Cafe Paloma

Wonderful, family-owned spot in Seattle! Delicious Mediterranean fare with (you might have guessed) vegan options! I had the Mezze Platter with the Mercimek Kofte, Muhammara and Olives and Bread. Everything was incredibly delicious and flavorful! Pita bread came out fluffy and piping hot. Their greens are lightly dressed with the most delightful lemony dressing. Did not disappoint!

…Ok!!!💥 Such A Hidden Gem in Pioneer Square! Cafe Paloma is a Mediterranean spot, so you wouldn’t expect dessert to be the highlight—but wow🤤 I had the strawberry shortcake 🍓🍰with an oat milk latte ☕️and it totally made my day! The desserts are seasonal so you never really know what they’ll have, which kind of makes it more fun. Super chill vibe and the staff were really nice too. Definitely coming back.

Cafe Paloma offers a charming, intimate atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at ease. From the clean, well-maintained space to the attentive service, everything about the restaurant exudes comfort. Our waitress was both friendly and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain the menu and offer recommendations. She made sure we were well taken care of throughout the meal without being overbearing. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, perfect for a quiet meal out. The attention to detail in both the service and the environment made our visit a memorable one. I would certainly return to Cafe Paloma.

Firstly, food was fantastic. So juicy and absolutely delicious. However, solo diners beware! My rating goes down because I went as a relatively young solo diner, and I could feel a palpable, uncomfortable difference. I watched all the tables get at the very least a greeting - “How are you all? Happy to serve you today,” etc. For me, I got the dessert menu placed on the table, no eye contact, not another word. When my food was served, same thing, absolutely nothing. Every other table of 2 or more people got at minimum, “here’s your ____!” A quick check in of “How’s it going, how’s the food?” I got radio silence, literally no consideration at all, unless I raised my hand to order something else. To be clear, this isn’t about the wonderful older gentleman in the kitchen who was very kind to me - but the waitress who ran the whole experience. I don’t feel like I’m asking for too much to simply receive literally ANY kind of additional acknowledgement, particularly if everyone else is having full blown conversations and smiles with her. It wasn’t enough to ruin dinner - the waitress did warm up a bit at the end, and the food was still great. I remained as polite and as gracious as I normally would, made sure to order a drink and dessert, ate quickly, and tipped 25% anyway (perhaps it was a “solo diner, orders less, lower tips” issue? Still doesn’t make it right). I just want other potential solo diners to be aware of this. I don’t believe I did anything egregiously offensive… if I did I’m more than willing to accept that. But paying diners should be treated more or less the same - and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I felt very unwanted here.

Had an overnight in Seattle and walked down to this place. Excellent, quality food. Service was good.

I still think about this meal, months later. Some simple baba ganoush, a pitcher of house red, and turkish coffee. We were surprised with some perfect baklava—not too sweet! It was pouring out, and even though the restaurant was closed, they let us hang out until we could gather our bearings. I can't wait to come back.

Visited cafe Paloma Cafe Paloma in Seattle is celebrated for its charming ambiance and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Offering a variety of delectable dishes, including fresh salads, flavorful kebabs, and homemade desserts, it provides a delightful dining experience. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite spot for locals. Cafe Paloma’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors sets it apart.

The food was delicious. We appreciated finding a place that was serving full plates at 4 pm in the afternoon.

Everything was solid. Came in on a weeknight at 7 and was seated right away. The mezze plate was our favorite - carrot spread (yum get this), hummus, and babaganoush served with hot grilled pita. We also got the lentil soup which was good but a little bland but a good sized portion, and the special which on the night we went was a stuffed pastry made from phyllo dough and stuffed with apples pomegranate chicken dill. Service was excellent. Ambiance was casual and homey and a little quirky. Reasonably priced as well. Overall I would be back if I were in the area.

