Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, on the chic grounds of the Thompson Hotel, is a gastronomic treasure trove that will enchant food lovers and conversation lovers alike.
Conversation Kitchen & Bar, as its name alludes, is more than just a place to eat. It's a sanctuary designed to foster connection, celebrate community, and enjoy the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
taste and history
Opened as part of Thompson Seattle, Conversation replaces the former Scout eatery with a fresh and provocative approach to dining. Designed by Rebel House Design, the restaurant blends mid-century style with contemporary minimalism to create an inviting and intimate atmosphere. With earthy tones, custom design, and a dramatic double-sided fireplace, this setting is perfectly appointed to spark engaging conversation while enjoying a great meal.
Conversation about cooking
On this special evening, the restaurant was a quiet haven from the busy streets, filled with the warmth of excellent service and great food. The trip started with a beet salad. This is a fun twist on a traditional salad, emphasizing the sweet earthiness of the beets more than the greens.
This was followed by Forage Mushroom Toast, a rustic and unique dish that perfectly captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest forests.
Main dishes celebrated land and sea, including king salmon, which paid homage to the local sea, and New York strip, which stood out for its perfectly cooked and rich flavor. Both dishes were complemented by wine pairings, further enhancing the experience and demonstrating the restaurant's dedication to matching food with the perfect drink.
Dessert was equally memorable, with the crème brûlée, the epitome of sweetness and texture, the perfect ending to a meal that was as much a pleasure for the soul as it was for the taste buds.
Drinks that spark conversation
The drink selection, with highlights like Chai White Russian and Turmeric Toddy, further demonstrates Conversation's commitment to innovative and thoughtfully crafted drinks. These creations, like food, were intended not just to be enjoyed, but to serve as a medium to encourage dialogue and create memories and connections.
Commitment to connection
Conversation Kitchen & Bar stands out not only for its culinary prowess, but also for its underlying philosophy. A space designed for people to gather and have meaningful interactions over great food and drink. This is a testament to the power of food as a communal experience that goes beyond just a meal and touches something deeply human.
In an age where digital distractions have become all too common, Conversation offers a refreshing return to the art of eating as an opportunity to form genuine human connections. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a night here promises to be more than just a meal, it's an experience that lingers long after your last bite.
For those looking to immerse themselves in Seattle's vibrant culinary scene, Conversation at the Thompson Hotel is a must-visit. It's more than just a restaurant. A place where the simple pleasures of food, history and conversation come together to create unforgettable moments.
Click here to learn more about Conversation Kitchen & Bar.
Andrew Mead is a freelance writer and photographer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of his work here. The products, services, and accommodations in this article are provided free of charge, but the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and the Seattle Refined Editorial Board.