Cafe Suliman

Middle Eastern restaurant · Capitol Hill

Cafe Suliman

Middle Eastern restaurant · Capitol Hill

3

1531 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

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Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by Harry Cheadle
Cafe Suliman by Cafe Suliman
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null
Cafe Suliman by null

Highlights

Tucked inside Melrose Market, Café Suliman offers a cozy haven for sharing vibrant Arabian dishes and sipping natural wines, perfect for a leisurely culinary escape.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1531 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 Get directions

cafesuliman.com
@cafesuliman

$30–50 · Menu

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1531 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 Get directions

+1 206 644 7083
cafesuliman.com
@cafesuliman

$30–50 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 28, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurants on Seattle’s Capitol Hill

"This cozy spot inside Melrose Market is run by chef Ahmed Suliman and wine maven Marc Papineau, who make you feel like you’ve walked into an ongoing brunch-lunch-dinner party. You can treat it like a wine bar (ask for Papineau’s advice), or assemble yourself a nice meal of small plates. If you’re hungry, don’t miss the seasonal toasts on thick-cut slices of Ben’s Bread or the charred cabbage in yogurt sauce. –Harry Cheadle" - Sophie Grossman

https://seattle.eater.com/maps/best-capitol-hill-restaurants-seattle
View Postcard for Cafe Suliman
@eater

The Best Lunches in Seattle

"Don’t go to this counter tucked away inside Melrose Market unless you want to risk a lunch that swallows your whole afternoon. Ahmed Suliman’s Arabian food menu shifts with the seasons but it can be relied on for some meal-sized toast (on sourdough from Ben’s Bread), a roasted cauliflower dish that demands your attention, and lamb with hummus. It shares a space with Cantina Sauvage, a wine bar owned by Marc Papineau, who used to run Bar Ferd’nand and is probably one of the most charming people in Seattle. It’s the type of atmosphere that will have you smashing the “out of office” button on Slack." - Harry Cheadle

https://seattle.eater.com/maps/the-best-lunches-in-seattle
View Postcard for Cafe Suliman
@infatuation

Seattle’s New Restaurant Openings - Seattle - The Infatuation

"Inside Melrose Market is Café Suliman, an Arabic cafe and bar. Here, you can eat roasted cauliflower with harissa and dates, or toast topped with tomatoes and smoked sardines, all while sipping on a glass of natural wine provided by the in-house wine bar, Cantina Sauvage." - Kayla Sager Riley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/guides/seattles-new-restaurant-openings
View Postcard for Cafe Suliman

Edgiemeh Dela Cruz

Google
I went here the other night to have dinner with a friend. It was the perfect spot to go talk, have filling food & perfectly selected wines. Things are meant to be family style and usually about 3-5 dishes get you full. Was reccomended us an orange wine they had. It was a smooth drink that paired really well with the food. Try to go on a weekday since I’ve been told they are very busy Friday-Sunday

James

Google
I didn't expect this restaurant to be as small at it what - but it really surprised me with its atmosphere. There were only 2-3 people working the place on a Saturday night, but it didn't feel rushed - everything was under control, the cooking was happening right in front of you, and sitting at the bar, it was a very cool experience We ordered a ton of different things here, and shared it amongst us The olives were the first starter, and i thought they were solid enough. Next, we had the labneh, which is a kind of Greek yogurt, but this one also had chili oil. It also came with a flatbread. I definitely liked this, as the flatbread was warm and soft, and it soaked up the cool, relaxing flavor of the labneh After this, we shared the sourdough toast, which came with asparagus and ricotta. I liked this a bit less, as the outside of the toast was very chewy and I didn't get a lot of flavor from the ricotta. Probably my favorite dish was what we had next - which was the halloumi-based dish. this halloumi was amazing - the char on the outside was incredible, it was snappy, warm, and delicious. I also loved the vinegar-based sauce that the cheese came in; it was the perfect amount of sour, and balanced by the sweetness of the date syrup. Lastly, the cauliflower dish was good, but not my favorite. It was a little on the harder side - I wish the cauliflower had been a little bit softer Price-wise, despite everything we got, and a drink, it came out to a total of around $35/person, which isn't too bad, given the amount of different Arabic foods we got to try Overall, I think this is a delightful spot. While I wasn't super into *every* dish, I can taste the level of quality in everything, and the environment is also fantastic. 8.5/10

Nerea Duhart

Google
Hands down one of the best meals I have had in Seattle. A cozy small space with the coolest ambiance. The staff was incredible - from a friendly introduction to quality recommendations. I had the tuna, labneh and cup of broth and it was a perfect meal for 1 person. Great date spot or solo lunch experience.

Cyrus F

Google
What a find! The food has such interesting flavors—this is what stood out the most to me. The service is also excellent. Will definitely be back often.

Drew TF

Google
Wife and I went there for the first time and it was fantastic.Very small place but with a great vibe and outstanding service. The best plan is to order several things to share and slowly enjoy each one as it comes out. Very unique combinations with a smaller but perfect menu. Our only complaint was that we couldn't try everything. We don't live close by but will definitely come back to Capitol Hill just for Cafe Suliman.

