Nutmeg Restaurant: Cuisine, Hours & Location Guide

Nutmeg Restaurant: Cuisine, Hours & Location Guide
Nutmeg Restaurant is a contemporary dining establishment specializing in modern American cuisine with global influences, located in downtown Seattle. Opened in 2018, it has established itself as a neighborhood favorite known for its seasonal menu, thoughtfully curated wine list, and warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with brunch service on weekends from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Nestled in the heart of Seattle's vibrant culinary scene, Nutmeg Restaurant has cultivated a reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences through its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The establishment occupies a beautifully renovated historic building that blends industrial elements with warm, contemporary design.

History and Culinary Vision

Founded by award-winning chef Michael Chen, Nutmeg Restaurant emerged from a vision to create a space where Pacific Northwest ingredients meet global culinary traditions. Chef Chen's background working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and Asia informs the restaurant's approach to flavor combinations and presentation.

What sets Nutmeg Restaurant apart in the competitive Seattle dining landscape is its dedication to seasonal menus that change quarterly. The nutmeg restaurant menu options showcase ingredients at their peak, with dishes like Dungeness crab beignets with preserved lemon aioli and roasted duck breast with blackberry reduction representing current seasonal offerings.

Cuisine and Menu Highlights

The nutmeg restaurant cuisine type can best be described as contemporary American with subtle Asian and Mediterranean influences. The menu features several standout elements that have become signature items since the restaurant's opening:

Menu Category Signature Dishes Average Price Range
Starters Truffle arancini, Beetroot tartare $14-$18
Main Courses Wagyu beef short rib, Wild mushroom risotto $28-$42
Desserts Dark chocolate fondant, Seasonal fruit crumble $12-$15

Vegetarian and gluten-free options comprise approximately 30% of the menu, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor or presentation. The nutmeg restaurant dining experience typically includes attentive but unobtrusive service, with staff knowledgeable about both the menu and the extensive wine selection featuring Pacific Northwest vintages.

Interior view of Nutmeg Restaurant showing modern dining space with warm lighting and wooden tables

Location and Accessibility

Visitors searching for nutmeg restaurant location details will find the establishment at 1235 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101. The restaurant is conveniently situated in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, within walking distance of several public transit options including multiple bus routes and the Capitol Hill light rail station.

Parking options include street parking with metered spaces available until 6:00 PM, as well as two nearby parking garages. For those using ride-sharing services, the designated drop-off point is directly in front of the restaurant's entrance. The space is fully wheelchair accessible with an ADA-compliant entrance, restrooms, and seating arrangements.

Operating Hours and Reservations

Understanding the nutmeg restaurant hours of operation is essential for planning your visit. The restaurant maintains the following schedule:

  • Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Kitchen closes at 9:00 PM)
  • Friday-Saturday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Kitchen closes at 10:00 PM)
  • Sunday: Brunch 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Monday: Closed

For those interested in the nutmeg restaurant reservation process, bookings can be made through their online system up to 30 days in advance. The restaurant recommends reservations for parties of four or more, especially during weekend evenings and holiday periods. Walk-in guests are welcome but may experience wait times during peak hours.

Dining Atmosphere and Experience

The nutmeg restaurant ambiance description reveals a space designed for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. With a capacity of 85 seated guests, the interior features exposed brick walls, custom woodwork, and a striking central bar area. The lighting is carefully calibrated to create a warm, inviting glow without compromising the ability to appreciate the visual presentation of dishes.

Background music is kept at conversation-friendly levels, featuring curated playlists that rotate between jazz standards and contemporary instrumental pieces. The overall noise level remains moderate even during busy service times, making it suitable for both business dinners and special occasions.

Chef preparing dish at Nutmeg Restaurant showing kitchen pass with plated food

Special Features and Events

Beyond its regular menu, Nutmeg Restaurant offers several distinctive features that enhance the dining experience. Monthly chef's tasting menus showcase seasonal ingredients through a six-course journey with optional wine pairings. The restaurant also hosts quarterly culinary workshops focusing on specific techniques or regional cuisines.

For special occasions, the private dining room accommodates groups of 10-25 guests with customizable menus. The restaurant has gained recognition for its thoughtful approach to holiday dining, with carefully crafted menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve that avoid the typical holiday dining pitfalls of rushed service and pre-prepared dishes.

Planning Your Visit

When preparing for your visit to Nutmeg Restaurant, consider these practical details to ensure the best possible experience. The dress code is described as 'elegant casual'—business casual or dressy separates are appropriate, while athletic wear and flip-flops are discouraged.

For those with specific dietary requirements, the restaurant recommends mentioning these when making reservations to allow the kitchen team adequate preparation time. The average meal duration is approximately 90 minutes for dinner service, though tasting menu experiences typically extend to two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nutmeg Restaurant offer vegetarian options?

Yes, Nutmeg Restaurant maintains a substantial vegetarian selection comprising approximately 30% of their seasonal menu. Their current offerings include dishes like wild mushroom risotto, roasted beetroot tartare, and vegetable tempura with yuzu dipping sauce. The kitchen staff can also accommodate vegan requests with advance notice when making reservations.

What is the best way to make a reservation at Nutmeg Restaurant?

Reservations at Nutmeg Restaurant can be made through their online booking system available on their official website, which accepts reservations up to 30 days in advance. For same-day bookings or special requests, calling the restaurant directly is recommended. The restaurant typically releases additional reservation slots at 9:00 AM daily for bookings within the next 72 hours.

Is Nutmeg Restaurant accessible for guests with mobility challenges?

Yes, Nutmeg Restaurant is fully ADA compliant with an accessible entrance, restroom facilities, and designated seating areas for guests with mobility challenges. The entrance features a ramp with appropriate slope, and the interior layout provides ample space for wheelchair navigation between tables. Staff members receive regular training in assisting guests with various accessibility needs.

What is the typical price range for a meal at Nutmeg Restaurant?

A typical three-course dinner at Nutmeg Restaurant ranges from $65 to $95 per person before beverages. Appetizers range from $14 to $18, main courses from $28 to $42, and desserts from $12 to $15. The chef's tasting menu is priced at $95 per person with optional wine pairings available for an additional $55. Brunch items are generally priced 20% lower than dinner menu items.

Chef Liu Wei

Chef Liu Wei

A master of Chinese cuisine with special expertise in the regional spice traditions of Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Cantonese cooking. Chef Liu's culinary journey began in his family's restaurant in Chengdu, where he learned the complex art of balancing the 23 distinct flavors recognized in traditional Chinese gastronomy. His expertise in heat management techniques - from numbing Sichuan peppercorns to the slow-building heat of dried chilies - transforms how home cooks approach spicy cuisines. Chef Liu excels at explaining the philosophy behind Chinese five-spice and other traditional blends, highlighting their connection to traditional Chinese medicine and seasonal eating practices. His demonstrations of proper wok cooking techniques show how heat, timing, and spice application work together to create authentic flavors. Chef Liu's approachable teaching style makes the sophisticated spice traditions of China accessible to cooks of all backgrounds.