Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine

Beautiful ambiance, Thursdays are light, no waiting, and great live music! Fantastic menu...be sure to come hungry. Full bar, regional wines, and mixed drinks available.Our first visit but not our last! This restaurant has been around for years, and we hope for many more. Lighting is in the "reds," pictures of the dishes don't show off as well. But they are delicious and filling!

I was the only one in the restaurant when I dropped in for lunch so I took the opportunity to have the server order my meal for me. He recommended the lamb platter which came with a salad and an appetizer, and I also was recommended to try their house rosé which I must say was the best rosé I've ever had. I bought a bottle to take home with me but it wasn't infused with what ever special spices I tasted in the restaurant which was expected. Would totally go back just for another glass!Also they offer "outdoor seating" which is covered and heated Very nice decor The parking is street parking and the restaurant isn't heard to miss if you aren't specifically looking for it

Last time I stopped in was back in August 2014, definitely time for an update with my recent dining experience on 4/1/22.I am always checking out the evolution of Ravenna's restaurant row that runs adjacent to Roosevelt and Bryant/Wedgwood neighborhoods on NE 65th. Definitely one needs to slow down along this busy thoroughfare, because like me, you'll miss out on a hidden gem with a well storied pedigree. It may not be the latest media darling or with major cache. But Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine has become a work in progress that knows how to get back to basics, shore up its strong foundation, managed to survive and reinvent itself for success well beyond the pandemic. I managed to find nearby street parking and showed up at the appointed time. I was welcomed by restaurant staff and my dinner host. It was nice to be seated at a booth with natural light and views of the rest of the vast dining room. Usually there is dinner service, but on Fridays and Saturdays there is also the added benefit of late night live music, festive belly dancing, and hookah service. It is amazing how the interior expansion created an entirely different atmosphere. One is totally transported to a whole new environment, just stepping in from the entrance. And one doesn't have to bother with the challenges of traffic, parking, and safety issues heading downtown or other hot spots!As an aside, the restaurant team also is capable of handing small intimate gatherings, hosting large special events, and does catering. More information is available through their website or calling directly to discuss your event needs.I haven't traveled to any specific Mediterranean locales, but have dined at many sites in the greater Seattle area which sets the expected benchmarks for flavor, preparation, and presentation. I had no preconceived notions beforehand, but definitely was pleasantly surprised by the service, cuisine, and atmosphere experienced on Friday evening. I was able to try fresh baked bread with the four dip sampler. I enjoyed the new spins on the flavor spectrum for spicy tomato, labneh, baba ghanoush, and hummus. The plump spanokopita and flavorful rice followed - better than another Greek place I favor. The main entrees selected were grilled lamb chops and peppers served on a sizzling platter. And also served were grilled seasonal halibut and shrimp with more rice and a vegetable medley. Dinner was seamless and paired with two different pours of pinot gris. Signature cocktails, wine, and beer are available to go with the starters and entrees. We wrapped up the enjoyable meal with generous sized baklava and equally generous service of port. It is very rare that I will remained engaged for a five hour dining experience on 4/1/22. And no, this was no April Fool's Day joke. Kudos to chef/owner Walid and his staff for taking good care of me, very welcoming, everything was anticipated, and not intrusive. Thank you to my dinner host and fellow 16 year Yelp Elite/IGer. Absolutely delightful evening sharing food, drink, and conversation with him and his two other dining companions. It was also good to observe other tables from two to eight tops also experiencing similar positive service.Lessons learned - a place with dated Yelp posts easily gives pause and raises an eyebrow. Dining out is always subjective. However, understanding the overhaul and witnessing how the hard work is paying off with solid results. Future return visits will enable me to comment further on consistency. Yes, there are spots like JuneBaby, Wataru, and Kricket Club also located nearby. But if you want the whole package of welcoming service, palate pleasing cuisine, decent beverage menu, and on Fri/Sat nights immersed with live music, belly dancing, and hookah, give Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine a try!

Ridiculously good food. Mediterranean is one of my favorites and as a vegetarian, it's not always easy to find a cuisine or restaurant that caters to it. Harissa did not disappoint.I'm an eggplant snob and the eggplant salad was easily one of the best I've ever had. The labneh was very flavorful, with a hint of mint and other spices. It's easy to get lazy with a dish like that. There was an initial problem with my salad that the owner took care of with zero fuss. Bonus tip: Live music and entertainment Friday and Saturday nights between 9 and 10. I'm looking forward to trying more dishes and bringing my friends to try the wider range of dishes. Heavy rotation.

The owner just "replied" to a review I wrote over three years ago. I stand by my review as an accurate relation of my experience. The food and drink was almost comically overpriced, but the atmosphere was wonderful. A few drinks and appetizers did indeed set us back over $200. I don't even know if this is the same menu, manager or owner that was there that night. If their prices have become more reasonable, or they've stopped gouging partiers on weekends, bully for them. But it seems to me that any restaurant manager that goes out of his way to address concerns THREE YEARS AFTER THE FACT can also be counted on to offer similarly irrational and untimely solutions to any issue you might have with YOUR experience at his restaurant.Diner beware.

I liked this place! I ordered the Lamb Kabob, Kofta Kabob, Baba Ghanouj and Domas. Everything was great! The grilled onions was so crispy and charred. The lamb was very moist, and the pita was tasty and fresh. The server was so nice and personable. We had a great meal here, and will definitely be back

I wish I could give 10 stars.Eight of us gathered for a special dinner tonight at Harissa-- to celebrate a book release.From the moment we sat down until the moment we left, Walid treated us like queens. The food is ridiculously good, the ambience warm and welcoming, and the host is simply the best. Thank you Walid - for your generous and warm hosting.

This is a nice restaurant in N. Seattle that is absolutely perfect for an intimate dinner date or to entertain guests. I had the lamb special which did not disappoint. My wife had the falafel dish that was excellent. They have a full bar and wine list but also a series of non-alcoholic selections. The one negative might be the price which seems a little steep.

I went there with 9 friends last night and it was incredible. Start with rhe amazing food, fresh and exquisitely spiced, but the real pleasure was Chef Walid's hospitality. The joy in his service radiated--I think he might have had even more fun than we did.

Fabulous experience! We were a table of 8, ordered all sorts of dishes and everything was excellent. Even better: Walid. He made great recommendations and treated us to special extras. We had a wonderful time.