Yogi Donovan

Google
Blown away from the flavors. The service is impeccable. Can’t wait to return. Marc offers a kind patient service. This restaurant has commited to building meaningful connections with their flavors and warm greetings.

Brenna Belletti

Google
Food was surprisingly bland despite beautiful plating. Could benefit from more thought behind seasonings and flavor balance. Service was incredibly slow. Plan to sit there for three hours even if you just order two dishes. Ambience was great but may be challenging for some with mobility issues to navigate through the narrow aisles.

Jane Illario

Google
One of the best meals I’ve had in Seattle. Cafe Suliman is an incredible new addition to the Seattle food scene, and I’m so enamoured with the experience we had here. The space and menu are relatively small, but everything is thoughtfully organized and curated to perfection. We had a number of things off the menu, including the foul, the cheese with apricot, lamb, mashed potatoes, chicken, the trout dish, and the cake — everything was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully plated. Every meat and fish dish was incredibly tender, packed with its own unique flavours, and complimented by the sides. Portions were reasonably priced and sized. Suliman is the owner and chef — he makes all the dishes one-by-one which means a little bit of a wait when it is busy, but it is so worth it. The sommelier is the co-owner, and while we aren’t wine experts, the red wine he chose for us was great and worked well with the meal. They are open for both lunches and dinners. Suliman and his co-owner are very kind, accommodating, and helpful and were a pleasure to talk to after our meal. We will definitely be back!
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Karena T.

Yelp
Taste: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Cute little spot in melrose market! Lamb hummus is a must try!
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
What a cute spot inside melrose market! Strongly recommend coming earlier at opening 4:30-5 to avoid the wait as seating is limited. Today was a unique day as the earlier business hours got pretty overflowed and they couldn't take food orders until 5pm (which was no problem as we enjoyed our drinks and the vibes). If youre looking for a cozy vibe with good food and drink selection this is your place to go. We ordered the labneh, bread w butter, chicken rice and miso cabbage and everything was so good. The cabbage and the chicken rice had a lil spice kick to it which made everything blend in even better! The overall palette and ambiance really reminded me of Homer. Their dinnerware are also stunning which elevates the overall dining experience. I wish we got to try the dates but ran out of time as we had to head out. Would love to check that out next time!
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Valerie Y.

Yelp
Our friends brought us to Cafe Suliman and we had a really cool experience! They're located inside Melrose Market so it's a bit hidden, also I would say the experience is very dependent on what else is going on in the space. It was quiet at first but I think there was a party in the space next door so the music got really loud about halfway through our meal. Regardless, we enjoyed the atmosphere and the decor of Cafe Suliman itself. I liked the food a lot. It's nice to find authentic Middle Eastern food in the midst of Seattle, with changing menu items. The space is very small, including the kitchen, so expect a wait. I think there was only one person working the kitchen during our stay so we waited over an hour for our food. However, when we notified the waitress that we had to go, the chef made our food first and ensured we got all of our items, which we appreciated. I'd definitely want to come back despite the wait; just know that it's not a fast meal. Brussel Sprouts: 4/5 Carrots: 5/5 Halloumi: 5/5 Squash dip: 5/5, this was probably my favorite dip! Hummus and lamb: 5/5, really great with the lamb Chicory salad: 4/5
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Zaneta R.

Yelp
Amazing atmosphere. Extraordinary, tight menu with a fantastic wine list to boot! Get the rock fish if it's on the menu.
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Rola P.

Yelp
Fun atmosphere, good Arabic-ish food, take a group of friends and have a good time on a weeknight in this place at the market in Capitol Hill District. If you're going on a weekend, you will not be able to find a place to sit. And it is a little loud.
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Iris P.

Yelp
truly a hidden gem. one of my favorite dining experiences in seattle for non-asian food. attentive service, although the place is small so it can be a bit slow. highly recommend the lamb meatballs i can only say that i hope this place doesn't blow up too much.

Ronnie R.

Yelp
I can eat this whole menu everyday. Cute lil spot and highly highly recommend for treating your self to small plates or a fun date spot. Also a great bottle shop for wine
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Jasmyne K.

Yelp
Wandered around and found this in Melrose market. Delicious curated wine selection and great service. Will come back again anytime. It was pretty busy but we were still able to sit at the bar. Recommend for a quick glass of wine and a small bite.
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Andrew N.

