Absolutely amazing culinary experience. The food was fabulous, the service on point and we even got a history lesson with every course. The wine paired perfectly with the food as well. You don't leave super full but you also don't leave hungry. The restaurant only sits 12 and the staff does a quick refresh of the bathroom after each use - towels, etc. Definitely worth the 6 month wait.
I wouldn't so much describe Archipelago as a restaurant, because it's much more like culinary storytelling. The nights' menus are a unique appreciation of Filipino heritage and foods, through the lens of the Pacific Northwest. The unassuming storefront gives way to an intimate interior where you can't help but engage with those joining you for the seating. The staff were delightful and attentive, and the bites surprising (and filling! The team's thoughtfulness shines through even in the way they ensure that you leave satisfied). If it sounds like I'm fawning over Archipelago, it's because I am and it's well-deserved. This was our first dining adventure in two years and it was well worth the wait. A thank you to Aaron, Amber, and their team for making it a wonderfully memorable evening.
I truly enjoy the storytelling aspect and the effort to tie each dish to a Filipino figure. However, I was a little disappointed with the food... The appetizer was delicious, but the main course (some noodle dishes) was bland and the transition between dishes felt incoherent.Was the overall experience worth $600? I don't quite think so.
The passion of the team at Archipelago is obvious and I really appreciated the attention to detail. They make it a point to feel like you're at home with them, go out of their way to provide a good experience, and care very deeply about sharing their cultural identity through a shared food experience.The presentation of each course is inarguably the most thoughtful of any restaurant I've been to in the PNW. My palette didn't seem to be a match for the flavor profiles of some courses though, unfortunately.I totally get caring about people but the fact that a business still has plexiglass barriers and takes your temperature at this stage of the pandemic doesn't seem to be based on reasonable science, screams wokeism, and doesn't really resonate with me at all.
Do not miss out on this team of superb culinary talents! Future Michelin Star restaurant right here, I’m telling you!!! There’s a reason why their reservations sell out within an hour of opening online!The owners and staff at Archipelago have beautifully mastered what it means to have a real dining *experience* — from start to finish you will feel like you’ve stepped into a luxury resort with the way you’re treated in their very special space. You get to learn about the Filipino/a culture and what it means to be from the Philippines.Their food is very unique and very flavorful. You’ll be licking the plates and bowls… and no judgment here as I’ll be doing the exact same! ;)Anna was by far the best server I’ve ever had! That’s not to say the entire staff wasn’t also wonderful, but she has a very special ability to connect with guests quickly, establishing trust and creating a more relaxing atmosphere.She was so affable and knowledgeable — it was such a joy every time she came around to check on us or give us more information on our juice pairings, answer any questions we have, et cetera.I hope to see her again at future dinners & I’m glad she was persistent with joining the team because she absolutely brings her warm-hearted nature to the table! It did not go unnoticed with how passionate she is about the restaurant and the vision of the team. We really look forward to every experience we may get to have here!
We had the best dining experience at Archipelago. Every course was tasty and well presented. The wine pairing was amazing, and the staff were extremely attentive. We went to Archipelago twice already and will most certainly be back!
Archipelago… how to even start with such a magnificent experience? The food was unbelievable. Each dish was an experience alone. The scents, tastes, and presentation of each dish transported you to a place and time, where culture between two worlds met. The delivery of this unbelievable dining experience was so effortlessly executed in a restaurant that felt, with the welcoming chefs and crew, like being invited into someone’s home. Stories of Filipino loved ones and their journeys to and from the Pacific Northwest influenced each dish. It was an absolute treat to say the least.
Incredible dining experience! The food was inventive without being unapproachable. We really felt like we were welcomed into the family and understood the purpose behind each dish. Menu is seasonal and super local. Worth the investment. Reservations required.
This was the best dining experience I ever had. Food was amazing in every way and the staff was super friendly. I really enjoyed the storytelling from Kuya Aaron and the rest of the crew; listening to them talk about their own personal experiences growing up as Filipino Americans and how it influenced the dishes they made for the night. I highly recommend dining at Archipelago. I came out of this dining not just super full, but also super inspired to learn even more about the culture, also being a Filipino American. Thank you to the Archipelago Staff for the amazing work you guys are doing to the community.
What a unique experience! Definitely one of our Seattle Trip’s highlights! We’ve never experienced Filipino food like this - fancy, decorative, delightful, complex, creative. Highly inspired menu with homemade juices and select wine pairings. Well worth the cost and the reservation waitlist. We would do it again this weekend if they had reservation openings.