Whether you're looking for a wonderful Mediterranean meal or just a great place for an awesome grilled Panini, this little cafe clearly deserves the positive recommendations it gets from the local Seattle tour guides. Authentic Mediterranean cuisine not only provides delicious and varied flavors but also offers a healthy and balanced meal that doesn't make you feel like a slug for the rest of the day. Cafe Paloma has a small but diverse menu, a good indication you are getting an authentic meal. Their house made hummus, served with fresh bread and vegetables is a great starter and not overfilling. Even better are their Paninis, the PROSCIUTTO panini has a wonderful balance in taste and is served with a great selection of mixed greens. For a cafe that gets extremely busy, they don't miss a beat. This family run business provides great service. Cheers!

I had some time to kill due to a late ferry--the ferry terminal is quite close by--I was hungry and stumbled upon Cafe Paloma. I didn't have a lot of time--about 20 minutes--and ordered their red lentil soup, figuring that it would be fast. It was! And delicious too! With a side of quartered pitas, it was a very satisfying light lunch. I also ordered some baklava to go. It was okay; I've had better. But I'm very interested in trying some of their other variety of desserts they had displayed at the front counter, including rice pudding, Creme Brule, and a number of other house made goodies. Cafe Paloma is a cozy little place with a wide variety of Mediterranean fare. It's been in its current location for 26 years.I'll certainly be back! Especially since it is so close to the ferry terminal.

This was the perfect spot to grab lunch after going on an underground tour of Seattle. My brother is gluten free due to celiac disease and cafe Paloma was highly accommodating. They had so many delicious options to choose from on their lunch menu. Our Appetizer - mercimek kofte wrapped in lettuce leaves. Very flavorful. Our Entrees - Falafal with salad (gluten free)...my brother said he loved it! My brother's partner ordered the Kofte (Turkish meatballs) with salad and side of rice. She said this dish was excellent and the meatballs were juicy and flavorful. I ordered the Borek dish which was also incredible! Dessert - we ordered a round of Turkish coffee and we shared a crème brûlée. 10/10 delicious! Our server was warm and welcoming, and the service quick. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and cozy. My brother says he hasn't felt any symptoms of celiac after eating here. We will absolutely return to this location!

Food quality was good, so fresh, and really tastey. My meal was $26.05 with tax and tip for a Prosciutto panini and beet salad, and table water to drink. Service was good. Everyone was friendly and the inside is relaxing with all kinds of details around the cafe. Would recommend grabbing a bite to eat at this lovely and inviting cafe.

Well, walking around Pioneer Square we casually noticed this spot and thought Mediterranean would be the healthy choice. We were seated right away and a place that looked like it was made for two. This is a family run business and the owner has been here at the restaurant for over 25 years in Seattle. the food was healthy and delicious. We will definitely be back.

Ate lunch here on my last day of a recent trip to Seattle. Their decorations were eclectic, so there was a lot to look at. Service was good, especially considering there was only one staff person visible, but we did wait for any potential lunch rush to be over. I had the beet salad, with lamb added, and it was delicious. The greens were very fresh, the lamb was cooked perfectly, and the other ingredients added a nice mix of flavors. My friend had the gorgonzola panini and was very pleased.

This place is so cute! The decor here is very old time, eclectic. I wish I took pics of the exterior and interior, it really stands out (and also blends well) with Pioneer Square's aesthetic. My group was seated on the stage so we had a good view of everything. Now for the food: the rice plate with lamb was really good!! The lamb was cooked perfectly and the salad was refreshing. The rice kind of tasted like popcorn (probably because of butter) and I ate it up!! My plate was definitely cleaned after. As for the appetizers, the hummus and pita bread all tasted pretty standard. I would say I dock a star off just because it took us a really long time to be served and I don't think it's one of the best Mediterranean food in Seattle given the price point. The waitress was super kind and accommodating though! I think I'd come here again for the vibes and the food is still really good regardless.

I always enjoy stopping in this cozy place. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The red lentil soup is perfect for a cold winter day and I can never resist the prosciutto panini.

They're always a go to place when I visit Seattle. I normally get a chicken or lamb panini but last time I tried the gorgonzola sandwich because I needed to not eat meat for a few days. It was probably the best vegetarian food I've had. It was a hot sandwich with sautéed spinach and I'll get it again. THe turkish coffee is such a solid choice as well. Service is quick enough. I'm never sitting there wondering what is going on with my order. Decor inside is a little crowded but I like the warm vibe. Not recommended if you need to split the check more than 2 ways, like on business travel... Minor thing

Excellent! Ordered a bit of everything. Old school charm and exactly what was needed on a sunny Seattle afternoon.

