Nestled next door to the iconic Amazon Spheres and just a few blocks from the historic Space Needle awaits Seattle’s 2120 restaurant. Executive Chef Kyle Quinn and Sous Chef Nick Brown are an unstoppable duo in the kitchen and aren’t afraid to explore new dishes. Keeping a fresh and updated menu throughout the seasons is one reason 2120 has been named one of the best New American restaurants in the Greater Seattle area. With a large array of wines from throughout the region and locally sourced ingredients, 2120 has handcrafted pure excellence within each dish.
The cityscape, greenery and sleek interior creates an intimate dining experience for two or a casual night at the bar top. We also recommend inquiring about 2120’s private dining room experience, which is the perfect backdrop for a celebratory meal alongside up to 32 guests. Sourcing from local farmers throughout the Pacific Northwest, the kitchen has access to some of the region’s best organically grown produce, fresh-caught fish and local grass-fed meats. Incorporating local sustainable ingredients into each menu item provides Chef Quinn the ability to let his creativity in the kitchen shine.
At the first glance of the menu, you will see an excellent variety of small plates that are great for sharing. For example, the lightly crisped and golden fried calamari plated with citrus labneh, fresno chilies, mint, turmeric, Castelvetrano olive and a burnt orange gastrique takes this classic appetizer to new heights. The creamy burrata, paired with pickled squash, chicory, fermented garlic honey, cumin-spiced pepitas, EVOO and grilled bread will be gone in seconds once set at the table.
If you consider yourself someone who appreciates the complexity in cooking and wants to be blown away, then be sure to order the grilled octopus. This dish is braised and marinated for 24 hours then grilled to absolute perfection on a plancha and paired with a roasted serrano and white bean puree, chili flake, sauteed kale and 2120’s signature burnt orange gastrique. Whether you are an individual who loves steak tartare or you have dabbled with the dish here and there, this one is truly incredible. Chef Quinn has handcrafted this dish using wagyu New York, shallot, ECOO, parsley, pickled mustard seed, house chips and a flawlessly placed egg yolk on top.
After taking in all of the flavors of the signature starters, dive into one of the house-made pasta dishes like the braised oxtail pappardelle. This rich, bold pasta dish consists of rosemary, lemon, pecorino romano, white wine, brown butter and chive, which also pairs beautifully with a glass of the “D2” Bordeaux blend from DeLille Cellars. The juicy and tender duck breast with a pastrami spice rub is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and is accompanied with sweet potato puree, creamed mushroom, rosemary and fried shallot.
The famous Pike Place Market and some of Washington’s top fish vendors are located only blocks from the restaurant, ensuring that the seafood is always fresh. You will not be disappointed when ordering the 6-oz. wild-caught king salmon filet paired delicately with apple and brandy butter, chard, Delicata squash, charred onion and brandy maple. This pairs well with a glass of Sagemoor’s “Estate White” Sauvignon and Semillon blend.
It may be difficult to save room for dessert with so many incredible dishes to try but the house-made doughnuts topped with cinnamon sugar, dulce de leche and the most impeccable chocolate mousse are worth indulging in.
Although happy hour is not available at this time, you can still enjoy 2120’s craft cocktails during dinner service like the signature 2120 Spritz. Citrus-infused vodka, sage syrup, lemon, sparkling wine and a butterfly pea flower poured over ice makes this purple glass of magic so pretty you will certainly want to take a photograph (and it tastes just as good as it looks!). Plus, wine connoisseurs will admire the list of wines by the glass and bottle from Washington and Oregon’s vast wine-making regions.
Dine-in is open seven days a week from 4 to 9 p.m. Although reservations are not required, they are highly recommended on the weekends. The restaurant hopes to return to a full week of lunch and dinner sometime soon.
For more information, visit www.2120restaurant.com.
Review Washington State indoor dining guidelines prior to your visit.