Yelp
" If i were in the middle of the desert and came across this place... I would think I was in heaven." - me to suli sometime in April 2024 I said that out loud to suli one day and realized.... damn I should write a review because I love this place so much. TL;DR: arabian flavors from suli, specially curated wine from marc, a world-traveler, and sharon the producer; wonderful people who are incredibly present and invite you to do the same as you imbibe on their memories in a dish while you make your own. and the music selection? ugh. get here asap so you can slow the hell down and celebrate your life. is that dramatic? yes. so is this environment, in the best way! ambiance, lighting, mood, food, people, character? i feel like i'm in the rom-com movie of my dreams. Suli the chef and marc the wine-man are the 2 man-show of this crazy little cafe in the middle of Melrose market and they have created a literal oasis in the frenzy that can be ANY area with a big-ass starbucks. (that's not a dig, i think that store is tight.) I have learned so much more about food and wine just by being here. they've been open 6 months, their first year! you still have time to hop on this train before it gets too big to walk-in and really get to feel all the stories personally from these 2 world-travelers. with the addition of sharon, aka ran park the producer, their growth is obvious and well-deserved. favorite dishes: this can change as the menu does, and i like to experience evverything so i order the new stuff whenever there is new stuff... HOWEVER, should i find myself wanting a guaranteed craving satisfyer? the lamb hummus goes crazy, almond and mints? insane, i have to stop myself from asking for extra mint cuz i order extra bread; but as i write that, i feel ridiculous. i can ask. I'm gonna ask for more mint. feta orange caraway i'll have as a dessert once in a while. wines: my method thus far, is finding a light place to start and finish deep and dark. marc and sharon know their stuff, so if you let them know your flavor mood, they'll find something for ya to thoroughly explore. every sunday, i'm here to celebrate all the work i do for myself during the week. it's my self-care. I trust suli x marc with my self care routine. *flex emoji* goodphilosophy.co
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Jane I.

Yelp
One of the best meals I've had in Seattle. Cafe Suliman is an incredible new addition to the Seattle food scene, and I'm so enamoured with the experience we had here. The space and menu are relatively small, but everything is thoughtfully organized and curated to perfection. We had a number of things off the menu, including the foul, the cheese with apricot, lamb, mashed potatoes, chicken, the trout dish, and the cake -- everything was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully plated. Every meat and fish dish was incredibly tender, packed with its own unique flavours, and complimented by the sides. Portions were reasonably priced and sized. Suliman is the owner and chef -- he makes all the dishes one-by-one which means a little bit of a wait when it is busy, but it is so worth it. The sommelier is the co-owner, and while we aren't wine experts, the red wine he chose for us was great and worked well with the meal. They are open for both lunches and dinners. Suliman and his co-owner are very kind, accommodating, and helpful and were a pleasure to talk to after our meal. We will definitely be back!

Jesus S.

Yelp
A five star experience, from food to service. An amazing experience at a little market place in Capitol Hill . Every single item was filled with flavor and wine pairing were a must

Robert W.

Yelp
Fantastic food at a great value with friendly staff and a great selection of wines. We've been here multiple times already and eagerly look forward to our next visit. A short walk from the light rail makes it easy to get here and go back home.

Dylan E.

Yelp
Delicious food and great wine recommendations! The restaurant is small and cozy, this is one of my favorite places in Seattle
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Megan A.

Yelp
We had a fantastic anniversary dinner at Cafe Suliman over the weekend. Fantastic ambiance, food and service. Plating and flavors on point. What a gem. Can't wait for our next visit.
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Gus S.

Yelp
Suliman and Mark created a great little bistro-esque place in the middle of the Melrose Market. The middle-eastern inspired menu is fantastic, I recommend the cabbage and the lamb hummus if you want to enjoy a fresh new take on both. Paired your meal with the wines that Mark serves, and you're guaranteed to have a memorable experience. The music they choose goes well with the general good vibe of the hosts in this new gem in Capitol Hill.
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Selin Y.

Yelp
Service is slow, but it's the type of food worth waiting for. This pace of dining is actually better in my opinion compared to very rushed service in typical restaurants. The olive oil orange cake was the best dessert I've had in a while. It's obvious a lot of thought and care went into each dish.

Davida ..

Yelp
Fabulous food, friendly service. The eggplant dip and the pickled beans are delicious. Absolutely recommend.

B P.

Yelp
Where has this place been all my life? The food, the ambiance, the service, the magic - it's all there. Thank you Suliman! You just made the world a better place.

Rachel R.

Yelp
I absolutely love Café Suliman it is one of the most special and wonderful restaurants in Seattle. I'm obsessed!!

M S.

Yelp
A sweet, small restaurant seated in the heart of melrose market. This lovely little restaurant transports you to another place all together. Thoughtfully prepared dishes, on beautiful vintage plates, paired with delicious wine all while the record spins great music. This is a perfect spot to go and eat bites by yourself, on a date, or meet some friends. Highly recommend!

Manka M. V.

Yelp
We had the most awful experience. Went today to try to have dinner for four people. Got there at 6 and they told us to come back in an hour. And we came back and they told us there was a table that looked like they were finishing up but after half an hour they still hadn't finished. And next to them there were two tables that we asked them to pull together and they said they couldn't because they had promised the table to someone else. But there didn't seem to be any factoring in that we had been waiting since 6. At one point we said we had been waiting since 6 and they told us, no you haven't. And the worst part was that we couldn't go anywhere else nearby since all the restaurants were full and we hadn't put our names anywhere else ( because we were told that

Hector A.

Yelp
Stumbled onto Suliman after tasting coffee at the Starbucks Roastery in Seattle. Small but quint. The food was excellent. Had the chicken. I'd say it was a half chicken. Very moist inside and crispy skin. Spices were very subtle but it made the chicken very tasty. Arabic food was a first and I enjoyed it. Definitely will try again when in town and recommend it.