Food excellent, service not so much. Server unfamiliar with wine list and snarky when asked about varieties. Forgot items that we ordered. But, overall good variety of vegetarian dishes. Would recommend the stuffed grape leaves and falafel.

The food is delicious. Sedat, the owner, is very thoughtful and accommodating. Prices are very reasonable. They do a great job catering. Highly recommend.

I go here a lot for lunch and it is always a delight. I've tried several of their dishes, but I always go back to the beet and goat cheese salad with chicken. It's light and has a great flavor. I also enjoy their paninis, they have and eggplant one that slays. It has cute booths and an eclectic vibe on the inside. The staff are friendly and quick. Great place for a quick bite for lunch or to enjoy a glass of wine and dessert.

This is a lovely Mediterranean place across the intersection from Pioneer Square. There is a cute little dining area and a separate area for takeout coffee. The food is very fresh and delicious and service was friendly and efficient. The falafel plate was some of the best falafels I have ever had. Larger than some and nicely crispy but moist on the inside. I don't like over fried falafels and these were perfect! They come with a nice sauce and some chopped cucumber. I also had the chopped cucumber tomato and feta salad. The dressing was light and flavorful. I had a delicious fresh squeezed lemonade that was not too sweet and a beautifully prepared cappuccino. Highly recommended!

I walked here from a work event - convenient location in pioneer square. There were cute outdoor seats for a sunny day, but it was raining so I sat alone at a booth by the front window. One person brought me water and took my order while only one other customer was in the restaurant. Once more tables showed up, a different server was in charge of mine and 6-8 other tables in the restaurant. It's a small establishment. The Kofte came out quickly. The fresh greens had a nice light dressing. The rice was very floral but over cooked. The meatballs had a nice flavor yet the meat seemed a little low quality based on texture. I was underwhelmed for $19. I wanted to order a baklava but the waiter walked past 3-4 times without checking on me before I finally waved him down to get a box, so I opted not to get dessert. I walked up front to pay (I'm not sure if that's the regular thing to do). I'd try it again if someone I knew wanted to go, otherwise I'd opt for somewhere else in the area.

the service is super friendly and the food is one of the best greek places i have tried in seattle. it is such a cozy atmosphere with tons of decor that match the vibe of the place. we have been twice and have not been let down!

Incredible food. The falafel is perfect and don't miss the panini and the hummus with pita.

What a wonderful little restaurant in Pioneertown. I can't say enough wonderful things about the service and the quality of food. It was quite slow with the whole situation going on but the server and the owner tried their best to make our experience absolutely wonderful and it was! We got to try out their appetizers (I absolutely loved their hummus and their quinoa) and it did not disappoint. What I came here to rave about, though, is their TURKISH MEATBALLS! WOW! The flavor was immaculate and the meatballs were so juicy and HUGE! I was given some rice and a nice side salad with it and some yogurt dipping sauce (to be honest I used the baba ganoush to dip my meatballs in and it was heavenly! I highly HIGHLY recommend the dish! The next best thing was the prosciutto sandwich. My boyfriend absolutely DEVOURED it. The bread was this delicious crispy bread with a wonderful homemade butter and herb spread on it. I am drooling just thinking about it. It was also served with a little side salad, too. If you ever find yourself in Pioneertown, this is the way to go. Nowhere else... just here!

This place has a really nice ambiance. The tables are pretty close together but it's a cozy spot for a nice lunch. I had the hummus and the falafel. The hummus was so delicious-very flavorful and a really good portion. The falafel wasn't super good, in my opinion. I don't think I've had falafel before but if this is what it tastes like, maybe I just don't like falafel. It was very dry. I didn't get a lot of flavor from it. It just wasn't nearly as tasty as the hummus.

Great atmosphere, delicious food. The waitress was very attentive. We were in a hurry and they expedited our food for us. Much appreciated!

