning pick-me-up. Warm, minimalist design and traditional furnishings set the scene for several coffee drinks, but the showstopper is the Persian tea service. You choose between rose buds, cardamom, or straight tea, which is then served with dates and add-ons like saffron rock candy, Sohan brittle, pistachio nougat, or cookies. 

Let’s go M’s

If you’re heading to tonight’s Game 5 of the ALCS, you’re going to need fuel to help cheer the Mariners to the World Series—thankfully, T-Mobile Park has some new dishes to try. There’s the Bigfoot BBQ platter—slow-smoked pork ribs glazed with huckleberry barbecue sauce, beer-braised baked beans, cornbread, and apple cabbage slaw—a Snake River chili bowl, the hook, line & sinker sandwich, and a huckle nut cannoli for dessert.

A pretty sweet collaboration

A new bakeshop and coffeehouse is set to wash up on the shore of West Seattle early next year. Aptly named Seaglass, the space (formerly Alki Cafe) will incorporate drinks from Numa Coffee Co. and pastries from James Beard nominee Gerald Hawkins Jr., according to owners Dan and Jackie Mallahan (who also own Driftwood next door). Expect specialty coffees and treats that draw on Pacific Northwest bounty and Southern influences.

Follow Us

Restaurant Roundup: Game-Day Brunch and Last Calls 

Restaurant Roundup: Game-Day Brunch and Last Calls 

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

January is a month of reinvention and fresh starts—and Autumn Seattle in Phinney Ridge is taking that idea and running with it. The restaurant’s last day of service will be tomorrow (Jan. 17), but in the first week of February, it will reopen as GH Pasta & Pizza. Executive chef and restaurateur Brian Clevenger wants…

Restaurant Roundup: Mocktails, Blindfolds, and an Oyster Soiree

Restaurant Roundup: Mocktails, Blindfolds, and an Oyster Soiree

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

Making dinner reservations, like New Year’s resolutions, means looking ahead and committing to something without being entirely sure of the outcome. To help you know what you’re signing up for in your forays into Seattle’s dining scene, the newly minted Resy Hit List has some valuable tips on where to focus your efforts. Taking the…

5 Things to Eat in January 

5 Things to Eat in January 

Make trying a neighborhood restaurant your New Year's resolution.

It was a long wait to get into Kabul, Wallingford’s longtime favorite Afghan restaurant. This was the last week of service before it shuttered. I have passed by this place for years and even worked at a restaurant across the street. Kabul’s mural of the National Geographic Afghan Girl cover—an image that has come to…

Restaurant Roundup: Christmas Dining and Copine Closing

Restaurant Roundup: Christmas Dining and Copine Closing

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

Sometimes the best gift you can receive (or even treat yourself to) is to not have to cook during the holidays, so why not take advantage of the restaurants that are staying open? From Blue Water Bistro in Leschi to Ben Paris downtown and Maximilien in Pike Place Market, there are plenty of options on…