About
Welcome to the culinary gem that is Off Alley, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Seattle on Rainier Ave S. This unique eatery captures the essence of creativity and passion for locally-sourced cuisine, offering a dining experience that feels both intimate and exceptional.
As you step into Off Alley, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, molded by the friendly staff who are genuinely passionate about the meal they serve. With a menu that changes often, each visit promises new flavors and innovative dishes, each crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail.
One highlight of dining here is the commitment to fresh, local ingredients. For instance, reviews consistently praise the thoughtfully prepared dishes, such as the exquisite salmon roe with cream cheese served alongside homemade potato chips, creating a delightful taste of the sea. Guests have also raved about the savory King Crab and King Crab blood custard, a dish that showcases the chef's expertise and pride.
For those who appreciate a thoughtfully curated wine list, Off Alley does not disappoint. With selections from various winemakers that come with engaging stories, each wine pairing elevates the dining experience. The staff is eager to guide you through these options, ensuring each bite is all the more enjoyable.
Moreover, Off Alley’s inventive style doesn’t shy away from the unconventional. Diners were particularly intrigued by the dish featuring Chanterelle and Lobster mushrooms topped with a runny egg yolk. This delicate preparation invites you to savor every morsel, while the unique serving style engages your senses beyond just taste.
While the intimate space may be compact, it only adds to the charm of this fine dining establishment. Every visit is a reminder that great things often come in small packages, and Off Alley is no exception. From the enthusiastic staff to the inventive dishes and carefully selected wines, it’s a culinary experience that Seattle is proud to call its own.
Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual outing, Off Alley promises to deliver a memorable meal infused with dedication and creativity. So be sure to reserve your spot and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of flavors that await at this remarkable restaurant.
“ Off Alley is such a vibe! We were greeted by such kind and passionate people. They made sure we are comfortable and warm. We had a 9p reservation in late September. We sat outside because we are a group of 4 and wanted to face each other instead of the street style ambiance of the setting inside. Charles explained the menu in such a creative and passionate way. The staff grows some of the ingredients used in their dishes and they are proud of it (as I would be too) My favorite dish from that evening was probably the mushroom with the yolk and the rabbit kidney? I don't remember the long name but I will provide some photos from the dinner. Off alley is def a culinary experience. ”
“ I’ve been meaning to check out Off Alley for quite some time and it did not disappoint! Love the locally sourced ingredients, the ever changing menu and the love & compassion that goes into the dishes. Paired a wine with each dish and also have profound respect for their wine list! Carefully curated with interesting wines from all over and stories about the various winemakers. Service was awesome. The whole staff engaged, the owner was nice and everyone truly cared about the food & experience. ”
“ Well deserving of all of its positive accolades and rave reviews. First off, though, an advisory. The restaurant has been squeezed into what is effectively a hallway. We lucked out and sat at the street patio. Not everyone may appreciate the tight quarters. Getting past that, though, this was a spectacular meal and experience. First up was salmon roe with cream cheese served with home-made potato chips that offered a hint of the sea that you sought out with each mouthful. Next was the chef's pride, a King Crab and King Crab blood custard that more than earned his pride. Delicious. A small bread loaf with scapes followed, presented in its mini cast iron cooking pan. Both are fresh put of the oven HOT. The bread cooled down just in time for our Chanterelle and Lobster mushrooms with a partially poached, still runny egg yolk. Such a delicate preparation. We were advised that licking the plate would be a salute to the chef in a Seattle neighborhood riff to haute cuisine. Tempting! On our server's advise, we paired our first courses with an orange wine, Sand, made with Pinot blanc, P. noir and P. gris from Alsace. Excellent recommendation! The next wine was even better, a biodynamic 2021 Coll del Sabater Cab Franc from Spain. This paired really well with the next courses, including the dessert where it micely complimented its subtle savory elements. Black cod with local eggplant and fennel came next. Personally, eggplant is one of my few 'just tolerated food items. This was more than delicious, though. Really, really good. After the first taste check, I didn't hesitate a bit. We had a choice of Trotter - meat and sausage - in a brown butter huckleberry sauce or savory chicken with pine mushrooms for the next course. I went with the Trotter. But you couldn't go wrong here. Both are amazing (I cheated and sampled the chicken dish). At the very end, the server asked if we might like to try a foie gras ice cream. Oooh, so so good. The chef explained some of the challenges in developing and preparing this. His inspiration and hard-work were truly appreciated. Just fantastic food, superbly prepared and served up by great staff. Seattle lucked out with Off Alley. ”
“ Too tiny to NOT be fine dining! Incredible food and atmosphere. Have been here a couple times once for my husband’s birthday and another for NYE. Owners are so welcoming and all the dishes are so inventive. One of the best restaurants in Seattle! ”
“ Absolutely delicious meal that more than makes up for the cramped quarters. Excellent cocktails and nice selection of vermouths as well. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. ”
“ From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was something special. There's a comforting warmth in the air, from the friendly staff to the familiar aromas drifting from the kitchen. Every bite brought me back to memories of home. The flavors were authentic, rich, and made with obvious care. It’s rare to find a restaurant that doesn’t just serve good food, but also stirs something inside you. I left full, happy, and already planning my next visit. A true hidden gem. ”
“ Great tasting menu experience here. Very unique combination of French flavors and techniques blended with northwest ingredients and local seafood. The space is right and the counter/bar seating is very neighborhoody. If you have mobility issues be sure to check out the space or call ahead to plan to sit at one of the lower seats. The team here is super friendly and the chef has a refreshing approach to ingredients and dishes choosing to use the flavors as unaltered as possible. We had the parking menu and the chilled corn soup and foie gras ice cream were absolutely amazing. Cool cocktails and interesting wines made everything perfect. Don't miss this spot! ”
“ Wonderful food and people! We are pescatarians. Non-meat options were limited when we went the second time due to a planned holiday, but they were extremely accommodating and made some special changes. Delicious! I still dream of the corn soup I had after the first time. What a neighbourhood gem! ”