Very nice and cute café, sooo cozy. Decorated like an old jazz bar, and the food is ‍ !! Service is fast and accommodating for a cold California girl in Seattle

Cozy atmosphere, great service, delicious scratch made food, what more could one ask for??!!! Interior is an eclectic collection of memorabilia. Very sweet experience. Oh and don't leave without trying the baklava!!! You won't regret it!

This place is amazing! I love this restaurant and had eaten them before so I reached out to them to cater a company lunch I was hosting and I cannot say enough about Sedat and the level of customer service! It was so easy to work with Sedat to create a menu for the lunch, reasonably priced for the amount of food and the food was absolutely amazing! Everyone raved about the food and its quality. The order was delivered on time and with care. I would recommend them to everyone I know.

Wonderful customer service! Food came out right away. Just had an appetizer but it was yummy. Very good atmosphere. Definitely a cute little place

Food was lacking flavor and quite underwhelming. Service was quick though. Probably won't return.

Excellent food and excellent friendly service. The owner is wonderful! I highly recommend it if you are in Seattle.

They were out of two of the four items we tried to order with the meza platter. The lamb flavor wasn't great and the meat was a bit tough.

The food was amazing! Easily the best food we had the whole trip. One of my friends is gluten free and was able to find food here too which is something we struggled to do throughout our trip. The owner and staff were extremely friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was very welcoming and nice. The hummus, falafel and panini's were all sooo good and tasted fresh. Would definitely recommend.

Best Lunch we had in Seattle. It's been a long time since we had such amazing Falafel, hummus and lamb panini. Clean, cozy, family run business. We loved this spot, be sure to stop by for lunch or dinner. Easy walk from Pike Market area.

The food was delicious. The atmosphere is cute and cozy. And the servers were kind and attentive. What more could you ask for. The lamb and rice dish I had was superb. Succulent lamb. A tasty, sophisticated sauce that had a creamy feeling, without being too rich.

Great owner, great location, exquisite Turkish cuisine. What a super experience we had!

FALAFEL!!!!!! Literally, that's all I can think of when reflecting back on this place. :) Came here for dinner with friends and at the suggestion of a friend (@Michelle C), tried out the falafel dish. Overall, the dish was excellent. The falafel balls were full of rich and herb-like flavors and portion wise, the balls themselves were filling. If you're extra hungry though, I would recommend ordering another item with this dish since it's mostly fafafel on a bed of salad. In terms of the restaurant itself, it's definitely a very cozy and intimate place. Perfect for dates and small group gatherings. Reservations are recommended since I noticed the restaurant filling up quickly throughout the evening. Prices for the food is fair (the usual $$+ range) and portions were large enough to share (oh yay, made a rhyme.) The staff here are pretty friendly. Random note: If you get seated near the piano area (it's on a raised platform), this makes a pretty interesting spot to people watch since you get to oversee the entire restaurant :) I would swing by here again just for the falafel since it's really that good.

I had to tell myself: we live in a civilized world. Do. Not. Lick. The. Plate. Seriously delicious food. We went in for a light lunch and decided to get the Meze Platter with: Hummus and pita (The best hummus I've ever had..legitimately that good), marinated olives, quinoa tabouli, and yaprak sarma. The steamed milk was great and the baklava was so so so good, taken right off the baking tray. The owner(?) chef (?) was apparently alone the day we visited and kept apologizing for the delay (we didn't wait long for anything).

Tasty paninis and salad, great service. Nice atmosphere. Good lemonade and Turkish beer. Yum!

We had the pleasure of being the first table to sit on the stage since the pandemic began and it really felt special. We needed a quick lunch whilst exploring Seattle and Sedat just made us feel at home immediately. Absolutely delicious food, generous drink pours and such a friendly atmosphere totally made our trip. With 5/7 of us being British or Irish we couldn't help be comment how we all felt like we were in Europe or something... a weirdly magical experience for a bunch of homesick people. I can't fault Sedat and his team. Don't even hesitate... eat here... you'll love it

Popped in with a big group. The staff graciously took care of everyone's orders and everything was prepared perfectly! The babaganouj was fantastic!

Holy Moly! We popped in on a whim and DO NOT REGRET IT! Everything was amazing... Food, drinks, service, dessert, etc... You should absolutely try when in Pioneer Square!!

