Harvest Beat

"Fine dining for vegans often means trying to find the one item on the menu that might work. Harvest Beat is the opposite of that, offering an multi-course vegan dining experience that features ingredients sourced from local farms and foragers. The menus at this gourmet vegan restaurant are seasonal, and every gorgeous presentation comes with a presentation by the chefs who prepare it. Each meal includes wine or non-alcoholic drink pairings, the latter of which is as unique and vibrant as the dishes." - Sean Keeley, Eater Staff

"A fan of this restaurant emailed Lee to ask him to visit, saying it struggled during COVID and was still trying to get back on its feet. His family purchased doro wat, beef tibs, oatena, injera, and samboosa. Lee found the presentation of the beef tibs in a to-go container lacking because the grease was leaking, and although the beef was tough, the flavor was 'deep' and 'spicy.' Several family members rated it and opinions were varied. The samboosa was not to his liking, with too many lentils, and was 'very mushy.' Its rating was a 1. He compares the doro wat to barbecue or braised chicken and gives it a 7.9." - Courtney E. Smith

"Meat, seafood, and butter seem to suck up all the special occasion attention. But if you’re looking for a vegan option that’s event-worthy, head to this tasting menu spot that serves one 7pm seating per night for $135. The meal begins with the chef ringing a ceremonial gong to monologue about the farmers and foragers who supplied ingredients that went into the silky carrot ginger bisque, or the spongy cashew paneer-style loaf. It typically ends with at least five birthday candles jabbed into the trailing berry bread pudding. There’s a wine pairing included, but you can also choose an “elixir” pairing involving fresh-pressed fruits, vegetables, and herbs—a refreshing change of pace from Champagne. Yeah, it all sounds like a Portlandia episode, but it’s lovely." - aimee rizzo

"If you need a vegan spot for a special occasion, this is the place. Harvest Beat serves a five-course tasting menu for $112 a head including wine pairings, and there’s only one 7pm seating per night (Wednesday to Sunday). At the beginning of dinner, the chef rings a ceremonial gong, monologues about the menu, and mentions the purveyors and foragers who helped supply the ingredients. Then you’re off on your fancy vegetable journey involving things like roasted hasselback butternut squash over purple carrot risotto with fried sunchokes." - aimee rizzo

"Harvest Beat is the best place in Seattle to throw down some serious money on a vegan tasting menu. OK, it’s kind of the only place in Seattle to do that. But it’s great. Expect things like a bean soup, roasted broccoli with a miso chocolate sauce, or some squash stuffed with sweet potato. There’s a single nightly seating at 7pm, which begins with the chef ringing a ceremonial gong and talking about all the ingredients that were once in dirt and are now on your plate. It’s definitely worth it, especially for a special occasion - even if you’re not a vegan." - aimee rizzo