Invite a friend!

Elemental

Address
3309 Wallingford Ave N Seattle WA 98103
Phone
(206) 547-2317
Is this your business?
Claim it now!
Something wrong?
Submit a correction
Average Rating
3.5
Total Reviews
(75)
Leave a review with:
  1. 1 Star
  2. 2 Stars
  3. 3 Stars
  4. 4 Stars
  5. 5 Stars
Is this your business? Claim it now!
Share on
Share

What the community has to say about Elemental

Information about this business (1)

Difficult to find and even more difficult to get in - with just 5 tables and 3 bar seats, and no reservations - come for cocktails at 5p or try again after 9 p for a table (food served until midnight). While there is a menu - handwritten on a steel plate, delivered with a flashlight for easy reading - the true experience is the just feed me prix fixe approach. Let co-owner Phred Westfall...

Reviews of this business (116) view all

Share a review

Overall review sentiment

Score
74%

Top 3 sentiment words

food
Count
19
Score
100%
wine
Count
7
Score
100%
experience
Count
6
Score
100%

Overall review sentiment

Score
74%

Rating distribution

5 stars
41
4 stars
8
3 stars
3
2 stars
3
1 star
20
No rating
44
See more reputation details

Editorial reviews from the web (3)

Arrive hungry and prepare for a food adventure.

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Elemental at Gasworks Restaurant Review: Located on the edge of Seattle’s most eclectic park, Elemental at Gasworks is anything but ordinary. In fact, an entryway sign reads: “There are more than 1,200 normal restaurants in Seattle. This is not one of them.” Owners Phred Westfall and Laurie Riedeman bring an underground restaurant vibe to create a distinctive presence....

Experimental dining on the edge of Gasworks Park. No rezzies policy means you gotta wait in line, but the experience is well worth it. Waiters won't reveal what's on the prix-fixe menu (and since it changes every week, you'll never know), you just have to trust them. And trust them you should. Not for controlling diners, since wine pairings will also be chosen for you. To give you an idea of...

Get a distinctive dining experience and amazing eclectic cuisine at this hidden Lake Union hot spot--if you can get a table.

Average Rating
90

The Scene
The obscure location--in a condo complex on a dead end--is the first clue that Elemental is for those in the know. The single room works a Spartan industrial-chic angle, with a...

Other reviews from the web (116) view all

The most Independent-thinking restaurant in a town that celebrates off-beat

Average Rating
80

Tricky to find, use google maps and then search. Every policy is designed
to reinforce that this is Phred's idea of what a restaurant should be. In a party of four or more, someone may be put off. That said it is an adventure and I applaud its independence.

Just amazing!!! Fred & lori are the best!!!! Too bad they are closing.... :{

Who could not love Lauire and Phred, just put yourself in their hands, sit forward and eat. So sorry they are closing

Relax and enjoy the ride

Average Rating
100

Elemental@Gasworks is a restaurant you will either love or hate, with little chance of being in between. If you expect a "normal" restaurant, with a menu to choose from, friendly banter with your server, or even little things like a sign on the door, this is not for you. But if you are willing to let go control and just...

Truly unique - go with an open mind

Average Rating
100

As the sign inside said, "There are 2000 normal restaurants in Seattle - this is not one of them."
elemental is one of my very favorite places, and you have to accept it on its own terms. If you want traditional "the customer is always right" service, to be treated deferentially, you may hate it; it's a polarizing place. But...

Business description (4)

Elemental at gasworks was opened with the sole intention of creating a dining experience we would like to have. The conventions of fine dining, (regularly updated tasting menu, paired wines, proper, not "hi my name is..." service, a place that isn't looking to give or receive validation) without the intrusive explanations and extreme expense. We have five tables and portable burners, we have...

This place offers an eclectic menu that brings variety and simplicity. It changes every week and is organized into price categories rather than dish style. This means customers know quickly how much their meal will cost.

At this tiny, unconventional restaurant, the food's served by the owner, who discusses the week's menu with patrons and even selects the wine. Created with seasonal and organic foods, the exceptional fare might include eggplant parmesan, pork shoulder with pistacio aillade or sole with hazelnut brown butter and squash. Space is extremely limited, so arrive early. Cocktails served 5pm-6pm.

Difficult to find and even more difficult to get in - with just 5 tables and 3 bar seats, and no reservations - come for cocktails at 5p or try again after 9 p for a table (food served until midnight). While there is a menu – handwritten on a steel plate, delivered with a flashlight for easy reading – the true experience is the “just feed me” prix fixe approach. Let co-owner Phred Westfall...

Tips about this business (3)

What to Drink

Put yourselves in Phred's hands---he pairs perfect wines with each course, preferring to keep their provenance to himself.

Look Good

Your bill at Elemental is servis compris---that's tip included.

Know Before You Go

No reservations are taken, and there is no list. To get a table, get there for cocktail hour at 5pm or around 9pm. A full menu is served until midnight.

© 2007-2026 Solfo, Inc. – All rights reserved