Cafe Paloma, you've won me over with your romantic decorations, charming staff and some of the best falafel that I've tried so far. As with most Pioneer Square establishments, the restaurant is a bit smaller so I highly recommend reservations for larger parties (we had a group of eight). After going back and forth between a few choices, I settled with the falafel and man, am I glad that I did! I've had falafel at other restaurants where it was dry and the spices were overbearing, but Paloma's falafel had great flavor and texture. I was also pleasantly surprised by the side salad that came with it - loved the dressing! Other popular choices in my party were the lamb pita and lentil soup (which was my close second). If you're looking for something a little lighter, I'd recommend the gorganzola sandwich or salad with a cup of lentil soup! :) Price is pretty standard for Pioneer Square - you can expect to pay over $10 for your meal. In terms of ambiance, I loved the natural lighting of the restaurant and can definitely see myself coming here for a catch-up sesh with a friend or on a date. All in all, another great find for the Pioneer Square restaurant scene. :)

This is the best food I've had since I've been in town. Every single bite was a hit. I had the prosciutto panini and the pear salad. I literally had to sit for a moment after the meal to savor the experience

Wow that prosciutto panini was delicious and the side salad vinaigrette? Amazing! Prices totally reasonable. Try the chocolate mousse!

Stopped in after walked around the neighborhood following an Underground tour, and was so glad I did. The place is awfully cute: a front room with the kitchen/counter area and a window side dining counter (bathroom behind the counter, up the stairs), and more traditional seating in the room off to the side (probably once in a separate apartment) that itself has a main dining area and two small tables up a few stairs. The decor is a bit of a jumble, with musical instruments strunk from the high ceilings, and more Mediterranean artwork hung on the walls. The divider between the spaces has tea sets and other small collectible-type items on the shelves. All-in-all, it felt cozy to me on a (surprise!) cold damp day. the space is in an older building by the water, s it has that lived-in feeling that can lend a place the nice welcoming bohemian vibe of Paloma (or a less appealing unkempt, slightly dirty vibe that we saw in a few places we passed by on the way to settling on a spot for lunch). I ordered the half soup & salad. My lentil soup was the thinner soup versus my mom's more stew-like recipe. It was full of vegetables and lentils and served at the perfect temperature. My salad was pretty, with red beets and a variety of lettuces; pita on the side. The portions were good for lunch but would have been too small for a dinner. My husband's baba ghanouj was a generous sized "appetizer" - large enough that he didn't feel the need to decide on and order a main course. The eggplant was smokey and really tasty - but served with about 1/2 the pita it needed so I ended up having to share mine. Based purely on serving size, our meals should have cost the same. As his was billed as an appetizer, I get the reason for the price discrepancy; we both left full, though.

Nice ambiance. Good food though a bit expensive. For what we got. Service good. Would go again.

Excellent lunch spot after our Underground Seattle tour! I had chicken & rice. Daughter had panini with prosciutto! Both were delicious! We also had baklava. Yum!!

Best most sophisticated meal I've had in years. Very reasonable prices, especially for the quality.

This is my first time trying Mediterranean food and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Located in Pioneer square we stumbled across this cute little cafe and said why not give a try? We ordered a pita sampler platter that came with 4 different types of dips which was super tasty, the beet and chicken salad with soup and a lamb shepherds salad. It was a very refreshing yet delicious meal. We were truly satisfied by the portions and flavor of everything we tried. The bill came out to $35 which is hella good for 2 meals and a sampler platter. The only think that was lacking was the customer service. She was nice enough but when I told her this was my first time and asked her for recommendations she gave me a blank stare and told me everything's good. The food came out quickly which I guess is the most important thing when you're hungry!

The olive oil and mezes took me right back to when I was visiting Turkey and Lebanon. The owners were also really nice about accommodating our large group

Cozy and delicious! Excellent service. I will return on my next visit to Seattle.

The service was great. We ordered Lamb Pita (they substituted pita with cucumber for Gluten Free)and Kofte. Lamb was very tasty and salad was good, but I wished we had a bit more meat for the price. My husband liked Kofte. Turkey Coffee was good but not as strong as we expected. The ambiance was nice and comfortable.